Cafe Malabar

Cafe Malabar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. B

   Barbara

   Vancouver4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Our meals were excellent; our server was appropriayely attentive and helpful, explaining food and seasoning options to assist with our decision making; other staff members checked in to see if we were enjoying our meal; and we could actually have a conversation over dinner, which was truly a bonus. The only mild distraction was because of where we were seated at one of the high tables. People who were waiting to be seated leaned against the railing and hung over our table which intruded on our space and privacy. Regardless we will definitely be back and we will also recommend the Cafe Malabar to others! Thank you for a lovely evening!
   

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2. T

   Terie VIP

   Vancouver34 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   4th time there since they opened on the water. Consistently delicious food served by lovely people. Looking forward to some patio dinners this summer
   

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3. B

   Brittney

   Vancouver2 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Food was amazing!!! I was not as impressed with the rest of the experience though, service was slow, bathrooms were not clean. I think it was an exceptionally busy summer day but wasn’t a great first experience.
   

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4. B

   Bertram

   Victoria5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   This was an amazing experience. Every dish we tried was perfect. What we particularly appreciated was the manner in which air dishes were spiced. The spices crept up a you and then exploded in your mouth - they were incredible. The service was impeccable - and the explanation about the cooking before we ordered was really appreciated. We arrived with an unexpected guest and the restaurant was most accommodating and we had excellent seats. We can hardly wait to go back and continue working our way through the menu.
   

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5. B

   Brent

   Los Angeles1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Chefs Kiran and Karma continue to dazzle with each visit to Cafe Malabar. The prawn masala is a must, and the Kerala fried chicken is spectacular. We decided to try the special, a flavor-packed sole, and it was truly outstanding. Even though it's only been in operation for a few months, Cafe Malabar is already establishing itself as one of Victoria's most unique and delicious restaurants!
   

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6. S

   Shirley

   Vancouver1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Everything was great at cafe Malabar. Highly recommended
   

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7. A

   Alessandra

   Dublin7 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Food wasn’t up to the expectations. Service was extremely slow. They seemed understaffed
   

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8. T

   Terie VIP

   Vancouver34 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 13, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolutely delicious authentic food! Do NOT say no to the shrimp appetizer!
   

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9. K

   Kevin

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 12, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   When is the last time you had a meal that changed your feelings towards dining? We had one last night. Our meal was spectacular. Flavour bombs. Every dish! Our server was warm and inviting and she guided us through ordering to make the most of our meal. Chef Kiran has introduced us to regional Indian cuisine that we didn’t know we needed. Make your reservations early. This place is going to pop!
   

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10. D

    Denise

    Vancouver9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    This was a new food experience for us, and we had a delicious dinner! Our server was fabulous. He explained the origins of the food and made a couple of recommendations. We enjoyed it all especially the Chicken Biranyi and the Fish Molee. The place was almost full but the noise level was such that you could hear your table companions easily.
    

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