If you’re exploring this West Coast gem for the first time, you’ll definitely want to add some world class eating experiences to your Malibu itinerary.
From internationally renowned chefs serving farm fresh cuisine to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, dining in the best Malibu restaurants isn’t just about what’s on your plate — it’s about the experience!
See why many of these eateries attract A-list celebrities to their tables and why a meal at these spots will be one of the most memorable things you do during your stay in Malibu.
Check out these ten must-eat restaurants in Malibu.
1. Nobu Malibu
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- Website: noburestaurants.com
- Best for: Upscale sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese cuisine
If you have expensive taste, Nobu Malibu is the spot to satisfy your cravings. The ocean-view patio is a great location for spotting A-listers, and what can be better than saying you eat at the same places as your favorite Hollywood star?
The melt-in-your-mouth Yellowtail Jalapeño and Black Cod with Miso are just a few of the culinary specimens crafted by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Pro Tip: Make reservations well in advance because this place is always booked.
2. Duke’s Malibu
- Price: $$
- Address: 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- Website: dukesmalibu.com
- Best for: Hawaiian-inspired cuisine
The legendary Duke Kahanamoku didn’t just bring the sport of surfing from Hawaii to California. He brought along the entire Aloha spirit that you can taste right here at Duke’s Malibu.
Give yourself a taste of the island with the Mango BBQ-drenched Kalua Pork Sandwich and the tropical flavors of the Hula Huli Chicken. Come for your birthday, and they’ll treat you with a complimentary slice of their signature Hula Pie!
3. Malibu Farm Cafe
- Price: $$
- Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu Farm Malibu, CA
- Website: malibu-farm.com/malibu-pier
- Best For: Farm-to-table cuisine
Tiptoe to the end of the Malibu Pier, and you’ll step right into a world of local flavors. Malibu Farm Cafe is a counter-service venue bringing organic ingredients and local food fare right to your plate.
Watch the morning surfers during breakfast with favorites like the breakfast burrito and Swedish Pancakes. Soak up the mid-day sun with brunch specialties, including freshly-made sandwiches and vegan options.
As for dinner, head to the other end of the pier for the sister restaurant.
4. Malibu Farm Restaurant
- Price: $$
- Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu Farm Malibu, CA
- Website: malibu-farm.com/malibu-pier/
- Best For: Fresh, organic, and local dishes
Yes, both locations are named Malibu Farm, but the restaurant provides a better sit-down meal experience in which to enjoy the coastal ambiance.
The Malibu Farm Restaurant greets you right when you arrive at the pier. This location gives a view of the local fishers set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the local purveyor of farm-to-table dishes, focusing on lunch and dinner. Enjoy light-yet-filling meals like the spaghetti squash lasagna and cauliflower pizza.
5. Moonshadows
- Price: $$$
- Address: 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- Website: moonshadowsmalibu.com
- Best for: An award-winning dining experience
From the views to ocean-fresh seafood, Moonshadows checks off all of the boxes to become one of the best Malibu restaurants. It’s no surprise that the voice of the people, Yelp, recently ranked it as one of the top 100 restaurants in the US.
Sit on the open-air patio to enjoy the soundtrack of the tranquil ocean waves and a panoramic view of the glowing sunset. The dining menu is just as memorable, with the best Malibu seafood and a curated selection of California wines.
6. Lily’s Malibu
- Price: $$
- Address: 29211 Heathercliff Rd, Malibu, CA
- Website: lilysmalibu.com
- Best for: Latin American cuisine
From a small local bakery to becoming one of the best Malibu restaurants for Latin cuisine, Lily’s is a true coming-to-America success story. She brought flavors from her home in El Salvador, Mexican cuisines, and other popular dishes from the region to our Southern California beach town.
The secret behind Lily’s mouthwatering dishes is using fresh veggies sliced daily and gourmet seasonings. You’ll salivate over the carne asada plate, breakfast burritos, and fish tacos.
Pets are welcome on the outdoor patio if you brought them along to stay in our pet-friendly Malibu rentals.
Tip: Call ahead to make sure there is seating available. If not, it’s also available for takeout.
7. Geoffrey’s
- Price: $$$
- Address: 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- Website: geoffreysmalibu.com
- Best for: Ocean views
Every table in Geoffrey’s is the best seat in the house–you can dine with a view of the ocean no matter where you sit. Bookmark this spot for your romantic dinner watching the sunset or a mid-day rendezvous gazing at kite surfers.
Geoffrey’s features a menu of international dishes from Latin to Italian to Oceania. Explore a world of cuisines with the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Prime New York Steak, Australian Wagyu New York Steak, and Asian Grilled BBQ Chicken.
8. Lucky’s Malibu
- Price: $$$
- Address: 3835 Cross Creek Rd Suite #18, Malibu, CA
- Website: luckysmalibu.com
- Best for: Cooked-to-order steaks
Eating at Lucky’s tastes just as good as winning the lottery! It is located in the Malibu Country Mart and is the perfect fit for this lifestyle complex.
This modern steakhouse has some of the best meats in town. Steaks are cooked to order, so go for a medium-well New York Steak if you like a little pink in the center or medium-rare filet mignon pepper steak if you prefer your meat as juicy as possible.
8. Taverna Tony
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 23410 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA
- Website: tavernatony.com
- Best for: Authentic Greek food
Get ready to exclaim, “Opa!” with each bite from Taverna Tony. It’s one of the popular Malibu restaurants that treats its patrons to more than just a meal. Their live entertainment will make mealtime feel like a Greek celebration.
If good food is your Achilles Heel, it’ll be hard to resist authentic Greek and Mediterranean plates like the traditional lamb kleftiko and the chicken souvlaki. And for those enjoying their group trip to Malibu, keep in mind that the Greek Feast is plenty to share between two people.
Elevate your dining experience with live Greek bands featured on Thursday to Sunday and belly dancers on Fridays and Saturdays.
9. Nicolas Eatery
- Price: $$$
- Address: 22333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- Website: nicolaseatery.com
- Best for: French cuisine
Chef’s kiss! Nicolas Eatery is an example of French cooking done right. So, you can relax in sunny California while enjoying meals that remind you of Paris.
This family-run establishment showcases the best of French cooking on its menu. Steak frites are prepared in the traditional way by sautéing. Braising brings out the best flavor of the French Onion soup. And, of course, French baguettes glazed with Straus organic butter. Pair your meal with a selection from the extensive list of French wines.
10. Neptune’s Net
- Price: $$
- Address: 42505 CA-1, Malibu, CA
- Website: neptunesnet.com
- Best for: Down-to-earth eats
A line-up of motorcycles outside Neptune’s Net means you’re in for quite the dining experience. It’s not Deja vu when you walk inside, even if it’s your first time. It was featured in several films, including The Fast and the Furious, Iron Man 3, and the Gilmore Girls TV series.
You’ll overhear stories of people traveling the Pacific Coast Highway road trip while sitting in this casual diner setting. Despite its fame, the menu remains down-to-each with favorites like fish and chips and the world-famous New England clam chowder.
Savor Your Stay in Malibu
Excited to eat your way through some of the best Malibu restaurants? Find the perfect beachfront Malibu vacation rental. From the beach to Californian eats, we invite you to savor every moment during your stay!