Our Ultimate Guide to the Malibu Dining Scene
Welcome to our ultimate guide to dining at Malibu beach restaurants! The Los Angeles area has no shortage of amazing, diverse cuisine. The city has nearly everything a foodie could ask for—but it doesn’t have the views or beachside ambiance of Malibu. In fact, Malibu is renowned for its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle. But did you know it also boasts a vibrant dining scene? While only a short distance from LA, something about driving the coastal highway on the way to a great meal feels especially luxurious (and appetizing!)
Whether you're a local or a traveler exploring this sun-kissed paradise, this guide will help you discover the best oceanside dining experiences Malibu has to offer. Get ready to savor delicious cuisine while soaking in breathtaking ocean views, as we embark on a culinary journey through Malibu's most enchanting restaurants with a view.
Malibu Farm
Credit: The Malibu FarmYou won’t find a better restaurant photo op than Malibu Farm. Located directly on the Malibu Pier, this restaurant offers panoramic views of Surfrider Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Park. The Malibu Farm Restaurant offers a full bar and specialty cocktails like the yuzu melon, served chilled with honeydew-infused vodka, shiso agave, yuzu, and lime juice. Serving healthy dishes made from fresh organic ingredients that are locally grown, Malibu Farm offers meals with an eye for sustainability and alternative diets. Their cauliflower crust pizza made with almond flour comes with a pesto spread and is topped with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. The café is located at the far end of the pier and offers counter service for some of their best teas and lattes, including a dirty chai latte, matcha tea latte, and coconut chamomile. Want to live nearby? Browse our Malibu luxury listings.
Paradise Cove Beach Café
Credit: Paradise Cove Beach CaféExperience why Southern California is unlike anywhere else at Paradise Cove Beach Café. Feel the cool breeze of the Pacific Ocean by grabbing a table on the patio or directly on the beach. The restaurant offers a variety of great seafood options, from calamari to lobster. Choose from sandwich selections like a grilled Cubano and a fresh, wild-caught swordfish sandwich. Paradise Cove Beach Café is well-known for its unique selection of cocktails including a watermelon daiquiri served chilled with rum, vodka, blue agave nectar, muddled inside a whole watermelon.
More than great dining! Discover The Best Malibu Beaches to Call Home.
Duke’s Malibu
Credit: OpenTableGet a taste of the Hawaiian culture and cuisine at Duke’s Malibu. Named after surf legend Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s Malibu offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a menu to match. The restaurant is known for serving Waikiki Classics and Hawaiian fares like Kalua Pork and Cabbage, and Hulu Chicken, as well as the Kona-Crusted New York Strip Steak. Reserve a table on a Thursday evening and get a taste of the Aloha spirit from Duke’s surf and turf menu. Options include steak and lobster, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Steak and Crab, and Sea Salt Crusted New York. Pair either entrée with a featured wine like the St. Supery or the Stolpman “Love You Bunches.” Duke’s Malibu is open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Mondays, 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday to Friday, and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Geoffrey’s Malibu
Credit: Geoffrey’s MalibuGeoffrey’s Malibu offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. You’ll have an ocean-side dining experience complemented by magnificent waterfalls and tropical plants, all while enjoying Mediterranean ambiance with a Southern Californian twist. Book a table at Geoffrey’s Malibu for lunch, weekend brunch, or a candlelit dinner. Their menu has a unique selection of seafood, from fried oysters to lobster and an Ahi Tuna Tartare, as well as a great selection of poultry and beef, including an eight-ounce Filet Mignon and an Oven-Roasted Organic Chicken Roulade. Reservations at Geoffrey’s Malibu can be made for special events such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other special occasions.
Learn about the architectural history of the area by reading our Architect Spotlight: Cliff May.
The Sunset Restaurant
Credit: The Sunset RestaurantLocated in the heart of Malibu on Zuma Beach, The Sunset Restaurant offers the perfect vibe for a special occasion or casual dining. Not only will you get stunning views of the Pacific, but you’ll be front-and-center as surfers catch some waves along Zuma’s famous breaks. Enjoy the crashing tide with a cocktail in hand and an entrée full of delightful seafood. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, or a memorable dinner with loved ones, you’ll get a unique experience at The Sunset Restaurant as the sun dips behind the sea and paints the skies in pink, purple, and orange.
Moonshadows Malibu
Credit: Moonshadows MalibuMoonshadows Malibu not only offers stellar service, but some of the most unforgettable sunset dining moments you’ll ever experience. Once again, this restaurant is known for its front line views of the Pacific Ocean; but moreover, Moonshadows is famous for serving world-class cuisine.
Moonshadows is an ideal choice for hosting private events like a birthday or wedding reception and delivers a top-shelf locale for corporate events. The friendly staff offers five-star customer service, and serves a wide range of cuisines, with Italian, Asian, and American fusion. Reservations at Moonshadows Malibu can be made in advance for smaller parties as well as special or business events for catering or larger parties.
Moonshadows is an ideal choice for hosting private events like a birthday or wedding reception and delivers a top-shelf locale for corporate events. The friendly staff offers five-star customer service, and serves a wide range of cuisines, with Italian, Asian, and American fusion. Reservations at Moonshadows Malibu can be made in advance for smaller parties as well as special or business events for catering or larger parties.
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As the sun sets over the Pacific and the waves serenade you, the views while dining at these Malibu establishments promise an unforgettable experience. This guide has merely scratched the surface of the culinary treasures that await you in this coastal haven. For more options, check out our list of the 11 best restaurants in Malibu, CA
So, whether you're a seasoned Malibu local or a first-time visitor, let this guide be your compass as you explore the diverse flavors and breathtaking views that define the Malibu experience. Your taste buds and your soul will thank you for this culinary adventure.
For info on what it's like to live here, explore our article on Living In Malibu.
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