What’s a weekend (or longer) away without great food? For what is, in its way, a small town, Malibu punches well above its weight when it comes to its culinary scene. Its location guarantees world-class seafood, of course, but there are plenty of cuisines available among the best places to eat in Malibu. Combine those with the bars in Malibu where you can grab a pint or an expertly-made cocktail, and you won’t run out of options – over a weekend or a lifetime of weekends.

Carbon Beach Club – We may be biased, yes. But when it comes to beachside dining, it’s hard to beat the Malibu Beach Inn’s resident restaurant, especially its patio. A favorite for relaxed, elegant dining, Carbon Beach Club earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2023 for its wine list; that level of quality can be found up and down the menu as well, from a breakfast omelet to salmon at dinner. And while every seat at Carbon has a great view, there is something special about enjoying a glass of wine while watching the tide from the restaurant’s outdoor deck.

Aviator Nation Dreamland – What was once the Malibu Inn (and before that, the Neil Young-co-owned Crazy Horse Saloon) has maintained its cool factor while getting a massive upgrade via renovations. Now, the interior boasts a massive new sound system, a social-media-ready set of tinted windows facing out onto the Pacific Coast Highway, and, maybe most importantly, a loaded menu of sandwiches and other comforts, along with a full bar. Extra points for the music-related food names, too (try the Fleetwood Mac and Cheese, or the Sunshine of Your Love salad).

Moonshadows – Somewhere between fine dining and locals’ favorite, Moonshadows parlays a spectacular ocean location into a seafood haven, with both fresh local catches and top-of-the-line out-of-town items like Maine lobster and Scottish salmon. Weekend evenings are popular, with cocktails on the patio (known as the Blue Lounge) being a favorite local hang.

Malibu Seafood – You know you’ve stumbled across a Malibu local favorite when you see the line outside of this unassuming eatery. On weekends, bring your patience, but you’ll be rewarded with the freshest fish. Head to the café side and grab a fresh-grilled seafood plate – squid, mahi mahi, scallops, ahi, this stand has them all. And it wouldn’t be a roadside seafood stand without a patio and a knockout view; sunsets here are particularly beautiful.

Cholada Thai Cuisine – Surf-adjacent shacks are usually prime locations for seafood, but this fave along the PCH boasts great mom-and-pop Thai food, a rarity for Malibu. The Drunken Noodles come highly recommended, but those craving fruits of the sea due to the location will also love the Spicy Seafood Bonanza with fish, crab, mussels, and squid. Either way, the sweet mango and sticky rice complete any meal.

Lucky’s – The Calabasas steakhouse and celebrity haunt opened a Malibu outpost during the pandemic in the former space of dearly departed contemporary Chinese eatery Mr. Chow. While Lucky’s may not have brought its West Valley A-list clientele with it, it did bring a classic steakhouse menu, with filet mignon, baby back ribs, and a 28-ounce showstopper of a porterhouse. Pro tip: Missing Mr. Chow’s? The lunchtime Old School Chinese Shredded Chicken Salad will help scratch that itch a little. Broad Street Oyster Company: That “other” coast gets its due at this Malibu Village seafood haven which specializes in the lobster roll, an Eastern seaboard favorite. The mini-chain now has a few outlets in Southern California, but the Malibu post is the original; it even has a neighboring coffee shop, with ice cream for dessert. The roll makes a great walk-and-eat meal: pick one up, cross the PCH, and find a table with a view at Malibu Lagoon State Beach.

Broad Street Oyster Company: That “other” coast gets its due at this Malibu Village seafood haven which specializes in the lobster roll, an Eastern seaboard favorite. The mini-chain now has a few outlets in Southern California, but the Malibu post is the original; it even has a neighboring coffee shop, with ice cream for dessert. The roll makes a great walk-and-eat meal: pick one up, cross the PCH, and find a table with a view at Malibu Lagoon State Beach.

Endless Color: This multifaceted eatery is technically in Topanga, but its canyon vibes and great pizza are impossible to ignore. Its wine collection is well-curated, with plenty of natural options, and the pies are wood-fired takes on Neapolitan style, with charred crusts and plenty of both traditional and inventive toppings. And save time to browse Color’s racks of records for sale, too.