A Dining Delight at BeauRivage

Driving west on PCH, I always feel like I will drive right by the place. It is tucked away on the highway off Corral Canyon Road, behind  trees and a short wall. But as I approached with my boyfriend Chad, the all-year Christmas-like lights were shining brightly and flowers were adorning the Mediterranean-style building—all sending a message that we had arrived.

Only valet parking available here, so it is a simple pull in, hop out and get ready for a fine evening. Warm greetings were shared with staff, and off to the porch we went. Although it was night, I liked the idea that we were dining with an ocean view.

is the place. Romance is the ambience. Delicious food is the draw. Chad and I spent a romantic pre-Valentine’s Day at this Malibu destination—and we were far from alone in making this choice. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Daniel (from France) and Luciana (from Italy) Forge, the Mediterranean atmosphere is warmly captured with touches that are rustic, romantic, quaint and elegant.

The Forges' hospitality is at a level rarely found anywhere else. For more than 40 years, they have made guests feel like they just welcomed them into their home and shared meals of the finest flavors.

On this particular evening, we sat on the porched dining area. But truthfully, there’s not a bad seat in the house. I’ve eaten in nearly every section of the restaurant. The exception is the the wine cellar, which seats up to 18 guests and includes large oak tables and high-backed chairs in a completely private setting. This is on my Malibu bucket list.

But you don't need to be in the wine cellar to enjoy your visit. In one of the main floor dining rooms, there is a fireplace for some mood lighting.  The stars above can provide this same feeling on the patio. Each room has its own décor, its own feel. And I’ve been to many celebrations in the El Domo and Terrace rooms, which are upstairs with gorgeous views of the water.

The restaurant was supposed to be accompanied by a bed and breakfast. For years, the Forges went through government hearings and court battles to get their dream finalized. It looked like it would happen in 2003 when the City Council approved the Forge Lodge, and this approval was upheld by two courts. But then the couple's dream was crushed by the California Coastal Commission in 2005. The Forge Lodge will likely remain a "what could have been."

The restaurant, however, is alive and well. Our romantic dinner started with the Spicy Hawaiian Tuna with warm carpaccio, served with arugula. Chad had the lobster bisque, which I did not taste since I am deadly allergic, but he did some raving over it. And then came my steak … I wish I could give a list of entrées to try based on personal experience, but I have a staple favorite: Filet Mignon of Limousin Beef, grilled and served with three mustards. I get the same thing every time! But it has yet to be anything but delicioso!

Chad, staying with his chosen seafood theme, went with the Ahi Tuna Cajun Style, accompanied by a lime sauce. He couldn’t say enough good things about it. Incidentally, this was his first visit to this European restaurant. It’s a safe bet we’ll be back.

Certain places have certain familiarities after one time or a hundred. BeauRivage's familiarities are hospitality, European warmth and consistently good food. And I shouldn't forget the Napa Valley wine our server (and the service was excellent) suggested. It was the perfect way to toast our evening and offer up a “cheers” to a return visit soon.

BeauRivage, 26025 Pacific Coast Highway; 310-456-5733

All photos taken by Dana Fineman of Dana Fineman Photography.