Detour Pit Stop #20: Duke's of Malibu, USA
As if the incredible ocean views and the pure romance of California’s Route 1 weren’t reason enough to take a Sunday drive north up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles, then brunch at Duke’s of Malibu will clinch it.
Named after surf legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (also an Olympic medal-winning swimmer) who can take credit for introducing surfing to the West Coast, this waterside restaurant serves up an equally legendary meal that fits between breakfast and lunch.
Whether it’s a typical American pancake and bacon-fest you fancy or a pacific island-influenced rice dish and fresh seafood you will not leave hungry. Just make sure to book because this place gets packed.
Mid-week lunchtimes are a bit quieter and the menu is no less delicious. On Detour’s last visit we had a scrumptious seared ahi bowl and sat staring at the Pacific through the feature-length picture windows.
Malibu also has some fantastic canyon drives if you head inland – including the infamous ‘Snake’ Mulholland Highway. That means there’s always something very cool in the Duke’s car park (lucky valet guys) or on the PCH. We clocked a Koenigsegg and an Ariel Atom on our last trip.
So if the menu at Duke’s doesn’t get you salivating, then maybe the local motors will.
Roadbook
Class: Surf shack restaurant
Name: Duke’s of Malibu
Route: 21150 Pacific Coast Highway
Country: USA