Splurge restaurants in Ventura County

[alexidarling]

and...I'm looking to get my parents a restaurant gift certificate for Christmas. They like Japanese food a lot, but we've already done Nobu in Malibu. Looking for something good but not overly exotic - a tame New American or seafood place would probably be ideal. They live in Camarillo and I can't find anything good around there. Does anything exist?? Thanks so much!

[maxzook]

One of my favorite restaurants in southern California is the Ranch House in Ojai, wonderful food in a gorgeous setting.

Also a fave is Jonathan at Peirano's in downtown Ventura, perhaps a bit easier to get to from Camarillo -- Mediterranean cuisine with a tapas bar attached, first-rate paella.

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Ranch House
500 W Lomita Ave, Ojai, CA 93023

J's Tapas
204-208 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001

[Sgee]

Mastro''s Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks should qualify.

[L84lunch]

There is a new restaurant in Camarillo - Sapphire (might not be the correct spelling) - by the owners of California Grill. For nearby upscale-ish seafood there is Fins in Westlake Village.