Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust — Restaurant in Ventura

The Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust is a chic and modern cocktail bar housed in a historic building in downtown Ventura near shopping and local landmarks. Our team loved the vibe here!

Located in the Bank of Italy building, a 1924 Beaux-Arts style two-story building first used as a bank, the Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust is an Italian-influenced bar and restaurant serving up classic cocktails and drinks with sophisticated style. Head here if you’re looking for a fresh craft spin on Italian cocktails.

There’s a bit of mysticism influenced in the decor of the bar with nods to fantastical stories (looking at you Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fans!) and this magic also gets influenced into the drinks they serve. Let your cocktail cast a spell over you and order a Longbottom (contratto aperitif, gin, lime, grapefruit, tarragon, and tonic), a Gandalf the Grey-hound (vodka, grapefruit, Italian stuff, and lemon), or an Order of the Phoenix (blanco tequila, strawberry, campari, vanilla, mezcal, bitter rhubarb, and lemon).

If classic cocktails are more your speed, order a traditional Negroni or try one with a twist. Their Coffee Negroni is made with gin, bitter aperitif, Vermouth, (local) Coffee Collective cold brew, Amaro di Angostura, and cacao. The Negroni Rosado is an inventive blend of mezcal, Cocchi Rosa Aperitif, grapefruit oils, Dry Vermouth, Oaxacan rum, and gentian. You may not recognize all these ingredients, but trust us, they are...

If you want an "interesting" drink this is the place. The drinks are all $12+ I didn't ask if they could make a simple drink like jack and coke or margarita. Tried several of the drinks on the menu they are STRONG two and you feel it.

Really nice history building they kept the bar that same time period with a twist. Lots bathrooms which is how it should be in a bar. Not fan of ONE bathroom bars where there are lines. The staff should point out the extra one upstairs.

The staff was friendly kept checking in. They need try EVERYTHING on the menu in order to help the customer with suggestions. The drinks are very different most the liquor used on the drinks I never heard of and needed suggestions from staff.

The place has this 1950's vibe to it by design. I don't understand the rest. The 50s were glam it was the era of Grace Kelly, Lucille Ball. The music the uniforms the wizard on the wall just not getting that 1950s vibe that the design of the bar and building itself gives. The building was built in 1924 maybe they're going with 1930 Speakeasy vibe ??..

Anyhow ... Drinks are strong, Unique ...

Finally had the chance to visit Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust on Main Street in downtown Ventura, and it was definitely worth the wait! The historic charm of the remodeled old Bank of Italy building adds to the allure of this cocktail lounge.

The interior is cozy, with a large bar dominating one side of the lounge and smaller tables along the window on the other side. It's a bit of a first-come, first-served situation, as there's no host to seat you. However, once you find a spot, the service is friendly and prompt.

The cocktails, inspired by Italian flavors, offer a unique twist with ingredients I've never tried before. I opted for the jungle juice, which was surprisingly delicious and enjoyable. While we only stayed for drinks, the ambiance inside the building is gorgeous.

However, there were a few minor issues that didn't quite match the overall atmosphere. The seating arrangement could be improved for a more comfortable experience. Overall, Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a taste of history and unique Italian-inspired drinks in...