Tres Hermanas

located in the heart of downtown ojai

We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

“New Mexico's food and culture is truly special. There's nothing like it. The mix of Spanish and Mexican and Indigenous heritages are felt in everything that happens here - art, food, business, education, weather, events. It's why most of us choose to live here. It's hard to describe. If you have been here and spent time here, you know that it's hard to put your finger on why it's so unique.”

At Tres Hermanas Ojai, we offer quality food and delicious cocktails inspired by the enchanting state of New Mexico, served with the laid back, warm hospitality that is at the core of the Ojai Valley.

We draw our inspiration from the diverse Land of Enchantment, a place with beautiful desert landscapes, staggering mountains, and the most magical sunsets that are home to a cuisine that honors the mix of European American, Native American, and Mexican heritage.

Our chiles, sourced from a farm along the Rio Grande in operation since the late 1800s, are slow roasted to perfection, showcasing the rich and fertile soil they were grown in.

Located in beautiful

ojai, ca.

Red or Green?

New Mexico was the first to adopt a state question: red or green? The question refers to the New Mexican chile which has become the states icon, a staple in New Mexican food and culture.

Chiles have been growing in New Mexico for at least 400 years. They were first introduced in 1598 when the conquistadors brought crops from Mexico, including chiles, that had never been grown in the region before. Over time, the tribes that inhabited the region adopted these new crops and made them an essential part of their diets.

New Mexican chiles aren’t like any other chile you’ll taste. Similar to grapes, the terroir of New Mexico’s high altitude, desert climate, and rocky soil gives each chile its own unique flavor.

The green New Mexican chiles are roasted to perfection and the red chilis are dried at their richest flavor, and both are used to create green and red sauce, stews and more. The sauces are a delicious addition to every dish, and if you are craving both, the combination of red and green is known as “Christmas”. Our chiless are from the New Mexican Connection, owned by Ron and Pilar, and are harvested from a family owned farm on the Rio Grande River.

The Three Sisters

When visiting New Mexico, you will see the influence of the “Three Sisters” almost everywhere you go. From the name of a trio of mountains, to organizations, to items on many menus, New Mexico continues to honor the Indigenous North American practice of companion planting corn, beans and squash. Grown in harmony, they help one another by creating a fertile soil that resists damage from diseases and insects that would normally consume and destroy them.

The corn stalks provide a pole for the beans to wrap themselves around and help to stabilize the corn in wind. Beans provide nitrogen to fertilize the soil while the squash leaves provide shade, help the soil retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and discourages insects from invading.

When eaten together, corn, beans and squash are a complete and balanced meal: Corn provides carbohydrates, beans are a rich source of protein and fiber, Squash provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals. The trio is not only nutritious, but delicious.

These three sisters are very close – stronger together than apart, and it is our privilege to honor them.

Ojai

The name Ojai is derived from a Chumash word ‘awha’y, meaning moon. ‘Awha’y was the name of a Chumash village that was located in the Upper Ojai Valley. It is believed that the Chumash people inhabited the region over 11,000 years ago.

In the 1700-1800s, Spanish Franciscan fathers established 21 missions in California, forever changing the land that was once home to many. Over time, the influence of many people who either visited or lived in the valley created the place we all know and love today, with prominent names such as Tico, Nordhoff, and Libbey leaving their stamps on streets, parks and schools. You continue to see the influence of Chumash people who called this valley home, with names such as the Topa Topa mountains, Chief Peak, Matilija creek and canyon, Sespe creek, and more. Although the land was permanently changed, Tres Hermanas seeks to fuse local Indigenous foods into the menu in honor of Ojai’s Indigenous population.

Today, the people of Ojai cherish the small-town community and energy. In Ojai, there is the general authenticity and comradery of locals and those who choose to make Ojai their home. Together, we strive to ensure our valley continues to be a beautiful place, protecting the sacred lands of those who came before us, and a safe and nurturing home to many.