Santa Monica or Malibu Beach Restaurant or water view
Sep 25th, 2004, 05:56 PM
#1
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Santa Monica or Malibu Beach Restaurant or water view
My sister's birthday is coming up -- one of those horrific ones ending in a "0" and still single, no prospects, with a pretty dead-end job. More than you ever wanted to know, I'm sure. The point is, she has always loved the sun and the Pacific Ocean, and I'm trying to think of an upscale restaurant that overlooks the water, so we can catch our great fall L.A. sunset and have a nice family meal with decent food. In the old days, when we were young and easy (to loosely quote Dylan Thomas), we'd head over to the Charthouse, which I suspect is no longer there, but who knows. Haven't been to that area recently. Wondering if anyone could make a recommendation. Heard good and not so great things about Geoffreys, but all opinions would be helpful. Not the Lobster House in S.M. -- been there, done that. Any thoughts?
Sep 27th, 2004, 03:34 PM
#3
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What about the restaurant at Casa Del Mar- it is lovely, wide open w/high ceilngs and lots of space btwn tables, and the window tables have great sunset views. Very good food. Also One Pico at Shutters, but I'm not sure about their views being as stunning as at Casa Del Mar (I've never sat near the windows there). Who knows, you might run into someone fun- I sat next to Pierce Brosnan at the less fancy restaurant at Shutters one time. I'm not crazy about the Malibu restaurants on the water that I've been to.
Sep 27th, 2004, 03:50 PM
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I live in the Malibu area, but am not a "celebrity", so hopefully have real life input. If you are having your dinner on a weeknight (as opposed to a weekend, when things are more crowded), I really do like Geoffrey's. The location and ocean view are really beautiful. My daughter always chooses this place for special occasions, e.g. birthdays, graduation, etc. Be sure to tell the staff about special "marker" event and that you would like a table closest to the water. The food is very good, but not great, but I think the setting makes up for it. As to Santa Monica locations, I have no personal
experience with places mentioned, but am told that Lavande at Loew's Santa Monica Beach Hotel (also overlooking beach) is very good.
experience with places mentioned, but am told that Lavande at Loew's Santa Monica Beach Hotel (also overlooking beach) is very good.
Sep 27th, 2004, 06:42 PM
#5
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I'm leaning towards Casa del Mar or Geoffrey's. Is Geoffrey's imposible to reach on a Tues. night? I know traffic at rush hour on the 1 has become worse over the years (coming in from WLA). Thanks
Sep 30th, 2004, 09:40 AM
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Just down from The Charthouse at the intersection of PCH and Sunset Blvd is a restaurant called Gladstones.While I have not eaten there in a number of years the food was good and the restaurant does sit right over the Pacific.
http://www.gladstones.com/html/home.html
http://www.gladstones.com/html/home.html
Sep 30th, 2004, 10:01 AM
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Gladstones is still there. One goes there for the views and the bar-- and maybe appetizers. Don't go for the sit-down food-- it's at best mediocre and at worst terrible. You have thousands of better choices in the metro area.
Geoffrey's got a righteous pan in the LA Times not too long ago (the reviewer was saddened by the dramatic slide in the food quality). The Malibu Chart House could be fun.
Casa del Mar would be a good choice. And you're ruling out the Lobster (on the Pier)? If you can get a window table at Ocean Ave. Seafood, the views are almost as good, and the food's quite wonderful. How about Ivy at the Shore, a few doors away from the Pier on the other side of Ocean Ave.? I haven't dined at Lavande (I work in SM but live down in Long Beach-- not a lot of dinners up here lately!), but I've heard good things too.
Café del Rey in MdR is another possibility. Great food, marina views. The Warehouse, too....
Geoffrey's got a righteous pan in the LA Times not too long ago (the reviewer was saddened by the dramatic slide in the food quality). The Malibu Chart House could be fun.
Casa del Mar would be a good choice. And you're ruling out the Lobster (on the Pier)? If you can get a window table at Ocean Ave. Seafood, the views are almost as good, and the food's quite wonderful. How about Ivy at the Shore, a few doors away from the Pier on the other side of Ocean Ave.? I haven't dined at Lavande (I work in SM but live down in Long Beach-- not a lot of dinners up here lately!), but I've heard good things too.
Café del Rey in MdR is another possibility. Great food, marina views. The Warehouse, too....
Sep 30th, 2004, 12:15 PM
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Hi
I've eaten a couple times at Giorgio Baldi in Pacific Palisades; the food was great; particularly the lobster ravioli for an appetizer. It's fun and crowded (in a good way)- not on the water; but just off PCH - there's also a cute bar/restaurant next door if you have to wait for your table. (Supposedly Tom Cruise can be spotted there now and again).
I've eaten a couple times at Giorgio Baldi in Pacific Palisades; the food was great; particularly the lobster ravioli for an appetizer. It's fun and crowded (in a good way)- not on the water; but just off PCH - there's also a cute bar/restaurant next door if you have to wait for your table. (Supposedly Tom Cruise can be spotted there now and again).
Sep 30th, 2004, 01:04 PM
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rjw, I love Cafe del Ray also. It is a more hopping place than Casa Del Mar, butthe setting is not as impressive. Food is so good and creative at Cafe del Ray. Not the beach and pure horizon sunset view that Casa has, but the marina is nice too.
Jul 29th, 2010, 10:10 AM
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If your looking for a great beach front restaurant I would check out The Sunset Restaurant (http://www.thesunsetrestaurant.com). Technically I think its in Zuma Beach but not too far away. Its a combo of california, french, and italian cuisine.
I have also eaten at Casa Del Mar which was also awesome.
Gladstone has great views and only good things have been said about it but I have never eaten there. Good luck!
I have also eaten at Casa Del Mar which was also awesome.
Gladstone has great views and only good things have been said about it but I have never eaten there. Good luck!
Jul 29th, 2010, 04:49 PM
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It's been quite a few years since I last visited the area. However, the two restaurants I remember fondly are the Warehouse, as previously mentioned, and one for which I see no mention. It is The Black Whale. I don't know if it's still around, but it sure was a terrific place.
Jul 29th, 2010, 09:18 PM
#17
"I wonder if she ever found a husband?"
Probably found a man, got married, had a baby, kicked the guy to the curb and is back looking . . . .
But surfergirl is still around, maybe she'll see this and give an update?
Probably found a man, got married, had a baby, kicked the guy to the curb and is back looking . . . .
But surfergirl is still around, maybe she'll see this and give an update?
Oct 6th, 2010, 09:29 PM
#18
Original Poster
Ha, my sister (and mother) just had another birthday yesterday (those darned things keep comin' at ya!), and yep, she's 6 years older. So do I remember where we went 6 years ago?! I can't remember what I had for dinner last night! Nope, no boyfriend, husband, and still the same job and probably the same salary. The only action she gets is taking care of my dogs when we go away!
The Black Whale, btw, sadly passed away years ago. Their bucket of claims and crabs legs were to die for.
The Warehouse is still there (in the Marina) and when not packed with busloads of tourists, can be pretty nice on a warm evening, sitting outside with a cocktail.
The Black Whale, btw, sadly passed away years ago. Their bucket of claims and crabs legs were to die for.
The Warehouse is still there (in the Marina) and when not packed with busloads of tourists, can be pretty nice on a warm evening, sitting outside with a cocktail.
