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鈥檚 top ten list of best new restaurants in the country.

鈥淎t 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鈥檚 vibrant, world-class culinary scene,鈥� said Andy Shibata, vice president of Brand at Air Canada. 鈥淔ood 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.鈥�

Now in its 23rd year, Air Canada's Best New Restaurants reviews 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."

Malabar was one of two B.C. restaurants on the list. Placing ninth was Vanouver's Gary鈥檚.

"The first restaurant from industry veterans Bailey Hayward and Mathew Bishop brings supper club vibes to Vancouver鈥檚 South Granville neighbourhood, where locals and visitors alike can spring for dishes like crudo, gem salad, hen-of-the-woods, and rabbit, the review states.

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鈥橞rady selected this year鈥檚 Top 10 restaurants. 

Montreal's Sabayon restaurant took the top spot this year.