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    Cafe Nouveau

    4.5 (3k reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Waitlist - Cafe Nouveau

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    Cafe Nouveau Photos

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    CAFE NOUVEAU ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Nouveau

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chile verde
    Ray N.

    I've been coming here for over 25 years and love it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The location has great ambiance: the inside is a converted house and you dine in a number of different rooms.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outdoor patio is also very nice and calming, as well as comfortably shaded (which is great on a hot day).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is great, and I think they are especially good on sweet breakfast items. The beignets are wonderful: crispy in the outside and soft on the inside. They aren't hollow like other beignets I've had, but I actually prefer this version. It's kinda like a light cake consistency. The sauce with them is also superb. My niece got the breakfast sandwich and I was quite envious. The combo of bacon, egg, cheese and brioche is solid, and if I could do it over again I'd order that with the hash brown (to be inserted in the sandwich). I got the chili verde and it was good, but I'd say other breakfast items I've had (the pancakes, the Benedict) are more uniquely stand out good.

    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. Cozy interior. Outside covered patio seating here too. We parked in a free lot, across the street and behind other businesses.

    Menu says "plain waffles" but these are so much more! Delicious alone and fantastic with their special buttery caramel syrup.
    Debi A.

    Always outstanding service on their beautiful dog-friendly patio and the food is dependably scrumptious! If you're celebrating a special day, you'll be treated just right. Count on a wonderful time at Cafe Nouveau.

    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.

    Churro French Toast
    Ben B.

    Most amazing breakfast and service ever. Everyone is so friendly and the food is amazing and unique. Great patio for bringing your dog.

    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!

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    8 days ago

    Absolutely amazing the owners on duty every day all day the staff is super accommodating, and the food is spectacular! Job well done

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    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

    Spencer Makenzie's Fish

    Spencer Makenzie's Fish

    4.0
    (2.4k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Had my usual Spicy and shrimp and veggies and some chips and red salsa, always good but today a bit…read morebetter. First, let me say I am not family to anyone that works at Spencer's although I am a long time customer. I'd like to point out how understanding my waitress was today, her name is Jackson. I received my food right away and refills when needed but I'd like to comment on the three women seated in the table next to me and how Jackson handled them. Kindly put these three were demanding and not very understanding of Jackson's time. The MANY times they asked for changes to the food, several other things they "asked" for Jackson kept her cool and quickly gave them what they requested. It's hard being a server and Jackson may have working at a first of second job (she looked 17-18) but she was a star. Well done Jackson...keep up the good work.

    This place is awful. Like, "I wouldn't feed this to my enemy" awful…read more I know this isn't a "Mexican" or any sort of Hispanic/Latin type of spot, but my god this place just proves how depressing and deplorable white people tacos and burritos actually are. We came by Sunday for lunch, and surprisingly it was pretty busy, but not surprisingly the clientele were 99% people who don't know or appreciate flavor in their food. We ordered tacos, burritos, and the ahi pockets, actually known as Yubu but I wouldn't expect this crowd or even the staff to know what that is. The shrimp and fish burrito is basically rice and dry fish. No sauce. No seasoning. Dry tortilla. You bite into it and all you see is white. This is an embarrassment to burritos and seafood. All the tacos had dry, stale tortillas. Does nobody around here know what a fresh tortilla is? The grilled fish taco again with the dry fish. The fried fish taco had a slight crunch at least but again - no seasoning. And the fried shrimp taco was actually the best of everything since the shrimp itself was actually decent, but ruined by the rest of the taco. I don't understand this weird obsession with piling on dry, bland, sauceless cabbage and raw vegetables on a taco. Why am I biting into a giant piece of bell pepper? The ahi pockets? HA. If misery was a food - this would be it. The menu reads "dynamite sauce" and there was no sauce whatsoever. These are definitely pre-made and kept in the fridge because the rice was cold and chewy. The seared ahi was dry, bland, and far too cold. People truly don't know what good food is if a place like Spencer Makenzie's is still in business.

    Photos
    Inside pic #1
    Inside pic #1
    Tempura Fish and Chips
    Tempura Fish and Chips
    Carne Asada  Street Tacos

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    Carne Asada Street Tacos
    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
    Barrelhouse 101

    Barrelhouse 101

    4.0
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Beer Pressure…read more Classic American Pub located in Ventura that features over one hundred beers on tap and classic American comfort foods in a surprisingly family-friendly environment. The Good: * Beyond all the beers on tap, they also have a full bar. * Service was friendly and pretty good overall. * Secret menu for both food and drink. Shhhh...! * Their wings were fantastic! You've really gotta try the Strawbanero (Strawberry-Habanero) sauce, as it was a sweet and savory bite that had all three of us fighting over. * Buffalo Barrels (aka Tater Tots) were worth the $5 upgrade. But, I'm somewhat of a Tater Tot junkie, so take that advice for what it's worth. * Fries were fantastic, as well. * Short Rib Melt was delicious, but very, very rich. It could've used a little relief like some pickles either on it or on the side. The Meh: * They do have their own parking lot, but it is smallish and can fill up fast. There is some street parking available, as well. The Ugly: * They had a lot of beers that were out of commission, including several that I was pretty excited to try. =/ Conclusion: Great spot to get your suds and spuds!

    Came here for a late lunch with my girlfriends that were visiting from out of town. Service was…read moregreat because our drinks were filled and food came out pretty quickly. The portions are Large!! I got the short rib sandwich with sweet potato fries. One friend got the carnitas nachos (also sooo tasty) and another got a shrimp wrap. No drinks for us but the happy hour menu looked fun. Would love to come back and check that out b

    Photos
    101 beers on the wall (on tap)
    101 beers on the wall (on tap)
    Barrelhouse 101
    Barrelhouse 101

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    Cafe Nouveau - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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