Where to eat in Malibu for wedding? (Paradise, Fortuna: salon, hotel)

[Stepho84]

Hi all,

I am from IL, and my fiance and I are having a very small, beach wedding near the Malibu Pier. We will have a short ceremony with probably 10 other people as guests. After the ceremony, I am going back to my hotel room to change clothing, and my father would like to pay for everyone to have dinner somewhere local.

My fiance and I are both fans of Italian food, but we are very, very picky eaters. Also, my father offered to pay for everyone, but he is not made of money. So, we are looking for a nice local restaurant that could seat all 12 of us, have a formal atmosphere without high prices or strange menu ingredients.

Are there any recommendations? We'll be flying in the day before, getting married the following day, and flying home the third day, so I don't have time to scope things out myself.

Edit:::
I am also looking for a salon or something similar to do my hair and makeup. I am looking for any local referrals. Thanks!

[Perkins Well]

I've been to Moonshadows for a wedding reception. It was great because I didn't have to pay for anything.

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by Perkins Well

I've been to Moonshadows for a wedding reception. It was great because I didn't have to pay for anything.

Yeah. Malibu is gonna be expensive for the actual value of the meal but you're paying for the ocean, and it's a big ocean. Still, Beau Rivage sounds like your best option. Nice venue, classic Mediterranean fare, nothing really exotic. The prices are a good range. Fortunately, to control costs I checked online and they have prix fixe private party offerings as well:

BeauRivage restaurant: Private Party menu

Bear in mind that prices are subject to change and this is last year's menu. But around $50 (maybe $60)/head I'd say is well in line with reasonable expectations for appetizer, entree and dessert, not including beverages and tip. Beau Rivage also has mixed reviews for service though a planned private party may not suffer this as much as walk-in diners. Personally, I've only been once and that was back in the early '90s, so I can only vouch for the atmosphere itself, which is really lovely and suitable for the formality (that is, not stiflingly formal) you want to achieve. I'd myself be happy with sandwiches at Neptune's Net.

[osuzana]

I would say Beau Rivage or Geoffrey's which will give you incredible views ocean side. There is also a great Italian Restaurant in the Malibu Market area called Tra di Nori. Probably will spot some celebrities while you're there.

[Stepho84]

So far, each of these options have a lot of ingredients which don't sound appetizing to picky eaters. I realize that my fiance and I are the only real picky eaters out of the group, but there hasn't been a menu yet with something edible for us. We aren't big on seafood or vegetarian dishes.

Perhaps stating Italian was a bit much. Any more American-style places you can think of?

[Perkins Well]

Check out Guido's.

Guido's Malibu

[cricket_factor]

How about here?

Bob Morris' Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Dukes

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by Stepho84

So far, each of these options have a lot of ingredients which don't sound appetizing to picky eaters. I realize that my fiance and I are the only real picky eaters out of the group, but there hasn't been a menu yet with something edible for us. We aren't big on seafood or vegetarian dishes.

Perhaps stating Italian was a bit much. Any more American-style places you can think of?

No worries. I had a friend who ate very simply, no sauces or other ingredients. I haven't been to this place, but try The Sunset Restaurant. The dinner menu includes a BBQ chicken (called Jidori chicken, which is just a very high-quality, flavorful free range bird, much like Kobe beef is very carefully raised beef), traditional spaghetti Bolognese or skirt steak (with accompanying sauces, but you can certainly request them strictly on the side). The starters are $10 and under and entrees are no more than $20. Not bad. The place itself looks crisp and white with beautiful views. There's also the Beachcomber on the pier, but I haven't been there either. Probably some standard restaurant fare. I don't know about prices. A benefit would be your guests won't have to travel to another location, but that also may not be a preference if you want to venture around during your short stay.

Congratulations. I hope you have a great wedding and that we can help in some way.

[greggd]

Originally Posted by Stepho84

So far, each of these options have a lot of ingredients which don't sound appetizing to picky eaters. I realize that my fiance and I are the only real picky eaters out of the group, but there hasn't been a menu yet with something edible for us. We aren't big on seafood or vegetarian dishes.

Perhaps stating Italian was a bit much. Any more American-style places you can think of?

American Food in Malibu?

You may want to consider Coogies Beach Cafe, which is close to the Pier or Paradise Cove Cafe at Paradise Cove. Further North is..Spruzzo's which has a pretty big patio area.

[gypsystar]

Check out the Marmalade Cafe in the Malibu Country Mart. It has a very nice atmosphere, but probably won't be as expensive as the other options. They have fried chicken, pizza and some fancier dishes. They don't offer an ocean view, though. From one IL girl to another - congrats! Your wedding will be so beautiful.
Malibu Restaurant Menu | Marmalade Cafe

Ooooh, and I second Dukes - great food and fabulous views!