• 5
• Best Veg/an date spot in Santa Cruz

As far as I'm concerned - this is by far one of the best veggie restaurants around. And this from a serious vegan food snob. As for the whole Vegan/Veg confusion which seems to be rampant in the reviews here, Malabar is currently vegetarian, with a good 80% of the dishes and 90% of the beverages available as Vegan. There was a time, when the Asian Rose operated a buffet style service at lunch which was all Vegan, but the Malabar has always been mixed veg/an for dinner. So, wnat makes this place great? Everything. I've eaten here a couple of dozen times and never been disappointed or even a little let down. Entree portions are large and filling, though some of the side dishes and appetizers may leave you feeling like you got a bit little for the cost. Sampler plates are a great way to fix this, and to get a feel for the different tastes and even styles on the menu. Some things are very spicy while others are bland. It's the dish. That's one of the great things about a family owned and run establishment though, if you ask, they'll tell you why one dish tastes this way and another like that. They'll even tell you which distant Sri Lankan Auntie or Grandma first started cooking the particular dish. The entire family(Mom and Pop, 3 brothers and 2 wives)are usually there, and my experience has always been that they are very sensitive to and accomodating of Vegan needs. That being said, the food is amazing. I do agree that it is way beyond the traditional Asian veggie fare, and I have never had tempeh served as well as the Tempeh LaLa, the Tempeh Pineapple, and the Tempeh Blackbean Garlic(that's right-3 astounding Tempeh dishes, and that's not all). You've got a good dozen vegan options for dinner, and the atmosphere and ambience is very relaxing. A great location for a veg date. You will definately get a kiss out of it. Also, the Malabar does have an alcohol permit(for beer and wine) but they don't serve it for religious reasons. You can however, bring your own wine or beer. That's right. You can even order, then send someone from your party to get some matching spirits. Otherwise, bring a nice light Chardonay or a Pinot Grigio. Parking is a bit hairy, street parking may be less hassle but if it's before 8pm you'll have to pay the meter. Call ahead on Friday and Saturday nights to avoid a wait. Lots of folks trying to get kissed those nights. A bit expensive for some tastes, but completely worth it. 5 Cows! Updated from previous review on Wednesday December 29,