Malabar offers a memorable tapas experience in the heart uptown Charlotte.
The small cozy interior appears more spacious through the use of mirrors and windows. The high ceilings and fabulous chandelier make the space very relevant and modern.
Malabar offers true Spanish tapas--exactly what you would find at a restaurant in Spain. I went with a group of girlfriends so we were able to try quite of a few options.
The croquettes con jamon y queso were wonderful: creamy, fried pillows with great flavor. The order of patatas bravas, french fries with a spicy red sauce and a creamy aioli, was generous. Pimientos rellenos were the star of the show--red bell peppers stuffed with rice and other delicious morsels. The churrasco, beef with a chimichurri sauce was great. Don't miss the tortilla! Made out of potatoes and eggs, it's truly delicious!! I would skip the mussels as they were gritty and the broth was too salty.
My friends said the white sangria was awesome, and the drink menu was extensive. Malabar is sneakily pricey though, so be cautious. Each tapa is $10-12 and the portions aren't that big. Malabar is perfect for happy hour noshing, or a drink and snack after a show in Uptown.