Malabari Bistro in Sarnia

117 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON N7T 5T7, Canada

★★★★☆
(96 reviews)
Categories: Bar Juice shop Restaurant Snack bar

About

Thank you, Sarnia for the support and love. Malabari is a new bar and restaurant in town offering a perfect blend of innovative cocktails, gourmet dishes, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable dining and nightlife experience. note: free parking is available at public parking after 6:00 pm Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday full day.

Website
malabaribistro.ca
Address
117 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON N7T 5T7, Canada
Plus Code
XHCR+GR Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4 PM–12 AM
Wednesday
4 PM–12 AM
Thursday
4 PM–12 AM
Friday
4 PM–12 AM
Saturday
4 PM–12 AM
Sunday
4 PM–12 AM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Food Food at bar Happy-hour food Spirits Wine
Dining options
Seating
Amenities
Toilets
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.4
★★★★☆
96 reviews

Most Mentioned

price (10) biriyani (9) atmosphere (8) parota (8) south indian food (6) pineapple (5) ashwin (4) culinary (3) ghee rice (2) carrom (2)
5 stars
74
4 stars
10
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 stars
11
★★★★★
November 17, 2024

I'm not an Indian, I'm as European as they come but this place is great. I told them what I like, and they made me food that I might like and it was great. Prices weren't bad and they got cheap beer happy hour . Honestly? Polite service, and good food and drink.. didn't feel unwelcome at all. It was a good spot. I take away 0.5 because it needs a pool table haha. Great place, would recommend.

★★★★★
November 14, 2024

I’ve been to this place three times, and each visit has been fantastic! The food is consistently excellent, with a variety of flavors that never disappoint. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. They also have carrom and foosball boards set up in a cozy corner, which adds a fun and vibe to the place. Highly recommend this spot, and I’ll definitely be coming back. Keep up the great work!

★★★★
September 22, 2024

The food is delicious, and the service is great. However, I'm curious about the use of food coloring. It would be better to avoid it, as health and taste are more important than presentation. Aside from that, everything else is wonderful. Hence 4/5

★★★★★
September 12, 2024

This my second visit to the restaurant . I would highly recommended this restaurant. We had malabari mutton Biriyani it was truly delicious. If you are fan of flavourful Biriyani then that would be the best choice . My second recommendation would be the chicken prettu dry which is basically a dry chicken . It will go with drinks and also with Kerala paratha. Very nice people and very friendly . Keep up the good work .

★★★★★
August 31, 2024

The best indian restaurant in sarnia for ambiance. People were so nice and kind they explained about the food and suggested me a drink which i loved it. Food was so good and it tasted so authentic definitely recommended place. Guys you have to visit this place. The recommended dish of the restaurant is poddi dosa.😋

August 11, 2024

Very bad taste. I ordered a biryani and got plain white rice pulao with dry fruits in it. The quality of rice is the worst i have ever seen being used by a restaurant. Meat is also less and with lots of bones. Definitely not eating from there anymore. DEFINITELY NOT WORTH $16+tax. It was a waste.

★★★★★
August 10, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Malabari in Sarnia, and I must say, it’s a gem of a place! Even though they’ve only been open for three weeks, they’ve already perfected the art of serving authentic South Indian Kerala cuisine. The flavors took me straight to Kerala, with every dish bursting with traditional spices and freshness. Their Chai is hands down the best. The customer service was equally impressive; the staff is warm, welcoming, and attentive. Wishing Malabari all the success!

★★★★★
August 4, 2024

One of the best in sarnia city. Food was delicious, authentic and affordable. Must try chicken biryani and dosa. A must visit. Excellent service. Will visit again for sure.

★★★★★
December 20, 2024

Had a great meal at Malabari Bistro last night. We were served by Ashwin who made sure to let us know all the signature dishes at the restaurant. We tried 2 appetizers and 2 house specials along with Podi dosa. All were very flavourful and great for sharing. The Ghee rice was perfect for pairing with the curries. Prices were very reasonable too on both food and drink. Cocktails only $7 and a beer during happy hour from 4-6 only $4. Thanks to Ashwin for adding a great restaurant to Sarnias downtown! Parking: You can park in the large lot around back

★★★★★
December 20, 2024

Fantastic addition to Sarnia restaurant scene. Incredible southeast Asian food ...ya GOTTA EAT HERE...wheres Guy Fieri he would welcome this kitchen to FLAVOR TOWN. affordable but unforgettable food experience. Oh yeah 4 dollar pints!!! Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 20, 2024

Wheelchair accessibility: No Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 19, 2024

Da Best in Sarnia. What s good:> Quality & Quantity & Price Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

If you re in Sarnia and haven t been to Malabari Bistro, what are you even doing? This place is hands-down the best South Asian spot in the city (and honestly, probably in the universe I ve explored so far). Let me tell you about the hospitality the owner (you know, the guy who s basically everywhere, making sure every customer is treated like royalty) is a legend. Humble, friendly, and with a knack for making you feel right at home. I didn t catch his name, but he s the MVP of customer service. Now the food? Absolutely phenomenal. Every bite felt like a warm hug from Kerala itself. And the drinks? Oh, the drinks! That Mango Pineapple & Guava drink is straight-up tropical paradise in a glass. If I could bottle that and take it home, I d drink it every day. My brother tried their Malabari Beer (yes, their own beer how cool is that?!) and was blown away. Beer lovers, take note. And the ambiance? Let me tell you, they ve nailed the vibe. It s cozy, vibrant, and just the right kind of chill. Honestly, 10/10 isn t enough it s like an 11/10 experience. TL;DR: Amazing food, drinks, vibe, and the most hospitable service in Sarnia. If you haven t gone yet, you re missing out BIG time. Just go trust me, you ll thank yourself later!

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Malabari Bistro serves authentic Kerala cuisine.The aesthetic ambiance, standout dishes like Alfaham Mandi, biriyani, and friendly service make it a top spot for South Indian food lovers.

December 9, 2024

Over priced for all item compared to restaurant of Toronto, Scarborough or even the restaurant just near to Malabari Birstro (Your Place Eatery)

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Been to malabari a couple of times now and the place has never disappointed me even once. The food and the ambience of the place always kept me connected to home. People working there are very polite and professional. Especially Ashwin, he is very professional In what he is doing, he has kept the place opened to us beyond the closing time including the kitchen. The people working there and the place have gone beyond . With no doubts I can say this is the best place In the town in terms of food and everything.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Great authentic Indian food, very friendly staff, great selection of cocktails and drinks. Absolutely love the Madras coffee!

December 9, 2024

I ordered Dosa from the restaurant. First they took forever to make the order. Food was not good at all. Less quantity.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

Really loved the place Everything was awesome Our food was delicious and the service was charming Kid friendly they gave free sippy cups to our kids Will be returning soon Kid-friendliness: High chairs are there Ice cream was given to them as complimentary and colour changing sippy cups for the kids drinks and. They let them take it home If this is not kid friendly I don t know what is

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

We order the same dishes every week (parotha, malabari chicken and boneless Chicken perattu). They are the best restaurant for Indian food in this city, hands down! If you ever visit the city then do check out this place. The prices are reasonable, taste is authentic.Great job guys. Keep it up.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

A Taste of Kerala in Sarnia If youre looking to explore the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine, specifically from the Kerala region, then Malabari Bistro is the place to be. Located at 117 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON, this cozy restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience that will transport you to the heart of Kerala. The menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes, from aromatic biryanis and flaky porottas to rich curries and refreshing desserts. The chicken curry is a standout, with its perfectly cooked chicken and flavorful gravy. I also highly recommend trying their black tea with mint leaves - a refreshing and aromatic beverage that perfectly complements the spicy flavors of the food. Whether youre a seasoned South Indian food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Malabari Bistro offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to savor authentic Kerala cuisine. Dont miss the opportunity to experience the unique flavors and aromas of this region. Timing: 4.00 pm to 12 am If youre new to Kerala cuisine, dont be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. Theyre knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

Great Location. Great Service. Roast Beef was perfection. Definitely returning and recommending to family and friends. Cheers to great staff and much success!

November 23, 2024

First time experience didnt went very well. We went to dine in as a gorup of three: Place was not so welcoming amd same was the staff.. Didnt got cutlery prior to food. Like how we all three can eat in a plate with single serving spoon. Chilli Gobhi tasted much like gobi 65.. Veg kurma was awfull with just a taste of coconut milk. Sambar and the masala in dosa was not proper hot.. We were told to recieve chilli gobhi as a starter but got the other food even before we really started eating.. Even parotta seemed to be the frozen one. So overall, everything missed what we expected...

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Really good South Indian food, must try.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

My favourtite food place in Sarnia....wow

November 23, 2024

The owner of the restaurant doesn t know how to talk to the customers. Always being rude with full of attitude. The food here is horrible and stale when you confront the owner he has excuses and quarrels with the customer. Never going back to this place again. I would ask customers not to go their as it is not worth it.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Amazing food and customer service. Everyone must try, I and my family will be revisiting it for sure .

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Wow! An Exceptional Culinary Experience. The deadly combination of exceptional food and the best beer in town is unbeatable. The food at Malabari Bistro is exceptional. We enjoyed the Chicken Perattu, Pork Fry, Pal Kappa, and Beef dry fry, which were all expertly prepared and flavorful. The extensive menu offers a variety of delectable options. The nostalgic ambiance transported us to Kerala. The home-brew Malabari lager was particularly delightful. Sneha our server was very friendly. This restaurant led by owner Ashwin and Dennis provided excellent service. I wholeheartedly recommend Malabari Bistro as a must-visit dining destination in Sarnia.

★★★★
November 23, 2024

Great ambiance and friendly customer service. The food was good. I prefer their 5-star rated food in the menu. Can give it a try, worth it. Loved the pineapple kullukki.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

I ordered food through uber but one of the item was missing ,which was the delivery drivers fault . But malabari staff delivery the drink to our house Excellent service Beware of Uber drivers who steal your food

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Best Dosa and sambhar in Sarnia! I really enjoyed both the taste and the quality. Thanks Malabari Bistro!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Amazing food made even better by the excellent service..The warm lighting ,rustic decor and comfortable seating make it an ideal place for food lovers Masala dosa and chicken perattu is one of the must try items..

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Great food, great vibe, overall 10 out of 10.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

The food was awesome!! The owner was generous with his time explaining the food, its history in his area of India as well as how it connected to him and his family. Everyone at Malabari was hard working and took good care of the customer. Top notch!!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Decided to go to Malabari Restaurant finally. It was opened not too long ago. Though my brother and I live here in Sarnia, never made it to here till now. To my surprise met Denison and later was introduced to Ashwin ( co- owners). Had a great conversation with them as I had met Denison through my friend Gokul in London previously. Decided to go with this authentic Kerala tasty dishes and Ashwin suggested a nice fish dish with semi dry but really yummy with porottas and ended up ordering additional porottas with chicken 65 as the appetizers . Had these delicious Kulukii Mango Pineapple juice . Which had a refreshing feeling and complemented us with Sulemani drink at the end of our meal. I must say they interacted really well with guests , kept the place really clean and organized and complemented the washrooms were super clean. These above scenarios are hard to find these days in many restaurants. Thanked them both and their friendly staffs were very attentive and polite . Shows they are treated well and enjoyed their work . I would definitely comeback and try different dishes and give two thumbs UP .

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

What a fantastic experience at malabari bistro. The food was fantastic, five star service and a stellar atmosphere. If you re looking for delicious Indian food, or evening cocktails it s the place to be. My foodie kids loved the fish pakora and fries. No pics of the rest of the food as we ate it so quickly yum!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

MEN I LOVE THAT CHILI GOBI FIRST BITE OH BOY LAST BITE AND YOU ARE IN HEAVEN. GO GET SOME CHILI GOBI EACH BITE WAS A FLAVOR OF PUNCHLINE. SHIT MEN I HAVE TO GO AGAIN TO EAT CHILI GOBI WITH KERALA PARATHA NOW .

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I ordered Malabari Mutton Biriyani for takeout. It was very delicious with perfect blend of spices. I will definitely order again. Only thing I would suggest that they should make that little more spicy but overall it was worth to try it. Portion size is good as well compared to price!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Would love to see some more indian dishes as they grow. Hoping the best for this business. I have tried dosa and uttapam it s really good in taste!! I have some more dished to try on coming very soon!!

September 23, 2024

I recently visited the place with high expectations, but unfortunately, I left feeling unsatisfied. While the food was generally well-prepared, the portion sizes were surprisingly small. Its disappointing to pay for a meal and leave still feeling hungry. I hope the restaurant considers adjusting their portion sizes to better match the cost, as it detracts from the overall dining experience.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Amazing customer service by Ashvet, mirsha and sneha .. delicious food and good environment to spend time

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

The food was really delicious and the service was great as well. It s a great place to hang out with friends at a very reasonable price.

★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

The ambience is pleasant, but the space feels a bit crowded and cluttered. The food, however, doesnt justify the price its expensive, and the taste is just average, nothing exceptional to warrant the extra cost. Hopefully, theyll reconsider the pricing for some of the items.

September 23, 2024

Awful restaurant. Rude staff and horrible food

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Review for Malabari Bristo Restaurant If you re in search of a restaurant that delivers a remarkable dining experience with vibrant and authentic flavors, Malabari Bristo should be at the top of your list. Our recent visit was nothing short of extraordinary. We began our meal with their Parota, a flaky, buttery bread that perfectly complemented the rich and aromatic Chicken Curry. The curry itself was a masterclass in spice and balance, with tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce that had just the right amount of heat and depth. The Chicken 65 was a standout appetizer crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, with a tantalizing blend of spices that left us craving more. It s clear that each dish is crafted with care and expertise. To refresh our palates, we enjoyed the Mango Pineapple Kuluki drink. This vibrant, fruity concoction was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, offering a delightful and cooling contrast to the bold flavors of our meal. Malabari Bristo excels not only in its food but also in its service and atmosphere. The staff are attentive and friendly, making sure every aspect of our dining experience was flawless. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and elegance, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal. In summary, Malabari Bristo is a culinary delight that promises an unforgettable experience with its exceptional Malabari cuisine. Every dish, from the Parota and Chicken Curry to the Chicken 65 and Kuluki drink, was a testament to the restaurant s dedication to quality and flavor. This is a place you ll want to return to again and again.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Just took a take out on an order of Malabari mutton biriyani. This is the best biriyani in town. Taste so authentic!! The staff was super friendly as well!!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Good food tastes really well properly balanced! But the portion size according to price is less

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Chai tea is delicious, foods are tasty but could have increased the quantity in biriyani.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

We stopped over in Sarnia one day on the way back from long travel .. We ordered food here for our whole family and friends .. Hightly recommended .. Taste was so good .. Ghee rice , parota and chicken chilli top notch ..

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

The egg puff was delicious and crispy and the service was also great

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Great South Indian food in the town of Sarnia

August 23, 2024

Atmosphere was too loud, crowd was so uncultured, even after complaining nobody did anything. Food was above average, but Madras coffee was awesome. Service was below average.

August 23, 2024

Restaurant service was so below average. Food was not hot enough and taste was so average. I also felt that the atmosphere was very loud and crowd was so misbehaving and unnecessarily shouting. I hope they will improve this.

★★★★
August 23, 2024

Thank you for the wonderful food and service.

August 23, 2024

Aweful environment, so much noise, looked like a wild bar not like a restaurant, people were shouting like crazy, and worst part is none of the staff member stopped crazy and uncultured people to make so much noise. Service was below average. Food was average. I hope they will improve these things.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Quality of food was awesome. We tried chicken chilli and it was so delicious. Atmosphere was so welcoming. Highly recommended place.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

If youre up for a fun night Malabari Bistro is the place to be. The food is awesome, and the vibe is super lively with games and music. Its the perfect spot for hanging out with friends or just having a good time with family.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Kid-friendliness: I have been there with my family, it s a good spot to have some authentic south indian food !!! My kids really enjoyed the kulluki sarbath !! Good work guys !!! will be back for sure !! Wheelchair accessibility: Amzinh

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

It was an wonderful experience Great Food , Great ambience more over Great staffs.Try there kulukies and snacks must recommend.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Malabari Bistro in Sarnia is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, thanks to its exceptional food and friendly service. The South Indian dishes, particularly the Beef Roast and Masala Dosa, are bursting with authentic flavors. I also appreciate the attentive and welcoming staff, who always make my dining experience enjoyable.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

If youre looking for an exceptional dining experience, Malabari is a must-visit. The food is simply outstanding, delivering an authentic taste that truly stands out. Each dish is crafted with precision and care, reflecting genuine flavors. The service is equally impressive; the staff are not only friendly but also attentive, making you feel welcomed from the moment you step in.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

The food and atmosphere is amazing. This is the most awaited restaurant to be launched in Sarnia and there s so much more room for the restaurant to grow. The taste is super authentic and any South Indian would agree to this. Not sure why there are so many negative reviews, especially about the atmosphere. I mean, nobody wants to go and stare at the walls and eat if a group of friends are going. The whole point of a bistro is to connect, play and eat some authentic food and have fun. This place deserves much better recognition :)

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Malabari Restaurant provides a genuine Kerala dining experience in Sarnia, with its delectable food and welcoming atmosphere. It s definitely worth a visit if you re looking to enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine. Malabari Restaurant s catering service is highly regarded for its authentic, flavorful dishes and professional service, making it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their event with delicious Kerala cuisine.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Hands down the Best South Indian Restaurant in Sarnia. Love the food, service and the vibe of the restaurant.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Delicious food and beautiful service!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Oh my god!!!, what an amazing food. It felt youre back in India for something. The authentic taste of the crispy dosas and the thick shakes. They were just party in the mouth. Must try are dosas and Pineapple mango kulukki.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

It was really good experience, food was really good, atmosphere is very nice. They are place where we can play carom board, it s a good place hangout with friends and have food. Customer service was great. Food

August 23, 2024

I ordered Malabari Mutton Biryani and Chicken Perattu from Uber Eats. I was excited to try a new Indian place but I was extremely disappointed. The Chicken Perattu had more bones than meat. There were two neck pieces and I have never seen a restaurant serve neck pieces to customers. The Mutton Biryani had barely any mutton pieces and only bones! The egg in the biryani also seemed like it had been boiled way before because it was all grey from inside. Literally had to leave more than half of the order because of the quality served.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Toooo yummy i like malabari bistro food

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Felt like i was transported to a bar in kerala. Anyone who visits this place must try their biryanis( personally i liked regular ones rather than malabari style though) and parotta. I wish they remove the tiny crushed bones from the chicken curry. But overall i was very happy with the food and ambience. Wish to comeback again once they are able to serve alcohol. You gotta be patient with the waiting times since it s too busy. Looking forward to try more items..

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Food is incredible here. Must visit.