Dining Like Marlon Brando: 5 Iconic Spots Celebrating His Love For ...

The Brando on Tetiaroa

With November’s release of the film trailer for Waltzing With Brando, spotlighting Marlon Brando’s little-known passion for environmental preservation, interest is surging about how his visionary dream came to life on the remote Tetiaroa Atoll.

Marlon Brando in the 1954 motion picture On the Waterfront (Photo by �� John Springer ... [+] Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

His legacy endures at The Brando, a resort built on his forward-thinking vision, revolutionary for the early 1970s and established long before “eco-tourism” became a global movement. The resort also pays homage to Brando’s legendary eating habits and passion for food. Here’s a look at Marlon Brando’s favorite dishes and places to eat.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 13: Casa Vega, Mexican Restaurant on Ventura Boulevard on July 13, 2016 in ... [+] Los Angeles, California. (Photo by FG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

For years, Marlon Brando frequented this iconic Sherman Oaks restaurant weekly. Many celebrities were regulars at Casa Vega, which is why several scenes of Quentin Tarantino's 2019 movie Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood were filmed there. Brando’s favorite order was often the same: steak picado paired with a corn-tortilla quesadilla and finished with a Carta Blanca beer. Iconic dishes include cheese enchiladas, chicken burritos and carne asada burritos.

Les Mutinés restaurant interior

During the 1960 filming of Mutiny on the Bounty in Tahiti, Marlon Brando famously fell in love with French Polynesia and its people. He also married his co-star and love interest from the movie Tahitian actress Tarita Teriipaia, who became his third wife. Today, his legacy is celebrated at Les Mutinés, the theatrical fine dining restaurant on Tetiaroa, which is known as Brando’s private island. Recently reimagined by chef Jean Imbert, the restaurant features a new set menu inspired by the many destinations depicted in 1962’s Mutiny on the Bounty. Items on the menu include the lobster grilled tablefront on coals, ocean fresh island herbs, ceviche and the delectably delicate honey souffle.

Bob's Bar: Marlon's Burger can also be ordered here

Also on Tetiaroa is Bob’s Bar, a favorite spot of Brando’s, which he visited daily on the island. While on the island, he invested millions and eventually scattered his ashes. This beachside bar serves South Pacific-inspired dishes inspired by anecdotes from Brando’s film sets. The leather-bound menu contains intimate stories about the actor and his favorite foods. Don’t miss the signature cocktail, the Dirty Old Bob made—Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 whiskey, local honey, mint, bitters, egg white, and pineapple and lemon juice. For desserts, indulge in The Real Bounty—coconut ice cream with melted chocolate served in an actual coconut—an homage to Brando’s indulgent habit of taking five gallons of ice cream with him on kayak outings.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 16: Actress Cate Blanchett attends the Miramax 2005 Golden Globes After ... [+] Party at Trader Vics on January 16, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Another favorite Los Angeles haunt of Brando’s was the iconic tiki lounge and restaurant Trader Vics. The New York outpost even showcased the outrigger canoe from Mutiny on the Bounty decorating its lobby. Known as the birthplace of the original mai tai, Trader Vics currently has 25 locations worldwide. Although the Los Angeles location inside the Beverly Hilton shuttered in 2007, the Polynesian-themed restaurant chain is making its comeback in West Hollywood in 2025. Must orders include the mai tai, the crab rangoons ( invented here) beef cho cho and crispy prawns.

The Real Bounty, also available at The Beachcomber

The upscale casual beachside restaurant at The Brando offers views of electric blue waters and a Polynesian-inspired menu highlighting local cooking techniques. Must try dishes include the tuna sashimi in any form, including tartare and in the poisson cru—Tahitian style ceviche. Another standout is the candied pork and roasted pineapple. For a taste of Brando favorites, order Marlon's burger—made smashed just the way he liked it or the Brando club.

The Beachcomber Cafe exterior

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