When Sarah and Sandy Sanyal packed up their Toronto catering business to open their dream restaurant in Campbellford, they didn’t know what to expect. They had heard about that famous small town hospitality, but had never experienced it first hand.
They opened the Dockside Bistro in an old church over-looking the Trent-Severn Waterway with the hope of attracting boaters and installing a sprawling patio. The menu was going to be simple, pub style classics and a hearty selection of Indian dishes. Sandy is from India and Sarah learned how to make classics like Butter Chicken and Rogan Josh from his sister the way they are supposed to be made.
When they finally opened their doors to locals in November 2021, Sarah says they faced a problem any restauranteur would be glad to have. “The response was just overwhelming! After months of closures and distancing, we finally got a taste of that small town hospitality we moved here for.”
Despite serving some downright amazing Indian classics, one of their more popular dishes is still the Dockside Bistro Burger, pictured below in all its glory. The enormous spiced and grilled patty is topped bacon strips, Empire Cheese Whiskey Mustard Cheddar, and the best part: a house-made maple-bacon jam. It’s a wonder to behold and a monstrous endeavor to eat. We see why it’s been so popular!
One of the best parts of the Dockside (aside from the very delicious Indian food, have we mentioned that yet?) is the proximity to the water. Not only can you dine by the water on their beautiful patio in season, but boaters arriving by the Trent-Severn Waterway can tie off below the patio and enjoy a meal quite literally dockside.
“People are really excited. Boating is a way of life in this region and we’re happy to be a place for boaters to come together and enjoy good food” says Sarah.
Sarah and Sandy are looking forward to finding their rhythm and making the most of summer in Campbellford. With dining restrictions being lifted, it feels like they’ve finally found their forever home.
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This content was created with support from Kawarthas Northumberland. For more ways to eat, stay and play in Kawarthas Northumberland, visit: kawarthasnorthumberland.ca. Follow @PerfectWknds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
