Sidle up to this sushi bar where locals go for super fresh fish, with an eclectic menu and drinks list to match, without the sticker shock of nearby Nobu. The place touts its hamachi carpaccio and lychee Martini as two go-tos, but definitely try the sushi and sashimi combos, classic and specialty rolls (the Malibu Sunset comes with big eye tuna, mango and salmon), or hot dishes from the kitchen, including miso-marinated butterfish and skewered shrimp and shishitos.How to book: Walk-ins welcome or order pickup or delivery online.

You might not be able to get a wagyu taco, but your bill will be more palatable. Bui Sushi is another mall find with friendly service and great sushi. Its miso soup on a cold day will warm you up, or try one of the sake cocktails.

Nate Heydari’s three mainstay establishments in Malibu - Bui Sushi, Ollo and Ollie’s Duck & Dive – each feature interesting cuisine and customer-friendly menus. Ollo, located where Coogie’s used to be, offers some of the dishes that locals enjoyed from that restaurant as well as fresh salads, omelets and fare with a Mediterranean twist, while Ollie’s Duck & Dive is a locals hangout that hosts local bands. Bui Sushi has been a favorite sushi spot in Malibu for thirteen years and, except for the chain restaurant, Nobu, is the best place to get sushi in Malibu now that Zooma Sushi has closed.

This contemporary Japanese restaurant serves fresh handmade sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki. And they serve it in a sleek, wood-floored space. Diners can watch the expert sushi chefs preparing specialty rolls at the open sushi bar.