The Dutchess

“After a long work trip, ending the day at Duchess in Ojai felt nothing short of magical. What a beautiful restaurant, the food was absolutely delicious, and the staff went above and beyond to make the experience unforgettable. Every detail was on point exactly what I needed to unwind. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great food and amazing service in a peaceful setting.”

“Honestly, this lunch meal was EXCELLENT. We got the fried chicken sando(I didn’t know fried could taste so FRESH) and cod salad, plus a lemon pistachio cake…the environment is eclectic and homey all while remaining upscale. The staff was kind and helpful too. I’d eat here every day if I could. You can tell the owners and kitchen really care about the food as an experience not just flavors fumbled together. I highly recommend stopping by for a unique and balanced meal you won’t forget.”

“The hype is real. The food is phenomenal. Get the Burmese fried chicken sandwich and add an egg! The Burmese flavors and chili flavor really compliments the chicken. I couldn't decide between the chicken sandwich or the chicken and waffles so we got the scallion waffle on the side. Really glad we did bc the waffle was savory, one of a kind. The ambiance of the patio is also really nice and relaxing. There was a beautiful flowerpot next to our table that invited a beautiful hummingbird to join us for brunch. 3 stars on service bc it took a long time to get drinks after we sat and idk if we changed waiters but ultimately we had to flag down multiple people besides our original waiter to get service. It was very busy so I imagine the wait staff are juggling multiple tables. This place also imposes a 4% "health fee" for employees. I'm always annoyed at seeing this as a separate line item, just include it into the price of the food.”

“My bff and I came here, and we had rice, spicy chicken, lentils, and a chicken burger. This restaurant has a Michelin star, and the food was outstanding. It's clean, well-organised, and roomy. The employees put forth a lot of effort, and their service is outstanding. Some of the dishes are a combination of Californian and Burmese cuisine, and I think you'll love them. Highly recommended.”

“The Dutchess in Ojai is a charming spot that offers a satisfying breakfast experience, though with a few caveats. When I visited, I ordered their breakfast plate, and I must say, the crispy potatoes were nothing short of amazing! Each bite was perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden brown, absolutely deserving of star status. The bacon was also crisp and flavorful, making for a fulfilling start to the day. My partner opted for the chicken sandwich, which was tasty but beware of the hot sauce—it packs quite a punch! The croissant served alongside was good, adding a nice touch to our meal. One of the more unusual aspects of dining at The Dutchess is the self-service model. During the week, you’re required to wait in line to order, and while the atmosphere is relaxed, it felt a bit disjointed having to serve our own water and ask for refills. This made me question the 20% tip expectation, considering we were doing much of the service ourselves. The food did take a bit longer than I anticipated to arrive, and the staff wasn't particularly attentive, requiring us to chase them down for assistance. However, the layout is pleasant, with ample seating at the bar and in the back, along with a few cozy window tables. As for drinks, the mimosa was somewhat lackluster; at $18, it felt more like a glass of juice with bubbles rather than a well-balanced mimosa. Overall, The Dutchess is a nice brunch place with delicious food and a welcoming ambiance, but it could benefit from a more streamlined service model. If you're in Ojai and craving a good meal, it's worth checking out—but perhaps manage your expectations around service. Next time I'll try a weekend and for dinner to see how it differs.”