Rory's Place.

Run by sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe, Rory’s Place brings a sense of refined nostalgia to downtown Ojai. The kitchen centers on a wood-fired grill, turning out a rotating menu of live-fire dishes that lean heavily on the bounty of the Ojai Valley and nearby Santa Barbara coast. Expect charred seasonal vegetables, fresh local seafood, and bright salads served in a space that balances rustic textures with modern polish—think wide-plank wood floors, exposed ductwork, and warm, intimate lighting. The bar program is equally intentional, featuring creative mezcal-based cocktails and a curated list of natural wines. With its focus on local partnerships and a communal, home-away-from-home atmosphere, it captures the effortless, high-quality simplicity that defines Ojai’s modern dining scene.