Cafe Malabar, a local restaurant serving authentic Southwestern Indian food had a memorable year in 2024.
In November, they were named one of Air Canada's Top Ten Best New Restaurants in the Country, taking fifth place.
A month later, on Dec. 30, they closed their kitchen at the Victoria Public Market following the sudden termination of their lease forcing them to find a new place to serve their coastal Kerala dishes.
Chef Kiran Kolathadan used the unexpected turn of events to travel to India with his family for a much-needed break. During his time abroad, he found a location for Cafe Malabar.
"I got back on Jan. 29, signed the lease on Jan. 31, and we got the place on Feb. 1,” he said.
Their new location – the former Tug Eatery and Bar at 407 Swift St.
They will be taking over as new tenants leasing the place from its previous owners. Kolathadan said the eatery in Victoria's Inner Harbour has been for lease for some time.
"After December, after all the chaos that happened, we kind of jumped on it and then the current owners were kind enough to make a deal with us.”
Tug's owners announced they were closing the restaurant on Instagram.
“While it is time for Tug’s story to conclude, our beloved location will have a new beginning – one we are thrilled to announce. The amazing Swift Street space will be handed over to Cafe Malabar – a top 5 rated Canadian restaurant.”
Tug's founders will continue to own the property.
Right now, Cafe Malabar is busy getting organized and settling in, hoping to do a soft opening just to get the feel and the flow of the new space and kitchen.
"We are excited to be back in Victoria and redoing this – I was away for a month in India to do some research on food and cooking with some grandmas and aunties there,” Kolathadan exclaimed.
Cafe Malabar will be serving the same menu with some newer, more seasonal items in rotation.
"We’ll have more seafood.”
