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Restaurant Reviews

Malabar Licensed Cafe

We went to this Cafe/Restaurant last night and OMG it was amazing.The cafe has only been open for about 6 weeks , and runs from around 7 am to varying times during the week from late afternoon to evening service and from 7.30 am till late on the weekends. With different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner they cater for everybodies gastronomic needs.

We were greeted by a lovely waitress, freindly and efficient and made us feel very welcome.

The dinner menu gave a real variety of goodies to choose from , it wasn’t a huge selection which was great as you didnt get overwhelmed by choice, they had about 8 entrees, 2 choices of platters of starters to share and 5 main course choices with about 6 wonderful sounding side dishes .Things like rosemary potatoes, asian greens, chargrilled veges, rocket and parmesan salad and taro chips.

For our starters we chose the mezze platter on the menu it stated that it could serve 2-4 and wow it was a very generous serving, complete with super fresh slices of french bread and crisp grissinis. It had a wondeful creamy fetta, Telegraph hill lemon infused olives, a great mix of char grilled veges and fabulous Dolmades with some tasty hummus and tzatziki on the side……. just sublime.

For our mains we both had the same meal which was just exquisite. Lapschoung smoked scotch fillet served with currant and juniper berry jus and we had the rosemary potatoes and chargrilled veges on the side. The meat is all sourced locally and it is also organic. I have to say this was the very best piece of steak I have had in a very long time. it was cooked to absolute perfection and just melted on the tongue. The plates were decorated with some Balsamic drizzle which just complemented the meal really well and the garnish was fresh herbs , a little mint,dill, basil and parsley . I happened to grab a piece of chargrilled eggplant with some fresh mint on my fork and there was an orgasimc taste explosion in my mouth with that combination. The chef Matthew Heath really does know his stuff and he knows how to cook the most perfect rare steak.

They had quite a comprehensive beverage list for you to choose from and their dessert menu had my mouth watering but I was so full if I had eaten anything else I probably would have exploded. On their blackboard menu they had a banana and nougat filo which gave me an instant drool thought so maybe I can try that another time.

This is a family run cafe with the owners sons working front of house and in the kitchen and its a good combination.They pay great attention to detail and make you feel very welcome and relaxed with the atmosphere , good music and totally awesome food with tasty coffee and great service.

You can find them at 2/135 Main Highway,Ellerslie Auckland

phone 09 525 1303

The Rating of this Restaurant/cafe would be

5 chefs

Well done Boys keep up the great work