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A Handy Guide to Dining in Malibu

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2008_10_hasmaps.jpgSometimes it's hard to believe that Malibu, the 21-mile stretch of almost pure coastline north of Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades, is part of Los Angeles county. Less than an hour-long drive from central LA, it makes an ideal day or weekend getaway. Whether you're looking for sun or surf, eventually you'll need to eat. Just in time for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, find below a handy guide on where to dine in Malibu.


· All Malibu Coverage [~ELA~]

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Malibu Farm Cafe

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Located on the end of the dock, find this nautically dressed organic cafe and wine bar. It's ideal for weekend brunch, and open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Monday.

Nikita Malibu

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Next door to Nobu Malibu, Nikita offers the same views and similar deckside dining area, but with Mediterranean fare in place of the sushi. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Nobu Malibu

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Now that Nobu Malibu is located right on the beach, chef Nobu Matsuhisa's fusion sushi is more relevant than ever. The deck offers a setting appropriate both for the ultimate seaside power lunch, and a romantic sunset dinner.

Café Habana

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Though the food doesn't quite capture the flavors of Cuba, the atmosphere inside this bi-coastal chain make it an ideal spot for casual eats. Happy Hour drinks live up to expectations. It is conveniently located in close proximity to both the ocean and classy shops.

Gladstones Malibu

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For a casual, family-friendly lunch or dinner, Gladstone's has long been the go-to option in Malibu. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

Neptune's Net

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This casual seaside shack has been serving solid seafood options for over fifty years. It's also been popular in the movies, having recently served as a set in People Like Us, and Iron Man 3.

Malibu Seafood

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Catch more than the fish of the day at this slice of the California coast. It's a fish market and cafe where you can pick out your filet, and they'll prepare it to order with just a simple squeeze of lemon.

Reel Inn

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This is Malibu's other fish market cafe; it's been in continuous operation since 1947. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., find the freshest catches listed on the ever-changing chalkboard list.

Geoffrey's Restaurant

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Since 1948, Geoffrey's has served a crowd of famous faces. The elegant California cuisine is offset by the coast's casual breezes. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner; weekend and dinner brunch.

Malibu Pier Restaurant & Bar

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This newly opened spot is cheffed by Jason Fullilove, a Patina Group alum. He's using a deft touch on a variety of sustainable seafood. The indoor/outdoor dining room and bar scream for a platter of ice cold oysters.

Taverna Tony

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A favorite among Malibu's celebrity population, Tony's serves traditional Greek fare for lunch and dinner seven days a week. The sun dappled patio offers a nice respite from summer's heat.

Mr Chow - Malibu

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The Malibu Country Mart's sole Chinese offering is this branch of Mr. Chow. The Bejing-style menu is enhanced by a white marble and warm wood decor. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday.

Kaishin Malibu

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For those looking for something more casual than Mr. Chow, Kaishin offers Chinese cuisine with a lighter touch - and, the dining room isn't as much of a scene. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Lily's Cafe & Pastries

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The burritos are popular with the local student population (Pepperdine is just up the way). Word to the wise: call your order in ahead.

Saddle Peak Lodge

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Technically located in Calabasas, Saddle Peak Lodge is famous for its way with wild game, but the shady patio is just as much of a draw these days. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and for brunch on Sundays.

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Malibu Farm Cafe

Located on the end of the dock, find this nautically dressed organic cafe and wine bar. It's ideal for weekend brunch, and open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Monday.

Nikita Malibu

Next door to Nobu Malibu, Nikita offers the same views and similar deckside dining area, but with Mediterranean fare in place of the sushi. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Nobu Malibu

Now that Nobu Malibu is located right on the beach, chef Nobu Matsuhisa's fusion sushi is more relevant than ever. The deck offers a setting appropriate both for the ultimate seaside power lunch, and a romantic sunset dinner.

Café Habana

Though the food doesn't quite capture the flavors of Cuba, the atmosphere inside this bi-coastal chain make it an ideal spot for casual eats. Happy Hour drinks live up to expectations. It is conveniently located in close proximity to both the ocean and classy shops.

Gladstones Malibu

For a casual, family-friendly lunch or dinner, Gladstone's has long been the go-to option in Malibu. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

Neptune's Net

This casual seaside shack has been serving solid seafood options for over fifty years. It's also been popular in the movies, having recently served as a set in People Like Us, and Iron Man 3.

Malibu Seafood

Catch more than the fish of the day at this slice of the California coast. It's a fish market and cafe where you can pick out your filet, and they'll prepare it to order with just a simple squeeze of lemon.

Reel Inn

This is Malibu's other fish market cafe; it's been in continuous operation since 1947. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., find the freshest catches listed on the ever-changing chalkboard list.

Geoffrey's Restaurant

Since 1948, Geoffrey's has served a crowd of famous faces. The elegant California cuisine is offset by the coast's casual breezes. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner; weekend and dinner brunch.

Malibu Pier Restaurant & Bar

This newly opened spot is cheffed by Jason Fullilove, a Patina Group alum. He's using a deft touch on a variety of sustainable seafood. The indoor/outdoor dining room and bar scream for a platter of ice cold oysters.

Taverna Tony

A favorite among Malibu's celebrity population, Tony's serves traditional Greek fare for lunch and dinner seven days a week. The sun dappled patio offers a nice respite from summer's heat.

Mr Chow - Malibu

The Malibu Country Mart's sole Chinese offering is this branch of Mr. Chow. The Bejing-style menu is enhanced by a white marble and warm wood decor. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday.

Kaishin Malibu

For those looking for something more casual than Mr. Chow, Kaishin offers Chinese cuisine with a lighter touch - and, the dining room isn't as much of a scene. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Lily's Cafe & Pastries

The burritos are popular with the local student population (Pepperdine is just up the way). Word to the wise: call your order in ahead.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Technically located in Calabasas, Saddle Peak Lodge is famous for its way with wild game, but the shady patio is just as much of a draw these days. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and for brunch on Sundays.

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