Best Californian Restaurants in Malibu

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Carbon Beach Club Restaurant (The Dining Room) @ Malibu Beach Inn restaurant

1. Carbon Beach Club Restaurant (The Dining Room) @ Malibu Beach Inn

4.7

Exceptional(1127)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Malibu

Booked 18 times today

Experience the quintessence of Californian cuisine at Carbon Beach Club Restaurant in the Malibu Beach Inn, where the ocean meets culinary delight. Nestled in the heart of Malibu, this gem offers an unparalleled dining experience with "breathtaking views" and "decadent coastal cuisine." Guests rave about the fresh, well-presented dishes, describing them as the pinnacle of Californian flavors. The ambience is enhanced by "plush blankets" on chilly evenings and a service described as nothing short of "fantastic." It's the perfect spot for a "romantic dinner" or a special celebration, making every meal memorable with its stunning ocean backdrop and exemplary cuisine.

2. Moonshadows

4.6

Exceptional(4633)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Malibu

Booked 78 times today

Nestled in the picturesque Malibu, Moonshadows offers a quintessential Californian dining experience that leaves guests raving about its superb cuisine and stunning ocean views. Celebrated for its contemporary American dishes that embody the spirit of California, Moonshadows excels with a menu that has consistently earned the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Diners frequently commend the "super excellent cuisine" and highlight dishes like the "delicious" lobster ravioli and sea bass which are "sooooo goooood!" The unbeatable combination of flavorful meals, attentive service, and breathtaking scenery ensures that Moonshadows is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Californian cuisine in an unforgettable setting.

A photo of Geoffrey's Restaurant restaurant

3. Geoffrey's Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(9156)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Malibu

Booked 81 times today

Geoffrey’s Restaurant in Malibu is a gem for lovers of authentic International cuisine, offering a delightful blend of flavors that pay homage to Californian and Mediterranean influences. Nestled in a picturesque setting that boasts "magnificent views of the Pacific coastline," diners can enjoy "excellent food" amid a "romantic Mediterranean meets Malibu atmosphere." Patrons consistently praise the restaurant, noting the "terrific" food and "phenomenal atmosphere." The commitment to quality is evident, as guests mention "always a special place" and celebrate the attentive service and ambiance. Geoffrey's stands out as a prime destination for those seeking a truly international dining experience with a scenic backdrop.

4. Fia

4.5

Awesome(2518)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 40 times today

Nestled in the picturesque enclave of Santa Monica, Fia emerges as a seafood haven, distinguished by its commitment to freshness and quality. This hidden gem, wrapped in the embrace of a lush secret garden, offers an experience that echoes the tranquility and beauty of a coastal retreat. Patrons rave about the "incredible ambiance" and the seafood dishes that leave an indelible mark on the palate, with one guest exclaiming the grilled sea bass was "one of the most amazing meals ever had!" Celebrated Chef Brendan Collins brings his culinary artistry to the forefront, featuring seafood that dazzles with every dish, making Fia a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional seafood cuisine in a breathtaking setting.

A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

5. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

Exceptional(1577)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 65 times today

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper offers a quintessential Californian dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting. Nestled on the rooftop of the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, it boasts breathtaking ocean views and an atmosphere rich with Mediterranean and Californian flavors. Awarded One MICHELIN Key in 2024, Calabra provides an unparalleled dining ambiance. Patrons consistently praise its offerings: "Every plate was delicious," and the service is routinely highlighted as "impeccable." The restaurant offers a perfect blend of high-quality, fresh ingredients and innovative Californian cuisine, making every meal a memorable event. Whether it's the mezze platter or the uniquely crafted cocktails, Calabra ensures a vibrant and sophisticated culinary journey.

6. Melisse

4.9

Exceptional(2001)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 5 times today

Melisse in Santa Monica is a shining beacon of Californian cuisine, where Chef Josiah Citrin’s magic has earned it two Michelin stars. This intimate 14-seat venue offers a unique 2.5-hour culinary journey through an 8-course tasting menu that highlights the freshest ingredients sourced from California farms "from San Diego to Napa Valley." Reviewers have lauded the experience, with one guest sharing, "This dining experience ranks among the top three I have ever had," while another says, "Each dish was delightful both in flavor and presentation." At Melisse, the blend of sophisticated service, exquisite local ingredients, and innovative Californian dishes promises an unforgettable dining adventure.

7. SELINE

5.0

Exceptional(17)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 6 times today

Join James Beard award-winning Chef Dave Beran at his 38-seat fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica, where the kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the dining room. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave's deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience & embark on a memorable culinary journey featuring the many inspirations of Southern California.At SELINE, the focus is on connection, with every aspect of the restaurant— from the design to the custom plateware—built on fostering meaningful relationships. Wine Director Matthew Brodbine presents two beverage pairing options to complement your menu. The wine pairing showcases selections from innovative, forward-thinking winemakers across various regions worldwide. The non-alcoholic pairing features a unique collection of house-made and curated beverages designed to align with the menu's progression. A carefully curated wine list is also available.

8. Ivy at the Shore

4.7

Exceptional(3539)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 69 times today

Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience that consistently impresses. Nestled near the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the restaurant garners praise for its "excellent food" and "fantastic atmosphere," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. With dishes that blend creativity with comfort, diners rave about the "lobster scramble and eggs benedict" and the "grilled vegetable salad," each dish showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavors that define great American cooking. The service is repeatedly noted as "professional and friendly," ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Ivy at the Shore embodies the spirit of Southern California dining with its beautiful setting and high-quality fare, making every meal a special occasion.

A photo of Palma at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

9. Palma at Santa Monica Proper

4.5

Awesome(276)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 7 times today

Discover the essence of Californian cuisine at Palma at Santa Monica Proper, a MICHELIN Key 2024 recognized gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Santa Monica. Esteemed for its "above and beyond" food quality and service, Palma captures the spirit of California with its "trendy ambience and beautifully decorated" interiors and a menu that celebrates local flavors. Diners rave about the "best breakfast burrito in the US" and the "elevated" afternoon tea offerings, with the raspberry scone earning special accolades. Enjoy a dining experience where every detail is curated to perfection, from the "excellent variety of sandwiches and desserts" to the "innovative, calming" atmosphere that complements the authentic Californian fare. Whether it's a casual brunch or a special treat, Palma at Santa Monica Proper promises a culinary journey that's "truly wonderful" and distinctly Californian.

10. 1212 Santa Monica

4.6

Exceptional(1783)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 39 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Santa Monica, 1212 Santa Monica epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative New American menu that celebrates the diversity and freshness of SoCal ingredients. Guests rave about the "wonderful singers," "great food," and the lively "house music and early 2000 jams" that complement the dining experience. The standout dishes like gnocchi, lasagna, and the much-applauded oysters are consistently praised. One diner exclaimed, "The crostinis were lit!" while another cherished the "bottomless mimosas" that make their brunch truly special. With its commitment to quality and a vibrant ambiance, 1212 Santa Monica is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Californian dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
matthewVIP
Los Angeles •53 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Magnificent service. Some of the best. The Yule log—sublime! The pigs in a blanket—imagine what that might be like with a master pastry chef! Shrimp cocktail—how often is it merely passable? Here it is of a uniformly exquisite tenderness. I want to say again, the SERVICE. This place is an industry standard but is generally underrated. Visit it again.
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The Tower BarPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4.7
B
Barbara
Los Angeles •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our family Christmas plans changed last minute and we were looking for a place to get a Christmas Day reservation. We had the Prix Fixe Brunch Menu and it was spectacular. Everything from the bisque to the tuna tartar and crab cake appetizers to the filet and salmon entrees was wonderful. The view was, as expected, a fabulous ocean view, and our server, Wilson, was impeccable and made our experience even better. We cannot wait to go back again.
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Geoffrey's RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Malibu
•
4.6
A
Allen
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Best terrace dining in LA. Food is excellent and service attentive
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Carbon Beach Club Restaurant (The Dining Room) @ Malibu Beach InnPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Malibu
•
4.7
C
Candice
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The scallops were excellent The staff was was very personable as well professional. We felt as if we were at a special friend’s dining room. Lovely. Looking forward to our next visit.
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Craig'sPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4.8
D
Debbie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Devyn was extremely hospitable and welcomed my family with holiday cheer! We were seated in a beautiful location to watch the waves crash the rocks, and had immediate assistance when we asked to turn on the outdoor heaters. But, most importantly, service was timely and delicious and our experience was outstanding! This was our 1st time at Moonshadows as we celebrated our holiday family lunch!!! This will now become an annual family tradition, and anytime in the Malibu area, would love to dine here at Moonshadows! Thanks a ton for the experience!
More info
MoonshadowsPrice: Expensive• American• Malibu
•
4.6

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Carbon Beach Club Restaurant (The Dining Room) @ Malibu Beach Inn

2. Moonshadows

3. Geoffrey's Restaurant

4. Fia

5. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

6. Melisse

7. SELINE

8. Ivy at the Shore

9. Palma at Santa Monica Proper

10. 1212 Santa Monica

See what locals rave about

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