Sea Breezes & Sunsets: Oceanview Dining in Malibu
Beau Rivage, 26025 Pacific Coast Hwy. (at Corral Canyon; tel. 310/456-5733; www.beaurivagerestaurant.com). Though it's my only pick located on the other side of PCH from the beach, this romantic Mediterranean restaurant (whose name means "beautiful shore") has nearly unobstructed ocean views. The baby-pink villa and its flagstone dining patio are overgrown with flowering vines. The place is prettiest at sunset; romantic lighting takes over after dark. The menu is composed of country French and Italian dishes with plenty of moderately priced pastas, many with seafood. Other main courses are more expensive; they include chicken, duck, rabbit, and lamb, all traditionally prepared. An older, nicely dressed crowd tends to dine at this special-occasion place. It's open Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. Valet parking is $4 (Fri-Sat only; otherwise, free self-parking). Tip: Sunday's brunch menu, which isn't limited to breakfast dishes, is a less pricey alternative to dinner.
Duke's Malibu, 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy. (at Las Flores Canyon; tel. 310/317-0777; www.dukesmalibu.com). Lovers of Hawaii and all things Polynesian will thrive in this outpost of the Hawaiian chain. Imagine a South Pacific T.G.I. Fridays where the food is secondary to the decor, then add a rocky perch atop breaking waves, and you have this surfing-themed crowd-pleaser. It's worth a visit for the memorabilia alone -- the place is named for Hawaiian surf legend "Duke" Kahanamoku. Duke's offers up pretty good food at inflated but not outrageous prices. You'll find plenty of fresh fish prepared in the Hawaiian regional style, hearty surf and turf, a smattering of chicken and pasta dishes, and plenty of pupus to accompany Duke's Day-Glo tropical cocktails. The Sunday brunch buffet (10am-3pm) is a tasty deal at $22 for adults and $12 for kids. It's open Monday through Thursday from 11:30am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 10:30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 10pm. Valet parking is $2 (dinner and weekends only; otherwise, free self-parking).
Gladstone's 4 Fish, 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy. (at Sunset Blvd.; tel. 310/454-3474; www.gladstones.com). A local tradition, Gladstone's is totally immersed in the Malibu scene. It shares a parking lot with a public beach, so the restaurant's wooden deck has a constant view of surfers, bikini-clad sunbathers, and other beachgoers. At busy times, Gladstone's even sets up picnic-style tables on the sand. Prices are moderate, and the atmosphere is casual. The menu offers several pages of fresh fish and seafood, augmented by a few salads and other meals for landlubbers -- it's mostly fried tourist food, but the large portions get the job done. Gladstone's is popular for afternoon/evening drinking and offers nearly 20 seafood appetizer platters; it's also known for its decadent chocolate dessert, the Mile High Chocolate Cake, large enough for the whole table. It's open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 11pm. Parking is $3.50.
