Farmer and the Cook - Ojai, California

Farmer and the Cook: A Detailed Overview

Farmer and the Cook is a popular dining establishment located in the picturesque town of Ojai, California. Situated at 339 W El Roblar Dr, Ojai, CA 93023, United States, this unique venue seamlessly blends farm-to-table freshness with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s telephone number is 8056409608, and visitors can explore their offerings further on their website: farmer-and-the-cook.com.

Specialties: While the website doesn't explicitly list specific specialties, the restaurant’s focus leans heavily towards organic ingredients, healthy options, and a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs. The emphasis on locally sourced produce and dishes suggests a commitment to seasonal flavors and sustainable practices. The restaurant offers a wide range of choices, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, and a dedicated selection of desserts.

Location and Ambiance

Ojai, known for its bohemian vibe and stunning natural surroundings, provides a perfect backdrop for Farmer and the Cook. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area is particularly noteworthy, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals amidst the beauty of the California landscape. The establishment is designed to be cosy and quiet, creating a comfortable setting for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. Wi-Fi is available, catering to those who wish to stay connected. The restaurant embraces a casual and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an appealing destination for a wide range of visitors.

Key Features and Amenities

Farmer and the Cook prides itself on offering a comprehensive dining experience. Beyond the delicious food, several amenities contribute to the overall appeal:

• Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible, featuring an accessible entrance and seating. Accessible toilets are also provided.
• Service: Service experiences appear to be variable, with reports suggesting inconsistent greetings from staff.
• Beverages: A robust beverage selection is available, including alcohol, beer, coffee, and a wide range of teas.
• Dietary Options: The menu caters to a variety of dietary preferences, with vegan and vegetarian options readily available, alongside organic dishes and a dedicated salad bar. A small plates section provides opportunities for sharing and sampling different flavors.
• Convenience: Delivery, takeaway, and counter service options are available, enhancing the convenience for patrons. Free parking lot and free of charge street parking are also provided.
• Community: The restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere, often hosting visitors with dogs, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

Farmer and the Cook currently boasts 613 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a significant level of customer engagement. The average opinion is 4.5/5, indicating a generally positive perception of the restaurant. However, as indicated by some reviews, there are areas for potential improvement. The atmosphere is consistently praised, with many visitors noting the prevalence of dog owners, contributing to a relaxed and friendly environment. The organic goods are particularly appreciated, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability.

Despite the positive feedback, some customers have expressed concerns regarding wait times, particularly for smoothies, with reports of exceeding 20-30 minutes. Service inconsistency is another recurring theme, with some patrons reporting warm welcomes while others experienced indifference. Food quality is generally considered ordinary, though the vegan menu receives positive recognition.

Further Information

Farmer and the Cook operates as a women-owned business, contributing to its unique character and values. The restaurant welcomes reservations, accepts various forms of payment (including credit cards and debit cards), and is considered good for kids, with high chairs and a dedicated kids' menu available. LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space policies are in place, further emphasizing inclusivity. Groups and tourists are welcome. Dogs are allowed outside, adding to the restaurant’s appeal for pet owners. Wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance are provided for ease of access.

In conclusion, Farmer and the Cook presents a compelling dining experience in Ojai, combining fresh, locally-sourced food with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. While there are areas for potential refinement regarding service consistency and wait times, the restaurant’s commitment to organic ingredients, dietary options, and community engagement makes it a worthwhile destination for a variety of diners.

👍 Reviews of Farmer and the Cook

Alena R.

4/5

The atmosphere is good, there are always a lot of visitors with dogs. Good selection of organic goods. Service - as luck would have it. Sometimes you are greeted with smiles, sometimes you are deliberately ignored. The food is ordinary, for vegans - the menu is good. The waiting time for a smoothie sometimes exceeds 20-30 minutes. No desire to return yet

SM B.

5/5

We loved this place! My mum is quite hard to please on the food front, and in all fairness, vegetarian food can be quite redundant. Not here! The flavors were marvelous, the meals creative, and the outdoor seating was beautiful. I wish I lived closer to eat here every week.

Neal B.

5/5

My wife and I came here on a Saturday morning around 9 AM and there was barely any line. There was plenty of parking in the free parking lot. We also were able to get a table indoors and eat our meal.
My wife ordered the breakfast burrito and it was super good. It even had some zucchini at which I thought was super creative. I ordered the açai bowl without banana and really enjoyed it. It had fresh strawberries and blueberries on it.
My wife also had this golden latte and she really enjoyed it. I grabbed a decaf Americano. I really liked this option.

Asato M.

5/5

Great organic market and restaurant with good vibes. We went for pizza night, which is 4 days of the week from Thursday to Sunday. We tried Orange Pizza and Margherita Pizza. Both the pizzas were very good. Especially Orange one was exceptional. There is indoor as well as outdoor sitting. Many Mexican vegetarian dishes are on the menu. Espresso bar was closed in the evening. Everything is organic. And I guess all the menu is vegetarian..

Patricia R.

5/5

This place has the best vibe.

The atmosphere is welcoming, cozy and strikes a balance between feeling like you're at a restaurant and somewhere having a picnic because there's seating outside in the trees if you like. We sat outside but close to the restaurant itself. There is indoor seating.

There were many people from all walks of life enjoying lunch when we went. The service was excellent and everyone was friendly and helpful.

We ordered the Traditional Burrito which went too fast for me to grab a picture, and also the Farmer's Plate with cashew cheese instead of Jack, and added avocado (for an extra $2). It also came with beans, rice, pico de gallo, pickled cabbage and two corn tortillas on the side. Everything was delicious.

We will be back!

Kurt B.

5/5

Great vegetarian food - love the cauliflower burrito and goat cheese tacos - dog friendly !! I'm a dog trainer so this is key!

Masha K.

5/5

Farmer and the Cook has been my first stop when coming to Ojai for over a decade. I love the goat cheese tacos and fresh baked breads / desserts. The smoothies are some of the best ones I’ve ever tasted. Love the atmosphere and consistency here. Cute outdoor garden area with additional seating. Great spot to soak in the vibes.

Sarah S.

5/5

The name alone sounds so cozy, but they did not fail to deliver on all levels. There's a beautiful back area in the grass under the trees where you can eat outside. Every staff member is kind and goes above and beyond to help you. I came to visit from LA and wanted to buy a few items that had to stay refrigerated. They let me keep them in their fridge all day and then gave me a box of ice to take with me. And the food? Fantastic. Whether you're vegetarian or vegan or gluten-free, there are delicious options for you, with much of their produce coming directly from their own farm! I realized I didn't take pictures of the main courses so these photos don't do it justice, but I highly recommend the taquitos, the huaracha, and the enchilada. Highly recommended.