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    Cafe Nouveau

    4.5 (3k reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Waitlist - Cafe Nouveau

    Live Current wait: under 5 minutes

    Cafe Nouveau Photos

    Business Info

    CAFE NOUVEAU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Nouveau

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    Reviews With Photos

    French Toast with Cherry and Blueberry Crumble
    Harold S.

    I had breakfast here on a typical weekday morning. The place is very popular, and obviously for good reason. Their menu is full of creative and delicious dishes, not just the usual breakfast stuff you'll see everywhere else. I ordered the french toast with a cherry and blueberry crumble topping. It was really delicious. They have both inside and outside dining here. The only negative is that parking can be a little bit of a challenge here. They have a small lot across the street, but it's nowhere big enough. There is also street parking, so you may need to walk a block or so once you find a place to park.

    Strawberry Matcha pancakes
    Jules B.

    Cafe Nouveau is a great brunch spot in Ventura County, if you're in the area. I suggest checking in via the Yelp app, to the virtual "waitlist" on the weekends. My family and I waited only 5 minutes to get seated, as we kept track of our virtual place in line. Service was attentive, efficient and friendly. I was very impressed. For a busy, busy bustling restaurant ...as service did not ever lack or get cranky. I ordered the maple bacon beignets and strawberry matcha pancakes (see my pics) for the table and we devoured it all. So good and definitely would order them again. I tried the ahi avocado roll, which came with grilled veggies and at least the ahi wasn't canned (see my pic). I'd be back to try other items on the menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cozy interior. Outside covered patio seating here too[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We parked in a free lot, across the street and behind other businesses.

    Pancake
    Marisol G.

    The ambiance, service, and food are great! This is my third time coming here and I love it!

    Tamale Benedict
    Tony U.

    Café Nouveau is where breakfast first seduces, then decorates the crime scene. The service is fast, sharp, stylish, and attentive without clinging like a needy ex at a bus stop. Coffee is smooth, civilized, and blessedly not one of those scorched brews that punches you in the thyroid. The maple bacon beignets arrive dusted like they've just escaped a blizzard in New Orleans after being assaulted by a pork wagon. Ridiculous? Yes. Delicious too. The Eggs Benevilla is the true headliner: a deep-fried tamale replacing the usual English muffin, topped with eggs, lighter jalapeño-kissed hollandaise, avocado fanfare, and sautéed potatoes that actually deserve your loyalty. Both side sauces slap--one vinegary and bossy, the other sweeter and salsa-like. Then the room begins its strange little opera: jewel-toned mosaic tables, sunflower glasses ordering you to "Enjoy!," old wood floors, star lanterns, fake rose-garden windows, and enough burnt-orange, storybook charm to make you suspect Édith Piaf retired here and got into brunch. Even the water arrives like a supporting actress with perfect timing. Outside, Ventura still looks marinaded in sea salt, civic fatigue, hungover hippie optimism, and those pleading little signs begging everyone to keep it clean, as if the whole town were a lovable delinquent. In the hidden front entrance area where a bouncer/busboy like greeter is sits quasi-porch seating as an odd little outdoor opera loge seating area, where the special and crowned drama damsels and foo-foo puppies hold court beneath a vaguely bellhop-bouncer aura. At least two of those dogs absolutely have therapists, and one may be working through trust issues with its tax accountant. Café Nouveau is weird, warm, theatrical, and very, very good. The crosswalk parking looks lethal, yet traffic miraculously yields.

    Such a cute place!
    Emily G.

    Such a delightful place! The place itself is so cute and the food was delicious! I was driving up to the bay and am so glad we pulled over to enjoy lunch there. Our waitress was so friendly and kind. I plan to come back!

    Eggs Benedict
    Elaine T.

    Beautiful ambiance, exquisite service, and one of the most popular spots for a weekend brunch! They have a small parking lot across the street, but be prepared to hunt for a spot to park and wait for a table during peak brunch time. Amazing decor with art nouveau touches and plenty of plants. Menu is very extensive with something for everyone, including children and vegetarians. Portions are huge and their famous potatoes live up to their reputation. My only reason for deducting a star is because of their extensive menu, everything is done very plainly, the dishes are technically good, but there is no chef creativity or personal touch. I'm sure most patrons find the copious servings and beautiful service and surroundings perfect. I just wish it was less of a brunch factory.

    Jessica P.

    I've attempted this place twice now. I'll start with the good: the service is always fantastic. Everyone is great. And the restaurant itself is very cute, with a woodsy, outdoor feel amongst the trees. The bad: the food is very mid. And ridiculously expensive for what it actually is. I got a wrap both times and both times they came out like a bowl of soup wrapped up in a tortilla that made me feel yucky after the meal. My egg white wrap didn't look like it had egg whites in it at all. Nor did the chicken one I had a few weeks ago. Paying $27 for a breakfast wrap that looks like this (and more importantly did not taste well) just doesn't make sense to me when I can make 4 of them at home for the same price that are better.

    Korean inspired loco moco type thing (can't remember the name)
    Charlotte R.

    I can not say enough wonderful things about this place. My husband and I stumbled upon this cafe while on a road trip and it is now on our road trip "must stop" list. We had our little dog with us which was great as the patio is dog friendly (and the workers were actually very friendly to our dog, unlike places that just "allow" dogs). Each table outside felt like it's own little oasis, tucked into a corner here or there. It made it easy with the dog as we weren't sitting right on top of other people. The menu is huge and there were SO MANY things we wanted to try. The maple bacon beignets? OMG. Heaven. My hubby also LOVED the Korean inspired loco moco type thing he ordered (can't remember what it was called). My chicken frisco sandwich was good - but not the highlight of the meal. Portions were generous, which was good because this was NOT a cheap meal. Probably the most I've ever spent on breakfast. But...worth it. The staff was SO SO friendly and the place is a hidden gem. I can't wait to come back.

    Blueberry muffin
    D L.

    Came on a Saturday. Joined the waitlist on the way for a total wait of 30 min. Eggs Florentine- the hollandaise was bland and needed salt unfortunately. I did however love my au gratin! Loco moco- the meat was good but the gravy wasn't a regular brown gravy. It definitely had wine in it which completely threw me off, as that's not how loco moco as are made Gouda frittata - this was meh unfortunately Maple Bacon beignets - our favorite. Perfectly delicious! Blueberry muffin - loved it! Not too sweet and perfect texture Our server was very nice. I enjoyed sitting outside as inside was very loud and crowded. Happy I went but probably won't return

    Bonny G.

    So delightful I had friends from out of town and I wanted to take them to one of my favorite Ventura breakfast places Our waiter was so fun and they were so impressed with the menu Man, that was a good breakfast

    Tres leches pancake
    Diana N.

    Where do I begin...the service the ambiance the food - wish I could give them ten stars. I was so impressed with the staff, everyone was polite and good natured, our waiter threw in hot coffee in a to go cup when we were done without us saying anything, the beignets were perfection...the tres leches pancake was the best mistake we made. I knew I couldn't finish it but we had to order it. I'm so happy we came out to eat here!

    Caroline M.

    Loved our server Moses a LOT. Maybe the most welcoming, charming, kind efficient server ever. We felt like we were his guest at his home. The ambiance is ethereal. Outside you can hear the birds singing. it feels like you're a guest in a special home. My eggs and fruit were wonderful and the dish of poached eggs was served on a banana leaf. Just every detail considered. Heaven, and I'm high maintenance I'm told.

    Menu
    Rheina C.

    Came here for brunch around 11. There was a little wait but thankfully the weather was nice as we did have to wait outside. There wasn't really a waiting area but that didn't bother me too much. The service as soon as we got there was great! The staff were really kind no matter how busy it was! The restaurant itself is also really cute! It looked like it was a house so the space is smaller but it was cute and more of a cozy vibe. And the food.. delicious! Literally everything was good! The savory options, the pancakes, even the coffee, delicious! Also love that they had beignets because I feel it's rare to find here in California if it's not at Disneyland. So we will definitely be back! 5 stars for sure!

    Nouveau scramble

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    Page 1 of 76

    Cafe Nouveau Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe Nouveau

    Do they take reservations?

    Yelp allows you to put name down ahead of time if that helps.

    Do they serve crepes?

    Not that I know of. But their maple bacon beignets are to die for.

    Do they have wine?

    Yes

    Do you serve alcohol?

    Yes

    Is the Poblano Del Mar spicy?

    No it's flavorful and delish w/p spice

    Do you serve any gluten free pancakes, waffles or French toast or bread/ toast?

    No they do not

    Do you have gluten free options?

    Yes I think so

    Is this restaurant Wheelchair accessible?

    Yes, the access is around the corner

    Is there a kids section on the menu, I don't see one online?

    No. But they are very accommodating! Love this place.

    Do they serve alcohol?

    Yes

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes! And they put out water bowls outside !

    Are u open on Sundays?

    Oh yeah. Sometimes it seems like everybody in our whole town is there for Sunday brunch! They open at 7:00AM - consider going early (or waiting 'til afternoon) to avoid long wait times on weekends.

    Are they open for outdoor seating?

    Yes

    Are they taking reservations currently or is it walk in only?

    Walk in only

    Is there take out on the weekend?

    Hi Emily, Yes, we are doing take out on the weekends. Just call 805-648-1422 and someone will take your order. If you need to see our menu online, it is available at cafenouveau.com. Thanks for your inquiry... we appreciate your business. Be safe.

    Is there inside/outside dining on weekends during Covid-19?

    There was both inside & outside dining last weekend, but I figure they'll only be doing outside dining as of now.

    Do they have handicapped parking?

    There are several blue spots on perpendicular streets. All street parking there. Never had an issue. You might want to enter gate from side street to patio if there are mobility issues. . There are several stairs to the entrance. I cannot remember… 

    Anybody know if they're open New Years Day?

    I believe so

    What kind of gluten free options do they have?

    I don't know but I know they have some gluten free options

    Do they take reservations for brunch?

    They take reservation only Monday-Friday, not on the weekends.

    View All 27 Questions

    Paradise Pantry

    Paradise Pantry

    4.6
    (708 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Paradise Pantry is truly a gem and hands-down our favorite restaurant in the area. We keep coming…read moreback because we know every meal will be consistently delicious, thoughtfully prepared and made with the highest-quality ingredients. Their commitment to locally and sustainably sourced food really shines through in every dish. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and dishes are made from scratch. The service is always warm, attentive and welcoming. Tina is exceptionally knowledgeable about wine and has a wonderful ability to recommend the perfect pairing to complement your meal. Her passion and expertise elevate the entire experience. Her co-owner, the chef, is clearly talented and dedicated to creating memorable dishes that never disappoint. Paradise Pantry is one of those rare places where outstanding food, genuine hospitality and consistency come together beautifully. We always leave looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend!

    SERVICE: I appreciated the cheese samples once seated…read more There's a deli in the back to buy blocks of cheese or spreads. Nextdoor also carries a lovely room of some great wines. The employees were kind, place was clean, there's in and outdoor seating, and parking is what you make of it as PP is located on a blocked off street where cars are not permitted. All to say, research where you wish to walk about, find a meter or free parking lot - enough around, and put on your good yet cute walking shoes because you'll enjoy strolling about after your meal here - or drink. FOOD: I sooo loved my grill cheese. Instead of mushrooms I swapped for spinach - you're welcome. AND THE PICKLE ON THE SIDE - delish! So why 4 and not 5? Because of my limited lifestyle I found the menu a bit limiting. However, I am not a HUGE cheese person and I don't drink. With that said, I feel anyone else who loves to indulge in that world should have a super great experience. Mine was still great. WELL: I actually enjoyed my time and shall return. My mother loves a good red wine so I'll bring her too.

    Photos
    Paradise Pantry
    Charcuterie
    Charcuterie
    Cheese Club Red Witch Cheeses

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    Cheese Club Red Witch Cheeses
    Frontside Cafe

    Frontside Cafe

    4.6
    (278 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    The food was genuinely good, and that's what makes this experience difficult to rate. The dishes…read morewere well-prepared, flavorful, and arrived promptly. What left me uncomfortable was the service. Throughout the meal, I felt singled out and dismissed in ways that were hard to ignore. Staff were outwardly polite and seemed to be making an effort to be friendly, but the interactions often felt forced and noticeably different from the way other customers were being treated. Requests seemed to be met with impatience, and I repeatedly got the sense that I wasn't being welcomed in the same way as others around me. One example was when we asked if a finished plate could be removed to make room for new dishes that had just arrived. The request was met with hesitation, and it felt as though taking the plate was an inconvenience. Later, when I asked for to-go containers, the employee handing them to me appeared visibly strained to be courteous. It was one of several interactions that left me feeling like basic requests were being tolerated rather than accommodated. I can't speak to anyone's intentions, but the overall experience left me feeling unwelcome despite the surface-level friendliness. I came away wondering whether bias played a role in how I was treated. What stood out most was the contrast between how we were treated and how some others were treated. From where we were seated, I observed other customers receiving noticeably warmer service, including more smiles, friendlier conversation, and a more welcoming attitude. My party did not experience that same level of warmth. The food itself was very good, but the service experience would make me hesitate to return.

    My favorite breakfast and lunch spot in Ventura!…read more At this point, I think I've tried everything on the menu! I've even gotten to the point of creating my own little custom breakfast by combining different side dishes! All the fruit is fresh, the salads and sandwiches are big enough to share, and the coffee is good enough to get one to go for an afternoon pick me up (they close at 2pm). I love the high quality ingredients they use, from the eggs to the produce, nothing is industriel or pre-made. There is a parking lot in back, but during the weekday it's easy to park on the street.

    Photos
    Frontside Cafe Indoor, patio & my Brontë Bowl from the menu
    Frontside Cafe Indoor, patio & my Brontë Bowl from the menu
    Japanese milk bread cinnamon toast
    Japanese milk bread cinnamon toast
    Fried chicken sandwich

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    Fried chicken sandwich
    Beach House Tacos

    Beach House Tacos

    3.9
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Beach House Tacos was a revelation. I didn't have huge expectations since it's a cute, small stand…read moreon the beach. The menu is simple and straightforward. I thought the tacos would be decent, had a good attitude coming here, but boy, what a nice surprise this place was! Small line in front, you order, pay, go inside, wait for your order at pick up window. Simple! Tables on the pier, and they have a patio facing the ocean, nice view. Picnic tables! They sell wine, beer, margarita-s. Great selection! But the tacos!!! We got 4 between me and my husband to share and sample: Baja Taco (got fried fish) had fresh ingredients, lettuce and a nice lime flavor! Beach House Tacos (got grilled fish), nice pineapple salsa, tender fish, nice sauces and lettuce. Calamari Taco - fried calamari - fresh avocado and cabbage, nice sauce - chipotle. Marilu Taco with popcorn shrimp with nice chile lime crema, not too spicy. Even the fried seafood here is fresh, not very fried, just a tad, nice and crispy, but not greasy. Loved every taco, they are all different than each other, they use fresh ingredients and vegetables, each had a great, original flavor, they don't skimp on anything - seafood or ingredients. By far, some of the best tacos I ever had, they go in my Top 5. 4 Tacos (they are big!) are enough for 2 people. My and my husband we also shared a portion of guac and chips, they reminded us of Mexico. The guac had a lime flavor and well mashed, the tortilla chips are thicker and extra friend. Great food, nice service, unpretentious taco stand on Ventura Pier. Nice views. Wonderful discovery and a nice place to eat at! I am a fan!

    Beach House Tacos? More like Beach House Snacks…read more I stood in line for 15 minutes just to place my order at the window, then waited another 45 minutes for my food. An hour later, I was handed a to-go box so tiny it fit in the palm of my hand. For a split second, I thought maybe they forgot the rest of my order. Nope. Inside were three of the smallest "street tacos" I've ever seen. I've seen more substantial meals in Barbie's Dreamhouse. I ordered the carne asada, but apparently the salt shaker took the day off because the meat had absolutely zero seasoning. No salt, no flavor, no redeeming qualities. The punchline? This tiny, flavorless comedy routine cost me $10 and an hour of my life. If you're looking for an appetizer for a doll or you're on a strict "disappointment diet," this is your place. As for me... never again.

    Photos
    Beach House Tacos
    Chips & Salsa, grilled fish taco, fried fish taco, street tacos
    Chips & Salsa, grilled fish taco, fried fish taco, street tacos
    Outside from the pier

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    Outside from the pier
    Duke's Beach Grill

    Duke's Beach Grill

    4.0
    (398 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$
    Established in 1991
    Outdoor seating

    So happy they still have this location and so close to the beach. As I had a nice beach day with…read morethe family, the stomach started grumbling. Walked right over to Dukes which is literally foot steps from the beach. To my surprise, not only was it pretty busy with the World Cup on every TV, but impressively, it didn't stop the service or kitchen from being super fast. Very impressive. I ordered to go this time so I could get back to parenting and enjoying the weather. Had to be quick so I could enjoy my time before it cools down and my sunburn fully sets in. I ordered the Gizmo which is basically a grilled chicken club on sourdough. It was great. Really don't have anything to add to that other than I would highly recommend it. Anyone who doesn't love a chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich might have some taste bud issues... It came with in-house made potato chips and those were also wonderful. I smashed that thing and literally went right to sleep in my chair. What a perfect beach day thanks to Dukes. To add to my food experiences and recommendations here, the time before this, I ordered the fish and chips. In my case it was the fried fish and sweet potato fries. It was so flavorful and crispy. I highly recommend eating it there or hopefully near by so it doesn't lose that fresh crunch. However, you have to get any and all fries with their Ranch. I had to get extra as I couldn't seem to get enough. Obviously every fry needed to have a disgusting amount of ranch on it. Everything I had from here so far has been incredibly tasty and I would recommend it anytime you're in the area. Can't go wrong with good food and the beach with in skipping distance from one another.

    Ambiance was good. Food was ok. Service was horrible…read more It was not that crowded and I know we were the last to be served during the time that we arrived. Place has a few arcade games as well as a bar and tons of indoor and outdoor seating. Hopefully your experience will be better.

    Photos
    Fish n chips
    Fish n chips
    BBQ Chicken Salad
    BBQ Chicken Salad
    Ahi Poke Bowl

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    Ahi Poke Bowl
    Rumfish y Vino

    Rumfish y Vino

    4.4
    (1.5k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Private events

    If your looking for a cute trendy place to have a great lunch or dinner than don't look any…read morefurther, Rumfish y Vino is an awesome spot to check out with AMAZING FOOD. If you love seafood, you gotta check this place out in Ventura. Located right off Main Street, you will find them in the middle of Palm Street. Great ambiance and decor at this resteraunt. They have a bar with TVs so good place to catch sports as we are there for the World Cup. We ordered the grilled malhi tacos and the tuna melt. Both dishes will run you around $20 bucks and THE QUALITY HERE IS SUPERB. Food is very flavorful and fresh. Both items were a 10/10 and can't reccomend enough. Cant wait to come back and try a couple dishes that caught my eye from their menu. Thanks Rumfish y Vino for the great food and hospitality. Till next time!

    Have been here many times but it's been a while, seems like happy hour or the kitchen has changed!…read moreService was fine and patio was lovely as always. Ordered the usual Watermelon Mojito and fish taco. The tortilla was extremely oily and flat and smooth unlike any tortilla I've seen. The grilled mahi mahi was very overcooked, dry and almost dusty tasting, I did not finish the taco. Fries were okay. I've been here for many meals but something seems to be different! I usually love the flatbread pizza, the leche de tigre ceviche is not what you'd hope of a true leche de tigre. Dragonfruit caipiroska is on the bland side but love the mojito. Still enjoy the $9 and $10 wines and cocktails.

    Photos
    Pork Belly Taco
    Pork Belly Taco
    Creole Seabass
    Creole Seabass
    Happy hour drinks!!

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    Happy hour drinks!!

    Cafe Nouveau - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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