Duke's Malibu
21150 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA
(310) 317-0777
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Casual dining, Seafood
November 11, 2009
casual, fun, waterfront Hawaiian dining
i came here for the first time for an early dinner, to catch the oceanviews and sunset over the weekend after spending the day at the getty villa. the restaurant is enormous and sits right on the shore, giving excellent views of the Pacific. having dined at a handful of places in oahu, the atmosphere at duke’s is very much remniscent of hawaii. the parking is mandatory valet ($4).
Duke’s has 2 parts — a festive Barefoot bar area and a quieter, larger sit-down dining area. We sat in the dining area, in one of their cushy booths facing the ocean. Our server was casual, brisk yet professional. Our dishes came out similarly lickety quick…which raised an eyebrow or two about freshness, but overall, wasn’t terrible but nothing to write home about. The portion sizes are large and I definitely made 2 meals out of my fish plate although my husband finished his rib plate without problem. If you’re looking for a light, healthy dinner, this isn’t the place to go. I don’t think I would come back for dinner just because the food quality is mediocre given the prices, but I would like to come back to try brunch and enjoy a tropical drink or two with the relaxing oceanviews.
Dishes I tried:
Mahi Mahi
For the fish dishes, a handful of fish options are available, and you get to select how you would like your fish seasoned. I chose the sweet & sour lilikoi option (seared with lemongrass over pineapple slaw, with passionfruit sweet & sour sauce). The mahi mahi reminded me of a cooked tuna consistency so…a bit too much on the chewy/drier side for me. (I prefer fish more tender and juicy). I ordered veggies on the side, and aplenty they were. All in all, a rather mediocre dish for me. I would venture to try something else next time.
chocolate cake
This may be harsh, but I think I could have made a better dessert at home. It made me think of Betty Crocker’s cake in a box. Only it’s been a few days out and you microwave it to heat it up. Not something I plan on ordering again. I’ll have to try Hula Pie next time.
Fisherman's Chowder
I’m a sucker for chowder soups so I couldn’t resist this one. I split it with my husband, and the serving size for me alone was a meal in itself. Not too watery or thick, but just the right amount of chunkiness and creaminess to make it enjoyable.
Beach Boy Daquiri
The beach boy daquiri is passionfruit juice and strawberries blended with light rum. being +1, i had to have my daquiri virgin, but it was still refreshing, sweet, and delicious. i definitely would have another if i had the room.
BananaWoo
06/09/2009I saw your Seoul Oak review. I was there in the spring and I fell in love with that place.
BananaWoo
06/05/2009I’m chubbie too! :-D Love your photos and reviews!
babette111
01/28/2008Aw, thanks! :)