Broad Street Oyster Company: Lobster rolls, uni-topped everything, and picnic tables, Fun, indulgent, and actually good.
Caffe Luxxe: Arguably the best coffee in Malibu.
Country Kitchen Malibu: Great all-around breakfast spot. Burritos are the move. Just don’t expect seating—there are a few small tables outside, and that’s about it.
Howdy’s: Order the burrito and don’t overthink it. Local favorite for a reason. Also check out Howdy’s Sushi next door for some surprisingly great Japanese.
Irv’s: Get a burger and a hot dog. Lean into the Americana.
John’s Garden: A go-to for a quick bite or lunch in the park. Even mid-summer, you can usually find a table.
Lily’s Malibu: Get the breakfast burrito. And go early—they sell out.
Lucky’s: The new-ish steakhouse with old-school charm. Think martinis and wedge salads.
Malibu Farm: Great brunch, gorgeous pier views, and surfers bobbing in the distance.
Malibu Seafood: Lines, chaos, and questionable parking, but still the best meal you’ll have in Malibu. Clam strips are a must. BYO rosé.
Malibu Yogurt: An essential end-of-the-night stop. I was once a yogurt purist—then I met Graeter’s ice cream and everything changed. Still, this place has been around forever, and everyone loves it. Just go.
Nobu Malibu: Yes, it’s obvious. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s worth it—for the view, the vibe, and the yellowtail jalapeño. Go for lunch and sit outside.
Pita Bu: Casual, fast, and wildly good. A low-key Mediterranean spot perfect for beach-day lunch.
SunLife Organics: I’m not usually the guy who needs an açai bowl or nitro coffee to feel whole, but SunLife just gets it right. My kids would live off the bowls. Kelly only needs SunLife and Habana to be happy.
Taverna Tony: Big portions, group-friendly, and still one of the best spots in town. Get all the dips and order half as much as you think you need.
Thorne Family Farm: Good produce, strong coffee, and a surprisingly good tuna melt. Go early Saturday and you’ll catch the Varsity Bakers pop-up, too.
Tra di Noi: The rare Malibu dinner spot that’s actually kid-friendly (there’s a playground right next door). They have an off-menu penne vodka the kids will love.
Varsity Bakers: Saturday-only bakery pop-up at Thorne Family Farm. Great muffins, pies, and pastries that go fast. Get there before noon.
