Savoring Los Olivos

A small California town with a big punch.

Los Olivos is a quiet little town where you can buy a yellow cashmere sweater at the expensive boutique next door to Los Olivos Motors, a mechanic shop that makes you feel like you just stepped onto the set of The Andy Griffith Show. Vintage jeeps and Fords are parked outside and a tiny black pug is busying himself with a tennis ball.  

We spent our days enjoying coffee, shopping, hitting the newly opened Lavender Barn at Mattei’s for spa treatments and taking long walks. 

As night fell, you could imagine the town filled with little ghosts and goblins skipping along, pillow cases in hand, yelling trick or treat at every pumpkin piled door. As the town disappeared behind us on our walk back to our Airbnb after dinner, the string lights and lanterns faded and the stars became the show. 

There is something for everyone and every budget in Los Olivos. 

Where to Coffee

Leftys • The coffee is great, the ambiance even better. If it’s warm, sit outside and enjoy your coffee. Rain or shine, enjoy the shelves of books. 

Corner House • The owner took our order and served us. It felt like we were in his kitchen and he was making us coffee and breakfast. 

Where to Eat 

The Tavern at Mattei’s • They serve food all day. Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner. Mattei’s is quite special. It’s a must visit while visiting Los Olivos. 

We had breakfast in the Wicker Room. It was a drizzly, chilly morning so we sat for a few hours after sipping coffee and catching up on work.

We sat in the bar for our afternoon snacks.

Our afternoon snack of chicharrones, jidori chicken skins with house ranch, was enjoyed on a worn sofa in front of a warm fire.

Nella Kitchen & Bar • We went once the first time we were in town and twice on this last visit. 

Start with the burrata. It comes with a small kale and cabbage salad and it is toe curling delicious. 

Try a pinsas. We had the sausage and potato and the margherita. They didn’t disappoint. For our main course, we savored every bite of the filet and the cioppino. 

We were stuffed, but it was our anniversary so they brought out the profiteroles. As desserts go they were pretty light. They are cream puffs with a chocolate sauce. I make a version of them at home (my mother-in-law’s recipe) and I would call it a tie. 

Los Olivos Wine Merchant

The first time we were in town, we sat outside, JJ had a beer and we played Rummikub. This time we had dinner. Everything was delicious, but the cobb salad with steak is one of the best I’ve ever had. 

Where to Stay

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern • If you are feeling spendy, stay at Mattei’s. As I said before, it’s an incredible property. 

Cottage Downtown Los Olivos • We chose to stay in an Airbnb that was considerably less and spend our money on shopping, wine, food and spa treatments. We have stayed in the same house twice. We love that it’s a new build, very clean, comfortable beds and the owners are very responsive. It is in town. To be clear, it is really in town, like in a parking lot in town. But it works. 

Where to Spa

The Lavender Barn at Mattei’s. It’s newly opened and wonderful. We spent a couple of hours enjoying the spa before our treatments. Sauna, steam, hot tub and a cold plunge. I’m not gonna lie, I only dipped my toes in the cold plunge. I had a hot stone massage and it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. 

Where to Have Some Wine Hipster Style

We dropped into Liquid Farm and grabbed a flight of wine. The interior design was the swoon-worthy work of Kim Salmela.

We tasted a rosé, two chardonnays and two pinot noirs. We left with a couple bottles of the Happy Canyon Rosé and the Radian Pinot Noir.

Where to Bingo

We stopped into Figueroa Mountain Brew Co. early afternoon on Wednesday so JJ could grab a beer and as we were walking out the door we spied this sign  You bet your bippy our butts were firmly planted at 5:55pm, bingo cards in hand.

We had a winner at our table (Yay Mark!) and JJ was the happy recipient of the winnings. There wasn’t an empty seat in the bar. This is clearly a popular event for the locals. We loved sharing in their local fun (especially the photo bombers below).

Where to Shop

Lou Los Olivos • This clothing boutique has quickly become one of my favorites. I forgot my bathing suit and ran in to find one on sale. She carries tons of brands I love including, Jenni Kayne. Last time I was there I found several classic pieces to add to my wardrobe. 

She is expanding and adding a second store for men’s clothing soon. I can’t wait to see it! 

Wendy Foster • This boutique is special. Likely because the owner is so lovely. I didn’t get back to snag the yellow cashmere sweater I had my eye on. Anyone want to meet me for coffee and some shopping in Los Olivos this weekend?  

First Street Leather • Come in and smell the leather is the sign that grabbed my attention. The bag in the window drew me in. This leather jacket is what I had them bag up. The red lined pockets, the cream leather stars and the perfect fit made it a must. 

Final Notes

How could I not love about a town that named a street after my oldest son?

There is so much to love about Los Olivos but one of my most favorite things is that we met the owners of so many restaurants and shops. They didn’t know I was going to write this, or share their establishment, we were just guests paying for what they had to offer. Each one of them stood and chatted with us for quite some time either telling or listening to stories. They love what they do and it showed and it made you want to come back for more.

One word of caution. Los Olivos is extra sleepy Monday through Wednesday. While some things are open on those days, a lot aren’t. Double check before you book.

Have any questions about Los Olivos? Ask me in the comments and I will get back to you!