Since 1986, when Boccali's first opened its doors, four generations of the Boccali family have had a hand in building the restaurant that has become an Ojai favorite and a tradition for generations of customers' families.
With help from the family matriarch, Esther Boccali, a restauranteer in her own account, Marilyn & DeWayne Boccali began their journey in the restaurant business back in 1986. Back then Boccali's was received with a warm welcome from the Ojai community, and became a staple for many "East End" locals. Soon Marilyn & DeWayne's three children, Joe, Nick and Marde were old enough to work the registers and bus tables, and found themselves taking part in the family business as well. Joe has since gone off to answer his calling as a music educator, while Marde and Nick have taken up with assisting to manage the restaurants daily operations (a second loaction was added in Oak View in 2001). Today you will also find the next generation of Boccalis joining in on the family fun. Oftentimes you can find the grandchildren helping out at larger events, or busing tables on a weekend. Together, the Boccali family continues to create a casual, welcoming environment where families can come together to enjoy a warm, hearty meal in the beautiful scenic Ojai Valley.
Boccali’s menu is inspired by DeWayne Boccali’s love of cooking and his passion for farming. The menu features their own fresh produce during the growing season, picked daily from their Upper Ojai farm. Fresh-squeezed Boccali Ranch lemonade and orange juice are available all year long. Boccali’s customers enjoy dining “al-fresco" on the patio, or on the large oak-covered lawn area, while enjoying the scenic vistas that make the Ojai Valley so beautiful and unique. Boccali’s recipes are "Original Ojai Italian”, inspired by family recipes passed down from DeWayne’s grandfather, who journeyed to Santa Barbara, California in 1898 from Lucca, Italy.
Menu items feature robust flavors, and use the freshest ingredients available. The menu features many choices including hand- tossed pizzas with a variety of fresh toppings available, freshly prepared pasta dishes and a variety of salads. Meat and vegetarian versions of most entrees provide for a variety of tastes. Hot and cold sandwiches are served during lunch hours in addition to the regular menu items. Sandwiches are served complete with sides of green and pasta salads. Boccali’s seasonal dessert is its famous fresh home-style strawberry shortcake.
Boccali’s proudly strives to use only the finest quality ingredients, from the hand-shredded, whole-milk mozzarella cheese, to fresh sauces and dough made daily and has proudly served Ventura County for over thirty years.
