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    Nobu Malibu

    3.8 (3.6k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese, Asian Fusion
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Nobu Malibu Photos

    Business Info

    NOBU MALIBU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Upscale
    Dressy
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Nobu Malibu

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ruby M.

    Nobu Malibu is an instant classic for me, you got the perfect views of the Malibu coast, the great food, the delicious cocktails, it's a whole experience. Every time I come the service is fantastic, everyone is so quick to give recommendations. We had a lot of eat just writing about it is making me feel full. The standout stars to me were the yellow tail with jalapeño, the rock fish tempura (this is probably the one of the best things in the menu), the black cod, and the wagyu beef sliders. To be honest I have yet to try something on the menu which I don't like. For dessert the churros and the mochi ice cream are tried and true every time I visit. A special shoutout to the their hibiscus cocktail, the original option on the menu is with mezcal, but I've never been fond of mezcal. I always substitute that with tequila blanco and it's easily the best cocktail I've ever had. Thank you Nobu for the memories, thank you for the hospitality, and thank you for the delicious food!

    Hand roll Toro Scallion*
    Zsanae K.

    I finally see the hype. One of the best meals I've had. It's up there with fine dining in Napa. The waves the air the service. Everything was amazing.

    Loyal C.

    Believe the hype! First time at this Nobu and this was my first impression. Pros: very Island like with the breeze from the ocean. Casual attire, in despite many said including their website no open-toed shoes for men. I saw plenty of men with their toes out. Very cool vibes. Service is rather fast especially for such a busy place. Our waiter Oscar was top tier. Everything we ordered was excellent to the point we didn't get to take pictures of them. We dove right in. Cons: you most likely need a reservation to go in. Things to know: there is valet parking for $15

    Jazlene T.

    A SoCal classic. Probably the most renowned location of the Nobu franchise. For one, it's beautifully located on PCH and they have the best sunsets as it's beachside.We came in a big group to celebrate our friend's birthday. She made the reservation and as a large group they were able to accommodate us with an indoor table. Surprisingly, if one or a few cancel last minute there are no cancellation fees unless the whole group forfeits without early notice. I thought this was a plus. Overall, I've been to several Nobu locations globally. This one was one of the most charming and perfect date night, love a coastal scenery. It does get quite busy, it's recommended to make a reservation. Some of the dishes we ordered: Seared Toro Yellowtail Jalapeño Crispy Rice with Tuna Rock Shrimp Tempura Shishito Peppers Chicken Karaage + way more Signature drink: Lychee martini!! A must every time I visit. Definitely one of the top spots I'd bring someone visiting from out of town.

    Beautiful views from the restaurant!
    Lori G.

    The location alone is 5 stars!! It's an amazing vibe!! This location on the beach in Malibu is such a gem! The food is really good, the attention to detail is really special!! And the lychee martini is a must!! The best I ever had. The mini tacos are also a must!! It is very pricey but worth it especially for an occasion or to impress someone. Definitely watch the documentary on Chef Nobu before you go, gives a great background on the reason for all the flavors.

    Courtney M.

    I came here to celebrate my anniversary and it was such a treat! We got a table on the water and the weather was perfect! Our waiter was amazing and curated our entire meal for us. We started with amazing appetizers, then some hot dishes and ended with sushi and dessert. The best dish was the miso cod. I could eat that every day! The uni was the best uni I have ever had with a wasabi relish on top. The high price of the meal makes it feel impossible to come back but I did enjoy every bite. There is valet parking or you can try to find street parking but there isn't much.

    Dessert
    Brian L.

    Nobu Malibu is one of the restaurant gems of LA. Incredible views, ambiance, food, service, and vibes. From start to finish, excellent dishes, drinks, and atmosphere. Really enjoy sitting on the patio facing the ocean, a true LA dining experience. The seafood is top quality and prepared with so much attention to detail. We ordered apps and the famous black cod with miso. The rock shrimp was so crispy and flavorful, pairing well with their spicy aioli. Every dish was memorable, a true 5-star dining experience at Nobu Malibu!

    All the tacos
    Ania N.

    Nobu Malibu is honestly all about the location. Being right on the beach gives it such a nice vibe, especially with the indoor-outdoor setup. Sitting outside in the dining area is my favorite spot the ocean view alone makes the experience. Reservations can be hard to get, but honestly every time I've gone we've just popped in, hung out by the bar, and eventually gotten a table. It does get busy, and valet is pretty much the move here. The food is what you expect from Nobu pricey, but always fresh and consistently good. Not much to complain about there. The tacos are all delicious (tuna, white fish, wagyu ribeye and caviar), are always a hit. Drinks are great too, and lately I've been getting the strawberry cheesecake for dessert, which is sooo good. You'll almost always see a celebrity here (not something I personally care about), but if you're trying to impress out-of-town guests, this is definitely the place. For comparison, my second favorite Nobu location is Newport Beach it feels more chill with a DJ and slightly less fancy compared to Malibu. Overall, Nobu Malibu is worth it for the views, vibes, and consistently good food. PS just recently they started charging for extra ginger lol just ask your waiter about it before asking for more.

    Black Cod with Miso
    Taiyee V.

    The ambience was beautiful, you can hear the waves and the breeze felt nice on the outdoor patio. We got reservations for 8pm and they did a good job of keeping the guest warm outside. However, one thing that bothered my husband was that the tables were not flat to the ground. Meaning if we leaned too hard on one side, the table would tip or lean. For how much you're paying here, to have the tables quality be like this was a bit off putting. It also felt very cramped. The table next to me was soo close I couldn't really move back my chair to get up. It felt like they were trying to squeeze as much tables as possible, to get more people there at a time. Service: undesirable. Took too long for them to refill my water glass. At that point I had to just ask a staff for still bottled water. The waiter also seemed to have forgotten our table as it took a while for them to even hand us menus. This is a big reason why the stars are low. Food: yellowtail jalapeño (2/5) was too salty. Miso soup (5/5) the tofu tasted very good. Black cod (4/5) I noticed there was a fish bone sticking out. Luckily I saw it before I ate it. It could have been dangerous, this was another reason this place lost a star. Crispy rice and sushi were good quality and good overall, no complaints there. Overall I left feeling very disappointed. For the price you're paying and the effort it took for me to make a reservation, the presentation of food and service was not good. I've been to a lot of sushi-focused, high-priced places in the OC, and I can tell you at least 5 different places with the same quality, better service and better value. I think the hype is what keeps this place busy. Unfortunately, I will not be coming back.

    Megan H.

    Came here to celebrate my sister's birthday recently! Food: Everything was definitely fresh. I can see why the Miso Black Cod is a fan favorite. The fish is made to perfection. It was so flavorful and melts in your mouth. While I am not a fan of raw fish, my sister loved the yellow tail. It was not fishy at all and very fresh. My second favorite item from our order, surprisingly, is the fried okra! It was so addicting to munch on while waiting for our main courses. We also ordered the California roll (forgot to photograph). I did not feel there was anything special with that. I've had better California rolls at many other places. The rock shrimp.. although is another fan favorite, I did not like too much. It tasted alright at best to me. The flavors did not mix that well in my opinion. Dessert was a form of lava cake. It was decent. Service: The waiters are very attentive. Two of them even offered to take photos for us, which was very kind of them! They were good at recommending items and took their time with us. Parking: It was a $15 valet parking! Very easy and not too stressful. Overall: The view of the ocean where we were sat was beautiful. The restaurant was lovely inside and out. The restroom had a huge mirror, which is perfect for makeup touch ups. We told the waiter we were celebrating a birthday, and they wrote happy birthday on the dessert we ordered. It was a nice first experience! I would come back in the near future!

    Stacey D.

    I don't think Nobu needs any more reviews, but here I am anyway! We went for my husband's birthday, and coming from someone who doesn't eat sushi or fish at all, for that matter, it was absolutely AMAZING. Every dish was incredible, the atmosphere was beautiful, and the experience completely lived up to the hype!

    Nigiri
    Kelly M.

    Vibe and ambiance is great, the beach is right there. Sitting outside is wonderful with stunning views. Sushi rolls, nigiri, and other things were in my opinion just alright. They were good but great. Definitely not justified by the price. The value to greatness is lacking. Far better sushi spots in LA. We ordered a collection of nigiri and sushi rolls. The one standout was the yellowtail jalapeño, which was very good. However, I've had similar at many other restaurants that were just as tasty and at a far lower price point. I'd recommend saving your money and going elsewhere.

    MALIBU BREEZE
    Juliana S.

    Nobu Malibu is a must. This location is unbelievably stunning. It was not too busy when we visited, which was great because we could hear the waves, and really enjoy each other's company. To know before you go-- Make sure to book your reservation a month ahead if you want a specific date & valet is required once onsite. We ordered the rock shrimp tempura w/ creamy spicy sauce, yellowtail jalapeño, and the oysters. I have had better oysters, but the shrimp tempura & yellowtail jalapeño were really great. Wish I tried the lychee martini, because I didn't love the drinks we selected. The view alone makes this location a must visit, but stay for a few light bites & I believe it is well worth it. Service was also top notch.

    Inside - IG @bougiefoodieboi

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    Nobu Malibu Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Nobu Malibu

    Do they take reservation for the Sushi Bar or is that walk up only?

    You need a reservation for any sitting and they are almost always booked and waiting is about 1 hour

    Is it true that Nobu Malibu does not take reservations for a party of 1? (I read that somewhere in the reviews)

    If you're going solo, you will have a better chance at walking up

    Can you order drinks at the bar while waiting as a walk in?

    Yes

    How hard is it to get a table for one outside w/ocean view as a walk-in during a weekday afternoon like 2 or 3 pm?

    Not too bad for one...however the ocean view can be tricky. Timing is key and are always high demand, but I've generally had good luck with walk ups

    How do you reserve the couch seating right near the railing/ocean? Can they accommodate that for 2 people?

    You can definitely ask for this over over the phone and confirm they do try to accommodate request. It just depends on how busy they are for that particular night but most of the time they can make it happen.

    Is Nobu Malibu Card only?

    No, they take cash as well.

    If you reserve over the phone, do they do a follow-up call or follow-up text to confirm the reservation?

    They called me 24 hours before my reservation to confirm.

    Is there a happy hour?

    It's always Happy Hour at Nobu! I don't believe there is a happy hour. Note: it's the Experience & the sushi, not the price. GL getting in. I go there usually in the early afternoon once I finish an Appraisal out there. I treat myself

    Do they accept cash?

    Yes

    Do they accept walk ins?

    Usually no but I did get a table once when I waited before opening during a weekday. Granted it was only for 2 people. Doubtful if it was a larger party than 4. Especially during the weekends.

    How is Nobu Malibu in December?

    You know they have indoor seating so it's great

    Does this place take reservations, if so how far in advanced do I need to make?

    Yes 30 days in advance! Call exactly at 10am ! Your wait time is like 20 mins long already !

    Are walk ins allowed?

    Yes but be prepared to wait hours just find a seat in bar area

    Any good options for vegetarians ? Avacado rolls?

    They have a lot of vegetarian options including avocado rolls ask for anything a lot is off menu

    Can you order food at the bar?

    At the bar tables, yes

    Is there a cork charge?

    Yes. I think $50 a bottle

    Is proof of vaccination or a negative test required?

    No, not when I was there.

    Can you go to the bar and have a drink?

    Yes, you can.

    Is it required for a pregnant women to be vaccinated?

    No one asked for vaccination status

    Are proof of vaccinations cards required for dining?

    Proof of vaccination is required for entry to LA County restaurants as of October 7.

    View All 82 Questions

    Bui Sushi

    Bui Sushi

    4.1(422 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    We've been coming to Bui Sushi Malibu more times than we can count, and it never disappoints. From…read morethe moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted with genuine warmth. The hostesses are always gracious and welcoming, and the servers consistently provide exceptional service. Every visit feels special. The food is simply outstanding. We've worked our way through almost the entire menu, and everything is consistently fresh and beautifully prepared. The sushi and fish are incredibly fresh, the fried rice is hands down the best we've ever had, and the miso-marinated black cod is absolutely unforgettable--it's an absolute must-order every single time we visit. And whatever you do, don't leave without ordering a lychee martini. It's the perfect complement to an already incredible dining experience.

    If you ever find yourself craving some of Malibu's finest sushi, Bui Sushi is one of those places…read moreyou simply have to experience. I've been coming here since they first opened, and it's remained a favorite for a reason...it never misses. There are a few things I consider completely non-negotiable, and the surf and turf roll is one of them. It's just that good! And if you love yellowtail sashimi, theirs is consistently fresh, delicate, and beautifully done. I always add extra jalapeño's, but do you. We went as a group of five and shared a bit of everything (the only way to do it, in my opinion), and there were so many standouts. The pumpkin tempura was unexpectedly addictive, and the scallops we had prepared two different ways, were absolute perfection... the kind that just melt the second they hit your palate. What really makes this place special, though, is the full experience. The service is warm and polished without ever feeling overdone, the cocktails are crafted just right, and the outdoor seating has that relaxed Malibu charm. It's the kind of place you keep coming back to, and quietly recommend to people who appreciate when things are done right.

    Photos
    Bui Sushi
    Bui Sushi - Malibu Sunset roll

    Malibu Sunset roll

    Bui Sushi

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    Yume Sushi Bar - Amazing special from the Chef

    Yume Sushi Bar

    4.4(255 reviews)
    8.3 mi
    $$$

    My girlfriend and I finished shopping at the Westfield Mall and was looking for a quick bite near…read moreby. Yume happened to be the best 15 minute drive after some good retail therapy! Hosts were so kind and seated us at the bar. Bar staffs were fun, talkative and great with recommendations from their other helpful worker-friends. Dark ambiance but fit the vibe of a good evening food takeoff. We definitely will go next time while watching the chef cook in front of us next time with reservations. Food was delicious, as well as their drinks!

    Its not every day, week, month, year or decade I can safely claim that.... this is the best sushi…read moreI've ever eaten, but this IS that time. Having been to the studio city location and enjoying, it's no contest in terms of parking ease (just $7 valet, so $10 LOL) diverse, creative menu items, roominess (at least twice the size here), still a few open tables at all times to enjoy without super cramped environment and just generally blew the doors off pretty much any other sushi joint near or far. Started with the Exclusive menu...not to me (I wish) but a smaller paper menu with specials. The FatherKels Roll, my goodness, what a start. (Weird name comes from, as my son told me, some Instagram chick or something, the usual nonsense.) I couldn't care less if it was named the Long Island Lolita Roll, it was literally the pinnacle of rolls, the Mt Everest if you will of rolls. Then ordered a bunch of rolls from Yellowtail Cilantro, Green Dragon, Citrus, were all one better than the other. Super melt-in-your-mouth, good fish ratio, immaculate sauce parings and fusions harmoniously dancing in your mouth as your tastebuds get orgasmisized to oblivion. You'd think something as simple as a mushroom soup wouldn't warrant any praise...NOT HERE. What a soup, one of the best I've ever had. (Please get this). Everything we tried ranged from A to A+, and the bonus kicker, they have a Yuzu, yes YUZU sauce bottle on the table. Good luck finding that anywhere in the country without begging for it like a little bitch HAHAHAAAA Even the wasabi was so fresh and course ground, I mean just every box was checked and boxes you didn't even know ever existed. Gil, a slick cool dude/manager came to ask how our meal was and complimented our family and ordering taste, nice touch. Needless to say, one and never done; will be hard-pressed to eat sushi anywhere else again...yes I'm not joking. It's not cheap, blew 90 bucks a person all-in but worth every dollar plus interest.

    Photos
    Yume Sushi Bar - Dining roll

    Dining roll

    Yume Sushi Bar - Mochi Dessert

    Mochi Dessert

    Yume Sushi Bar - Yellowtail Sashimi w/Serrano

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    Yellowtail Sashimi w/Serrano

    Kagura El Segundo - Three fish sashimi. Great!

    Kagura El Segundo

    4.4(709 reviews)
    16.7 mi
    $$

    I've been to a few Japanese restaurants in downtown El Segundo over the years. How on earth did I…read moremiss this gem!? Huge props to my coworker for suggesting this place. Hidden in plain sight, Kagura is a top tier Japanese dining experience. It should be noted that this place is more $$$ than it is $$, and that's a compliment. I dropped $50+ here and it was easy to say it was worth it. I treat myself to the Kagura Gozen chef especial that was limited on how many was served per day and a Orion Okinawa draft beer. Plus, I had leftovers. The chef special came with more-than-a-little of everything. Each dish was unique and delicious. I was treated to a full spread of amazing Japanese cuisine. Sashimi was fresh, katsu was thick and juicy with a lightly breaded crust, eel was flavorful and soft, and the soba noodles were perfect. The restaurant is clean and beautifully laid out. I got vibes of actually being in Japan. If you have a reservation, you can get a private booth. The attractive staff were fantastic. Friendly and fast. Water glass was always full and empty dishes were promptly removed. Last tid bits. Two clean solo bathrooms and street parking.

    This was my first time eating at this Kagura location. Normally whenever I come to Kagura, I always…read moreorder one of their katsu bentos because they're consistently delicious. This time, I noticed this location offers special Gozen set meals that I hadn't seen before. They had a limited Dinner Gozen on the menu with only 10 sets available each night. Of course I had to order it. The set came with a little bit of everything: sushi, sashimi, katsu, eel rice, toro rice, ikura rice, soba, a variety of small cold side dishes, soup, and salad. It was a huge meal and I was honestly surprised I managed to finish the whole thing. I really enjoyed it because you get to try so many different items in one meal. If you're like me and love Japanese food, this is a great way to sample a little bit of everything without having to order a bunch of separate dishes. Everything tasted fresh and the quality was excellent. The restaurant itself isn't very big, so it can get pretty busy. They do take reservations though, which I'd recommend if you're planning to come during dinner. Overall, I really enjoyed this special Gozen meal and would definitely come back. It was a fun experience and a great value for the variety and quality of food you get.

    Photos
    Kagura El Segundo - Inside view from a private booth

    Inside view from a private booth

    Kagura El Segundo - Beef Steak Gozen. So good!

    Beef Steak Gozen. So good!

    Kagura El Segundo - Kagura El Segundo 4/2025

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    Kagura El Segundo 4/2025

    Crane & Elephant - Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

    Crane & Elephant

    4.6(230 reviews)
    11.7 miCanoga Park

    This is just my opinion, what a lovely and fun restaurant…read more Location: Parking lot is small, but the restaurant is lively and intimate. It is an interesting and welcoming restaurant and has a great atmosphere. I also love how the location has Japanese and Thai artwork all over. 4/5 Staff: The owner is super kind and helpful. She has a lot of passion and obviously cares about her customers. She is adorable and works very hard. I also thought that her staff was nice and attentive. 5/5 Price: I feel that the food is well priced and competitive. The serving portions meet my expectations and of course I will always say I want more, but that is unrealistic. 4.5/5 Food: Tonkatsu Chicken Curry Rice: Absolutely the dish I miss from Japan and this has that comforting dish vibe I used to have at home or in Japan. I highly recommend and love how this makes me warm and happy after eating it. 5/5 sorry no photo but my favorite dish Teriyaki Chicken Domburi: Simple, delicious, and just what I wanted. 4/5 Vegetable Tempura: Very light, delicious, and it is what it says it is. This isn't too fancy or trying to be different. 4.5/5 Conclusion: I had a great time here and I ordered a lot of food to go (sorry I do not have photos or reviews for everything). This is a place I recommend you stop here when you want some well done japanese dishes to cheer you up or need a heart filling dish. My Score: 4.5/5 Yelp Score: 5/5

    Love coming to Crane & Elephant. It's become a nice go to when my husband and I are craving a nice…read morewarm and comforting meal. We especially enjoy talking to the employees and owner who are just so warm hearted. Parking can be sparse depending on what time you come but we haven't had any issues just yet. Their space is nice for watching the World Cup and is split into two in case you have a bigger group or smaller group. Can't wait to come back again!

    Photos
    Crane & Elephant - Inside

    Inside

    Crane & Elephant - Spicy Garlic Edamame

    Spicy Garlic Edamame

    Crane & Elephant - Chicken Teriyaki Bento Lunch Special

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    Chicken Teriyaki Bento Lunch Special

    Nobu Malibu - sushi - Updated August 2026

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