Found in a shopping center that’s also home to a national hotel and a couple chain stores, Malabar Restaurant has the challenge of being everything to everyone. Out-of-towners, concertgoers and sports fans (on the way to Arco Arena) and families are guests at this multidimensional restaurant that makes room—and food— for all of them. The dining room decorated in warm earth tones creates a relaxing environment that pairs with the comfort food on the menu. Clam chowder is revamped with smoky bacon; house greens are dolled up with dried cranberries, candied pecans and bleu cheese, and the Reuben is piled with marinated cabbage on a Jewish rye roll. Malabar makes half-pound burgers; pizzas are topped with classic pepperoni to a chicken and artichoke hearts. Ahi is reinvented with coconut-macadamia rice cake and mango-papaya salsa. Try the lemon pudding cake that arrives soaked in crème anglaise and meringue for a citrus sweet that melts in your mouth. Cindy Arora

Insider tip: Happy hour is 3p.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday

Reservations: Recommended for parties

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.