10 Best Cafes in Malibu, California

Melanie
Posted May 18, 2023
| 3 min read

Malibu is known for many things: its beaches (such as Zuma Beach, El Matador Beach, and Surfrider Beach), its lively shopping scene (Malibu Country Mart is a favorite of locals and tourists alike), and a destination to spot celebrities enjoying the sand and surf. Until recently, however, it was not exactly the destination for those who wanted to immerse themselves in Southern California’s food and coffee culture. That time is long gone, however, and the cafes in Malibu are now worth a visit. Check out this list to learn more about some of the best cafes in Malibu, California.

1. Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

For seafood lovers, this is one place you should not miss out on trying while in Malibu. While the views have been affected by the recent fires in the area, the quality of the food hasn’t changed, so you can still expect the same delicious meals and snacks that the cafe has come to be known for, in the past years. Make sure to come as early as possible (the cafe opens at 11 am) so you don’t have to worry about dealing with long lines and limited parking space.

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Address: 25653 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Website: Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Opening Hours: 11 am - 7 pm

Price Range: 11-30 USD

2. Kristy's Village Cafe

Kristy’s Village Cafe was born from the merger of two Malibu restaurants - Le Village Café and Kristy’s. The end result is a product that offers the best of both worlds: healthy food and light meals from the former, and the burgers, pizzas, seafood, and Asian-inspired dishes from the latter. As such, even groups that have different palates and dietary concerns will definitely find something they will enjoy eating here.

Kristy's Village Cafe

Address: 30745 Pacific Coast Hwy, Trancas Country Market, Malibu, CA

Website: Kristy’s Village Cafe

Opening Hours: 8 am - 8:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays, 8 am - 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 9 - 8:30 pm Sundays

Price Range: 11-30 USD

3. The Waves Café

Waves Café is actually the school cafeteria of Pepperdine University. While you can expect the standard fare from a university cafeteria here, you may also get a few surprise offerings here, including but not limited to a customized omelet bar and an option to make your own burrito.

The Waves Café

Address: 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

Opening Hours: 7:30 am - 8:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am - 7:30 pm Friday, 9 am - 7:30 pm Saturday, 9 am - 8:30 pm Sunday

Price Range: 11-30 USD

4. Caffe Luxxe

Founded in Santa Monica, a new Caffe Luxxe branch was launched in 2017 to bring their brand of gourmet coffee to the neighborhood. The cafe is appropriately named: beyond selling different varieties of coffee, the establishment offers a unique experience to its clientele to enjoy the brew they ordered here. There’s a patio for those who prefer to sip their coffee in comfort as they take in the views and the natural air. Sandwiches and pastries can be enjoyed with the coffee.

Caffe Luxxe

Address: Dummy Full Address

Website: Caffe Luxxe

Opening Hours: 6 am - 6 pm Mondays to Fridays, 6:30 am - 6 pm Saturdays and Sundays

Price Range: Starts at 6 USD

5. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

This cafe is a great option for those who want to literally sink their teeth into good food while enjoying great views. Located right on scenic Paradise Cove, this establishment has patio seating, which allows customers to dine with the sea as their backdrop. The servings are large and good for sharing, and the clam chowder is definitely a must-try. Movie fans will appreciate the Hollywood memorabilia displayed here. Be aware that the parking fees here are pretty high, but you can bring down the price if you dine at the cafe.

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Frnt, Malibu, CA

Website: Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Opening Hours: 8 am to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday, 8 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday

Price Range: 11-30 USD

6. Ollo

If you’re the type of person who considers ambiance as an essential part of the dining experience, then this might just be the cafe for you. The cafe has a relaxing environment and it offers both indoor and outdoor dining options (pets are welcome at the patio for those who don’t mind dining outside). There may be a line during meal time, so do make sure to come early if you wish to be seated as early as possible.

Ollo

Address: 23750 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

Website: Ollo

Opening Hours: 8:30 am - 9:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am - 10 pm Friday, 8 am - 10 pm Saturday, 8 am - 9:30 pm Sunday

Price Range: 10-30 USD

7. Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

If you prefer eating healthy and/or organic food, this establishment is right up your alley. Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is a farm to table restaurant that serves food that uses ingredients from the owner’s organic farm. The cafe does not just offer healthy meals, it also provides customers with fabulous ocean views as they dine here.

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Pier, Los Angeles, CA

Website: Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm

Price Range: 11-30 USD

8. Marmalade Cafe Malibu

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a meal that serves good food and has beautiful interiors, this cafe might be the perfect choice for you. It is located in a strip mall, so the place can get pretty busy during meal times. This cafe serves American food, and it is known for serving good breakfast options.

Marmalade Cafe Malibu

Address: 3894 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA

Website: Marmalade Cafe Malibu

Opening Hours: 7:30 - 9 am

Price Range: 11-30 USD

9. Cafe Habana Malibu

If you have a hankering for Cuban food, make your way here. Cafe Habana, Malibu, offers dishes inspired by cuisines from Cuba, as well as American and Mexican meals and snacks. For health-conscious customers, there are also healthy food options served here.

Cafe Habana Malibu

Address: Malibu Lumber Yard, 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, CA

Website: Cafe Habana Malibu

Opening Hours: 11 am - 10 pm Sunday to Tuesday, 11 am - 1 am Wednesday to Saturday

Price Range: 11-30 USD

10. Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure to head on over to this cafe, which specializes in handcrafted gelato. Flavors range from the traditional (like chocolate) to the unique (like orange blossom). Vegan and gluten-free options are available here as well. Burritos, sandwiches, and other similar food items can also be purchased here.

Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu

Address: 29169 Heathercliff Road, Ste 112, Malibu, CA

Website: Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu

Opening Hours: 7 am - 6 pm Monday to Friday, 7 am - 7 pm Saturday and Sunday

Malibu beyond the beaches

The past few years have proven that there’s more to Malibu than its beaches. Its numerous cafes are proof that the foodie scene here is thriving. Nonetheless, not all of these establishments are created equal. Use this list as a guide if you want to try the best coffee and meals that Malibu has to offer.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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