Nobu Malibu is seen as one of the best restaurants in this area. Having eaten here many times, I have experienced some variation between several lunches and dinners. Tell a couple of Americans that you visited, and they will ask you, “Why did you go here?” I know this because I was asked the very same question. It is not seen as serious food: a chain among others, Japanese fusion that isn’t Japanese, and a waste of time when you should be visiting elsewhere. I have had the kitchen sink thrown at me. But for travellers or tourists, it is attractive, even exotic to outsiders, and to be fair, you aren’t going to get much better in Malibu. Forget about being organised and booking online; you will never get in. Go there in person, because the tables move around fast. If you are prepared to wait, you will get seated eventually. This works for a party of one or two, maybe not for bigger groups. You will have to go and let me know. But for solo diners and couples, I suppose I have just revealed my booking strategy to you all. You can thank me later.
Due to its position facing the ocean, it does bring something that the other locations do not, and that is occasion and prestige. I am pretty sure that Chrome Hearts was hosting a party there on the same night. You get the idea. And if you are lucky enough to be seated right at the front on the deck, with the open air breezing into your face, you are bound to see this as an extra gain, especially when the weather is good. For me, I understand why I came here: I was already in the area, so it was easier. But, for example, if you are in downtown LA, I highly doubt you will drive across especially. If you are coming from Bel Air or Beverly Hills, okay, maybe at a push for a day or night out. I did that once as well. Now that logistics are out of the way, the food is coming next.
Despite what anyone says out there, there is something about the menu that I like. I know it, it’s familiar, and I know what to expect. The service is actually rather attentive and fast. Yes, they want to earn their tips. How many times have you seen Miso Black Cod? Yep, it’s still there, and it might not be the best one ever in 2025, but you recognise it, it’s safe, it’s Nobu’s. The wagyu sliders are fun, and sweet potato fries come on the side in a wooden Japanese box. It is these little details that make it nice, and they didn’t taste half bad. The sashimi and tacos were well prepared. I can’t turn around and say this isn’t cooking; it’s just not gastronomy. But it does answer to a lot of wants and desires. Even the profiteroles were knocked out of the park, the choux buns being perfectly acceptable.
One thing to watch is the consistency. There were evenings when the cookery was quite off, so from one day to the next it is definitely not the same. It is better to take everything into account, and as long as you know this, you will be aware and prepared. I can vouch for it and say this could be the best restaurant in this area, so enjoy the views, the overall feeling of dining here, and those Nobu classics to rediscover all over again. It is still here for a reason.
