The best restaurants in Malibu

Since its days at the Malibu Country Mart, Nobu Malibu has been one of L.A.’s most quintessential seen-and-be-seen restaurants. Whether you’re looking to gawk at celebrities or just want to celebrate a special occasion, the current location on PCH offers stunning views of the water during the day—and a moody, somehow even better atmosphere at night. The pricey fusion-style Japanese cuisine may no longer be cutting-edge, but in our experience it’s still quite delicious and extremely consistent, from signatures like the yellowtail jalapeño sashimi and miso black cod to newer seasonal dishes. Beyond food and ambience, top-notch service and plenty of well-lit nooks and crannies for snagging the perfect selfie make the hassle of booking a table here worth it. Tip: While the restaurant’s technically on OpenTable, the best time slots are only available over the phone—310-317-9140—up to 30 days in advance.

A little bit coastal and a whole lot of a party, Christopher Tompkins’s former seafood pop-up is now tucked into the back corner of Malibu Village, where lines form daily just before opening with hungry day-trippers hoping to score some of the city’s best East Coast-style seafood. The casual, open-air atmosphere is the perfect setting to grab a beer and one of our favorite lobster rolls in town (available warm and buttered or chilled with a thin sheen of mayo). Sustainably farmed oysters come freshly shucked and sourced from around the globe, while heartier specials hit the grill: buttery, herbed-up razor clams; panko breadcrumb-dusted blue crab cakes; a meaty burger with shio kombu. Good luck not ordering the whole menu every visit. When a beach day’s not in the cards, you can also find Broad Street inside Downtown’s Grand Central Market and at Smorgasburg LA every Sunday.

Cruise down PCH until you see the billboard of a large, leisure-inclined lobster sporting a Hawaiian shirt and a drink in its claw—that’s when you know you’ve hit Malibu’s fried-fish motherload. This tiny seafood shack and market has been serving some of the area’s freshest fish, clams, crab and squid since 1972. The deep-fried fish and chips is the classic order here, but the grilled tuna, crab salad or steamed clams also hit the spot. Whatever your order, grab it from the window and take a seat on the expansive patio and enjoy the ocean view. Then, grab a raw fillet or a whole fish, some soft-shell crabs or shellfish from the market on your way out. (Your future self will thank you.)

If you don’t see a line of motorcycles parked out front, you’re not getting the full Neptune’s Net experience. Fortunately, this Malibu landmark, biker bar and fried-seafood destination is fun and delicious no matter who’s there—be it tourist, A- or B-lister, or an entire hoard of bikers. Make sure to secure a seat at those large wooden picnic tables on that oceanview patio, where you can take in platters of fried seafood, standard American bar fare—burgers, chili fries, hot dogs, the usual—plus tacos and nachos with a view. (Go for the seafood combo plates to get the most out of your visit.)

It’s not as though surf-capital Malibu wasn’t already full of mahalo vibes—it’s just that none of its restaurants give a nod to Hawaii quite like Duke’s. Built right on the water and sporting a surf motif (all a nod to father-of-surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku), this restaurant is breezy, fun and feels borderline tropical, with items like coconut shrimp with lilikoi chili; macadamia-crusted fish of the day; sashimi; banana-leaf–steamed seafood; and the best fish tacos in Malibu. Stop by on Tuesdays for their $14 two taco deal with a view of the waves crashing and just try to tell us you’re not having fun.

This classic seafood shack at the bottom of Topanga Canyon has been around since 1986 and boasts the sort of genuinely divey, no-frills atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find anywhere. There’s shrimp tacos, clam chowder and all kinds of cooked-to-order fresh seafood for those hoping for classic beachside fare, but even the pickiest eaters will find something on the sprawling menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, tacos and quesadillas. The large, family-friendly outdoor area and approachable prices have made it beloved by locals for decades. The fact Reel Inn is next to prime Sunday Funday destination Rosenthal Wines doesn’t hurt the restaurant’s popularity either—it’s the perfect place to tuck into a solid meal after a few rounds of wine tasting.

You can live out your Wild West fantasies in this rustic, saloon-inspired wooden restaurant where meats get roasted over an open flame and the whiskey flows like water. Daily specials such as venison or wild boar are enough to make us feel like we’re taming the mountains of Agoura Hills, while a full weekend brunch menu and modern dishes—like the upscale grilled cheese sandwich smeared with a blue-cheese aioli—remind us we’re in the 21st century.

If you’re willing to head a few miles away from Malibu into Topanga Canyon, this bucolic, wooded city escape is one of the most romantic special-occasion spots in the city. Take in the serene, creekside scene under heat lamps and twinkling stars, then start with a glass from their organic-leaning wine list. As for the food, opt for the roasted-mushroom toast with sherry tarragon cream, and then, grass-fed filet mignon with truffled mashed potatoes or a dish of black-vinegar-braised short ribs with BBQ-spiced carrots. Nostalgic Angelenos will be happy to know that it’s still veg-, vegan- and gluten-free–friendly, and has been romancing diners for nearly half a century.

Looking for a patio with a breathtaking view? This Malibu restaurant specializing in California cuisine lets you enjoy a meal right at the Pacific's edge for a sunset view that can't be beat. The unenclosed dining room makes even “indoor” views of the sea possible from every angle, and tall hedges to the side only add to this high-profile spot’s exclusive vibe. Straightforward seafood and steaks reign supreme here, though you’ll find a few deviations from the American steaks and chops by way of baked Brie in puff pastry and miso-braised tofu. 

We almost feel guilty including this spot, because it’s been a well-guarded secret amongst locals for decades. But it’s our civic duty to clue you in on some of the best Salvadoran and Mexican food just off PCH, and it’s the perfect place to grab a casual and hearty meal—for any meal. For almost 30 years, Lily’s has been a go-to spot for locals. Call ahead, because this spot can get crowded, and don’t skip the breakfast.

Ask any local where to find the best Greek food in Malibu, and the answer will always be Taverna Tony. Find a bright and rustic setting indoors and a trellised patio outdoors, setting the scene for platters of Mediterranean fare. Order whole grilled fish, a spread of house-made dips (the taramasalata is a must), rotisserie meats and bountiful pastas that magically disappear from your plate. Can’t decide? We can’t blame you. Opt for the Greek feast, which includes 15 items, so you can really get a full taste of the menu.

This upscale Malibu Country Mart steakhouse is great for people-watching, surf n’ turf and martinis. The offshoot of a Montecito steakhouse further up the coast, this restaurant’s Malibu location features a bright and airy dining room with skylights and bistro furniture. Unlike most other steakhouses in Malibu, the food here is actually good, so come right on in for shrimp cocktail, sand dabs in butter sauce and classic sides like creamed corn and potato skins with sour cream and chives.

Forget flip-flops and sunscreen—dolphin sightings are de riguer at this longtime PCH watering hole. With an outdoor lounge area lined with white beds and curtained booths that hangs right over the Pacific, you're practically within blowhole distance of the pods that swim close to shore. Catch afternoon rays at weekend brunch or laze on the sundeck at sunset or after dark, when Malibu locals turn out for margaritas and the salt air mixes with pretty young things.

While by no means as haute or innovative as some of the newer Italian restaurants spread throughout L.A., this stalwart nails simplicity: Tra di Noi is the local go-to for handmade pasta, decadent risotto (always opt for the truffle), and antipasti like beef carpaccio and stuffed zucchini blossoms. This Malibu Country Mart spot offers an extensive Italian wine list, and also features a prime patio—all the better for celeb spotting and people watching.

Organic ingredients and hyper-seasonal flavors are the name of the game at this ice cream parlor, which also serves as a coffee bar with pastries, salads and sandwiches, too. And while the quiches and croissants and lattes are a draw in and of themselves, the real reason to visit Le Cafe is the small-batch ice cream, available in cups or cones or milkshakes or macaron sandwiches and in flavors such as lemon, ginger and mint; caramelized almond and salted butter; anise; blueberry banana; and all the classics—with a number of vegan options, too.

This sweets staple serves 16 flavors of fat-free yogurt, plus regular ice cream, making pared-down sundae classics, scoops and swirls for more than 30 years. Mix and match your bases and toppings, get them in a shake or piled high in scoops on a waffle cone. When you want to satisfy your sweet tooth like a longtime local, this is where you go.