Malabar Junction — Restaurant in Kerala

The service was terrible. We chose to sit closer to the pool table. We were told they serve food there too. The person (Akhil) took the first order, forgot the starter.

He bought the recommended beverages and food at the same time. (Forgot a mosquito repellent that he said he would offer but no sweat on this one as it was an add on). We returned the recommended lime twister as it was way too sweet even after enquiring about it sweetness levels which he seemed to not be clear about. He got the replacement order wrong however replaced it with a less sweet ginger punch finally.

He had forgotten our starter, he placed the order after we reminded him.

After the first serving of parota, we had to wait for a long long time to make an order for the second portion. No one was to be seen to help take an order.

When he appeared with the starter we shared about how the delay and mix up was not helping our appetite and experience.

HE GOES BACK AND TELLS HIS COLLEAGUES WHO IN TURN MADE FUN OF THE SITUTUON STATING - THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKE A TABLE CLOSER TO WHERE WE ARE (under the roof) IF THEY NEEDED BETTER SERVICE.

They knew my friend understood their language and yet conducted themselves this way.

To be served after this was a buzz kill and I ended up eating lesser and packing rest of the food.

From what I heard this place was known to be one of the best. From a really dull and inexperienced welcome to service, unlit bar areas this place was a big let down if not for taste of the food itself.

The only reason for 3 stars is the...

The good - nice food. We had the watermelon/feta salad and octopus (perfectly done) as starters with the eggplant and mushroom ravioli for our mains. We were heading out on a 10 day trip where we expected to have Kerala food all the time and so chose not to have that here. Plus chocolate samosas for dessert (no mango, since I guess not in season but would have been nice to be told that in advance). And it was nice to be comped the filter coffee, a replacement for the cappuccino I ordered, since their machine was acting up.

The not-so good: service. At this price point (steep by local standards), we were expecting a wait staff that knew how to wait. What we got was a waitress who knew what she was doing but got swamped by 4 groups arriving close together, a bunch of other staff who seemed to be more bus boys than waiters, a manager (we think) who was hanging out chatting with another guy who was the cashier (maybe) and a chef (we think) who came out to greet one table (maybe they were also staying at the hotel) and ignored the rest of the tables - which I thought was rude. Am I being harsh? Probably. FYI, we ate at the Armory at Brunton Boatyard the previous day and they had a feedback form for us after the meal and were genuinely interested in our feedback. Just a suggestion if you are...

I visited on New Year's Eve, so maybe not the best time to judge. With no reservation, I was accepted for the special 6 course dinner, which was Nouvelle Cuisine, so not hearty by any means. Most diners were seated in the garden and were able to watch the music and dance that was performed throughout the evening. I was alone and had arrived, on the spur of the moment, after service had started, so was seated inside with some other diners. Unfortunately, this meant that I was unable to see the show. The food was good, albeit miniscule portions, and only ONE glass of wine was included in the price of 6200inrs. At midnight, we were offered a glass of "champagne" too. It wasn't French, but perfectly acceptable. The staff were a delight, but my main criticism is that the entrance to two washrooms/toilets, are in full view of all the diners in the garden. Embarrassing for users and unpleasant for diners. An hotel of this category should have something...