I love food. I was doing my financials and it just makes me cry a little on how much I spend on food...but no shame. Food is bae. Food is life. Here are my favourite restaurants based on cuisine/occasion! I've ordered them based on shortest commuting times from Pepperdine, to longest commuting times (without traffic).
1. Ollo
Address: 23750 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Cuisine/Style: New American
Price Range: $$
I've only ever been there for dinner once, but I love the pizza that I ordered. I would love to get a chance to go there soon!
2. Malibu Seafood
Address: 25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Cuisine/Style: Seafood
Price Range: $$
When I want to grab a quick dinner out with friends and don't feel like grabbing a mere Chipotle, I usually end up coming to Malibu Seafood with them. Love their grilled fish, but while that's usually a bit out of my budget, I go for clam chowder or some of the shrimp and chips!
3. Cholada
Address: 18763 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Cuisine: Thai
Price Range: $$
I love Cholada! It was actually one of the first restaurants I went to when I came to Pepperdine. So yummy. My roomie loves to get the Pad Thai and I personally love getting a sticky rice and green curry.
4. Sushi Nishi
Address: 26799 Agoura Rd, Ste 1, Calabasas, CA
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: $$
Absolutely delicious! Most of the times that I've been here were for friend's birthdays and while it can get a bit pricey based on what rolls you get, it is ultimately still one of my favorite restaurants. Highly recommend! Psst...My favorite in the lobster roll.
5. Lal Mirch
Address: 5146 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Cuisine: Indian
Price Range: $$
Definitely a favorite. It's relatively new so not that many people know about it yet. And I say yet because if people have tried their food, I'm not the best judge but I think it's extremely authentic. They have some good deals for dinners too!
6. Mediterranean Pita Grill
Address: 5790 E Lindero Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price Range: $
There is one that is right by Albertsons but I personally really like the one in Westlake. It's a little farther but I typically in their area shopping etc. Honestly, get anything there. It's super cheap and super yummy.
7. Lemonade
Address: 100 E Promenade Way, Ste A, Westlake Village, CA
Cuisine: New American
Price Range: $$
Typically whenever I'm craving some mac n' cheese along with some salads and stuff, I come here. I love their cantine style of serving and I always feel that I can try something new at Lemonade.
8. Hook Burger
Address: 30768 Russell Ranch Rd, Ste A, Westlake Village, CA
Cuisine: Burgers
Price Range: $
Typically if you're in the area and hungry from a burger, you'd probably go to In N' Out, which is always so good. However, if you feel like stepping it up a notch while still keeping it budget friendly, head over to Hook Burger where they have good burgers and wonderful shakes.
9. Golden Dragon
Address: 2418 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA
Cuisine: Szechuan
Price Range: $
For the past two Chinese New Year, I've either piled 20 of my friends into the tiny restaurant or have ordered takeout form them. One of my favourite Chinese restaurants for sure. And plus, being of Chinese ethnicity, I can tell you that they're pretty authentic!
10. Real Food Daily
Address: 514-516 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian
Price Range: $$
I actually just ate here for lunch! It's super yummy and you don't realize that everything you're eating is plant-based. I ordered a seasonal special, the Caribbean Quesadilla, and a carrot cake! I'm stuffed and happy.
11. Pho CA
Address: 19548 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Price Range: $
I come here all the time for pho dates with one of my close friends. I get the same thing every time, and every time is it absolutely delicious.
12. Groundwork
Address: 1601 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Cuisine: Coffee & Tea
Price Range: $$
I came here a few weeks ago with a friend of mine to study at this cafe. It was absolutely charming and I had a wonderful brunch while I got a lot of work done too. I was extremely satisfied.
13. Blue Stove
Address: Nordstrom, 346 W Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA
Cuisine: New American - Tapas Style
Price Range: $$
I know I say this a lot but this is definitely one of my absolute favourites! It's so yummy. Blue Stove is kind of tucked away inside Nordstrom within The Oaks Mall so it's not really a restaurant that most people notice. I always get the lemon scallop risotto. It is THE bomb.
14. Tatsu Ramen
Address: 2123 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Cuisine: Ramen
Price Range: $
All I can say is that this place is open until 3:00AM and if I wasn't so worried about how bad it would be and gas money, I would be going every night.
15. Bao Dim Sum House
Address: 8256 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Cuisine: Dim Sum
Price Range: $$
Not going to lie, it's hard to come by a dim sum restaurant that is extremely authentic. I have not gone to Chinatown yet so I know I can't judge completely on that aspect. However, Bao Dim Sum House does a pretty good job. The restaurant is beautiful and I enjoyed my time while I was there!
