For a certain group of Angelenos, summertime means the northern migration to Malibu for the season. In recent years it’s benefited from increased development that includes new restaurants, revamped pier and increased shopping options that secure its status as California’s poshest coastal community. Even the PCH drive into town reveals changes like the historic Chart House, long a Prom date favorite, debuted this season as the latest Mastro’s Ocean Club that revamps the post-and-beam waterfront compound into a shellfish supper club ala Orange County. Nobu is still the toughest reservation in town, so popular that its allowed neighboring Nikita to survive with its waterfront terrace if mediocre Mediterranean food.
The harbor has evolved into the latest culinary and forthcoming shopping playground of the area with eateries like Malibu Pier Restaurant & Bar with its nautical dining room and terrace as well Malibu Farm with its breakfast and lunchtime menus of seasonal, organic cuisine located at the far-end of the dock. The Malibu Country Mart continues to attract higher-end retailers with its with Chrome Hearts, Ron Herman and Ralph Lauren that offer a local spin on if not an actual native design. Eateries like Mr. Chow and Tra Di Noi thrive through October as well as nearby Maxfield that’s the beach annex of LA’s top couture boutique.
For more of a local flavor of Malibu, head north beyond iconic Geoffrey’s and Point Dume towards Broad Beach where you’ll find new Trancas Country Mart that’s a western-style collection of shops and eateries that include Mangia from the former-chef of Tra Di Noi and Farmhouse Café that an all-day organic dining room. And for those still looking to find their Beach Boys surfing moment, County Line offers the best summer option for summertime lessons whether on longboard or kiteboard with iconic Neptune’s Net serving fried feasts and beer well-past sunset.
