This paper presents a approach for a service restoration and optimal reconfiguration of distribution network using Genetic algorithm(GA) and Tabu search(TS) method. Restoration and reconfiguration problems in distribution network are difficult to solve in short times, because distribution network supplies power for customers combined with many tie-line switches and sectionalizing switches. Furthermore, the solutions of these problems have to satisfy radial operation conditions and reliability indices. To overcome these time consuming and sub-optimal problem characteristics, this paper applied Genetic-Tabu algorithm. The Genetic-Tabu algorithm is a Tabu search combined with Genetic algorithm to complement the weak points of each algorithm. The case studies with 7 bus distribution network showed that not the loss reduction but also the reliability cost should be considered to achieve the economic service restoration and reconfiguration in the distribution network. The results of suggested Genetic-Tabu algorithm and simple Genetic algorithm are compared in the case study also.