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A customer picks up fried seafood at Neptune’s Net.
Picking up food at Neptune’s Net
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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Picking up food at Neptune’s Net
| 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 that can also be had. 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.

Added: The Old Place, Saddle Peak Lodge, the Country Kitchen, Inn of the Seventh Ray

Removed: Nicolas Eatery, Lucky’s Malibu, Cafe Habana, Ollo Malibu

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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.

The Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar

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A bit off the beaten path, The Sunset is pretty much right on the sand. With great ocean views, simple décor and upbeat ambience, its seafood dishes are just as good as its Malibu competitors. Make a reservation to ensure your table has an ocean view.

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 steak and ambiance. 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 ambiance, 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 sushi is top notch. It’s a 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 Café 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.

Inn of the Seventh Ray

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Inn of the Seventh Ray is a rustic and mythical kind of place, situated alongside a small creek in a grassy sweep of Santa Monica Mountains. Playing to Topanga’s long-standing reputation as a place of tranquility and soul replenishment, the restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options across brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Cholada Thai

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For Thai food in Malibu, family-owned Cholada is the place to go. The casual and beachy ambience makes it good place after surfing or on the way to the heart of Malibu.

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.

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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.

The Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar

A bit off the beaten path, The Sunset is pretty much right on the sand. With great ocean views, simple décor and upbeat ambience, its seafood dishes are just as good as its Malibu competitors. Make a reservation to ensure your table has an ocean view.

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 steak and ambiance. 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 ambiance, 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 sushi is top notch. It’s a 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 Café 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.

Inn of the Seventh Ray

Inn of the Seventh Ray is a rustic and mythical kind of place, situated alongside a small creek in a grassy sweep of Santa Monica Mountains. Playing to Topanga’s long-standing reputation as a place of tranquility and soul replenishment, the restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options across brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Cholada Thai

For Thai food in Malibu, family-owned Cholada is the place to go. The casual and beachy ambience makes it good place after surfing or on the way to the heart of Malibu.

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.

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