Overview

When a restaurant is literally inside a wine shop, you know you’re in for a treat. The Cave, part of Ventura Wine Co., is one of those places that might not stand out from the outside, but step in, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a warm, inviting space where great food and wine come together effortlessly.

Opened in 2008, The Cave was designed as a bridge between the casual wine drinker and the serious enthusiast. With 40 wines by the glass and a constantly evolving menu of delicious bites, it’s a place where you can relax, sip, and savor without any pretense. Add to that a fantastic steak and seafood selection, and you’ve got a spot that deserves its 4.5-star rating.

This visit was extra special for us—we were celebrating the birth of our granddaughter, Zelda Rey. A great reason to pop open a bottle and toast to new beginnings!

The Restaurant

The Cave doesn’t just serve food; it crafts an experience. Nestled inside Ventura Wine Company’s retail shop, the restaurant offers a cozy, intimate setting that feels worlds away from the industrial-style shopping center in which it sits.

The concept is simple yet brilliant: You can select a bottle from the extensive retail wine collection (over 1,000 wines) and enjoy it with your meal for a modest corkage fee. The menu features a mix of small plates, hearty entrées, and fresh seafood, making it easy to find something that pairs perfectly with your chosen wine.

We were lucky enough to have Gilbert as our waiter, who guided us through the menu with enthusiasm, and Michele, the owner, stopped by to check in—a nice personal touch that made the night even more enjoyable.

The Wine Store

Ventura Wine Company is a wine-lover’s paradise. This isn’t your typical overpriced, fancy wine shop—it’s a 3,000-square-foot showroom filled with a well-curated selection of wines at competitive prices. The focus is largely on California and American wines, but you’ll also find fantastic options from France, Italy, Spain, and beyond.

For our meal, we enjoyed the Meia Cab Franc, a wine that perfectly complemented our dinner with its deep, rich flavors.

Ambiance

Casual chic is the best way to describe The Cave. It’s relaxed enough for a laid-back dinner but stylish enough to feel special. Dim lighting, warm tones, and a unique layout that includes the main dining area and the private Barrel Room make it a cozy yet refined place to dine.

Speaking of the Barrel Room—if you’re planning a special gathering, this private dining space is worth considering. It’s got that intimate, wine-country feel and can be reserved for private parties, meetings, or large group dinners.

What We Ate

We kicked off our meal with the Cave Salad, a vibrant mix of baby greens, romaine hearts, grapes, Granny Smith apples, chopped walnuts, and shaved red onion, all tied together with a honey balsamic vinaigrette. The sweet-tangy balance was spot-on, and the gorgonzola added just the right amount of creamy sharpness.

For our entrées, we went all in on comfort food:

• Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs – Tender, fall-apart beef served over creamy mashed potatoes with baby carrots and cipollini onions in a rich red wine sauce. It was the definition of a cozy, satisfying dish.
• Eggplant Parmesan – A beautifully crisp, panko-crusted eggplant layered with tomato, mozzarella, and parmesan, served alongside tomato spaghettini and asparagus. It was hearty, cheesy, and deliciously indulgent.

Each bite was a perfect match for our Cab Franc, and we left nothing but clean plates behind.

Corkage Fee

The Cave makes it easy for wine lovers to enjoy their favorite bottles without breaking the bank. If you purchase a bottle from their retail shop, the corkage fee is just $15—practically unheard of for a restaurant with this level of quality. If you bring your own bottle from home, the corkage fee is $20, which is still quite reasonable.

Given the extensive wine selection right next door, it’s worth exploring the shop before settling in for dinner.

Conclusion

The Cave isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by the warmth of good food, great wine, and a welcoming atmosphere. The concept of pairing an extensive wine selection with high-quality steak and seafood makes this a must-visit spot for anyone in Ventura.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion (like the birth of a grandchild!) or just looking for a memorable night out, The Cave delivers. We’ll definitely be back, and if you find yourself in Ventura, you should absolutely add this to your list.