Paradise Pantry is a great spot for a spontaneous lunch or dinner, offering a variety of delicious options like the Cobb salad, lamb burger, turkey and pesto sandwich, and charcuterie board. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the bread on everything ordered is exceptional, making it a standout feature. The restaurant has a vibey patio, creating a lovely atmosphere. Although the service can be inconsistent on busy days, the staff can be warm and attentive once available. It's a wonderful place to bring friends or family and enjoy a unique dining experience. The charcuterie board has received special recognition for its thoughtful craftsmanship, and many guests have enjoyed sharing meals, leaving delighted by everything they tried. While it may be on the pricier side, with totals around $100 for two people without alcohol, the overall experience is solid with room for improvement in hospitality.
My go-to place in Ventura. Amazing food, wonderful atmosphere, and I always end up staying longer with coffee and dessert. As someone from Europe, this place feels like home.
October 2025
This is a real Ventura gem! Quality creative food with friendly efficient staff. The cheese shop is fantastic as well!!
September 2025
Amazing place. Warm and friendly. Everything we tried was delicious.
Patrons may seem quite happy. And why not? Quality food, wine-friendly morsels and a gourmet market are rarities in casual Ventura, so to find all three tucked neatly into a downtown space ? well, life just got a little better for local epicures. But chef and co-owner Kelly Briglio is no stranger to this spot. The Pantry's 2013 opening marked a full circle: a return to the location of her first Ventura restaurant, Westside Cellar. Partner Tina Thayer, who managed that restaurant, now runs the front of the house at Paradise Pantry. The duo puts a laid-back spin on an otherwise gourmet experience. A weekly mac ?n' cheese special opens the door for chef Briglio to expand upon her robust, Parmesan-crusted, three-cheese version of the comfort food classic. Soups are made in-house daily and may feature fresh fish in a spicy broth of wine, saffron and tomato. A panini-style Italian sandwich combines truffle cheese, speck and arugula. Meat samplers, pickle plates, artisan cheeses and pâtés --- from smoked salmon with capers and roasted shallots to duck and pork with orange --- add immeasurably to the wine-tasting experience. And if you find one you like, you can pick up a bottle in the adjacent wine shop.
