Nobu Malibu

"Verdict: You’re here for the stunning ocean views, you’re here for celebrities in sunglasses, and you’re here to eat expensive sushi that tastes great. Nobu is one of the best—and most consistent—splurge meals in LA." - nikko duren, brant cox

"Celebrity: Robert De Niro With over 50 restaurants and 13 hotels worldwide, the Nobu name prints money at this point. Consider it the "All I Want For Christmas" of celebrity-owned hospitality groups: a smash hit that never gets old. Among the many branches of the upscale Japanese concept—co-founded by Robert De Niro and Nobu Matsuhisa—is the gorgeous location in Malibu, which remains one of the city's most recognizable restaurants a decade after opening. You're also going to spend a lot of money at this beautiful beachfront spot, but several things make it worth the pretty penny: the ornate sashimi platters, the buttery black cod entree, the sound of waves crashing beneath your feet, and the likely chance you'll brush shoulders with an A-lister who leaves you starstruck. So whether you see Nobu as a special occasion spot, tourist trap, or just an overhyped sushi option, there's no denying eating here is a pleasant experience." - sylvio martins, brant cox, garrett snyder

"The flagship restaurant of the Nobu empire is a household name here in LA. And despite the exorbitant prices, tough reservations, and Deux Moi enthusiasts loitering out front, eating here is always worth the hassle. After all these years, classics like sashimi tacos, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, and black cod miso are still good. And the only thing that beats the view of your favorite Oscar winner is seeing the unobstructed Malibu coast. " - brant cox

"Is there a better place to see and be seen in Los Angeles? Nobu Malibu is a difficult table to get for anyone, but the place is so exclusive that mere mortals have a difficult time landing even a seat here. Chef Nobu might’ve made his name at Matsuhisa on La Cienega, which is still a popular place for celebrities, and at his namesake New York City restaurants, but Nobu Malibu is the epicenter of the Japanese chef’s celebrity-rich empire. Come for tiny plates of fresh seafood and inventive Peruvian Japanese lounge fare." - Rebecca Roland, Eater Staff

"It’s kind of a toss-up as to which view is better at Nobu Malibu—the big blue Pacific Ocean, or the people-watching. If you don’t see a celebrity here, you aren’t looking hard enough. We’d actually understand if the food here was mediocre, but the best part about Nobu is that it’s the opposite. All that excellent Japanese food comes at a price, but when Diane Keaton and her hats are sitting to your left, that’s the least of your worries. " - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins