With all the pressure to be Nicole Richie-thin (yes, even post-pregnancy), eating on the beach is a bit of an oxymoron. Get over it. There’s nothing like Pacifica for miles and oxygen-rich air to heighten your taste buds. We’ve scoured the best coastline catches, with suggested footwear to boot. Don’t mind if your toesies get a little sandy—after reading this, at least, they’ll do so in style.
The Malibu Pier has long been primo real estate in an already privileged neighborhood. But after lying ramshackle and fallow for 13 years, the historic landmark underwent a $10 million renovation. The fanfare also includes two destinations that channel the midcentury heyday of beachy culture. Malibu Club is more bar, the Beachcomber more restaurant, but both serve fair amounts of food and libations as well as plenty of outdoor pier-top seating. [Suggested toe attire]: retro glam red polish, the brighter the better.
Two distinctly different scenes under one beachfront roof. Dress up for drinks and dinner upstairs to soak in a martini with the panoramic ocean view, or let it loose downstairs, where DJs and a high-energy 20-something crowd pack the dance floor. [Suggested toe attire]: your dancing shoes.
Secluded in an actual cove, this cafe is an old favorite with families and the bikini-clad alike. The fish is fresh and the portions are generous, but watch out for the seagulls swooping down for tidbits. [Suggested toe attire]: The Cove proudly advertises that Paris Hilton shot her music video here. Your inner heiress might just require some cheesy platform heels.
A full renovation and Pedals, the default hotel cafe at the base of Shutters on the Beach, became Coast, a casual spot outfitted to the hizzy in Martha-Stewart-on-the-beach chic. The breathtaking, sand-level view of the Pacific hasn't changed, but the revamped menu serves breezy California fare of seafood, salad and more seafood—morning, noon and night. [Suggested toe attire]: bedroom slippers, if you’re lucky (read: rich) enough to be an overnight guest.
The surf’s always up at Duke’s. The restaurant sits so close to the Pacific, the occasional wave has been known to splash against the patio. If it’s a fish with a Hawaiian name—mahi mahi, opakapaka, lilikoi—it’s likely to be served here, along with the assortment of coconut shrimp, crab cakes and poke rolls. Everyone may be watching your bikini-bare waistline, but the hula pie is absolutely irresistible. [Suggested toe attire]: Adhere to the Hawaiian theme with Havaianas, also known as flip-flops.
This aptly named spot is, as one patron wrote, “Good Stuff, not great stuff…but, thankfully, not ‘crappy stuff’ either.” A popular Westside chain—with four locations at various distances from the ocean—this surf-themed cafe serves up familiar dishes with a quirky Cali-international twist and a fresh dose of chillaxed beach culture. From egg scrambles and sandwiches to “wrapps” and tacos, be charmed by the copious use of chile verde and jack cheese. [Suggested toe attire]: You’ll fit in with the dudes—surfer dudes, that is—in your Reefs.
This is coastal dining at its most primitive. Just enter the small wooden bungalow to order freshly prepared seafood dishes or even fresher daily catches to prepare yourself. Ample seating is available in a covered patio—as long as you don’t mind public park benches stained with malt vinegar. [Suggested toe attire]: Go comfy in your Birks from college.
The view is unbeatable for the price—by Malibu standards, that is. The restaurant manages to be romantic and casual all at once: lovers at the cozy tables, singles mingling around the bar (like, um…Britney Spears). Be sure to catch the sunset from the deck, or hang around for when things get poppin' in the Blue Lounge. [Suggested toe attire]: If you were Ms. Spears, you might go shoeless, but for normal folks, any fabulous kicks would do.
This tiny beachside trattoria is like a microcosm of Venice Beach itself. It’s off the beaten path, it’s earnest and earthy, and everyone involved is very proprietary about it. Case in point, the owners recently took on Zagat, requesting that the restaurant be dropped from the survey. All pastas are house-made, including squid ink garganelli and mini ravioli richly stuffed with beef and kale. Duck prosciutto is also homemade and equally swoon-inducing. [Suggested toe attire]: Italian wear for the Italian food—Prada, of course.
Sam's is the kind of old-school spot that attracts long-distant (like, from Los Feliz) regulars right to the beach. The warm, inviting atmosphere is complemented by a menu of favorites including blue cheese salad, seafood risotto, roasted lamb shank, lobster mousse salad and veal cordon bleu. Owner Sam Elias's Syrian roots are apparent in such offerings as a sampler trio of hummus, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush. [Suggested toe attire]: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine also inspire trendy gladiator sandals.
The wee hours of the morn must be devoted, without doubt, to sweeping the sand off the front stoop. Not far from infamous Pirate’s Cove, and nearly as secluded, this beach bistro channels Cape Cod for seafood- and pasta-lovers. Just remember what your mama told you: As tempting as it is, don’t go swimming right after you eat. [Suggested toe attire]: Tap your inner Hamptons with a pair of dock shoes.
With gorgeous sandfront views, it's the ultimate proposal place at sunset during the summer—but watch out during brunch, when kiddies run amok.
