By: ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG
Malibu Farm’s culinary odyssey arrives in San Diego.
Nestled in the heart of Seaport Village at the North San Diego Bay Marina, Malibu Farm’s latest masterpiece redefines farm-to-table and introduces the concept of farm-to-glass dining. A celebration of locally sourced ingredients, the elevated Californian cuisine here is graced with a touch of Cuban flair, for an experience that’s entirely new and stirring.
The genesis of Malibu Farm is a tale of culinary artistry and cinematic magic—a union of passions that began when Swedish chef Helene Henderson married New York-born film director John Stockwell. Together, they embarked on a journey that transformed a humble countertop café on Malibu Pier, offering just three menu options, into California’s premier destination for sustainably sourced, locally focused cuisine. Since its inception in 2013, Malibu Farm has expanded its footprint to seven locations across the Golden State, each echoing the brand’s ethos of simplicity and elegance.
Last year, Malibu Farm unveiled its most ambitious location to date, a stunning seaside haven in San Diego that is emblematic of coastal chic. Under the expert guidance of COO Suzy Mkrtchyan, the new venue has been meticulously renovated and redesigned, capturing the essence of clean, crisp aesthetics. “We took over the iconic Harbour House restaurant, which stood for 40 years, and transformed it into San Diego’s premier wellness-driven, yet casually sophisticated, food and beverage destination,” Mkrtchyan shares. “Each Malibu Farm location celebrates the great outdoors, so we’ve infused rustic farmhouse elements to stay true to our roots.”
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Yanelquis Penton, a culinary virtuoso from Cuba, who, alongside Helene and John, has pioneered a new wave of farm-to-table cuisine. The menu, a fusion of fresh, modern flavors, caters to all dietary preferences, ensuring vegans, vegetarians, and meat-lovers alike leave satisfied. The Gluten-Free Cauliflower Crust Pizza is flawlessly balanced yet crispy. As it is prepared with almond flour, basil pesto, heirloom tomatoes, shaved cauliflower, mozzarella, mixed greens and a refreshing lemon vinaigrette it provides a unique experience, one where each slice is somehow better than the next. Malibu Farms is a testament to seasonality, with ingredients sourced from a curated selection of local purveyors and farmers, including Coleman Family Farms, Tehachapi Grain Project, Weiser Family Farms, and sustainable fisheries like San Ysidro Seafood. Even the coffee, imported from Los Angeles’ artisanal Caffe Luxxe, reflects their commitment to quality.
Open seven days a week for brunch and dinner, this newly minted gem has quickly become a magnet for those in search of a memorable dining experience. It’s certainly worth the wait for a table on the patio to maximize your senses, from a taste bud paradise to views for miles. Diners eagerly queue for Helene’s signature brunch dishes like the ‘Surfer Rancheros,’ ‘Mini Pancakes,’ and the ever-popular ‘Vegan Chop Salad.’ For dinner, the ‘Farmers Wife,’ a comforting chicken dish, is a standout for those seeking a protein-packed indulgence.
Spanning two stories and oozing with charm, the multi-purpose venue is more than just a restaurant. It houses a casual café and a guilt-free ‘skinny’ cocktail bar, where you shouldn’t miss the popular ‘Jalapeno,’ a jalapeno agave and tequila fresh-pressed cocktail and a boutique offering an array of condiments, apparel, and cookbooks, turning a Malibu Farm experience into one that is easily recreated in the privacy of your own home.