The 5 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Malibu
There’s something inherently blissful about your first, most important meal of the day — it can be found in the sweet pleasure of a perfectly ripe fruit, or the energizing aroma of a hot cup of coffee, or the sounds of an eatery whirring alive as the day begins.
This gratifying morning ritual is something to be savored, not rushed — especially in a setting as serene as Malibu. Indulging in a leisurely breakfast or brunch is an ideal way to prime yourself for this SoCal sanctuary’s unhurried vibe (all while preparing for a day spent exploring its natural beauty).
From beach-ready breakfast burritos to upscale sit-downs with an ocean view, here are five unmissable spots for your morning meal in the ‘Bu (each just a short distance from Malibu Beach Inn’s seaside hideaway).
Malibu Farm Pier Café
View this post on Instagram
While Malibu Pier is always suited for a morning stroll, its storied wooden planks are also home to one of the best breakfasts in the city. Anchoring the landmark’s westmost point is Malibu Farm Pier Café, a farm-to-table eatery proving that healthy simplicity can be achieved without sacrificing flavor. This guiding philosophy shines through the café’s eclectic breakfast menu, which offers everything from farm scrambled eggs with ricotta and smoked salmon to Swedish pancakes with whipped cream and berries.
Between produce, eggs, meat, and bread, every single ingredient at this iconic pier-end perch is sourced locally (and when possible, organically) from small farms and businesses. In fact, of the 500 eggs cracked here on any given morning, 30 come directly from owner Helene’s personal chickens. Take your breakfast in the shabby-chic beach house dining room, or bring it to the roof patio to enjoy a perfect Malibu morning and an unobstructed vantage of neighboring Surfrider Beach.
Marmalade Café
View this post on Instagram
Nestled in the midst of Malibu Country Mart, this popular outpost of the original flagship in Santa Monica features flavors that are bright, fresh, and distinctly Californian. Spanning a delicious spectrum of signature benedicts, masterful frittatas, colorful bowls of seasonal berries, and more, its breakfast menu is sure to have something special to please every palate and dietary preference (including ample vegetarian, vegan, keto, and paleo options).
After grabbing a seat in the café’s rustic, warmly lit interior, try a perennial fan favorite like the Marmalade breakfast tacos or a good old-fashioned plate of steak and eggs cooked to your liking. And don’t depart without sipping down a Michelada, concocted from Marmalade’s famous bloody Mary mix, Modelo Especial, lime juice, and plenty of munchable garnish.
Ollo
View this post on Instagram
Scrambles, omelets, and breakfast burritos — oh my! Don’t be daunted by the beautiful presentations of Ollo’s hearty spreads; one bite is all it takes to shed any guilt about defacing the colorful art on the plate before you. Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, this spot has you covered with its extensive selection of California-inspired fare, each dish tastefully embellished with creatively signature twists.
The Huevos Rancheros, for example, come cradled in their own tortilla shell, and the aforementioned breakfast burrito arrives stuffed with crispy tater tots and drizzled with roasted poblano sauce. Enjoy them inside with a side of laidback beach vibes, or al fresco on the covered patio. In either case, the service here is top-notch without being overbearing (meaning you’ll likely never find your coffee cup empty).
Lily’s Malibu
View this post on Instagram
The story of this beloved Malibu mainstay started 20 years ago when its owner and namesake moved to the city from El Salvador. It wasn’t long before Lily, a passionate cook, noticed a need for the bold and vibrant flavors usually inherent in authentic Latin cuisine, and the rest, as they say, is history. The café and bakery’s undisputed golden child is its breakfast burrito, a delicious assemblage of thick-cut bacon, fluffy eggs, cheese, and refried beans that has reached somewhat of a legendary status with locals. Make sure to add avocado and a side of spicy house-made green salsa — if you’re into that sort of thing.
Just remember: good things come to those who wait, and there’s a justified reason for this place’s perpetual bustle. Call in your order a half-hour in advance to find your handmade bundle of goodness piping hot at the counter, perfect to take along for a morning at the beach. Or, place your order directly at the shop and stop next door at Le Café de la Plage to enjoy a cup of coffee while you wait.
Carbon Beach Club
View this post on Instagram
Fortunately for guests of Malibu Beach Inn, an exceptional dining experience awaits each morning just steps from their well-appointed accommodations. The hotel’s own Carbon Beach Club (CBC) offers chef-innovated takes on breakfast and brunch, both served seaside to one of the most quintessentially California panoramas in West LA.
The encyclopedic egg menu is sure to satisfy, whether you prefer them fried, scrambled, or sunny-side-up; meanwhile, the popular grilled avocado with currants, Tunisian relish, and toasted pistachio pieces hits the spot any time of day. Whatever your selection may be, wash it down with one of CBC’s fresh-pressed juices or “Eye Opener” drink offerings, such as the house-made Irish coffee, breakfast martini, or blood orange mimosa.
