V's Restaurant + Bar

V's Restaurant + Bar Restaurant Review:

Named after its owner Vassil Pertchinkov --- a familiar face in the Malibu restaurant scene, having worked 19 years as GM and partner at Guido’s --- V’s offers a comfortable and airy setting with a view of downtown Malibu from nearly all corners of the restaurant. It is the quintessential neighborhood spot for the local Malibu clientele, with service that is warm and inviting. Executive chef Chris Bocchino’s dishes are balanced, though largely straightforward. Flatbread topped with Fontina, a mixture of wild mushrooms and white truffle oil is a nice starter to share with friends, the crust thin and crispy. Tuna tartare is uneventful but well-executed nonetheless, made with high-quality fish and sharp citrus ponzu that cuts through the fat of ripe avocado. Pan-roasted organic chicken is a successful plate of comfort food, served with chunky lemon-spiked mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts cooked with pancetta, and the grilled veal porterhouse is a hulking mass of meat that is very tender and a nearly pure white color. The wine list admirably focuses on local Malibu wineries. Desserts include apple tart, lemon cheesecake and maple-pecan pumpkin pie.