Malibu Farm San Diego Readies For An August Opening At Seaport Village

After almost a decade of culinary success with their flagship restaurant, Malibu Farm, Chef Helene Henderson and actor-director John Stockwell are ready to embark on their largest investment to date.

With locations already flourishing in Newport Beach, Hawaii, New York, and Tokyo, the duo’s newest endeavor is set to open in San Diego‘s picturesque Seaport Village by late August.

Malibu Farm San Diego Seaport Village

Malibu Farm’s Seaport Village Transformation Nears Completion

Marking the duo’s largest investment to date, Malibu Farm’s multimillion-dollar renovation within Seaport Village is nearing completion and is on track to open by late August. 

The 14,000-square-foot waterfront project will give way to an indoor-outdoor, upper-level offering all-day dining, while downstairs will be primarily reserved for larger parties and private dining experiences, in addition to a spacious ocean-facing patio and a ground-floor café concept.

The partnership between Malibu Farm and the Port of San Diego was initially announced in October of 2020 and is a testament to the Port’s effective and ongoing revitalization of Seaport Village. The Port’s multi-year undertaking to transform Seaport Village into a vibrant waterfront destination, with $10 million invested, is reaching its apex as the next wave of world-class restaurant operators comes online.

Modern Farmhouse Meets Coastal Aesthetic

The Malibu Farm team has enlisted award-winning design firm, Bells + Whistles, to bring their ambitious transformation to life.

Co-founders Barbara Rourke and Jason St. John have a twenty-year track record of design excellence and are known as the architectural maestros behind esteemed concepts including Animae and Jeune et Jolie in San Diego, Providence in Los Angeles, and Somewhere located in Dubai.

Malibu Farm San Diego Seaport Village

Malibu Farm’s top-to-bottom renovation will introduce a magnitude of experiences. With capacity for more than 400 guests, the two-story waterfront venue will feature: 

  • 3,500 square feet of outdoor dining space
  • 60-seat lagoon-adjacent private dining room
  • 1,200 square feet of interior seating
  • 800-square-foot ice cream shop and espresso bar
  • 400-square-foot retail shop offering Chef Henderson’s favorite home goods and artisanal pantry provisions

Channeling modern farmhouse influences and Scandinavian minimalism, Bells + Whistles is creating an easy, airy atmosphere introducing a palette of natural woods, handcrafted Moroccan zellige tile, and woven textiles that offer a nod to Malibu Farm’s laidback, coastal aesthetic.

Playing up its coveted bayfront locale, a warm neutral palette complements the restaurant’s abundance of natural light, while rustic décor and ample greenery create a sense of continuity from its indoor-to-outdoor dining rooms.

Farm-to-Table Cuisine at Seaport Village

A farm-to-table concept at its core, Malibu Farm’s veggie-forward cuisine places emphasis on both sustainability and approachability. Chef Henderson’s commitment to sourcing organic produce from local area farmers is a model she will carry over to her Seaport Village location.

brunch at seaport village

While details about the culinary and beverage programs will be released as the opening draws near, Malibu Farm’s debut will introduce all-day dining to Seaport Village; expect daily brunch and dinner service, a seasonal cocktail program, and a standalone café offering ice cream, coffee and espresso beverages.

smoothies at Malibu Farm

More Seaport Village openings

Malibu Farm’s summertime debut in Seaport Village will coincide with that of San Diego favorite Crack Taco Shop, as well as a second Mike Hess tasting room. 

Residing in Seaport Village’s iconic ‘on-the-water’ venue, Shorebird, a coastally-inspired concept by Wild Thyme Restaurant Group, is expected to shortly follow, while famed seafood restaurants, Gladstone’s and Cork & Batter, an elevated bungalow-themed sports bar, anticipate 2024 openings.

Keep up to date with Malibu Farm San Diego through their website here.

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Post
The Latest
Lionfish San Diego
The Craving is all about helping you satisfy your craving for the best from San Diego’s local food scene. Come back every week for the...
Coastal Roots Farm taste of the farm fundraiser
Coastal Roots Farm is turning 10—and they’re celebrating the milestone in true farm-to-fork style. Join the nonprofit community farm for Taste of the Farm, a...
Estancia La Jolla tea in the garden series
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is debuting its enchanting new Tea in the Garden series—a seasonal high-tea experience held one Sunday a month in...
Comic-con Lucha Libre exhibit
The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park unveils its latest exhibit, Sangre, Sudor, y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre. This immersive showcase...
salsa under the stars
Get ready to dance, dine, and celebrate Latin culture in the heart of East Village—Salsa Under the Stars is back at Quartyard, and it’s the...
Shop The B.L.A.C SD
Shop The B.L.A.C SD is back, bringing together makers, artists, and community for a day of connection in San Diego’s vibrant Black Arts & Culture...
Recently Featured Restaurants
A new fire has lit up Little Italy—Piedra Santa, an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse, is now open and bringing the bold, smoky tradition of open-flame grilling to...
Dora, a vibrant new Southern Italian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Cori Trattoria, is set to open in La Jolla’s Theater District this fall—and...
There’s a breezy new addition to Little Italy’s dining scene! Brisa, an island vibes and Latin-Japanese fusion restaurant, is now open at the corner of...
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Tajima Crown Point is the latest addition to San Diego’s beloved ramen scene, officially opened on December 14 at 3782 Ingraham Street. Known for its...
Wildland in Carlsbad Village is officially opening its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County. This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from...