Geoffrey's

I came here last night to celebrate my friend’s birthday and was terribly disappointed. From our first interaction with our server to our last, she was erratic, rude, and condescending. I have a gluten and dairy allergy and have had no issues working around them at plenty of restaurants. When I asked for recommendations she disregarded my request telling me that they were “barely Malibu, basically Ventura” as if this geographical significance relinquished them from accommodating a legitimate allergy. She continued making remarks that belittled me as if my diet restrictions were some sort of fad which is inappropriate either way. She was unknowledgeable and unhelpful and turned this into a very disappointing experience. The food we did receive was underwhelming and overpriced. Also, not sure how they’ve gotten away with having an inaccessible bathroom for people in wheelchairs, but there was not room for me to fit in the stall and shut the door. This is unacceptable. I would recommend staying away from this restaurant- it’s absolutely not worth the drive.

The soft caress of the fall ocean breezes. The sun glinting off the water like dancing gold coins. Palm trees and exotic plants along the engineered creek and fountain. The only things more unreasonably over-priced than the menu items are the Louis Vuitton face masks worn by the languid socially distanced diners. The lobsters are a little less fresh than the face lifts, but it's Malibu so the price is in the vista. The service is exceptional and attentive even if it's hard to understand them behind their double facemask/shield set-up. As a whole, Geoffrey's has done a lovely job of keeping the atmosphere intact while ensuring more safety from covid than a white house event. It hasn't improved the solidly 7.5 fare that they serve, but it does mean it's ok to get out and enjoy the omelette that is too heavy on the tomato, the slightly awkward and disproportionate flavor pairings on most of the dishes, the sleepy preparation and the lack of originality. If it weren't so fun to be able to safely enjoy an entirely adequate meal, the price tag could be annoying. As it is, I say go anyway. Pay for the freedom to dine and have the food as a side dish. Oh. And there are lots of gluten free options, though none are particularly stunning; but I'd you're a celiac like me, it's just one more way Geoffrey's helps you eat out and not die. Welcome to dining...2020 edition.