Cafe Malabar

Indian Restaurant 4.7 (264)


Cafe Malabar is celebrated for its authentic Kerala cuisine, which resonates with the flavors and spices of South India. Many customers appreciate that the food is made fresh and genuine, reminiscent of true home-cooked meals. The warm service adds to the experience, although some mention occasional wait times. Overall, it is a popular spot for anyone craving authentic South Indian dishes.

Overall:

4.5

(223 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.1


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (780) 600-0005

Address: 1701 Douglas St #6, Victoria, BC V8W 0C1, Canada

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Dog-Friendly

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" My experience at Cafe Malabar was memorable! Having lived in Kerala, I can attest to the authenticity of the dishes. The fish moilee and appam were outstanding; rich in flavors and well-balanced. The service was a bit slow but I appreciated the attentiveness of the staff. It's a casual eatery with an inviting feel. I have already recommended this place to my family and friends and characteristically it’s somewhere I want to revisit. " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a wonderful evening at Cafe Malabar! The dosa I tried was crispy and full of flavor, just like the ones I had in my travels to South India. The staff was really friendly and provided some great recommendations on the menu. I also ordered the Kerala fried chicken which was beautifully spiced and tender. However, I found my portion a tad smaller than expected compared to the price. Overall, a solid experience, and I would definitely come back! " (*Curated Review*)

" Had the chance to visit Cafe Malabar today and I must admit it was a delightful experience! We ordered a variety of dishes to share among the table, which made for a lovely community feel. The standout was definitely the ghee rice, so flavorful! The service staff were eager to help with recommendations and were very warm. My only suggestion would be to brighten up the space a bit but other than that, I can't wait to come back and try even more! " (*Curated Review*)

" My visit to Cafe Malabar was a mixed experience. While I enjoyed the Kerala fried chicken and found the portion sizes reasonable, I encountered a wait for service that was longer than anticipated. The eatery was busy which might have contributed to delays. I think with better organization, this place could really shine. Nonetheless, I would like to give it another chance to try different items on their menu. " (*Curated Review*)

" Cafe Malabar truly offers a slice of Kerala right in Victoria! I was particularly impressed with their beef curry which was so tender and well-spiced. The portion sizes were generous allowing us to share and enjoy multiple dishes. The service was friendly, and I appreciated the staff's recommendations on the menu. However, I found the atmosphere to be more casual than I'd expected. Overall, worth a visit for authentic Kerala food! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (213)

" Cafe Malabar is where you need to visit for authentic Kerala cuisine! I indulged in their chicken biryani, redeeming the essence of traditional spices. The service was friendly but a bit slow; however, that can be understood with how delicious the food is. Casual decor but the food made up for it! I'll be recommending it to anyone who will listen. Can't wait to go back and try the beef dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" Being a lover of South Indian cuisine, I was thrilled to discover Cafe Malabar. I was impressed by the authenticity of the flavors, particularly in their ghee rice and mutton stew. The all spice blend was spot on! The only downside was how crowded it got, which led to slightly slower service at peak times. Nonetheless, the staff were surprisingly attentive given the rush, and I appreciated that. I’ll definitely recommend this place to anyone craving authentic Southern flavors! " (*Curated Review*)

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