I adore no-frills restaurant shacks.

Of course, they must serve fabulously delicious, simple, fresh, well prepared food.

Recently, my husband and I took a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to our favorite fresh seafood shack in Malibu.

The day was glorious, sunny, cloudless and in the 60’s.

We parked in the free lot which is an anomaly in Los Angeles and walked right into the building.

The entrance leads right into a compact, retail fresh fish counter.

Make a tight left to view the menu and place your order.

You are then given a pager which alerts you to the arrival of your made-to-order meal.

As always we selected the fresh steamed clams in a natural broth accompanied by a warm, freshly baked sourdough roll (1 lb. $13.95).

We also ordered the unbelievably delectable Fish and Chips with scrumptious coleslaw and perfect fries.

I never eat fried fish, but their version is thick, light and flaky making it irresistible. The portion features two pieces of fish, fries and amazing housemade tartar sauce ($13.75).

I also never indulge in anyone else’s coleslaw except Queen E’s who passed the recipe on to me, but Malibu Seafood has mastered the slaw so we always order a side ($4.25).

The grilled fresh fish and clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl are also excellent choices.

Seating is outside at the picnic tables with an awesome ocean view.

I recommend bringing a bottle of wine and a tablecloth to add to the scenic ambiance.

Malibu Seafood, owned and operated by commercial fishermen since 1972, is a treat for all the senses and won’t financially set you back.

Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe 25356 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, California. Open daily 11am-7:30pm. Free parking available.