18412 Pacific Coast Highway, CA 90265
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Best for: an indulgent weekend brunch.
Known for high-quality cuts of meat, Mastro’s is where you can enjoy a juicy New York strip steak or Wagyu sweet potato hash with your eggs at brunch – all with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The red king crab omelette or Belgium waffle with matcha cream are also top orders, alongside decadent signatures, like lobster mac-n-cheese and butter cake.
mastrosrestaurants.com
Lucky’s
Best for: a post-retail therapy martini with friends.
Located in Cross Creek village, next to some of Malibu’s best local shops, Lucky’s is where to meet your friends after some retail therapy for a martini, giant shrimp cocktail, sliced steak salad, and burger with skinny onion rings. It’s also a great date night option for splitting a juicy Porterhouse with truffle butter or cognac peppercorn sauce.
luckys-steakhouse.com
385 Cross Creek Rd, CA 90265
327 Latigo Canyon Rd, CA 90265
The Ranch Club at Calamigos
Best for: making a staycation of it.
Up in the hills, this chic ranch’s new flagship restaurant serves comfort fare, like braised lamb tagine and red carrot curry for dinner. It also makes an eponymous wine (from chardonnay to cabernet), so if you imbibe too much, just check into a newly refurbished bungalow room (or become a member of the private club to ensure your return).
calamigosguestranch.com
Nobu Malibu
Best for: sushi with a sunset view.
Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa has become a global household name, and his prime West Coast sushi spot has an ambling large wooden terrace over the ocean for savouring spicy tuna with crispy rice or the iconic miso cod. Private rooms hold family events where you’ll most likely spot a celebrity. Too many sake pairings? Check into Nobu Ryokan next door.
noburestaurants.com
22706 Pacific Coast Highway, CA 90265
22716 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Little Beach House
Best for: cultural events and all-day grazing.
As part of the Soho House private members’ clubs, this is where you’ll catch a celebrity performance (like a recent one from Rufus Wainright) after grazing all day on mezze such as hummus ‘lemonato’, spicy feta, slow baked eggplant, and BBQ octopus. And why not add caviar service or plan a visit to ‘Feast’ – a Sunday buffet-style brunch?
sohohouse.com
Carbon Beach Club
Best for: a post-lunch stroll down the pier.
Malibu Beach Inn is a boutique hotel right near the iconic pier with a great indoor-outdoor restaurant where every seat has on ocean view. Ingredients are locally sourced from One Gun Ranch and the resident farmers’ markets. Expect some of the freshest lobster rolls, seafood towers, paella, whole branzino la plancha for two, and regular guest wine maker dinners.
malibubeachinn.com
22878 Pacific Coast Highway, CA 90265
27400 Pacific Coast Highway, CA 90265
Geoffrey’s Malibu
Best for: lobster salad on a bluff.
This classic patio restaurant on a bluff surrounded by crashing waves has been a staple for 30 years. By day, the lobster salad is a top order. By night, the tree lights twinkle, table candles flicker, and the fire pit casts a warm glow on guests. The vibe is romantic while you nibble on surf n’ turf or herb-crusted salmon.
geoffreysmalibu.com
La Nena Cantina
Best for: modern Mexican fare
Surfers and locals pour into this lively and chic Point Dume modern Mexican cantina awash in white tones with colourful wall murals for an array of ceviche and gourmet tacos – from lobster and shrimp to chicken mole and pork belly. The tequila and mezcal drinks are well-crafted and hit just right after a day out in the sun and sand.
lanenacantina.com
