Airports, with their consistent hustle and bustle, have always served us as a gateway to far-off destinations. For generations, we have unintentionally included these hubs of travel in the most intimate of life’s moments, from birthdays and holidays to somber farewells and joyful reunions. At the Camarillo Airport, a general aviation airport, the Waypoint Café has always embodied this welcoming spirit. It has served all travelers as a space to stretch their legs, build memories, and find a moment of refuge on their journey. Intentional or not, it has become the cornerstone of this community, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether you’re stopping in to watch the planes take off, setting off to visit loved ones, or visiting for your dream Camarillo vacation, Waypoint Café promises to offer comfort, community, and delicious fare.
A Little Local Lore
Believe it or not, before the 1950s, eating in an airport was not the norm. Air travel during the 20’s and 30’s was all about the journey and the wonder of watching these flying machines zooming down the runway. But by mid-century, the airport restaurants made it big. Fast forward to 1994 when the Waypoint Café opened its doors at the Camarillo Airport, and was quickly adopted as a social hub. Named quite cleverly after a pilot’s navigational aid, this restaurant found instant popularity among pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and hungry wanderers alike with its welcoming vibe and home-cooked meal feel.
A Menu That Soars Over Expectations
Waypoint is not your run-of-the-mill restaurant experience, so why should their food selection be any less unique? With bold flavors and comforting classics, each dish is as memorable as the views, so it’s no wonder Waypoint is well-known as one of the best restaurants in Camarillo and one of the best airport cafes in the nation.. From the best breakfast in Camarillo, CA, to an equally impressive lunch menu, there is truly something here for everyone. Of course, we recommend coming with a big appetite and trying it all!
Breakfast Flyer-Favorites
- Breakfast Burrito
- Classic Omelet
- Belgian Waffle
- Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes
Lunch Flyer-Favorites
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Tri Tip Caesar Salad
- Smokehouse BBQ Burger
- Ice Cream Milkshake (a must for breakfast too!)
Visit Camarillo Favorites!
- Fresh iced tea
- Tri Tip Sandwich (tri-tip made fresh on Wednesdays and weekends!)
- Crispy Chicken Caesar Burrito (side of ranch)
- Split the Alma Shake!
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If this is your first touchdown at the Waypoint Café, try thinking of it as a must-do on your pre or post-flight checklist, right along with making sure you have all the proper identification and grabbing your luggage. Once you’ve successfully landed a table, either indoor or outdoor, make sure to take a moment to really soak in the buzzing atmosphere around you. This local landmark is absolutely rich with history and stories just waiting to be told, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with your waiter or the off-duty pilots. If silent awe is more your speed, there’s nothing quite as peaceful as watching planes take off, which you can do right from the comfort of your seat. And of course, no visit is complete without ordering something off their beloved menu.
What to Expect
As a first-timer, you might be wondering what to expect. Well, here’s an insider secret: like any popular restaurant, you can expect long waits. But rest assured that in this case, the wait is actually worth it. Once you make it to the front to order, you will be greeted with friendly faces and quick service. Make sure to grab a seat on the outdoor patio for optimal views of incoming and outgoing flights. Of course, it can get a little noisy out there, but the incredible view alone makes it, by far, one of the best seats on the property.
Visit the Waypoint Cafe for delicious food along your journey through Camarillo. The heart of what makes this community so special can be found here. Whether you’re a traveler setting off for far-off destinations on an early flight or simply in the mood to watch some planes go by while eating good food around good people, the Waypoint Cafe is simply the place to be. Come try a bite from one of California’s most popular fly-in eateries for yourself, with amazing service, views, and food, you certainly won’t be disappointed you did!
Extending Your Layover
Of course, even though we know you’re here to eat at Waypoint Café (and honestly, who could blame you?), why stop the fun there? Neighboring the cafe, you will find the magical world of the Viewport Park, featuring miniature models of an airport, including a runway, control tower, and picnic area. Dreamed up by the brilliant minds behind the Ventura County 99s or VC99s, a nonprofit international organization of women pilots, in partnership with the Waypoint Cafe, this park is ideal for stretching your legs after your meal or killing time before you dig in.
Beyond the airport, Camarillo holds a whole world to uncover once you’ve finished your meal. For example, if you are looking to turn this pitstop into a full-on aviation-themed getaway, you are in luck. Within walking distance of the Camarillo Airport are unique attractions like the CAF SoCal Museum, Orbic Helicopters, Skyrider Ultralights, and Freedom Park.
Or perhaps you are interested in getting to know Camarillo a little better? Well, whether you decide to dive into the local art scene, wander nearby museums, golf on one of the thoughtfully designed courses, or hike along the area’s winding trails, Camarillo is sure to make the trip worth your time. And for those who prefer shopping over outdoor activity will also find plenty of that here, with areas like the bustling Camarillo Premium Outlets and the charming Camarillo Old Town.
When it’s time to rest after a long day of exploring the town, local favorites like Holiday Inn Express & Suites Camarillo or Bella Capri Inn & Suites are more than ready to welcome you with open arms. So, thinking about turning your pitstop in Camarillo into a full-on getaway? That’s one decision that is sure to land perfectly!
Visit Camarillo for a fly-in dining experience you won’t ever forget.