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LAers, have out of town guests visiting you? Travelers, are you making plans to come out to LA? If either of those is the case, PARADISE COVE in Malibu is a fabulous lunch spot right on the beach!

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu is located right off the PCH at 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.

Parking is available for $6.00 (Up to 4 hours with validation) and menu prices are on the higher side but you’re partially paying for the ambiance and location on the beach.  You also are sure to receive large portions with any order — plenty to share or will make great leftovers.

When my cousins were in town last week, we stopped at Paradise Cove on a sunny weekday before heading to Zuma Beach and had a fabulous time.

Here are a few of highlights and lo-lights based on my experience…

HIGHLIGHTS 

Iced Seafood Sampler ($29.95). Photo by The Joyous Living.

Location: Four stars! On a sunny day, you will want to request an outdoors table on the sand. The tables are in the sand (aside from the few cabana-like tables that are elevated) and covered with umbrellas. And on a clear day, you can see straight to the water. Gorgeous!!

Food Portions: Four stars! HUGE. The iced seafood sampler (pictured) and all entrees are so large that you can easily share. There are no skimpy portions here.

Clam Chowder. Photo by The Joyous Living.

Food Taste: Four stars. Delicious. All entrees were well seasoned and the fish was fresh.

Child Friendly: Four stars. Highchairs, large children meals and large tables made for a child friendly luncheon. If you have picky eaters or kids who don’t have a big appetite, might I even suggest splitting a meal that includes a drink, entree and ice cream dessert.

LO-LIGHTS

Service: Three stars. The waiters and waitresses will take your order, deliver your food, take your money and that’s about it. If you need a refill, additional cutlery or the children’s meal dessert you will need to wave down someone on staff. The manager also seemed to walk around with a superior look about himself and didn’t stop to talk to any of the tables in my general vicinity.

Children’s Grilled Cheese. Photo by The Joyous Living.

Cleanliness: Two and a half stars. We were given appetizer plates with our Iced Seafood Sampler and my dish still had stains from a previous meal. Yuck. I was fortunately able to get a server to switch it out but not a promising sight.

All in all, I highly recommend a visit to Paradise Cove in Malibu the next time you or  family/friends are coming into town. And be sure to enjoy the outdoor seating if possible and the sun loungers outside while you wait for your table — just don’t get too comfortable and fall asleep. 🙂