Nobu Malibu

Reviews

• JK

  J Kim

  3 days ago
  5.0
  At Nobu Malibu, the experience was a mix, but overall still memorable. The security at the front was honestly pretty rude, which wasn’t the best first impression and definitely threw the vibe off at the start. That said, once we got inside, everything completely shifted. The food was amazing, beautifully prepared, fresh, and full of flavor like you’d expect. And the atmosphere? Even better. The ocean views, the ambiance, everything about it felt so elevated and special. Not a perfect experience from start to finish, but the food and setting really made up for it. Definitely still worth going for the overall vibe.
• CH

  Condrad Haru

  3 days ago
  1.0
  I chose Nobu Malibu to celebrate my birthday, specifically for the patio experience and the ocean view that your restaurant is known for. Instead, I was seated at the sushi bar and told there were absolutely no patio tables available, with no effort or willingness from the staff to accommodate or even acknowledge that this was a special occasion. What made this particularly upsetting is that this was my birthday, and I had been looking forward to this evening for a long time. The way the situation was handled left me feeling completely disregarded — to the point where I became emotional and ended up in tears inside your restaurant. I fully understand that restaurants get busy. However, what differentiates a high-end establishment is not just food, but the level of care and attention given to guests — especially on special occasions. Unfortunately, that standard was not met. This experience did not reflect the reputation Nobu Malibu is known for, and it was deeply disappointing.
• IA

  Irina Antonenko

  4 days ago
  1.0
  Nobu Malibu’s biggest problem is the front door. The hostesses and manager handle seating with arrogance, inconsistency, and zero transparency. We were told outdoor tables could not be given despite visible availability because they were being “held” for possible later arrivals, and this was presented as “policy” — yet that policy is not clearly disclosed anywhere when booking. On another visit, even after booking more than a month in advance, we were left waiting while outdoor tables were open, only to be told later that we could sit inside only. The rules seem to change depending on who is working and what mood they are in. The real issue is not seating itself — it is the rude attitude, the lack of clear explanation, and the feeling that guests are being treated as an inconvenience rather than welcomed with basic respect.
• MS

  Matthew Sullivan

  Mar 13, 2026
  5.0
  Had an incredible dinner at Nobu Malibu and it honestly lived up to the hype. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt special… amazing ocean views and a lively crowd. The restaurant was buzzing all night, which made the experience feel exciting and vibrant. The only small downside was that it can get a bit loud during peak dinner hours, but it’s clearly because the place is packed with people enjoying themselves. The service was outstanding, and our waiter Simeon (sorry if spelt wrong) truly elevated the experience. He was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and had great recommendations without ever making us feel rushed. He explained dishes, checked in at the right moments, and made sure everything flowed smoothly from start to finish. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel genuinely taken care of rather than just served. Good guy. Every dish we ordered was memorable. The Yellowtail Jalapeño was perfect. incredibly fresh, delicate slices of fish with just the right amount of citrus and heat from the jalapeño. It was light, balanced, and the kind of dish that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the meal. The Wagyu Lobster and Ribeye Taco was one of the most unique bites of the night. The richness of the wagyu paired with the lobster created an amazing contrast of flavors and textures, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp taco shell. It was indulgent but not overwhelming. The Black Cod with Miso absolutely deserves its reputation. The fish was unbelievably tender and buttery, and the miso glaze had that perfect balance of sweet and savory with a slightly caramelized finish. It’s easy to see why this dish is one of Nobu’s signature classics. Another standout was the Roasted King Crab with Shiso Serrano. The crab was sweet and perfectly cooked, and the serrano added a subtle heat that complemented the natural flavor of the seafood without overpowering it. We also tried the Crispy Okra with Garlic Ponzu, which was a surprisingly addictive dish. The okra had a light crisp texture and the ponzu sauce added a bright citrusy punch that kept you coming back for more. To finish, we had the Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake along with another dessert, and both were fantastic. The cheesecake was rich and creamy with a fresh strawberry flavor. It was the perfect sweet ending after such an incredible meal. We also enjoyed a couple of drinks throughout dinner which paired nicely with the dishes and added to the overall experience. Overall, this was an unforgettable dining experience. The food was exceptional, the service from Simeon was top-tier, and the entire evening felt like a true treat. The only minor critique would be the noise level during the busiest part of the night, but honestly it just reflects how popular and lively the restaurant is. Highly recommend Nobu Malibu if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience with amazing food and outstanding service.
• AB

  Abbey Ballew

  Feb 21, 2026
  1.0
  I’m honestly beyond disappointed with my experience at Nobu Malibu. This past weekend I had visited Nobu Coronado and received incredible service, so this visit was especially shocking. We were there to celebrate a birthday, called ahead, and yet no acknowledgment was made, and basic service elements were completely neglected. Including something as simple as refilling a Diet Coke, which was done not even once. What made the experience even more upsetting was how my friends birthday had been handled. My friend informed the staff that it was someones birthday, and the server simply responded, “I’ll bring dessert menus,” without even saying happy birthday. No acknowledgment, no warmth, nothing. For a restaurant positioned as upscale, this level of indifference was genuinely surprising. The server’s overall attitude only added to the discomfort. Instead of allowing us to comfortably order what we wanted, he repeatedly pushed expensive specials and made us feel judged for choosing more standard items. Being laughed at for ordering something as simple as a California roll was unprofessional, awkward, and completely unacceptable. Guests should never be made to feel uncomfortable for their choices. The overall behavior throughout the evening felt inattentive, strange, and frankly unsettling. To top it off, our server didn’t even return to close us out or say goodbye. Another staff member handled payment while hovering nearby in a way that felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. I want to be very clear: I am an extremely generous tipper and typically tip 22% regardless of service. However, this experience was absolutely unacceptable for a restaurant of this caliber. Guests should feel welcomed and respected, not pressured, judged, or dismissed. If one of the staff members had not been hovering over the tip section, which was extremely unusual, uncomfortable, and frankly RUDE. I would have slapped that zero tip button. Staff that engages with customers in such a way should not be in customer service. period. let alone “fine” dining. I will not be returning to Nobu Malibu.

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