Photos by Whitney Ashton and Zach Le
Here in Malibu, it’s always brunch season. Here are the perfect places for you to wake up at. Whether you’re kicking off or concluding the weekend, you deserve to celebrate with this wonderful meal, because there is simply nothing better than to enjoy a relaxing outing with friends. In a recent informal poll of the Class of 2019 on Facebook, I, Kelly Terjesen, asked for suggestions for the best brunch spots in Malibu, and the results are in. The top four restaurants in Malibu, recommended by the freshman class, are:
1. Marmalade Cafe
Tucked away in the Malibu Country Market, Marmalade Cafe is a local favorite. The deep, dark walls and dimmed lighting elicit a sense of warmth, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Although a popular chain restaurant, Marmalade is that neighborhood cafe that must be frequented. For those of us who are on-the-go, it is complete with a quick-service bakery, but we suggest enjoying a weekend brunch here. A decadent dining experience, the cafe offers an extensive menu, ranging from salmon, kale and wild rice hash to pineapple upside-down pancakes with salted caramel butter. Marmalade Cafe serves eclectic California-inspired cuisine and is dedicated to providing their customers with not just an ordinary meal, but a satisfying dining experience.
2. Malibu Farm
Just above the water on the pier, Malibu Farm breeds an incomparable sense of tranquility and serenity. While there, we suggest you take advantage of their rooftop tables. Here, you will be able to enjoy the fresh and crisp sea air and obtain a full view of the Malibu sea. Finished with picnic benches, white wood and fur decor, the interior of the cafe is a real-life Restoration Hardware advertisement. The owner Helene Henderson initially opened the cafe as a pop-up restaurant; however, with its growing popularity, the Farm became permanent and now, according to Henderson, serves “California farm-sourced beach food to surfers,” including farm scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and breakfast burritos. In addition, if you’re on the search for sweets, Malibu Farm is famous for their unrivaled grilled chocolate cake.
3. Ollo Restaurant
Settled in the same shopping center as Ralphs and Malibu Yogurt, Ollo Restaurant is certainly a diamond in the rough. With Mediterranean and Italian flavors, the restaurant’s menu is sourced from local farms and purveyors. The restaurant generates an upscale classy and elegant atmosphere as the tables circle around fresh and beautiful trees. Finished with black and white decor, the restaurant is clean and sophisticated. Dedicated to serving locally grown produce, some menu highlights include their freshly baked, mixed berry French toast and acai bowl with house-made granola.
4. Duke’s Malibu
Scoring in at number four, Duke’s Malbu is the last brunch spot on our list. Yes, the official surfer’s paradise also serves brunch. However, Duke’s only offers the meal on Sunday mornings to finish off your weekend. Beginning at 10 a.m., Duke’s Malibu opens for a Sunday brunch buffet, complete with everything from cinnamon and vanilla French toast to a tri-tip and ham carving station. The classic surfer’s hangout is one of the best places to enjoy brunch while watching the crashing waves.
For a relaxing meal with friends, Malibu possesses some of the best brunch spots around, and these four restaurants are the Class of 2019’s top recommendations.
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