Rodolfo Costello and Franco Simplicio, the same team that helped bring Moonshadows out of its Regal Beagle 1970’s past, have attempted to do it again, this time freshening up The Sunset Restaurant they bought in Malibu in 2004 (the space was formerly called Monroe’s). Sunset has always had a great Zuma Beach-adjacent location, set in a charming cottage with ocean views, but the food and décor failed to generate equal enthusiasm. The team’s first step was to brighten the rooms with cream colors, adding details like a hand-blown glass chandelier, white leather furniture, and dark woods for seaside charm. Then Chef Jake Rojas, a vet of Joel Robuchon’s Mansion in Vegas, was installed in the kitchen, offering a new menu of daily specials and fresh, farmed ingredients, as well as signatures like a lamb braised for four hours and stuffed with sweet red peppers, a challah bun burger, and a daily selection of seafood, both raw and prepared. The re-do is a serious attempt to turn Sunset from a dowdy has-been into a world-class dining destination that lives up to its gorgeous Zuma surroundings. Chef Rojas’ full menu at Sunset Restaurant is below.
Sunset Restaurant Malibu
6800 Westward Beach Road
Malibu, CA 90065
(310) 589-1007
To Start
CRISPY SQUID….………………………………8
smoked paprika aioli
CALIFORNIA COCKTAIL……..………………9
shrimp, avocado, onion, cilantro, tomato
OYSTERS “ROCKEFELLER”…………………10
four market oysters, traditionally prepared
BBQ PORK SLIDERS…………………………… 9
brioche buns, mustard, pickles, onion, tater tots
HEIRLOOM TOMATO BRUSCHETTA………7
toasted focaccia, farmer’s market toppings
BRAISED LAMB STUFFED PIQUILLOS………9
sherry vinegar, smoked paprika
SEASONAL MARKET SOUP ..…………….. MP
Flat breads
SCARBROUGH FARMS ARUGULA / 10
mozzarella, parmesan, lemon vinaigrette
LOCH DUART SMOKED SALMON / 12
cream cheese béchamel, caper, dill, red onion
VALDIVA FARMS CHERRY TOMATO / 11
spicy tomato sauce, prosciutto, mozzarella, basil
CHEESE PLATE
three / 10 or five / 15
seasonal chutney, fruit, toasted walnut bread
Between bread
BURGER.………………………….……………….. 13
challah bun, roast garlic aioli, caramelized onion
* add bacon, danish blue or aged cheddar / 1
GRILLED CHICKEN BLT…………………………. 15
roasted red pepper aioli, caramelized onion, avocado
CRISPY WHITEFISH SANDWICH ……………… 14
lemon caper aioli, coleslaw
SOUP & SANDWICH ……………………………MP
FARMS & FIELDS
SCARBROUGH FARMS ORGANIC GREENS…10
red wine vinaigrette, radish, goat cheese, walnuts
CEASER ..……………………………………….. 10
baby romaine, parmesan-reggiano crouton,
crispy capers
BOSTON BIBB .…………………………………. 10
radish, crispy red onion, blue cheese dressing,
balsamic reduction
ARUGULA.……………………………….….…. 12
corn, avocado, jicama, red pepper, feta cheese,
cilantro vinaigrette
TUTTI FRUTTI FARMS TOMATO..……..……..13
heirloom tomato, melon, burrata, prosciutto,
basil vinaigrette
THAI BEEF SALAD ..…………………………… 15
hanger steak, butter lettuce, peanuts, green papaya,
mango, spicy lime and ginger vinaigrette
CALIFORNIA COBB SALAD ……………….…16
avocado, heirloom tomato, corn, chicken, bacon,
blue cheese, egg, chive, red wine vinaigrette
LAND AND SEA
MUSSELS & FRIES.………………………….……15
smoked tomato broth, chorizo, matchstick potatoes
FISH TACOS .……………………………………..12
grilled mahi-mahi, spicy aioli, napa cabbage slaw
FISH & CHIPS……………………………………..14
crispy white fish, lemon caper aioli
PAN ROASTED SALMON……………..…….…. 20
sour cream whipped potato, summer succotash,
worcestershire buerre blanc
BAKED TROUT.. ..……………………………….19
heirloom tomato, olive, cucumber tzatziki, tabouli
SWEET CORN RAVIOLI .………………………. 17
honshimiji mushrooms, roasted summer peppers,
scallion, feta cheese
½ ROASTED BBQ JIDORI CHICKEN …….…… 20
corn on the cob, butter whipped potatoes,
bacon braised greens
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE….………………….. 16
traditionally prepared
GRILLED HANGER STEAK ….………………… 20
chimichurri, roasted red pepper aioli, fries
On The Side
roasted asparagus / 5
corn on the cob / 5
butter whipped potatoes / 5
bacon braised greens / 5
french fries / 5
cucumber tzatziki / 5
