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.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (831) 201-4438
Address: 514 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Photo gallery
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!**
" It had been a while since my last visit to Malabar, and I was delighted to find that the quality of food and service remains top-notch! The astoundingly rich flavors of the 7-vegetable curry had me hooked, and I was pleasantly surprised at the authentic elements still present in their fusion approach. The ambiance struck the right balance between homey and chic. A little on the pricier side but absolutely worth every penny. Will definitely return soon! " (*Curated Review*)
" I recently tried Malabar and while I had high hopes from the reviews, my experience was somewhat underwhelming. The Gobi Manchurian was slightly off in taste and I was expecting a vibrant flavor profile, but it fell flat compared to others I've tried. The ambiance was nice, but I found the service to be inconsistent. My server seemed preoccupied and it took a while to get our drinks. I'm not totally against trying it again since they have many vegan options, but it wasn't my favorite. " (*Curated Review*)
" I wish I had better things to say about Malabar. While the reviews seemed promising, my experience was marred by inconsistency in service and food preparation. My order took longer than anticipated and when it arrived, the flavor was underwhelming. I wasn't expecting an authentic Sri Lankan experience and I appreciated the vegetarian aspects, yet for the price, I expected more engaging flavors. Might give it another shot, but not high on my list right now. " (*Curated Review*)
" I have been to Malabar several times, and I am consistently blown away by the uniqueness of their dishes and the delightful flavors. The ambiance is always warm and homely, making every visit feel special. The staff treats you like family, and their recommendations are spot on. Just be prepared to enjoy a leisurely meal, as it can get a bit slow when they are busy. That said, it's well worth the wait! " (*Curated Review*)
" For a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian foods, Malabar certainly sets the bar high. I attended with a group of friends and we shared an array of appetizers including their stunning Peanut Boda and a variety of curries. Every dish had a unique flair and spoke volumes about the chefs' creativity. However, we did experience some delays in service, which impacted our overall enjoyment. Therefore, while the food was outstanding, the dining experience could be improved by better service timing. Still, I can’t wait to go back for a second round! " (*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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