Malabar Restaurant

Malabar Restaurant, located in Santa Cruz, offers a unique blend of Sri Lankan, Indian, and seafood dishes. This Asian-owned and women-owned establishment prides itself on providing a diverse menu with options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. From vegan Nasi Goreng to seafood delight, the restaurant caters to a variety of tastes.

One standout feature of Malabar Restaurant is its commitment to customer satisfaction. Reviews highlight the accommodating service and the ability of the staff to cater to guests of all ages. The ambiance may be modest, but the flavorful food speaks for itself. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner spot or a place to host a group gathering, Malabar Restaurant offers a welcoming environment.

Diners rave about the flavorful dishes, attentive service, and personalized recommendations. From mango almond plantain curry to salmon salad, each dish is thoughtfully prepared and presented. The menu may not be extensive, but this can be seen as a positive aspect, ensuring that each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail.

Overall, Malabar Restaurant stands out as a hidden gem in the Santa Cruz dining scene. With a focus on quality ingredients and diverse flavors, this restaurant is sure to impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts. Whether you're a seafood lover, a vegetarian, or a meat-eater, Malabar Restaurant offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Malabar Restaurant Menu

Location

Address: 514 Front St Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 201-4438

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WED 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
THU 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
FRI 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
SAT 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
SUN 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    Yes
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking, Private Lot Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Happy Hour Specials
    Yes
  • Beer & Wine Only
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Asian-owned
    Yes
  • Women-owned
    Yes
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Open to All
    Yes
  • TV
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes
  • Provides reusable tableware
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Shobhan D.

    24 August 2023

    It was a plan to meet some out of town colleagues who were visiting California and we had a mix of folks who preferred only vegetarian food and some who could eat meat. This restaurant served everyone and the food was good too. Service was also good. Considering we had kids of varying ages, infant to young adults, the restaurant staff was quite accommodating. I'm not sure if the other guests were affected or not. We enjoyed our experience and would love to visit again. One thing that I recall is their menu wasn't very expansive, that might be a good thing in a way. Looking at the ambiance, we were sceptical in the beginning but the food won us over

  • Author: Sudatta J.

    20 November 2022

    Good food, do ask for recommendations based on your taste. Great service. Clean, open space. Has both outdoor and indoor seating

  • Author: Jayme P.

    11 July 2022

    Came here with my wife and really enjoyed our time! The staff was very friendly and seated us right away. It was a pretty warm day and I don't think the building has AC, so I did get a little hot. My wife and I both loved our meals! They were very filling and had a TON of flavor! The only negative part of our experience was that my food came out first and it took probably 10 more minutes for my wife's food to come out after. The owner did come to our table several times to assure that the food was coming eventually, but that the paneer takes much longer to cook. They eventually comped us for her meal, which is why this gets a 5 star review! I don't imagine that happens very often and the management was very apologetic. We will absolutely be back!

  • Author: Tahir N.

    26 April 2022

    I am glad to see this restaurant has been able to remain in business now that the pandemic is winning. We most recently ate here on April 23. They now include dishes not just from Sri Lanka, but also from Kerala and Malaysia with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes. The wine list is thoughtfully selected and I enjoyed my glass of brut sparkling wine from France. We are looking forward to our return.

People Recommend