Pepperdine University • best restaurants

5 Best Restaurants & Places To Eat Near Pepperdine University California

Step off campus and you’re only minutes from some of Malibu’s most reliable places to eat, from refined oceanfront dining rooms to casual counters with sandy floors. These five spots are close enough for a quick meal yet special enough for visiting parents or big celebrations. Whether you want sushi at sunset, a breezy farm-to-table lunch, or a low-key seafood basket after the beach, this list will keep you well fed around Pepperdine.

 
01

Nobu Malibu

Carbon Beach Along Pacific Coast Highway • Upscale Japanese And Sushi Bar • Iconic Special-Occasion Splurge

Celebrity-heavy but genuinely excellent sushi and Japanese dishes served just feet from the sand.

If you want the full Malibu fantasy—waves crashing, sleek design, and pristine sushi—Nobu is the move. Reservations can be tough, so plan ahead, and aim for a sunset seating if you can. It’s a splurge, but the combination of polished service, top-tier seafood, and that Carbon Beach view earns its reputation.

02

Malibu Farm Restaurant

Malibu Pier Near Surfrider Beach • Bright Farm-To-Table Californian Spot • Best For Long, Leisurely Lunches

A breezy pier-end restaurant known for fresh, produce-driven plates and classic Malibu views.

Set at the end of the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm pairs photogenic plates—think veggie-forward bowls, flatbreads, and well-sourced proteins—with panoramic coastline views. It’s an easy choice for visiting family or brunch with friends when you want something fresh but not fussy. Expect a relaxed pace, plenty of natural light, and a crowd that lingers over coffee and cocktails.

03

Broad Street Oyster Company

Malibu Village Shopping Center Near Campus • Lively Seafood Shack And Raw Bar • Best For Seafood Lovers

A fun, crowded spot for excellent lobster rolls, oysters, and casual seafood within a quick drive of campus.

Tucked into Malibu Village, Broad Street Oyster Company feels like a modern clam shack dropped into a shopping center. The star of the menu is the lobster roll—served buttery warm or cold with mayo—backed up by a strong raw bar and rotating specials. It’s informal, a little loud, and exactly right when you’re craving serious seafood without white tablecloths.

04

Ollo

Pacific Coast Highway Near Pepperdine • Casual All-Day Californian-Mediterranean Restaurant • Best Everyday Meet-Up

A versatile sit-down spot students and locals use for everything from breakfast meetings to relaxed dinners.

Ollo sits right on PCH, making it one of the most convenient full-service options for Pepperdine students and staff. The menu ranges from wood-fired pizzas and pastas to salads, burgers, and solid brunch plates, so everyone at the table can find something. It’s comfortable rather than flashy, with plenty of patio seating and a staff that’s used to accommodating groups and lingering conversations.

05

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Pacific Coast Highway At Corral Canyon • No-Frills Oceanside Seafood Market And Cafe • Best For Casual Post-Beach Bites

Order fish and chips, grilled seafood, or chowder, then grab a picnic table overlooking the Pacific.

Malibu Seafood is the antithesis of fancy Malibu dining, and that’s exactly its charm. You order at the counter, wait with surfers and locals, then carry your tray up to a simple patio with one of the best road-side views on PCH. It’s ideal after a hike in the nearby canyons or an afternoon at the beach, when all you want is fresh seafood, salt air, and zero dress code.