Malabari Kitchen Restaurant

4.4 ( 223 reviews )
414 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
Malabari Kitchen Restaurant offers a delightful taste of Kerala right in Minneapolis. Nestled at 414 Cedar Ave, this Indian eatery is celebrated for its authentic South Indian cuisine, particularly the biryani specials that steal the spotlight. The beef, goat, and shrimp biryanis, all priced under $15, showcase marinated meats paired with saffron-infused basmati rice, generously seasoned to meet the palate's yearning for spice. Patrons like Murad Aslam rave about the friendly service and the meticulous preparation of each dish. He describes their spicy fish curry as perfectly balanced and representative of home-style Indian cooking. Likewise, Dilip Satheesan emphasizes the authenticity, urging those tired of the typical tandoori offerings to explore this gem where each meal is crafted with heart and passion. The intimate ambiance enhances the experience. As Emily Rorem points out, expect a bit of a wait, as everything is made from scratch, but it's a journey worth taking. The generous portions invite diners to share, turning meals into a communal delight. With its standout dishes, excellent service, and cozy vibe, Malabari Kitchen Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving heartfelt South Indian fare.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner

Reviews For Malabari Kitchen Restaurant

Murad Aslam
May 19,2025
Really friendly service, probably one of the best Indian restaurants in the twin cities. I ordered a spicy fish curry and it was appropriately spiced, not too much and neither too little. If you like spicy Indian food, this is one of the best placed to go to in the twin cities. The prices were affordable and really worth the quality of the meals they provided.. As someone who is used to Indian food, this comes really close to home.
Samuel Hines
May 17,2025
Fantastic food. A delight to encounter all of the different spices. Large serving as well. I had the goat biryani
Emily Rorem
May 14,2025
Food was excellent! There are only a few folks who work there (server and kitchen included) and everything is made on the spot from scratch so be prepared for a wait, but it is worth it. It's also a quirky intimate space so make sure you get there when it opens at 5:30. The portions are huge so consider splitting one with your companions. My husband and I both went home over-full with left-overs and very pleased with our meal.
Dilip Satheesan
Apr 22,2025
If you are searching for authentic food from Kerala, (SW India), look no further. The Chef cooks from his heart and the result is evident on the plate, and your palate ;) Food is spicy and authentic, and a refreshing change from the sea of Tandoori styled restaurants that clutter the scene. Everything is made to order, so give yourselves some time and order a cup of Chai while you wait.
ritwik sahoo
Apr 17,2025
Nice cozy , chef owned restaurant with amazing exotic South Indian recipes. The chef and the server were very friendly. I ordered the king fish fry and Goat Biryani and they both reminded me of the best I had in India. Try the food and you won’t be disappointed. Talk to the chef if you have any questions as he is a super helpful and accommodates small customizations.
AW Dorris
Mar 15,2025
Exquisite South Indian food, made entirely from scratch when you order, usually with ingredients bought fresh that day. This place is a hidden gem that’s easy to overlook as you’re cruising down Cedar. (It’s just to the right of the Cedar Cultural Center.) If you haven’t stopped in yet, you owe it to yourself to find out what you’ve been missing. They specialize in Malabar cuisine, a style not so common here in the States. It’s absolutely delicious and will give you that excitement all over again from the first time you discovered Indian food. Some orders can take a little while because it’s all made fresh to your order — and it’s worth every minute it takes. Believe me: By the end of your first meal, you’ll be planning your return trip with friends so you can wow them with the neighborhood secret you’ve discovered. *Pro Tip* — Perfect date night: Catch a band or show some night at the Cedar Cultural Center, and show up 90 minutes early to get dinner here. Swooning, guaranteed.
Patrick Smith
Mar 8,2025
I really enjoyed my meal. The waiter told us that this is the only Southwest Indian restaurant between here and Colorado, and that Indian families from that region come from the surrounding states to eat there. It's a small space and you may have to wait for your food (the chef makes it fresh when you order), but it's totally worth it. Prices are very reasonable. If you're going to a show at the Cedar next door, just plan ahead and give yourself an extra time cushion to ensure you don't miss your show.
Danae Bye
Mar 8,2025
Great food with great service. We had the shrimp Molly, goat buriyani, yogurt curry, and little samosas. All was delicious. We came for lunch on a Tuesday and had no wait and the food came out in a reasonable time. The buriyani was our favorite and it was some of the best I’ve had. Although I have never been to SW India.

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