The Malibu Cafe

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

The Malibu Cafe

Overview: This hidden gem, also known as the M Cafe, is located on the property of Calamigos Ranch, on the edge of Agoura Hills and Malibu. Whether you are looking for a romantic date night, fun baby shower, or afternoon brunch, this place is perfect. Kids can run around and feed the ducks in the lake making this the perfect child-friendly restaurant. If you're a dog lover, bring your pets along and let them run around.

Decor: Where else can you sit in an all-white cabana on the grass which giant mirrors and chandeliers around you?  The decor at M Cafe is fabulous and chic. Sit on beautiful wooden furniture on the deck. If you want to lie down, there are beds on the field below the deck, so on Sundays really can have have breakfast in bed.

The Drinks: The martinis and mojitos here are amazing. The Number 3 is delicious, with coconut and pineapple rum mixed with fresh strawberries and pineapple. Or try the strawberry ginger or blueberry lavender mojito. Local wines of Malibu are featured on their menu, including Saddlerock, Cielo, Rosenthal, and Republic of Malibu. Wines can be bought by the glass or bottle. I recommend grabbing a bottle and enjoying it by the pond and waterfall. Try Cielo's Honeypie ($12) or Sauvingon Blanc ($12). For beer drinkers, there's Chimay, Sierra Nevada, Blue Moon, Corona and Coors Light.

Appetizers:  Try the calamari ($14), tempura-style jumbo-fried shrimp ($14), or the lobster-claw egg rolls ($16). One of my favorites here is the BBQ kobe beef meatballs ($9) with a delicious marinara sauce.

Salads/Sandwiches: What better on a warm day to go along with your wine than a crisp cobb salad ($12) filled with diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and sweetcorn.  My favorite sandwich is the mini meatball submarine ($13), closely followed by the BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($12), the basil chicken salad ($12), and the grilled cheese ($12) served with tomato bisque soup. The New England lobster roll ($22) takes you straight to the East Coast.

Sunday Brunch: Brunch is every Sunday from 10–3 and includes endless mimosas. For other fun cocktails try the chili-powder mango basil mojito or the amazing Bloody Mary with lemon zest and fresh horseradish. Try the lobster benedict ($16) or ranchers' benedict ($14) with pulled pork–it's amazing and tender. The cafe also offers up blueberry ($13) or marscapone ($13) French toast. There's also the Lazy Man's Lobster Sautee ($27) with a half pound of Maine lobster claw and tail.

Entrees: There's plenty of classic cowboy fare to be had at this ranch. The BBQ pork ribs ($10/half rack) are tender and marinated to perfection. You can feast on a 10oz center cut of ranch fillet ($28) pan seared and oven finished, or a 190z bone-in ribeye cowboy steak ($24) with mushrooms and bell peppers.

Sides: The truffle mac and cheese is my absolute favorite. (Don't judge, but I could eat at least three without sharing.) Make sure to try the ranch mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and garlic sauteed spinach. All sides are $5.

Desserts: To feel like you're on a camping trip, try the S'Mores. Served at the table with a mini fire complete with marshmellows, chocolate and graham crackers. If you are a lover of Bread Pudding then you will be in heaven here, as it is served with cinnamon, syrup and vanillabean ice cream. All desserts are $8.

Service: The staff is extremely friendly and laid back, but this is not the restaurant to pick if you are in a rush. The ranch has a laid back atmosphere. Ask the wait staff for recommendations if it's your first time here.

Signature Dish: lobster benedict

The Malibu Cafe , 327 S. Latigo Canyon Road

Cost: $$$