Welcome to

The Little Lion

Ventura’s playful take on brunch and daytime dining—a neighborhood café and bar serving up bold flavors, bottomless mimosas, espresso drinks, and a whole lot of good vibes. We’re all about high-quality ingredients, a California-twist on comfort food, and a fun-girly-pop atmosphere that feels fresh, approachable, and a little bit iconic. Whether you’re here for a latte on the go, a long brunch with friends, or one of our signature events, Little Lion is your go-to spot for flavor, energy, and community.

Open-faced sandwich with prosciutto, arugula, figs, and ricotta on a white plate, with a beverage in the background.
Person eating salad with grilled salmon and sauce, holding fork; glass of wine on table, blurred woman in background.
People toasting with various drinks over a table spread with dishes including avocado salad, toast with berries, and chicken wings.
A table setting with various dishes and drinks, including a plate of tacos, grilled chicken with vegetables, a salad with avocado, and another dish of grilled meat. Several glasses of wine and cocktails are also present. People are handing a plate and holding glasses.
Table with different dishes including fried fish with fries, tacos, salad, hummus with pomegranate, roasted Brussels sprouts, and drinks.

Our Story

Hi, I’m Jade. I was born and raised in Ventura, where my story—and this restaurant’s—truly begins. I grew up with a single mom who built four successful restaurants from the ground up. Watching her grind day after day, relentless and never afraid of the hard work, taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of building something bigger than yourself.

The Little Lion is both an homage and a rebirth. The name honors my mom, a proud Leo whose tenacity shaped me, while also reflecting my own journey. As an Aquarius sun with a Leo moon, I’ve always felt the pull between two forces: individuality and connection, innovation and tradition, the desire to dream and the drive to ground those dreams. This restaurant is where those dualities meet.

For me, The Little Lion isn’t just a business—it’s a symbol of becoming. It’s about honoring where I come from, while stepping fully into who I’m meant to be. A place rooted in community, fueled by creativity, and carried by gratitude for everyone who has supported the journey.

805-620-0804

5952 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003

Monday - Thursday | 9am - 3pm

Friday | 8am - 7pm | Happy Hour | 2pm - 7pm

Saturday & Sunday | 8am - 4pm

 
🍁 LL FALL MENU DROP // DAY 3 🍁 we’re closing the week out with the ultimate cozy combo — Brown Butter Sage Tomato Soup + Croissant Grilled Cheese 🥐✨ slow-roasted tomato soup finished with brown butter, sage & cream, paired with a
🍁 LL FALL MENU DROP // DAY 2 🍁 Apple Bacon Cheddar Quesadilla crispy golden tortilla stuffed with caramelized apples & onions, white cheddar, smoky bacon, and a hint of Dijon. sweet, savory, and everything fall should taste like. 🍎 drop 3 l
🍁 LL FALL MENU DROP // DAY 1 🍁 Apple Cider Brûlée French Toast thick-cut sourdough soaked in spiced apple cider custard, brûléed sugar, topped with warm cinnamon apples & maple butter. sweet, cozy, caramelized perfect