Los Angeles to Ventura: 7 Top Places to Eat Along the Way

The drive along the 101 freeway from downtown Los Angeles to Ventura can take 90 minutes at best, and often longer in the city’s unpredictable traffic. Whether you're making the drive for business or pleasure, the route offers numerous dining options whether you need to take a break or simply want to sample the areas’ delicacies.

Instead of settling for a fast-food restaurant by the freeway exit, consider the following more satisfying Southern California choices. Read on for a breakdown of the must-visit places to grab a bite to eat from Los Angeles to Ventura.

Solar de Cahuenga

1847 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States

A great way to start your day on a road trip to Ventura, Solar de Cahuenga is a casual hybrid café by Cahuenga Boulevard near Hollywood Heights, CA. The place offers great breakfast food with a variety of ingredients as well as high-quality organic coffee.

Quality and sustainability is something Solar de Cahuenga focuses on with most of their produce being freshly delivered from local sources –so you can be sure that you are eating food that’s both good for you and the environment.

Try out their specialty crepes and unique takes on omelets for a start. For a lunchtime bite they also offer salad bowls to suit a range of dietary requirements.

Don’t forget to take a refreshment to enjoy on your drive with a variety of options on-site such as smoothies, coffee, and chai tea.

Joan’s on Third

12059 Ventura Pl, Studio City, CA 91604, United States

As you start leaving Los Angeles, take the on-ramp onto the real 101 highway, you’ll enter the valley, passing Universal City – home to Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk, and then entering Studio City. In the heart of Studio City, you’ll find Joan’s on Third, a family-owned and -operated marketplace, gift shop, and café.
 

Perfect for picking up to-go patisserie items for your trip or having a nice sit-down experience, Joan’s on Third is a must-stop L.A. culinary emporium and destination and has been a favorite of locals since the mid-90s. The Studio City location is the second outpost of the popular marketplace. Whether stopping in for a cup of Stumptown coffee, perusing the case of 100 different domestic and imported cheeses, ordering a fluffy, French omelet, or picking up a gift from the selection of handcrafted products, everyone can find something to enjoy at Joan’s on Third.

Public School 818

15300 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, United States

As you continue your journey, you can stay on Ventura Boulevard which runs parallel to the 101, or you can hop back on the highway. A drive north on Ventura Boulevard through Studio City offers unique boutiques, second-hand stores, and even some celebrity spotting if you’re lucky. Just a few miles away, you’ll enter the Sherman Oaks neighborhood.

For lunch, dinner, or a beer with friends, Public School 818 is one of L.A.’s most well-known gastropubs with three locations around the city. The school-themed restaurant offers eclectic American fare in a casual setting. With hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees like fried chicken and green chili cornbread waffles, Public School 818 provides a unique, SoCal experience. If you’re looking for something classic that makes you reminisce about the old days, try their iconic old-fashioned PB&J.

Los Agave

30750 Russell Ranch Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362, United States

Directly by the Venryra freeway, you’ll find Los Agave, a classy dining experience on a reasonable budget just by Lake Lindero, in Westlake village. Known for their authentic Mexican flavors, this restaurant offers innovative spins on classic Mexican food in a warm and airy ambiance.

Head to this location for a pleasant break in your road trip to try out their speciality carne asada and enchiladas. The restaurant also houses a fantastic bar that serves up everything from classic drinks to margaritas. Regulars enjoy freshly made tacos and salsa, as well as bespoke dishes to account for any dietary requirements that you may have.

With plenty of outdoor seating, you can enjoy your food with a great view of the nearby lake and the Santa Monica mountain ranges to the south.

Mastro's Steakhouse

2087 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, United States

Just ahead of Westlake, heading a little bit more west on the 101 will lead you to Thousand Oaks, and a little past the halfway point to Ventura. If you’re in the mood for a steak dinner, make a reservation at Mastro’s Steakhouse – a high-end steakhouse chain that started in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has since become an L.A. mainstay with locations across the city.
 

Mastro's Steakhouse doesn't disappoint with its full menu of old-fashioned chops and steaks, including a double-cut porterhouse and a bone-in ribeye. The upscale Thousand Oaks location features extensive sushi, seafood, and appetizer offerings and more than 20 side dishes. The dining room has a wine collection and a fireplace in full view of every white-linen-covered table.

Brophy Bros. Restaurant and Clam Bar

119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States

Continue northwest on the 101 for 50 miles, and you’ll enter Ventura County. The area is famous for its seafood, and Brophy Bros. Restaurant and Clam Bar has one of the most lauded menus of fresh fish and clams in the area. Kick back at the end of your road trip with an ocean view at the casual, waterfront restaurant.

Choose from Mahi Mahi, scampi, sea bass, ahi tuna, salmon, and various other fresh fish. All entrees include coleslaw and a choice of two sides. Enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp, little neck clams, or oysters Rockefeller with a cold libation at the bar if you don't feel like having a full sit-down meal.

Do you have a favorite restaurant on the road between L.A. and Ventura? Share your top picks on our Facebook page.