A short but ambitious chapter in Ojai’s culinary history has come to an end with the permanent closure of The Rochers at the Ranch House. The fine dining establishment, which operated out of the legendary 102 Besant Road property, officially shuttered its doors on January 10, 2026. The closure follows a brief five month run that began with high expectations and a deep commitment to preserving the garden estate's storied legacy.
Challenges of Maintaining High Standards
In a heartfelt statement posted to the restaurant’s website, husband and wife owners Perfecte and Alia Rocher explained that the decision was made with heavy hearts. As a family run business, they faced significant challenges in maintaining the level of care and intention that they believed the historic space required. The couple noted that continuing to steward the 15,000 square foot property at their preferred standard would have required more resources and time than they could responsibly commit.
Before arriving in Ojai, the Rochers had earned national acclaim for their Seattle restaurant, Tarsan i Jane. They brought that same passion to the Ranch House, focusing on a refined tasting menu experience and Valencia style coca flatbreads through their casual window service, This Is Not Pizza. Despite receiving rave reviews from local diners and food critics alike, the logistical demands of managing such an expansive garden property proved to be an unsustainable hurdle for the small team.
A Legacy Spanning Seven Decades
The closure is particularly poignant given the long history of the property. The Ranch House was founded in the late 1940s by Alan and Helen Hooker, who originally opened it as a vegetarian boarding home. By 1950, it had become a licensed restaurant and eventually grew into a world renowned destination. Famous for its lush gardens and a wine program that was among the best in the country, the Ranch House hosted everyone from Paul Newman and Barbra Streisand to Julia Child.
The Rochers had spent months restoring the gardens, adding hundreds of new plants and preserving the artistic touches left by local legends like Beatrice Wood. While this specific incarnation of the restaurant has ended, the owners expressed deep gratitude to their staff and the community that embraced them during their tenure. They also shared a glimmer of hope for the future, stating that they look forward to welcoming guests again in a different place and at a another time.