Nocciola

Nocciola Restaurant Review:

Ojai is no stranger to small, creative restaurants, and Nocciola advances artisanal plates with grace and flavor. Using organic produce and humanely raised meat and fish, your conscience can be clear while you enjoy a meal. There is indoor seating in this residence turned restaurant; however, the outdoor covered deck with its views to the Topa Topa Mountains and nearby trees evokes the feel of dining in a treehouse. Start with the carpaccio of thinly sliced lamb topped with celery and Piave cheese. Soups rotate daily, and you’ll hopefully see the carrot and ginger with toasted scallop. The menu is small but fun, from house-made pasta like gnocchi with rabbit and porcini ragù, to garganelli with lobster, and the savory pappardelle and wild boar meat. Desserts include white chocolate mousse, and a carpaccio of pineapple and coconut cream. To drink, there is a strong international wine list and traditional Italian grappa.