The Dutchess

The story

The Dutchess in Ojai: Burmese-Californian Bakery, Cafe and Dinner

The Dutchess, at 457 E. Ojai Ave. in Ojai, California, is a bakery and cafe by day and a Burmese restaurant at night. The Michelin Guide listed it as Recommended in 2026.

Saw Naing's Burmese kitchen

Executive Chef and partner Saw Naing built the restaurant around the food his Indian grandmother taught him to cook as a child in Burma. Before Ojai he led the kitchen at Tallula's and worked alongside Thomas Keller at Bouchon. He cooks only what is local and available, and most ingredients come from farmers, ranchers and fishermen within 50 miles.

Dishes on the daytime menu

The Burmese fried chicken sando uses a lemongrass buttermilk brine and Yangon hot sauce. Congee comes with garlic chili crisp, and the red lentil and rice bowl with a Burma nut mix. Weekend brunch adds a spicy chicken and scallion waffle. From 11am the Burmese bloody mixes organic vodka with heirloom tomatoes, masala spice and tamarind.

Bakery, bar and cellar

Pastry chef Kelsey Brito runs the bakery, and the case opens at 7am with breads, pies, cookies and cakes. The kitchen starts breakfast and lunch at 8am, and dinner runs daily until 9:30pm. The wine list earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025, and the bar pours cocktails and beers from nearby producers.