"A live-fire California room from two sisters on Ojai Avenue — a Channel Island seafood tower and broiled oysters make it the valley's best dinner out."
About Rory's Place
Rory's Place sits at 139 E Ojai Avenue in downtown Ojai, a live-fire California cooking room from sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe that quickly became the valley's destination dinner. It anchors part of our Ojai guide as Ojai's most exciting modern table.
The sisters grew up in their mother's Santa Monica bakery and have cooked together ever since; chef Meave McAuliffe brings time at Gjelina in Venice and Saltwater Oyster Depot in Marin. The restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is built around live fire, a raw bar and the produce, seafood and livestock of Ojai, Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands. The signature seafood tower — oysters, prawns, mussels, crab and Santa Barbara uni — is the centrepiece, with broiled oysters in fermented chili butter close behind.
The half roast chicken topped with blackberries, wood-fired zucchini, Japanese sweet potato and a changing herb salad round out a menu that shifts with the season, all poured against a selected natural-wine list.
The Room
The room is stylish but warm — a lively, welcoming space with a provisions counter up front and a buzz that builds through the evening. Service is widely praised, and the changing menu keeps regulars coming back.
It opens for dinner from 5pm and closes Tuesdays; booking ahead is strongly advised given its popularity.
Not for
Not for a quick, cheap bite or a quiet, formal hush — it is a lively, of-the-moment fire-and-seafood room where the menu changes and tables are in demand.
Frequently Asked
What is Rory's Place known for?
Live-fire California cooking and a raw bar. The signature Channel Island seafood tower, broiled oysters in fermented chili butter and a half roast chicken with blackberries headline a seasonal, natural-wine-led menu.
Who runs Rory's Place?
Sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe; chef Meave previously cooked at Gjelina in Venice and Saltwater Oyster Depot in Marin County.
Where is Rory's Place?
At 139 E Ojai Avenue in downtown Ojai, California.
How much does it cost?
It sits in the upper-moderate $$$ band; the seafood tower runs $80 or $145, with most plates $15-40 and a typical dinner for two around $120-180.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes — it is popular and booking ahead is strongly advised. It serves dinner from 5pm and is closed Tuesdays.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Rory's Place
Booking ahead is strongly advised; dinner from 5pm, closed Tuesdays. Find it at 139 E Ojai Avenue in downtown Ojai.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address139 E Ojai Ave, Ojai
NeighbourhoodDowntown Ojai
CuisineLive-fire California / New American
PriceSeafood tower $80/$145; most plates $15-40; about $120-180 for two
RecognitionMichelin Guide listed
HoursDinner from 5pm; closed Tuesdays
ReservationBooking strongly advised
