Wow is all that could be said by both Evan and I when we walked into the Toppers at Channel Islands, also known as Toppers by the Sea. Thundering and lightning, we ran inside to find a huge two story masterpiece with tons of windows to display the amazing view of the harbor. If you've ever eaten at Toppers Pizza Place before, you know each one is single story, has the basic benches, T.V.s, salad bar, etc. Well, Toppers by the Sea is definitely making a statement and redefining your idea of what this popular pizza place should look like. Your mouth will drop just like ours did in awe of what you walk into.

Newly renovated after being vacant for 14 years when a restaurant called the Golden Dolphin went out, Toppers by the Sea has more than enough room for many parties, no matter the size, to come for a night out or even a night of Monday night football. Like all Toppers, this place is great for families and embraces that "family night out" feel with something for everyone; arcade for the kids, sports on the T.V's for the men, and a beautiful view of the harbor for the women.

The best and most innovative thing Toppers by the Sea offers, that I've never seen anywhere, let alone another Toppers, is the awesome self service soda machine, thanks to Coca Cola. First of all, it's a touch screen for you to search which beverage you would like (there are a lot) and second, once you've selected which beverage you would like, it gives you 2-3 other options of that same drink, but with added flavors. For example, we are big Coke fans so first we selected Coke and then it gave us the final option of Orange Coke, Raspberry Coke, Coke and Lime, Vanilla Coke, or the Classic regular Coke. Of course we tried them all! I mean, how could we not?! We couldn't stop saying, "This is sooo cool!" Don't worry, you'll do the same.
The only confusing part about Toppers by the Sea is that with the classy presentation it holds, it makes you wonder whether you're supposed to dress up or dress casual? The answer is up to you. The atmosphere does give off a casual, relaxed feel that you and your family can enjoy, but you could definitely find yourself in a secluded corner for a romantic evening of harbor watching, too.

Whatever way you choose to dine, the food is always amazing! While the sandwiches are very tasty, we just can't stay away from the newly created pizza called the chipotle carnitas. Layered with freshly cut onion, huge chunks of tomato, and fresh cilantro brings out only the best in the grilled, shredded carnitas, BUT it's the chipotle sauce that brings out the carnitas' smokiness, tying everything together. (I'm drooling just thinking about it.) It's such a deal when you compare how good it is, to the price. It's one of those pizzas that not only pleases the palette, but your eyes as well.

Toppers by the Sea is the 7th Toppers to be opened in Ventura County, but it finds itself to separate from the others through presentation, innovation, and remodeling. This is hands-down not only a Toppers to check out, but pizza place in general. Be ready to come back again because once you've experienced this place, nothing else will ever seem as good.