Nikita's Pricey, But The Views and Drinks Make Up For It

Nikita hit last July Malibu's "Billionaire's Beach," courtesy of one Larry Ellison (who named the restaurant after his Ukrainian girlfriend Nikita Kahn), along with Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Blasone, Karl Kessab, and barman Greg Seider. The rather gorgeous restaurant along the coast is certainly a new player in the burgeoning Malibu scene, though the price point makes it less than attainable for the average diner. Still, the response from critics, Yelpers, and bloggers has been on the positive side overall despite steep prices.

The Good Explanation News: "What i appreciated was that they explained everything as they brought it to you, told you what was inside if it was something stuffed and all the ingredients that came on the dish. I loved it. My favorite was the crab puff, it was fried perfectly and was sooooooo good. The upstairs area also had tables for dining that overlooked the ocean as well. It was so beautiful in here." [Yelp]

The Fresh and Delectable Beyond Words News: "The cuisine is Mediterranean/Italian, serving mostly fish and pastas – each dish is presented beautifully, so fresh and delectable beyond words...I don't think college students will make it a hangout any time soon, the prices are high and the portions are minuscule. Gone are the days of sipping a cappuccino overlooking the ocean, while reviewing for finals. We all knew Malibu couldn't stay perfect forever." [Moda Foodies]

The Plush Fleece Blankets and Excellent View News: "Amazing view. Amazing service ( I told them I was cold and they brought me a plush fleece blanket). Really really good food and drinks. This place is a little on the pricey side but the view totally makes up for it." [Yelp]

The Crashing Waves News: "Views don't get any better than this. Steps from the Pacific, this alfresco eatery sits perched over sand and crashing waves, a stone's throw from Surfrider and the Malibu pier. With a vista like this, who cares what's on the menu? (Mediterranean, if you're asking)" [TimeOut]

The Segway of the Menu News: "Branzino in salt crust, wilted kale, vegetable ratatouille. Brazino just might be the most overhyped dish in the history of overhyped dishes. It's the Segway of the menu. You want to love it but…every Med/Italian menu has one and how often do you order it and then wonder why? Every time." [Feed the Monster]

The Lobster Medallions News: "Atmosphere is hands down the best. We were on the rail outside, they have many of the pyramid heaters (beautiful but not that efficient) and even have blankets if you get really chilly. Starter bread they give you was great and I love that they give individual evoo/vinegar plates. Green salad, shrimp carpaccio and lobster medalions were "meh". Of the three the lobster was the tastiest. Our group had two pastas, sea bass and filet. Pastas were boring and served in small white bowl (no presentation whatsoever), sea bass was tasty and filet was decent. Nothing earth shattering over there. Go for cocktails in an amazing setting" [Chowhound]

The Gazillionnaire Grub News: "Really, though, the most appropriate culinary description may just be Gazillionaire Grub: very small portions of very well-executed dishes at very high prices. (An itsy-bitsy $25 "lobster salad," available only at the bar, consisted of two claws and several pieces of endive and frisee, all resting atop a smear of avocado puree.)" [Hollywood Reporter]
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