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    Back Bench Pizza

    4.5 (118 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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    BACK BENCH PIZZA ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Back Bench Pizza

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    Slice to-go
    Mic F.

    Happened upon this little spot. You know it's going to be good when there's no flashy sign and slices ready to go at the counter. My toddler was hungry so we popped in hoping for a slice and was not disappointed. So so good! Nice and thin with the perfect amount of sauce to cheese ratio. When in Ventura again looking for pie or a nibble we will be returning. Owner was nice and service was quick.

    Outside
    C P.

    First time here. Came here at 5p opening. Plenty of seats by. Ordered a large pizza for dine in. Mult tickets before use. Had to wait an about 30 minutes for our pizza. It was worth the wait. Sauce is very flavorful, crust is thin and crunchy.

    Rusty D.

    Stoked to have finally tried this place. Never knew it was right next to the movie theater. It was legit NY style pizza. I'm serious. It tasted as it should with the crispy bottom and thin pie. The crust was amazing also, crunchy but soft like a pillow. We ended up ordering a whole pie for 4 people. Pepperoni with Calabrian chili oil and hot honey. Pretty dangerous combination. Didn't take too long to make and we found a nice table inside. The guy making the pizza was very friendly and made us all feel welcome. The lady behind the counter was super nice and helped us figure out exactly what we wanted. Happy that I have finally found this hidden gem. We will be back!

    Cheese pizza with spinach
    Autumn B.

    Back Bench pizza is a newer pizza spot in Ventura and a bit of a hidden gem. It's located on Main Street and they sell both whole pizzas and slices which is perfect if you just want to grab a slice for yourself or have different tastes than the people you're with. They always have their plain cheese with spinach as a staple and you can opt in to add some various toppings for an up charge. I believe they switch out their special flavors monthly, usually 2 different ones. A couple months ago they had a 2 spicy flavors which wasn't my favorite since I can't handle my heat, but my most recent visit they had this potato and pesto pizza which was absolutely to die for. I'm a sucker for pesto so maybe I'm a bit biased but I would definitely go back for that or to see what other new flavors they have in the future. The service is good, usually not too busy so they are pretty quick. They did not yet have any slices of the pesto pizza yet when I last went so they made a whole fresh pizza once we ordered which took about 15-20 minutes. They allow friendly well-behaved dogs. It's pretty small inside, only about 4 tables or so but there's benches throughout Main Street if you want to sit outside. Overall great experience every time and I'm looking forward to my next visit!

    front of the building. Nestled between the movie theater and the Ramen spot (also good).
    Ismael C.

    Whoa!!!! Now this is my kind of pizza. Thin with a bit of crisp. Great ratio of sauce and cheese. You aren't gonna get a dump of either but an immaculate ratio to offer a delicious even bite from tip to crust. Flavorful, great bites all the way. No flop slice. My style of pizza. But holy moly is the price gonna throw you back. Basic pie is 26 and then toppings can range from 4 to 7 dollars. Will I be back despite the price. ABSOLUTELY!!! Stand up benches outside but get a lot of sun. There are two umbrellas on either side of the bar top outside. Seating inside but a bit muggy. Basic menu. But what is there is great.

    Proof unfortunately
    Mariah A.

    Update got refunded finally but still no apology on the rudeness/name calling also got blocked on top of it all dont even care at this point just want to let you guys know the owner isn't a nice or even decent guy and just saying wouldn't trust someone of that manner with my food.

    Anne Nicole C.

    The pizzas were light and crispy. The white pizza had a pleasant sweetness from the figs, while the pepperoni slice added a savory contrast. Together, they made the perfect combination. I was hoping to add burrata to one of my slices, but they ran out. The server recommended ricotta instead, which turned out to be a great substitute.

    Pizza with mushrooms and pepperoni
    Emiliano N.

    We decided to try this place after a friend recommended it, and it didn't disappoint. The pizza's sourdough crust has a great crunch and flavor that pairs perfectly so well with the sauce. We went with pepperoni and mushrooms for toppings, and they complemented each other. The sauce isn't the typical sweet marinara you usually find around Ventura County, which is rare but honestly my preference for sauce.The owner was also really kind to talk to us a little bit about his journey with his establishment.

    Sausage pizza with garlic and hot honey
    Justin C.

    This was my second time here and I am absolutely astonished again. This is a true hidden gem of Ventura and one of the best pizza places in Ventura County and perhaps SoCal! The pizza is just so clean. The thin crust is what makes it so special, as it has such an amazing crunch and holds its shape. The ingredients don't overpower each other. There is a perfect amount of cheese and tomato sauce - it's light enough to taste the toppings while creating a simple taste that is just absolutely delicious. This is what a pizza should be. Simple ingredients with a simple taste. The pizza speaks for itself. We also ordered chocolate chip cookies. They weren't warm but still delicious and somehow still so gooey. I would recommend, especially if you go early in the day and see him taking it out of the oven. We came around 12:15 pm. The restaurant is a one man show. Its just one guy making the pizzas and taking the orders. It's a small place and a hole in the wall here in downtown Ventura. There's not even a sign on the building, just a neon pizza icon on the window. I've tried to go here a couple times at night closer to closing time but they're always sold out! I hope this place expands!! It's too good to just be a hole in the wall!

    Half Pepperoni and Half Cheese
    Sean W.

    Back Bench probably has the best NY style pizza in Ventura County. It's thin, perfectly crisp, and flavorful. The ratio of cheese to sauce and toppings is spot on. There are a few tables inside to sit at but not a ton of seating. As others have mentioned, the service is kind of off-putting. There was one person in the shop, and he did not seem enthused to be there. He can make a great pizza, I'll give him that. He wasn't rude, but he was not friendly. I'd still go back for the pie, but I'd make sure to have my order dialed in and not expect a conversation or even a smile.

    Spicy peach pizza
    Anne A.

    The Best Pizza in Ventura County? Quite Possibly! Back Bench Pizza is an unassuming, by-the-slice sourdough pizza spot that seriously deserves a long line out the door. I walked in and decided to try a slice of their spicy peach - a truly unique combination that I've never encountered on a pizza before. And wow, it worked! The crust was perfectly thin, and the sweetness of the peaches and honey, balanced with creamy ricotta, elevated it to another level. If you're a local or a tourist exploring Main Street in Ventura, this is definitely worth a try. My only minor suggestion is the lack of a water station. I asked for a glass of water, and never got it. I didn't want to bother the person at register and ask again because she looked busy. It would be really convenient if they had a self-serve option.

    Spicy cauliflower and kale sausage slices
    Lianna M.

    Pizza is 10/10! Was able to get a slice of the kale sausage and spicy cauliflower before it sold out! Both pizzas had a nice balance in flavor with a crispy/chewy crust. Couldn't tell you which one I enjoyed more, they were both really solid! What I was thrown off by was the service. There was only one person working so it took quite a while to order slices because he was also making the pizzas. Guessing he was the owner? He somehow made us feel shameful for asking for a slice of pepperoni without us knowing it was sold out. Not the best place to dine in. They have several tables but it is pretty silent with no particular vibe. Just white painted walls lol. Curious what it would be like to takeout a whole pizza. Might be a better experience so we wouldn't have to interact with the owner. Pizza's great though, probably one of the best slices that I've had in Ventura!

    Menu
    Desirie O.

    Wow! This is definitely a hidden gem in downtown Ventura! They are located next to the movie theater where the old Ben & Jerry use to be. The pizza was so good and the employees were so kind and very helpful when trying to decide. We actually have been wanting to try them for a while so happy we finally tried it. We definitely will be back!

    Vegan pies - kale sausage & mushroom peps

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Literally goated pizza and the specials are always amazing. Travis is a master of his craft

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Missed opportunity because they don't have any sign, looks abandoned, empty, and uninviting. Sorry

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Best pizza in Ventura, definitely wish they were open later or and did delivery Lady taking our order was super helpful with the menu

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Best pizza I've had in Ventura! Even over toppers I tried all 3 slices they had a available and it was all good!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    The pizza here is amazing! I've recommended this place to everyone looking for a slice when in downtown!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Very limited supply. I have yet to try the pizza. Everytime I go there is only plain left. :(

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    So yum 10/10 pizza. Went back for more and the ranch is so good and so are the cookies. New fav. Food critic holly approved!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Whoever rated this 1 & 2 stars doesn't know good pizza. Top notch pizza and absolutely love their specials.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    pizza was good and you can tell they use good ingredients. over all vibe was a little meh but. i'd still grab a za to go,

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    2 years ago

    Great New York Style Pizza! Nice and thin, with some good crunch and great flavor in the cheese and the sauce!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I dream of this pizza. Really something special -- the owner is passionate and dedicated and somewhat of a genius with his food.

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    Page 3 of 3

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    Café Ficelle - Macarons

    Café Ficelle

    4.0(582 reviews)
    2.7 mi
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    This cafe is sooo beautiful- I truly feel like I'm somewhere in Europe in a large open patisserie…read more It is typically super crowded her, so if you can find seating, count yourself lucky. I love their pastries, but the recent price increases do make them a luxury item. Kouign Amann are my fave, but any of their croissants are also great. I haven't really tried their drinks. Had a Hot chocolate at the Camarillo location, and they even had a little latte art in the milk foam. A beautiful space to enjoy, but pricey overall. Service is usually fine, not overly friendly but that is also due to being so busy that they need to move the lines quickly and efficiently. At Camarillo, the server was much more talkative and friendly because it wasn't crowded when I went.

    The food wasn't very good! I ordered the Spring Salad…read morepictured below Supposed to be...Spring greens, strawberries, blueberries, toasted pistachios with balsamic vinaigrette. Served with a warmed goat cheese crostini. No mention of melons it had a few slivers of strawberries. Overall taste not very good. Had my mom try it too she was unimpressed. She had the chicken salad. She said it was just chicken with mayo. The croissant was dry. The iced tea tasted like coffee unfortunately. The gentleman that delivered our food just plopped the plates down and walked away. No gluten free options only macaroons! First time at this location normally go to Camarillo and TO so I was expecting the same great food and service. There was a napkin on the ground directly under our table. The ledge by window was dirty! Just disappointing!

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    Royal Bakery & Café

    Royal Bakery & Café

    4.3(439 reviews)
    3.6 mi
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    One of Ventura's best & long standing bakeries. I love their lunches - affordable and healthy. I…read moreusually get the half salad half turkey salad - and it's very filling! $12 and it all feels and tastes handmade (dressings, breads, etc). The lattes are pretty good. I wish they offered non fat milk, but other than that they're average. The baked goods is where they shine. They use almond paste and marzipan. The cakes are always a crowd pleaser! We had a party and were worried about the older folks complaining about too much spice or not being able to chew the cake if it had nuts, then worried the younger crowd would say it was too bland. We got the carrot cake and everyone loved it! It had a good kick of spice but was not overwhelming. The cream cheese tasted like it had a hint of marzipan flavor to it- which was good! The cookies and pastries are also delicious! We can't wait to order another cake for a future celebrations - next time we will try lemon! The carrot cake was $45 for an 8" and easily could create 12+ pieces. For the labor and attention to detail, this was a good price!

    I came here for the pastries but it was 2 pm. Most stuff were gone. They have the whole coffee cake…read morebut no more slices. I got almond pastry that was dry. Chicken walnut sandwich and turkey sandwich. Nothing special. I'll come back again next time cause I want to try their pastries. Come early for more choices. On the ither note. Please take care of your plants. Almost everything wilted and dying.

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    Royal Bakery & Café - 12/26/25

    12/26/25

    Royal Bakery & Café - Cinnamon roll

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    Royal Bakery & Café - 12/26/25

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    Skylar Bryce Bakery

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    WOW. I was lucky enough to score one of Skylar Bryce's assorted pie boxes this past weekend and my…read morelife.is.changed. This week's box had coconut passionfruit lime, strawberry lemon meringue and banana cream. Truly cannot choose a favorite, these were three of the most beautiful, bursting with flavor slices of pie I have ever had. I don't even know if I liked pie before this order, but now it might be my favorite dessert!? These slices are high-end, decadent desserts that are well worth it. It's clear that Skylar is passionate about her pies and is so, so talented. Cannot wait to place my next order!

    I had originally seen Skylar's pies on Instagram and thought they looked gorgeous. Once a friend of…read moremine told me she had tried them and said they tasted as good as they looked, I knew I had to track some down to taste for myself. She was absolutely right! Skylar posted her pies for the week on Wednesday on her Instagram account, and I was able to purchase a pie slice box (3 different slices for $35) for pick up in Ventura on Sunday. This week's pies were strawberry cream, lemon with meringue, and coconut cream. They were all beautifully decorated and baked to perfection. The coconut cream was my favorite because it had a salty crust that paired well with the sweet coconut. But honestly, they were all so delicious! I will definitely be re-ordering more of these pie slices soon. They were worth every penny.

    Photos
    Skylar Bryce Bakery - Coconut Cream, Strawberry Cream, and Lemon with Meringue.

    Coconut Cream, Strawberry Cream, and Lemon with Meringue.

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    Lemon pie

    Big Cheeks Bakery - Apple Cider Donut

    Big Cheeks Bakery

    5.0(13 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Absolutely love Big Cheeks Bakery and I'm so sorry that this is a long overdue review. We are so…read morelucky to have so many amazing local artisans and bakers in Ventura County and Kristina with BCB is one of the best! This pop of bakery and shop is licensed in Ventura and you can find them all over the county popping up for different events and markets. They also have staple goods throughout the county at some of your favorite shops - for example Beacon coffee carries her delicious biscuits (which I go crazy for and buy every time). You just have to keep your eyes peeled and you'll find their delicious baked goods. As I mentioned above her biscuits are my obsession but also she makes the best sweet treats. My family loves her chocolate chip cookies, simple but done well. The touch of sea salt is tasty and the perfect amount. I've devoured her Dream Bars on occasion but truly everything they make is tasty here. I'm still overdue to buy some of their breads - will add that to my list next time. But being a fan favorite of our community, their goods do sell out fast so whenever you see they are popping up somewhere get there fast! Kristina is just a gem, a lovely person and so friendly - I love following them on instagram to see what they are up to next. A local small business with supporting for sure :)

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    Big Cheeks Bakery
    Big Cheeks Bakery - Chocolate chip cookie

    Chocolate chip cookie

    Big Cheeks Bakery - Logo

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    Roan Mills Grains - Mill and Bakery

    Roan Mills Grains

    4.5(117 reviews)
    23.1 mi

    How in the world has this fantastic bakery been here for over ten years and I'm just now finding…read moreout about it? Well never mind. The important thing now is to visit this place as often as possible. Make up for lost time. Because there are so many things to try. Not only does this place have an impressively broad selection of baked goods. It also offers up some exquisitely beautiful produce. And then there's the cold case with the big Chicken Pot Pies and the Beef Pot Pies and probably some other kind of Pot Pies I haven't even heard of before because this place brings it! Same with sandwiches. You know how you like those sandwiches on a baguette? Well they've got them here. Quick lunch option. Over in the other cold case they've got French Butter. Probably would've been better if I didn't see that. Most of the time French Butter is like Kryptonite to me. I lose all my power over my wallet. I'm compelled to turn over all my cash for butter. But not this day. This day I was strong. I did not succumb to the buttery temptation. This visit I left with a cappuccino and a couple packages of cookies. Both excellent! Mikey C says: Roan Mills Five Stars all day!

    I adore this place. My husband and I come whenever we can. Amazing that they grow and mill their…read moreown grain and then offer so many varieties of breads, pastas, pastries, prepared foods, etc. if I lived nearby, I would use this place as my regular supermarket, since they also carry fresh veggies and fruits and frozen/refrigerated and dry goods. All fresh. However. If you go here, MAKE SURE to check your bag before you leave. Three times, they have charged us for loaves of bread that didn't make it into the bag. Today, they forgot a sandwich and a loaf of bread and annoyingly, when I told them about the missing items, they sliced the bread before putting it in the bag. I didn't realize until way later in the day. I did not ask for that and I don't like the bread sliced there -- it goes bad way quicker. So, go there, love it, spend a lot (you will) and it's totally worth it. But I sure wish they had a better mechanism for filling orders correctly.

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    Roan Mills Grains - Inside

    Inside

    Roan Mills Grains - Best pie ingredients

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    Back Bench Pizza - pizza - Updated May 2026

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