Ojai Rotie adjacent — Olivella Steakhouse

I had been meaning to get to Ojai Rotie adjacent — Olivella Steakhouse for years. I will not wait that long again.

The room is exactly what you want it to be: patio under the Topa Topas. We were seated near the back, given menus we hardly needed, and brought a small bowl of olives without being asked.

We started with a wedge of iceberg with blue cheese, which set the tone — generous, unfussy, and confident enough not to crowd what was coming. With it we ordered a Burgundy that arrived too cold and rewarded patience, and were glad of both.

Then the main event: tri-tip, the dish that puts Ojai Rotie adjacent — Olivella Steakhouse on every short list. The crust was the colour of dark mahogany, and the inside was a confident, even pink the whole way through. The signature touch — Santa Maria oak-grilled, Central Coast classic — is not a gimmick; it is the reason to come.

For sides we asked for broiled tomato with a breadcrumb cap and thick-cut onion rings, stacked. Both arrived hot, both arrived early, both were exactly large enough to overdo it. We overdid it.

Dessert was crème brûlée with a proper glass crust, mostly because the waiter raised an eyebrow when we hesitated. He was right to.

If you are passing through Ojai, do not pass Ojai Rotie adjacent — Olivella Steakhouse by.