Have a restaurant rec for a birthday dinner in Ventura?

[its_me]

I've got a birthday to celebrate with my bf soon and am looking for a great restaurant in the Ventura area. Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Oxnard are also options. Italian, French, American, Seafood... something along those lines. Cozy atmosphere, maybe a little music or a nice view, quiet enough to hold a conversation, not outrageously priced, and delicious food = the ideal, though taste reigns supreme!

Leads on where to find great crabcakes are also welcome.

I'm planning a stop at McConnell's to try the ice cream too. Am I on the right track??

Thanks = )

[maxzook]

Two places I can recommend highly:

The Ranch House is one of the oldest restaurants in Ojai, with mostly outdoor seating in a beautiful garden setting.

Jonathans At Peiranos is my favorite downtown Ventura restaurant, a reliable Mediterranean with wonderful paellas.

And BOTH restaurants have great crab cakes!

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Ranch House
500 W Lomita Ave, Ojai, CA 93023

Jonathans At Peiranos
204-208 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001

[its_me]

thanks!

[Will Owen]

Jonathan's was the one whose name I was trying to remember, mazook - thanks! Four of us wandered in with no reservations and not much money one night and had a warm welcome, a cozy table, some really good food and drink, and an unlooked-for treat of some gentle cabaret jazz. Last building in the block next to the park, across from the mission.