Chris Bakes — Restaurant in Ojai

Exquisite dinner, charming patio dining! Last night my husband and I ventured into the Meiners Oaks area and stopped in at Meiners Heritage Table for a early Friday night dinner. We were hoping for a nice evening after a hectic week, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant has a charming outdoor patio dining area and an inviting indoor bar area nicely decorated for the start of fall. Our server Julianne was friendly and attentive. She introduced the Fall Menu and had perfect timing for drinks, appetizers and the main course. My husband enjoyed the Passion Fruit Margarita and I had the house Chardonnay – we recommend both. For appetizers we ordered and highly recommend The Cinderella Pumpkin Bruschetta. It was beautifully plated and very tasty all around, including delicious toasted rustic bread. For the main course, my husband had the pork chop with crabapple and cherry chutney and a perfect sweet potato puree. I enjoyed the Persimmon Fennel salad that had amazing flavors. The portions were large, could easily split a salad if so inclined. I want to mention too the music on the patio by Drea Von Allen was a nice treat. She is a talented artist! Meiners Heritage Table offers delectable food in a comfortable and inviting setting. Excellent drinks, food and ambiance. I highly recommend MHT for a quick appetizer or for a fine...

As an Ojai local, finding a place like Chris Bakes is a real treat. You'll definitely want to go on a Wednesday night, because that's when Chef Andre, who is from Germany, makes a truly authentic German Schnitzel meal. It's the real deal—frankly, something I wouldn't expect to find anywhere else, let alone here in town.

​But it's not just about the Schnitzel. The owner, Chris, creates pastries that you just won't find anywhere else. (He makes a homemade gourmet pop-tart that you just have to try.) I've also been for their Sunday breakfast, and the waffles are absolutely fantastic.

​And on top of the great food, the operation itself is excellent. Every single time I've eaten there, the wait staff has been incredibly attentive and warm. You can tell they've built a great team.

​This place is a true gem. We're lucky to have...

Grade A quality is the going theme here! Everything is fresh and farm to table, with perfectly sized portions that are elegantly presented. Chef Noah is a culinary master, with a versatile range of dishes for each season. I had the Cornish hen with peaches, goat cheese over arugula and pancetta that was to die for, as was the wedge salad to start and the farm fresh strawberry pie to end the fabulous meal. The crust of the pie definitely had that made-by-a-pastry chef flavor and texture. Oh, and I won’t to forget to mention the incredibly reasonable prices for the supreme quality of food. I...