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Cafe Nouveau

4.5 (3.1k reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

Waitlist - Cafe Nouveau

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Cafe Nouveau Photos

Business Info

CAFE NOUVEAU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed

Recommended Reviews - Cafe Nouveau

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Reviews With Photos

Our seating
Daisy M.

First time visiting Cafe Nouveau and it was such a pleasant experience. From how quickly we were taken in to a table (after adding ourselves to the waitlist on Yelp) to getting assistance with our dietary restrictions. The staff was super helpful and attended our every need perfectly. It was a lovely restaurant as well. We were put in a little area that almost made it feel like private dining and we loved it. The beignets, potatoes, beans, eggs were all very flavorful. We left full but looking forward to coming back to try some other options on their menu.

Freddy A.

Came here with a party of 8 on July 25. Even though there was quite a bit of people waiting, we were seated within 15 minutes or so. The place itself is so cute. Curiosity got the best of me because it looked like a house so I decided to dig a little bit more into it. Apparently, it's a 1920s Spanish bungalow They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Service is attentive and very friendly. Now the food... Oh man, it was delicious!! I was eating healthy and got just a plain chicken bowl and that was really nothing to write about, but that was my fault because who gets that when surrounded by such yummy food like Strawberry Matcha pancakes or Churro French Toast with kiwi, banana, berries and chantilly cream ‍ Anyways, we got the maple bacon beignets for the table and wow, that was delicious. Warm, fluffy, sweet, salty... yummm!! My son got the 2+2+2. At $23 it was a little pricey for two eggs, 2 bacon and 2 pancakes, but the pancakes were huge and barely fit on the plate. The bacon was also very thick and tasty. Warning: That the house made vanilla caramel syrup they serve is super addicting and you're gonna want to drizzle everything with it!! Everyone else at the table was really happy with what they ordered. Someone also ordered a biscuit on the side and that was by far the fluffiest biscuit I had ever seen. Usually they can be dry and hard, but this one was quite opposite. I've seen other pictures online and I guess it can be a hit or a miss because they don't seem to be consistent. I will definitely be back next time I'm in town and this time actually try the other plates I was eyeing

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.

Chile verde
Ray N.

I've been coming here for over 25 years and love it. The location has great ambiance: the inside is a converted house and you dine in a number of different rooms. The outdoor patio is also very nice and calming, as well as comfortably shaded (which is great on a hot day). 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.

Dubai Chocolate French Toast
Alma D. C.

Food was amazing, along with the staff very attentive to our needs. Such a cute place with nice decor. I had the Dubai chocolate French Toast which was delicious.

Churro French toast
Jeff B.

Great menu choices and the food was excellent, but the service and overall vibe made for a fantastic dinning experience!

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.

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.

The Korean breakfast special. Forget the name. Very tasty.
Steve C.

Not a fluke! This place rocks. So for those of you who read my last review I praised the food and Susan for her kindness and amazing service. Finding a restaurant that can handle our motley crew including a senior citizen with a walker and a very camera ready little dog has its challenges. Today, on our way back from central CA we stopped off at Cafe Nouveau for breakfast. I think we were their first customers of the day. They helped us navigate thru the back patio with the walker to a well situated spot. Jason, our server was attentive and knowledgeable providing recommendations on what to order, spice levels, and comparisons between breakfast options. Jason B was great and represented Cafe N very well. We usually drive up to Cambria / Paso twice a year. We have found our new spot to stop off and break up the drive with a tasty meal. You should find it too. All of the team will make you feel welcomed.

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

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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.

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Eric Ericssons Fish Co - Poke Bowl ($24)

Eric Ericssons Fish Co

3.8(794 reviews)
0.7 mi
•$$

Fish You Were Here…read more Waterfront restaurant located at the base of the Ventura Pier that's been serving up fresh catches for over forty years (ca. 1981). The Good: * Fast-casual: order at the counter, get a buzzer, and then pick it up from the aforementioned counter. * Friendly service * Location is superb with amazing beach and coastal views--especially if you take your food upstairs to eat at the Madewest Brewing, Co. Taproom. However, there are caveats to this (see below). * Beers on tap and cocktails--but if you plan to eat upstairs at Madewest, then you can't bring alcohol from Eric's and vice-versa. * I wish the poke bowl was a little less saucy but overall it was still a very tasty bite. The Meh: * It's a little pricey, but not horrible considering the location. The Ugly: * The parking lot adjacent to the beach/pier is free Mon-Thu but $1/hr Fri-Sun (4hr Max) Conclusion: Seafood, suds, and surf. 'Nuff said...

Arguably the best seafood restaurant on Ventura Beach…read more.. I've been in Ventura for work this week and have eaten at several highly recommended restaurants... Ericssons Fish Co. was far and wide the best place I've eaten at and it's not remotely close. The restaurant is situated right on the peer, so the ocean views are amazing. The service was excellent, great local tap beer selection (namely Madwest, which is next door), and the food was phenomenal. It's a bit on the pricier side, but the quality of the seafood justifies the price imo. If you're looking for a laid back beach joint, Ericsson's is definitely it.

Photos
Eric Ericssons Fish Co - Inside

Inside

Eric Ericssons Fish Co - Mediterranean Salmon Bowl ($28)

Mediterranean Salmon Bowl ($28)

Eric Ericssons Fish Co - Poke Bowl

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Poke Bowl

Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Awesome Tempura Fish Taco

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.

I ate a grilled fish taco at Spencer MaKenzie's many years ago and think about it each time we…read moredrive through Ventura. It was a solid grilled fish taco with not a ton of pomp and circumstance. Just unadulterated goodness. Fast forward to my recent visit - it didn't quite hit the same though I'm sure my palette has since evolved. The World Famous grilled fish taco ($7.95) was good, but was only made better with the in house sweet chili fire sauce. Of the things we ordered, I did really enjoy the ahicado ($13.75) which is ahi tuna mixed in lemon infused olive oil on top of avocado and served with wonton chips. I love a wonton chip situation and paired with the fresh ahi, it made for a perfect bite. The guy next to us ordered several Parmesan hard shell tacos ($5.50) so I did too (with shredded chicken). The flavorful chicken was perfectly shredded so you didn't get unmanageable hunks with each bite. These were unexpectedly very tasty. Highly recommend if you like a hard shell sitch. Judging from the lines at 2:00PM on a Saturday afternoon, Spencer MaKenzie's is a Ventura institution even if I won't be thinking about the grilled fish tacos n-e-more. PSA: dining on the patio is the move even if you have to wait.

Photos
Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Inside pic #1

Inside pic #1

Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Tempura Fish and Chips

Tempura Fish and Chips

Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Carne Asada  Street Tacos

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Carne Asada Street Tacos

Aloha Steakhouse - Sauteed Mushrooms

Aloha Steakhouse

3.9(1.4k reviews)
0.8 mi
•$$$

My husband and I stopped by Aloha Stack House in Ventura for a date night, and we had an amazing…read moreexperience thanks to our waitress, Natalie! From the moment we arrived, Natalie was welcoming, friendly, and incredibly helpful as we decided what to order. She was attentive to our table and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great dining experience. Unfortunately, we were seated next to a family whose children were being disruptive, but Natalie did everything she could to ensure we still enjoyed our evening. Her professionalism, patience, and outstanding customer service truly made a difference. The food was on point, too! At the end of our evening, Natalie thanked us and gave us a thank-you card, which was such a thoughtful touch and made us feel truly appreciated. We will definitely be back. Be sure to ask for Natalie when you dine at Aloha Stack House. She is absolutely wonderful!

A rather bizarre dining experience. I'd made a res a few…read moredays ago and indicated it was my bd. When we arrived we were told our table was in the bar, that is the default for res made online. Nowhere did it say that and we received no notice of that. I said that wasn't ok. They did find us a nice table with great ocean and sunset view. Our server, Evan was a friendly guy but stood several ft back from table and literally shouted at us. He did same thing with table next to us, even louder. Truly Bizzare! I have never experienced anything like that. What was that all about? My filet med rare was very good. My husband's med was thinner and not great. Rest of food was fine. Evan never came back to ask how our dinners were, only to ask if we wanted another round of drinks when we were almost finished. He did bring us a slice of their signature pie (delish) and wished us Happy Anniversary...lol. We'll probably go back but not on weekend when it's busy and weird.

Photos
Aloha Steakhouse - The outside patio

The outside patio

Aloha Steakhouse - Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail

Aloha Steakhouse - Dinner Fish & Chips

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Dinner Fish & Chips

Orozco's De Ventura - Chile rellano...so good!!!

Orozco's De Ventura

4.2(488 reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$

It may not look like anything special from the outside, but trust me when I say that the back patio…read moreof this restaruant is incredible. It's huge and tropical and feels like you're in Mexico. We felt like we were family there when our waitress greeted us and then the owner came over and made sure everything was ok. I think the chips and salsa are made by an angel because they tasted like heaven. As for all of our main dishes, their signature steak plate was great and the shrimp and fish tacos were some of the best we've ever had! Definitely coming back and you should absolutely give this place a try! Chris

I did not love the food but we'll have different tastes so def try it out first yourselves. To me…read morethe seasoning was off and I did not like the warm salsa as it wasn't spicy for me. I need the kick . I asked for grilled jalapeños to bring up the heat a bit. The rice was too mushy for me, the beans a bit salty and the meat over cooked :/ The marg was ok. My friend also did not love her food. She ordered a steak and veggies dish but it was mostly tomatoes. The restaurant itself is cute and spacious. Staff is very welcoming and sweet. I simply did not enjoy my food and I love Mexican food. I am Mexican and eat it almost daily :) I still like to go out and try other Mexican cooking. Anywho give them a shot! It is a local fave .. so it could've been an off day :)

Photos
Orozco's De Ventura - Huevos rancheros. Loved it!

Huevos rancheros. Loved it!

Orozco's De Ventura - Delicious and refreshing

Delicious and refreshing

Orozco's De Ventura - Delicious

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Delicious

Cafe Nouveau - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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