VIVA LA COMIDA! Enjoy international cuisines without leaving city limits.

PHOTO CREDIT AUTUMN SCHROCK; SUSHIWAY IN DOWNTOWN OXNARD

¡Viva la Comida!

Sample an array of Oxnard’s culinary delights. by Brittney Hendricks

Come ’ere and Comer: Mexican Cuisine

In Oxnard, tacos aren’t just a menu item — they’re a culinary treasure. And now taco trekkers journey to Oxnard for more than quesatacos, barbacoa plates and los vampiros. Local foodie influencer Trendi Eats has given a platform to unique menu items like birria machetes (Tacos Amatlan), red mulitas, torta titanics and birria pizzadillas (Juarez Tacos). Complete your viaje de los alimentos and say ¡Salud! with a siesta-inducing margarita or michelada.

Fishing for Compliments: Seafood

From a waterside Japanese spot to a no-frills seafood shack, sea foodies can net a freshly caught fishy fix in oceanfront Oxnard. Try decadent ceviche (El 30 Mariscos), chirashi sushi (Kabuki Japanese Restaurant) or an assortment of broth-simmered shellfish (Sea Fresh). Or, angle yourself a more straightforward dish like a lobster roll (Fisherman’s Catch), seafood boil (Ragin’ Crawfish), pan-fried cod (H.C. Seafood) or salmon burger (Kanaloa Seafood).

Breakfast Without an Alarm Clock: Brunch Spots

Make your morning eggcellent at one of these classic breakfast cafés. Celebrate the morning with Vineyard Cafe’s bottomless mimosas served daily. Try tres leches French toast at Pacific Cafe near Mullin Automotive Museum, or dine steps away from the sand at Hollywood Beach Cafe. Make yourself at home at the family-owned BG’s Cafe in Downtown Oxnard, where you can top your omelet with award-winning salsa. At Cafe Amri, sip a savory michelada as you devour the Amri Special — shredded beef, onion, tomato and jalapeno scrambled with eggs and served with beans or potatoes and tortillas.

Around the World: World Cuisines

Take a spin around the globe without leaving Oxnard’s city limits. Hop around the Asian continent with tandoori chicken, savory samosas and palak paneer (The Masala Twist) or kung pao chicken, chow mein and the Vegetable Delight (Hunan Garden Chinese Restaurant). Head to the southern hemisphere to taste the delicacies of Espírito Santo with a drink of caipirinha (Moqueca Brazilian Restaurant) or enjoy gaucho-style churrascuria at The Collection with flame-grilled meats carved tableside (Texas de Brazil). When in Rome, enjoy arancini and artisan pizzas (Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana) or homemade veal and chicken cutlets, pasta and calzones (Dominick’s Italian Restaurant).

Which Fix to Fix: Coffee and Desserts

Who doesn’t enjoy a little stimulation? Sample Mexican pastries, fusion crepes and Oaxaca-inspired coffee in a vintage five-and-dime (Xielo Artisan Desserts); bumble around with a specialty honey latte and craft gelato from 805 Creams (Honey Cup Coffeehouse & Creamery); grab a waffle stick dipped in chocolate (Don Waffly); or cool off with an ice cream–stuffed milky bun (Afters Ice Cream). Catch a train at Oxnard Transit Center with a CBD latte and French macarons (Café Dolce Vita). O

1: Sample Japanese-Mexican fusion at Sushiway in Downtown Oxnard; 2: Local foodie Raquel Bianca enjoys Trendi Eats at The 1901; 3: Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars.

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VICTOR ORTIZ

OWNER, TACOS DON CHENTE

Oxnard has rapidly become a foodie destination for visitors from all around the world. What contributes to this phenomenon is the amazing mixture of cultures here. We now have so many young entrepreneurs with great ideas who are eager to share their delicious food, from authentic traditional dishes to extraordinary fusions.

Oxnard welcomes everybody, and we support many festivals showcasing our local eateries. As soon as you drive into Oxnard, you are sure to find plenty of welcoming spots preparing signature dishes and cuisine while sharing their vibrant and unique cultures from all over the world. Even local favorites that have been in business for decades remain part of our gastronomical food scene. If you crave it, you’ll find it in Oxnard.

The Haven at Whitesails

Caribbean Haven — the beloved eatery with locations in Ventura and Thousand Oaks — is launching a third location with a gorgeous marina view in Oxnard. The Haven at Whitesails brings a whole new menu while maintaining the Island-inspired flair its sister restaurants are known for. Don’t miss the latest creations from the internationally recognized, and locally treasured Chef Hutton “Bobby” John.

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Honey Cup Coffeehouse & Creamery

You’re in for a treat. Every item on the menu is made from scratch — from pastries and breads to simple syrups and ice cream. If you’re a bit hungrier, enjoy quick breakfast and lunch options alongside your delicious LavAzza coffee.

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Yolanda’s Mexican Café

Fun and festive, YOLANDA’S is the place to go for margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine. Drop in for happy hour Monday though Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and don’t miss out on drink and appetizer specials in the bar and patio areas.

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Quincy Street Ltd.

Soak up the old-school, throwback beach vibe at QUINCY STREET. For more than 30 years, this family-owned spot on Silver Strand Beach has served mouth-watering ribs, burgers, pasta and seafood. Catch the full-service bar and prime rib special on Fridays and Saturdays. Open for dinner only; closed Tuesdays. Reservations recommended on weekends.

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The Shores Bar & Restaurant

The latest chapter of the storied SHORES BAR & RESTAURANT offers reasons to stop in each day of the week. Enjoy live music weekly, breakfast on the weekends and a daily happy hour, including all-day specials on Monday and Tuesday. Plus, the NFL Ticket and College Package ensure you won’t miss the game while you drink or dine.

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Eat, Shop, Stay & Play

The Collection at RiverPark is an open-air retail center and entertainment and dining destination in the heart of West Ventura County.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Collection’s entertainment lineup is jampacked. Enjoy livestreams and new movie releases with the Extreme Digital experience at Century RiverPark 16 & XD, or take part in one of five immersive experiences at Red Door Escape Room. From breaking out of prison to escaping an enchanted fairytale, your next adventure is just around the corner. Enjoy signature black light bowling lanes, lane-side lounge seating, and a giant arcade at the new Bowlero. Plan the perfect date night or group outing at Levity Live Comedy Club, which features amazing performances from today’s top comedians.

DINING

Check out the restaurant scene and indulge in a wide array of flavor options. Enjoy wellknown family friendly restaurants like The

Cheesecake Factory, Lazy Dog Restaurant &

Bar or Yard House. Adventurous foodies will love carefully crafted cocktails and authentic pizzas from Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana as well as perfectly aged steaks and boutique wines at Larsen’s Grill.

SHOPPING

While enjoying the California sunshine, shop an eclectic mix of major retailers like REI and The Container Store or fashion-forward brands such as H&M and Urban Outfitters.

EXPERIENCES

Experience a museum-like atmosphere with public art pieces created by nationally and internationally recognized artists. From playful fountains and benches to colorful murals, you’ll want to explore every corner of The Collection. Jam out during the free summer concerts series featuring some of the best tribute bands in the country and a ton of other unforgettable experiences!

WELLNESS

Recharge your personal battery by heading to one of the many wellness salons, at The Collection such as LaserAway or Salons by JC. At The Barber Shop, you’ll find a hand-filled penny floor and vintage wooden barber chairs that date back to the early 1890s, plus local barbers and stylists offering unique and signature services.

THE ANNEX FOOD HALL

The Annex Food Hall is the first food hall in Ventura County and a vibrant part of The Collection. This community-minded marketplace is a foodie’s dream, featuring an eclectic array of eateries serving up global, cutting-edge cuisine. Hand-painted murals and other works of art create a fun and lively atmosphere. With this much character and unparalleled cuisine, The Annex Food Hall is a delight for all your senses.

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