Making Waves

A magnet for A-list Malibu dwellers like Julia Roberts, as well as visitors who’ve driven to the coast for the day, Malibu Farm is the latest addition of culinary hot-spots along PCH. Perched over the ocean, this innovative restaurant belongs to Swedish-American chef-owner Helene Henderson, whose food focuses on super-simple ingredients coming from the fields of nearby farms- including her own, as well as Larry Thorne Family Farm, Maggies Farm and 1 Gun Ranch- that are consumed within a day or two of harvesting. It almost opened on a whim last summer, but now Malibu Farm is the most-buzzed-about space in Malibu that serves up delicious fresh, organic and local fare heavy on vegetables and grains.

What began as an onsite catering company in 2011, Malibu Farm took over the restaurant property located at the end of the 109 year old, 780 foot long Malibu Pier which had been sitting empty for years. Part of the California Department of State Parks and Recreation, the concessionaire approached Henderson last June about taking over the space. At first skeptic, all she initially agreed to was a pop-up restaurant for the Fourth of July weekend. That holiday, as well as Labor Day weekend, proved to be a smashing success so Henderson decided to continue with her venture, serving breakfast and lunch from 9am-3pm with lines practically dipping into the ocean as reservations are not taken. Whether you’re craving pancakes, kale caesar salad, cauliflower lavash pizza, or a bacon and heirloom tomato sandwich, this spectacular setting and minimalist beach chic decor is a real sea change for Malibu. www.malibu-farm.com