ByKathleen Sterling
While the aptly-named Sunset Restaurant isn’t quite a secret, dining there does feel like indulging in your own little slice of sandy heaven.
Tucked away off PCH right before Zuma Beach, it’s a long-standing Malibu institution known to residents, celebrities and the occasional tourist lucky enough to float in.
The restaurant sits directly across from the beach and is a perfect getaway spot to escape the Valley heat and indulge in a seaside breeze. Whether it’s a casual lunch, an intimate dinner or simply grabbing a drink to watch the sunset from the bar, the restaurant lives up to its name.
Personally, we love to cruise down the coast to hang out at the large bar where sofas ring the room and a large communal table sits at the center. There are always couples, friends, and even singles just relaxing and catching the breathtaking views from the front windows.
The menu, under the direction of chef Paolo Sicuro, has a California vibe with an Italian flair. Sicuro started his career in Rome, and continued in Beverly Hills at Prego. Now, his influence at The Sunset is clear as the menu includes eggplant parmigiana, lasagna, wagyu beef bolognese and risotto with wild mushrooms. Risotto is my culinary kryptonite and this one was amazing. Naturally, with a nod to the sea across the beach, there are also black mussels, linguine with clams, fish tacos, lobster and more.
Happy hour is offered Monday to Thursday, from 3 to 9 pm, with various appetizers on special. Indulge in a little bit of everything from calamari to creamy clam chowder with bacon. You can never go wrong with an appetizer spread, but a personal highlight was the shrimp cocktail that came with five massive shrimp accompanied by their own special cocktail sauce. You can create your own seafood feast of shrimp, little neck clams, spicy ahi tuna and oysters – or order their giant seafood platter to share.
The real star here, obviously, is the location – only 20 minutes driving down Malibu Canyon. I’ve had lovely sit-down meals here upstairs overlooking the water, and delightful afternoons popping in for a quick bite. After all, you can’t get more Californian than this – sipping wine while relaxing surfside and keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins. There motto is “Best Sunset 365 Days a Year,” which rings true not only in the summer when the beach is most popular, but any month of the year.
The Sunset Restaurant is the ideal spot for delicious eats with even more delicious views. Sure, the Beach Boys famously mused that “the West Coast has the sunshine,” but this eatery has the lockdown on sunsets.
The Sunset is located at 6800 Westward Beach. You can find parking along the road but it’s worth it to valet right there and then pop inside. They offer outside dining, private parties, a full bar and more. For information phone (310) 589-1007 or email info@thesunsetrestaurant.com. For a complete menu visit thesunsetrestaurant.com.
