10 Best Restaurants in Malabar Range from Ethnic to Seafood

La Estancia de Luisa claims to have the best Latin food in the area, and that's hard to dispute. Try the bandeja paisa or churrasco (skirt steak), with a side of moro rice, parsley potatoes or green plantains. For something a little more low key, the chicken in mango sauce is mouthwatering. This laid-back Colombian restaurant not only serves authentic Latin food, with a speciality in Colombian, but its offering also include alcohol. In one word: sangria. La Estancia also features wine, Colombian sodas and beer from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and more. The lunch special Thursday through Friday is a big bang for just about $8, and includes a meat, side and soup. Friday you can get the special Colombian Mix Plate, which includes griddle cake and pork skin. La Estancia also caters special events.

If the crowd is any indication, Pepper Tree Sandwich Shop is one of the best places for a quick and fresh lunch in the Malabar region. Pepper Tree opened in 1972, and is stationed in a cozy house-turned-restaurant. Although outdoor seating is limited, you can take your meal to go or grab it in the drive-through. The indoor dining room is bigger, but can feel crowded during the lunch rush. It's fast food done right, with fresh salads, fish baskets and sandwiches made with Boar's Head meat. Try a classic reuben, burger, chicken wings or the chicken sandwich. The prices are about as low as you can get for a healthy meal, typically $5 to $10. The housemade brownie is famous for a reason. The restaurant specializes in lunch only and closes after lunch. Pepper Tree also offers catering.

Twisty Cone and Cakes may sound just like a regular ice cream parlor, but it's more than that. To locals, Tcone is a Palm Bay icon, with a solid crew of fans. This family-owned sweet shop serves more than 40 different flavors of soft-serve ice cream, plus shaved ice, custom cakes and pies, malts, frozen drinks, sodas and more. The shop is quirky, staff is friendly and funny and the atmosphere is small-town and homey. Lines can be long, but you can call ahead and order your ice cream to go. It'll be ready when you arrive. Tcone opened in 1982, then under the name of Kristy Kone. Tip: Get a Cake Club Card and collect stamps for your ice cream and pie purchases to earn a free cake. And while you're raking in the points, wear a Twisty Cone temporary tattoo on Tuesdays and get your cone half off.

Malabar Mo's Bar & Grill is one of the best places to relax under in the shade of trees or on the deck, tip back a cold one, listen to live music and fill up on good food. The cheerful atmosphere here is what makes Malabar Mo's really stand out — but it doesn't hurt that this restaurant offers full dinner until 11 p.m. Late-night dining has never tasted so delicious. Malabar Mo's features a full bar and live music Friday through Sunday, with plenty of different places to hang out, inside or outside on the screened patio area or deck, cooled by the breeze of the river. Look for both daily and nightly specials. Thursday is the popular wing night. Don't miss the jerk mahi or the crispy fish BLT wrap for lunch.

Ozzie's Crabhouse is known for its all-you-can-eat blue crab legs — but we're talking some of the freshest, most delicious crab you can find. Ozzie's blue crabs from from the Space Coast's Indian River and boast their own unique flavor. That's why Ozzie's is a must-visit for any visit to Brevard County. Ozzie's specializes in all kinds of seafood, shellfish and steak, too. Don't miss the early-bird specials from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and don't miss the various weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For example, Wednesday is chopped steak and gravy with chicken or fish, a side salad or slaw and potato, all for under $10. This Malabar restaurant opened in 1966.

The Shack is a family-owned seafood restaurant with a longstanding reputation. It's been a Space Coast staple for almost 40 years. Here, you can find fresh seafood and steaks, served up on the riverfront. Although The Shack's menu is exquisite (stuffed shrimp, prime rib, fresh fish flown in daily), the atmosphere is still relaxed and comfortable. Score sandwiches (like a French dip, oyster po' boy or corned beef) or hamburgers for lunch. Or stop in from 4 to 6 p.m. to take advantage of discounted prices on the early bird menu, Monday through Saturday. The best place to dine is outside on the patio, with a stunning view and sandbar. If you're looking for a private dining experience for a special occasion, like a family gathering or party, you can also rent the banquet room.

There's something about pizza and the boardwalk that's a perfect match. That's why we love The Original Bizzarro Famous NY Pizza (Bizzarro's for short), located right on the Indialantic boardwalk. Order your pie to go and eat it on the beach or enjoy it on site. In a hurry? Order a crispy-crust slice. Feeling hungry? Try a Sicilian-style square pizza — Bizzarro's Special, with nine different toppings. This beachside Italian joint serves up more than pizza, however. For something light, you can grab a salad here. The mussels marinara are a light appetizer. Deli subs make ideal lunches. You can even order beer or wine to wash down your meal. Bizzarro's is a Space Coast staple, locally owned and operated for two decades.

From the talented Stuart Borton (owner of Stuart's Bistro in Indialantic) comes this exciting cafe, which put the community of Malabar on the culinary map. Sound like an exaggeration? Get this: Among Stuart's more noteworthy customers are Jeb Bush (he likes the place so much, he celebrated his 49th birthday here!) and folk hero Arlo Guthrie. The breathtaking views of the Indian River are plusses, of course, as are the white linens and first-rate service. But what truly sets the place apart is its outstanding cookery — that is to say, innovative dishes like pecan-crusted mahi mahi with vanilla bean-infused praline sauce or roast duckling with raspberry, cherry and peppercorn sauce.