Victoria’s Cafe Malabar named fifth best new restaurant in Canada

Tucked in between food stalls and other miscellaneous shops at Victoria Public Market is Cafe Malabar.

It’s a casual dining kitchen where ordering is simple as much as it is unique.

Press the button for service and moments later a parade of coastal Kerala dishes arrives at communal tables where you can enjoy clay pots of delicious aromatic dishes, from fish chatty choru to flaky egg puffs and lacy rice hoppers.

Good enough for the tummy, good enough to land the fifth spot in Air Canada’s top 10 list of best new restaurants in the country.

“At Air Canada, we are thrilled to share the very best of our country with the world and for more than two decades, this program has shone a spotlight on Canada’s vibrant, world-class culinary scene,” says Andy Shibata, vice president of Brand at Air Canada. “Food is an enriching part of travel experiences and through this program which supports new businesses, we hope to inspire travellers with even more compelling reasons to explore our country.”

READ MORE: Victoria, B.C., restaurants named among the best new restaurants in Canada

Now in its 23rd year, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants reviewed dining spots opened across the country between late spring 2023 and May 31, 2024.

Cafe Malabar opened its doors, or kitchen counter, in this case, on June 7, 2023, and has received rave reviews from locals and visitors alike.

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognized as one of the top five best new restaurants of 2024,” says chef Kiran Kolathodan. “As a small restaurant, this recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the warm embrace of our community, which has allowed us to share the vibrant flavours of Kerala. This honour inspires us to continue bringing these flavours to Victoria with humility and gratitude.”

READ MORE: Ucluelet restaurant named Canada’s best fine dining experience

The only other West Coast restaurant cracking the top 10 of a list dominated by Ontario and Quebec establishments was Gray’s in Vancouver. Coming in at No. 9 on the list, Gray’s in on West 12th Avenue, the vision of partners and owners Bailey Hayward, who manages the front of the house, and chef Mathew Bishop, who oversees the kitchen.

Judged by a single, anonymous reviewer, the Top 10 list evaluates all aspects of the dining experience, from culinary vision and quality of ingredients to service and overall team spirit. Award-winning cookbook author, Wall of Bakers judge and culinary journalist Tara O’Brady selected this year’s Top 10 restaurants.

Montreal’s Sabayon restaurant took the top spot this year. For more sections across the West Coast and Canada, view this year’s long list here.

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