Amy Vincent
The food was amazing. They had so many vegan options. We got the nassi Gorin and peanut boda. Both were incredible! Such an underrated place.
Lothar Reeves
Excellent food in a beautiful tranquil space. The menu has unique and perfectly prepared dishes that are well thought out and cooked with experience. The calamari was tender and crispy, the fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. We asked for a spicy curry and it was so well done with a slow building spice that was strong but complex and enjoyable without overwhelming the veggies or seafood. Chai was equally excellent. Mango salad may be my new favorite appetizer of the year. I took my Mom here for Mother's Day and it was ideal.
Taylor Peissner
We absolutely love Malabar! It's rich and exciting in flavor and so surprised to find it not at the top of every food list in Santa Cruz. This is truly a hidden gem! I'd argue a top 5 for flavor and uniqueneas in Santa Cruz area.
Service was absolutely fantastic! They throw in free items often and are very attentive!
Lady L
Granted, the fish curry was really good, but the service spoiled our experience. plus The owners creepy behavior with 3 ladies across the room….hovering over their table, devoting all his attention to them, then indifferent to my husband and I. I feel really bad for the other employee or Employees who are trying to make up for the lack of efficiency..This owner acts like a street vendor. I strongly suggest they hire a professional manager to save this business.
Andrea Sherwood
This is one of our absolute favorite food places in Santa Cruz. My husband and I go there often and we love the owners as well! It's a husband and wife who own the business. They are incredibly kind and always offer us incredible service. Their food is unlike anything I have ever had in the best way possible! It's incredibly unique, and I always feel like a I am getting comfort food with rich flavors! We have all our foodie friends go there and they love it as well. Some mention it may not be traditional Sri Lankan food, but who cares! It's amazing! The owner also mentioned they are purposely experimental and innovative!
Not sure where the bad reviews are coming from! :) I'm afraid they must be mistaken lol or quite misunderstood the circumstances!! Seriously I would argue some of the best service in town and kindest people. I truly hope people continue to give Malabar a shot as we want to see our beloved restaurant continue to thrive. 💗
joanna sellers
Amazing experience! The food was above and beyond what I remembered and I’ve been coming back to Santa Cruz with the craving for this food since I first had it 20 years ago. This is a hidden gem and should have a line out the door! Make sure to get a mango lassi.
Nipun Gunawardena
Great Sri Lankan food in Santa Cruz! I wanted to show my friends what Sri Lankan food was like so we drove down to Santa Cruz to try Malabar Restaurant. All of the food was very tasty, as was the dessert. The owner was very kind and accommodated us even though we had some special requests. I highly recommend this restaurant!
Mahalingam Rajasutha
The fusion of sri lankan food. The devil shrimp was good not spicy though, and the msian fried rice was awesome. The masala chai can be improved as we expected strong steamimg tea with more spice flavours, but it was quite subtle. Otherwise loved their potato dosai, Kerala fish. The owners were awesome too.
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