Since its days at the Malibu Country Mart, Nobu Malibu has been one of L.A.’s most quintessential seen-and-be-seen restaurants. Whether you’re looking to gawk at celebrities or just want to celebrate a special occasion, the current location on PCH offers stunning views of the water during the day—and a moody, somehow even better atmosphere at night. The pricey fusion-style Japanese cuisine may no longer be cutting-edge, but in our experience it’s still quite delicious and extremely consistent, from signatures like the yellowtail jalapeño sashimi and miso black cod to newer seasonal dishes. Beyond food and ambience, top-notch service and plenty of well-lit nooks and crannies for snagging the perfect selfie make the hassle of booking a table here worth it. Tip: While the restaurant’s technically on OpenTable, the best time slots are only available over the phone—310-317-9140—up to 30 days in advance.
