Malabar Restaurant

Temporarily closed

Restaurant $$ 4.2 (323)


Malabar Restaurant offers a unique combination of Sri Lankan and South Asian cuisine, with many patrons praising the authentic flavors and vibrant dishes. While the food often receives high marks for its creativity and taste, some reviews suggest that the service can be inconsistent. Overall, it is considered a gem for those seeking vegetarian options in a cozy atmosphere.

Overall:

4.5

(270 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.2

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.1


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (831) 201-4438

Address: 514 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA


Photo gallery

Service options

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

Offerings

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Live Music
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children

Payment options

  • Debit Cards

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!**

" Just had a wonderful meal at Malabar! The vegan options are extensive and each dish is packed with flavor. I particularly loved the Mango Lassi; it’s a must try! Service was polite, but we had to wait a bit longer than anticipated for our food. The restaurant was busy, and I appreciate that good food takes time. Overall, I still had a great experience. I will be back to explore more of their menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" My recent visit to Malabar left me impressed! The menu is wonderfully crafted with a variety of vegetarian options, and I have to say the Devil Lanka is an absolute must-try! The experience was enhanced by the attentive service, making us feel welcomed throughout the night. The only issue was the wait time as it was quite busy and I understand good food takes time! Overall, a delightful experience that makes me eager to return soon. " (*Curated Review*)

" I came to Malabar with no expectations but left thoroughly impressed! The portion sizes were decent, especially considering the quality of ingredients. The Mango Salad was an unexpected highlight of my meal! The restaurant has a unique flair, and the ambiance feels warm and inviting, perfect for a casual night out. I very much appreciated the owner’s attention to detail and hospitality. I’ll definitely be back! " (*Curated Review*)

" Just had a fabulous experience at Malabar! The food was absolutely delightful, especially the Mango Lassi and their unique take on the traditional Sri Lankan Devil Lanka. The flavors burst with freshness, and I loved how they blended spices for a unique taste. The service was attentive, especially when we asked for recommendations. I think more people should know about this hidden gem. Can't wait to come back! Highly recommend this restaurant! " (*Curated Review*)

" A meal at Malabar is a journey in flavor! We opted for a tasting menu and were thrilled with the variety of dishes served. Each bite unveiled new surprises and clashing spices, making it a diverse and exciting experience. The service was great and added to the enjoyment of the meal. Although some dishes were not as spicy as I expected, they showcased the flexibility in their approach to adaptation. I guarantee you will find something to love here! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (260)

" Whenever I crave something rich and flavorful, I always think of Malabar! Their innovative vegetarian menu offers some unique blends of spices I haven't tasted anywhere else. I had the calamari and it was incredibly tender, paired with a sweet yet spicy sauce that was just perfect. The staffs were very welcoming; however, I wish the restaurant was bigger since it can get quite cramped inside. Still, the food keeps me coming back for more! Highly recommend to everyone! " (*Curated Review*)

" A true gem in Santa Cruz! Malabar offers a refreshing twist on traditional Sri Lankan flavors, leaning heavily into vegetarian options without compromising on taste. I was blown away by the freshness of the ingredients, especially the Mango Salad, which was sweet yet tangy - pure perfection! The service was warm and welcoming. The only downside was that during busy times, the wait can be a bit long but given the taste, it's totally worth it. Highly recommend! " (*Curated Review*)

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