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A cardboard platter of fish and chips.
Fish and chips from Neptune’s Net in Malibu.
Wonho Frank Lee

15 Sunny Restaurants to Try Around Malibu

Where to eat in LA’s premier beachside destination this summer

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Fish and chips from Neptune’s Net in Malibu.
| Wonho Frank Lee

Malibu is probably the most famous Los Angeles-area beach town, known for its billionaire residents and celebrity clientele. But the long coastline makes it accessible for everyone, from those coming in for a long beach day or someone passing through on the Pacific Coast Highway up to the Central Coast and beyond. Naturally, many of the restaurants take advantage of the bounty (and views) of the sea, but don’t sleep on the breakfast burritos, burgers, and inland comfort food fare from near-hidden locations in the mountains. From fried shrimp to laid-back Thai food to canyon country white tablecloth dinners featuring elk and bison, here’s where to eat around Malibu this summer.

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Neptune's Net

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Dating back to 1956, this PCH staple at the northernmost tip of Malibu is a perfect place to experience the area in its natural environment. With an eclectic mix of surfers, bikers, families and tourists, the fresh-caught seafood and crisp french fries are hard to forget.

Sabor A Malibu

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This excellent taco and burrito truck from a former executive chef who lost his job from the Woosley fire serves everyday favorites like fried fish tacos and breakfast burritos during the day. The menu extends to other beach favorites like burgers and hot dogs. Just check out the Instagram for the celebrities that try this food.

The Malibu Cafe

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The Malibu Cafe is a bit of a drive and nestled in the Santa Monica mountains at Calamigos Ranch. However, it’s totally worth it because the cafe is a blast and incredibly Instagram-worthy. With live music, games and a huge outdoor space, it’s an ideal place for a birthday or gathering. Only open from Thursday to Sunday.

Lily's Cafe & Pastries

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Considered by many Malibu locals and Pepperdine students as having the best breakfast burrito in town, Lily's offers reasonably-priced Mexican food. The spicy salsa paired with every order is a bonus, so make sure to snag two for extra topping on burritos.

Old Place

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There are few places that feel as special as the Old Place, a hideaway Western hangout known for its wood-grilled steaks and ambiance. During recent wildfires, the restaurant was threatened but thankfully not permanently affected. Amble up into the endless Malibu canyons for a taste of LA history.

Malibu Seafood

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Be prepared to be patient as the line during the weekends can get long. However, this little shack on PCH serves comforting food like fish and chips, clam chowder and other seafood options. It’s also a market, so consider buying fresh seafood to cook at home. Pick a table outdoors or grab it to go and enjoy at the beach.

Saddle Peak Lodge

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Saddle Peak Lodge is a game-lover’s paradise, the kind of place where it’s possible to sit in shade on a sizeable patio sipping deep reds and enjoying everything from summery salmon tartare and panzanella salad to rabbit, bison, elk, and two-pound bone-in tomahawk steaks.

A side shot of a sliced strip of medium rare meat.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Saddle Peak Lodge

Nobu Malibu

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Nobu is probably the most famous restaurant in Malibu, known for its ambience, service, and food from one of the world’s most famous chefs. Reservations can be hard to come by since is extremely trendy and Matsuhisa’s sashimi plates are of the saucy, over-the-top variety. Think of Nobu as the best place to drop a ton of money while ogling celebrities.

Broad Street Oyster Company

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Perhaps the most destination-worthy place in Malibu, Broad Street Oyster has a hidden location at Malibu Country Mart that serves everything from supremely fresh oysters to perhaps the best lobster roll in the city.

For LA’s most exciting new lobster roll spot: Broad Street Oyster Co.
Lobster roll and fries from Broad Street Oyster Co.
Matthew Kang

Malibu Farm Cafe

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Situated at both ends of the pier, Malibu Farm Cafe is a popular lunch spot boasting fantastic ocean views at the end of the pier. The environment is casual with counter service and beer and wine options only. Closer to the shore, Malibu Farm has a more substantial menu with cocktails and more.

Country Kitchen

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The Country Kitchen is Malibu’s homey destination for takeaway goodness, from the heralded breakfast burritos to burgers, hot sandwiches, and chili cheese fries.

Reel Inn Malibu

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A classic seaside fish grill, Reel Inn has been drawing in locals and visitors for generations. With a wide outdoor area, huge menu of fresh fish, and approachable prices, it’s a solid beach day lunch or dinner.

Mastro's Ocean Club

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At this point, this Mastro’s locations might be even more famous than its sister spot in Beverly Hills, given the pristine views of the Pacific Coast. As with other Ocean Club locations, there’s a bit more of a focus on seafood towers and fish, though steak fans will find plenty to enjoy as well. Skip the lobster mac & cheese, but be sure to get an order the tremendously rich butter cake.

Mastro’s Ocean Club sign from the parking lot.
Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu.
Elizabeth Daniels

Lucky's Malibu

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A kind of hidden local’s spot for classic steakhouse vibes, Lucky’s serves a reliable, and well-portioned array of grilled chops with all the standard accompaniments in a more tucked-away location compared to the more flashy Mastro’s Ocean Club. Expect strong martinis, attentive service, and a more family-friendly vibe.

A white table shows a filet of steak next to a sharp knife.
Steak from Lucky’s in Malibu.
Lucky’s Steakhouse

The Cafe At The Getty Villa

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Though technically in Pacific Palisades but essentially on the border between Malibu and the tony LA neighborhood, the Cafe at the Getty Villa is a reliable place to get easy California fare, sandwiches, and burgers but with one of the coolest venues in town thanks to its location inside a reproduction of a grand Roman villa built by famed art collector (and notorious cheapskate) J. Paul Getty. There’s no cost for entrance to the museum, just a reserved ticket, though parking is $20 per car.

Hand holding a pita veggie sandwich.
Veggie sandwich from the Cafe at the Getty Villa.
Matthew Kang

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Neptune's Net

Dating back to 1956, this PCH staple at the northernmost tip of Malibu is a perfect place to experience the area in its natural environment. With an eclectic mix of surfers, bikers, families and tourists, the fresh-caught seafood and crisp french fries are hard to forget.

Sabor A Malibu

This excellent taco and burrito truck from a former executive chef who lost his job from the Woosley fire serves everyday favorites like fried fish tacos and breakfast burritos during the day. The menu extends to other beach favorites like burgers and hot dogs. Just check out the Instagram for the celebrities that try this food.

The Malibu Cafe

The Malibu Cafe is a bit of a drive and nestled in the Santa Monica mountains at Calamigos Ranch. However, it’s totally worth it because the cafe is a blast and incredibly Instagram-worthy. With live music, games and a huge outdoor space, it’s an ideal place for a birthday or gathering. Only open from Thursday to Sunday.

Lily's Cafe & Pastries

Considered by many Malibu locals and Pepperdine students as having the best breakfast burrito in town, Lily's offers reasonably-priced Mexican food. The spicy salsa paired with every order is a bonus, so make sure to snag two for extra topping on burritos.

Old Place

There are few places that feel as special as the Old Place, a hideaway Western hangout known for its wood-grilled steaks and ambiance. During recent wildfires, the restaurant was threatened but thankfully not permanently affected. Amble up into the endless Malibu canyons for a taste of LA history.

Malibu Seafood

Be prepared to be patient as the line during the weekends can get long. However, this little shack on PCH serves comforting food like fish and chips, clam chowder and other seafood options. It’s also a market, so consider buying fresh seafood to cook at home. Pick a table outdoors or grab it to go and enjoy at the beach.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Saddle Peak Lodge is a game-lover’s paradise, the kind of place where it’s possible to sit in shade on a sizeable patio sipping deep reds and enjoying everything from summery salmon tartare and panzanella salad to rabbit, bison, elk, and two-pound bone-in tomahawk steaks.

A side shot of a sliced strip of medium rare meat.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Saddle Peak Lodge

Nobu Malibu

Nobu is probably the most famous restaurant in Malibu, known for its ambience, service, and food from one of the world’s most famous chefs. Reservations can be hard to come by since is extremely trendy and Matsuhisa’s sashimi plates are of the saucy, over-the-top variety. Think of Nobu as the best place to drop a ton of money while ogling celebrities.

Broad Street Oyster Company

Perhaps the most destination-worthy place in Malibu, Broad Street Oyster has a hidden location at Malibu Country Mart that serves everything from supremely fresh oysters to perhaps the best lobster roll in the city.

For LA’s most exciting new lobster roll spot: Broad Street Oyster Co.
Lobster roll and fries from Broad Street Oyster Co.
Matthew Kang

Malibu Farm Cafe

Situated at both ends of the pier, Malibu Farm Cafe is a popular lunch spot boasting fantastic ocean views at the end of the pier. The environment is casual with counter service and beer and wine options only. Closer to the shore, Malibu Farm has a more substantial menu with cocktails and more.

Country Kitchen

The Country Kitchen is Malibu’s homey destination for takeaway goodness, from the heralded breakfast burritos to burgers, hot sandwiches, and chili cheese fries.

Reel Inn Malibu

A classic seaside fish grill, Reel Inn has been drawing in locals and visitors for generations. With a wide outdoor area, huge menu of fresh fish, and approachable prices, it’s a solid beach day lunch or dinner.

Mastro's Ocean Club

At this point, this Mastro’s locations might be even more famous than its sister spot in Beverly Hills, given the pristine views of the Pacific Coast. As with other Ocean Club locations, there’s a bit more of a focus on seafood towers and fish, though steak fans will find plenty to enjoy as well. Skip the lobster mac & cheese, but be sure to get an order the tremendously rich butter cake.

Mastro’s Ocean Club sign from the parking lot.
Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu.
Elizabeth Daniels

Lucky's Malibu

A kind of hidden local’s spot for classic steakhouse vibes, Lucky’s serves a reliable, and well-portioned array of grilled chops with all the standard accompaniments in a more tucked-away location compared to the more flashy Mastro’s Ocean Club. Expect strong martinis, attentive service, and a more family-friendly vibe.

A white table shows a filet of steak next to a sharp knife.
Steak from Lucky’s in Malibu.
Lucky’s Steakhouse

The Cafe At The Getty Villa

Though technically in Pacific Palisades but essentially on the border between Malibu and the tony LA neighborhood, the Cafe at the Getty Villa is a reliable place to get easy California fare, sandwiches, and burgers but with one of the coolest venues in town thanks to its location inside a reproduction of a grand Roman villa built by famed art collector (and notorious cheapskate) J. Paul Getty. There’s no cost for entrance to the museum, just a reserved ticket, though parking is $20 per car.

Hand holding a pita veggie sandwich.
Veggie sandwich from the Cafe at the Getty Villa.
Matthew Kang

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