Canal Bistro Mediterranean Grille Menu

  • Appetizers
  • Soup & Salad
  • Entrees
  • Sandwiches
  • Sides
  • Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Canal Bistro Mediterranean Grille

  • Appetizers
  • Soup & Salad
  • Entrees
  • Sandwiches
  • Sides
  • Dessert
  • Jason O.

    I really like this place. Great atmosphere for a night out. Nice seating options both indoor and out right on the canal. The hummus and gyro platters are great. other options like the lamb can be on the mark or overcooked and tough just depends on the night. They also have a great chocolate cake dessert.

    (4)
  • Jeanluc C.

    Great dinner with great friend. Love this place. The food is great and the terra see is awesome.

    (5)
  • Hayat C.

    The banana bread martini was absolutely scrumptious I've never had anything that contained alcohol taste so good .The pomegranate vanilla Cosmo tasted very interesting it tasted like raspberry Coca Cola watered down with a shot of rum in it in a little bit of vanilla. l ordered baklava and it was just ok I have had better many other places. I really enjoyed our waitress she was very nice and sweet and that is rare for me to say usually I don't like the waiters anywhere I go but she did forget to bring napkins. Overall experience it was good might come back before I leave . I will order the lamb shank if I do. ;-)

    (3)
  • Matt D.

    I've been here twice now. Always great service, very friendly and attentive staff. I'd love to give five stars, but some of the food has been hit or miss for me. First time I went, I got a falafel side that I LOVED. This time, I got the falafel sandwich entree and didn't care for it at all. Falafel was overloaded with one of the spices and over-fried as well. I only ate about a quarter of the serving. However, there's so much else to love about this place. The hummus is unbeatable (we got it with meat), and the tabouli was good as well (though heavy on the lemon). The salads are very large. I got the half tabouli and it was 2x what I needed. They don't do half sandwiches. Didn't try any of the drinks, water was fresh and delicious on a hot day. Sit by the canal inside or on the patio and watch passersby.

    (4)
  • Kara P.

    Oh man, Canal Bistro is my new favorite discovery. I'm a little annoyed that I hadn't known about this place before. The food is WONDERFUL. I started with the goat cheese bruschetta. It's a thin spreading of goat cheese on toasted bread, served with a cup of chopped tomato goodness. It was divine. I ate the whole thing by myself. Then I had the chicken shawarma for my entree. Because I stuffed myself with bruschetta, I didn't have a lot of room left, so I only managed to eat half of it. But damn, it was delicious. And the second half heated up great a couple of days later. I went with a few friends on a Sunday, and they were offering $5 mimosas. I had two of the pineapple. I highly recommend them. I will be dragging everyone I know to this place. It was utterly fantastic. And if you can score a table outside under the fans, it's perfect.

    (5)
  • Amber C.

    We went to Canal Bistro for a work meeting today. I have been several times and wanted to choose a place that would cater to a vegan, a vegetarian, and 2 individuals with food allergies. Canal Bistro it was! First off, the atmosphere of Canal Bistro is a 5/5. Their setting on the canal is perfect if you are sitting out on the porch. With a 4 top, we weren't able to sit as close to the canal with the view, but the shaded, covered porch with ceiling fans was a better choice for the hot day anyways. Due to the heat, we all had a very light lunch. The menu is broad so you are bound to find something that satisfies everyone. For me, the must have is the Garlic Feta Cheese Fries. They are very addictive, and no matter how many times I try to replicate them at home, I can never come close. My coworkers got the tilapia, hummus, more fries, and stuffed grape leaves. I had zero complaints and nothing but praise. Our waitress was very attentive to out table. Prices seem to be a bit all over the board, but quality is spot on. Overall, one of my favorite Mediterranean spots.

    (4)
  • N H.

    Canal Bistro offers tasty food (both moderate and expensive), great decor, and a brilliant location on the canal in Broad Ripple. The restaurant is moderately busy when I walk by, so after scampering around in 90 degree heat, it was both nearby, had water, and Mediterranean food is always tasty! First, we walked inside in bummy workout clothes and asked to see a menu. Whoa - the entrees are at $18. However, sandwiches are $9-$10, and that's reasonable enough so we went for it. Had to laugh when the host seated us far away from other folks - it's not a dressy establishment, but we were really underdressed compared to other folks' classy casual wear. The decor is very nice with living room type chairs and a ceiling painted as the sky. It was nice to sit by the window and view the canal. The water is fancy - comes in a name brand glass water bottle that they set at your table. Ordered the hummus. It's got texture and is light on the lemon and garlic. It's good! But I prefer the creamy Lebanese version we got back in the Dearborn area, with lots of lemon and garlic. However I loved the fact that the pita bread is served warmed!! We also got oil and spiced for the pita bread as well. For $7, it's way overpriced (hummus costs little to make when done so in large quantities). The amount, however, was more than enough for my roommate and I. I just miss living in a densely Arabic populated area where you get a quart of hummus for $5. Alas! Regardless, within Indy restaurants this prices was about reasonable. My friend got the Kibe as a meal, even though it is an appetizer. Sirloin with ground beef, onions, barley, etc - it's very good. The tzaitiki was loved by my friend, but very different from the heavily cucumber taste that I'm used to. I got the Kafta Kabob (Lamb) and it was served in a pita. Quite good! Sadly I was already full from the appetizer so I only ate a bit. The meat was very good and I'd recommend the sandwich. The server got the job done, but not especially friendly. That's fine, however, because as long as I have what I need, I don't care if they're bubbly. Why only four stars and not five? There is no need to have Mediterranean entrees at $18. I care a lot about price. Maybe I'll change my mind after the next trip...

    (4)
  • Gyamfua G.

    Tried this place out because of a Groupon...and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The decor is a mix of Algerian nights meet southern France broke man style..it was grand and elegant but a little gaudy...but still romantical!! So the food..we started with calamari... It was OK..not exciting just OK. The sauce didn't add a lot to it. The hubby ordered the gyro platter and I ordered the shawrma platter. Both were huge. The chicken on the shawarma platter was tender and well seasoned the beef was a little chewy. The gyro was very good...well seasoned. The rice was good as well. Next time I will venture outside the palate box...this place is definitely worth another visit!! *they do not keep salt and pepper on the table...you have to ask for it!!

    (4)
  • Melissa K.

    I really enjoy this place. I've had pleasant experiences all 4 times I've come here. To be honest, I think I've ordered the same things each time I've come (gyros or shawarma sandwiches or platters with feta fries). As an FYI, the sandwiches are actually wraps. This does not detract from how delicious the food is. The gyros sandwich I had the most recent time I went was amazing. They don't skimp on the meat. The meat has a nice flavor, and the tzatziki sauce is delicious as well. The feta fries are good. The fries are not anything special, but the feta/fry combo is tasty. I am allergic to garlic so I can't get the garlic feta fries, but I think those would be better (more flavor and the feta would stick to the fries better). The location is great, as well as the service. The patio right next to the canal is a very relaxing place to enjoy a dinner on a summer night!

    (5)
  • Katie U.

    A repeat visit is in my future! I was very impressed with my first visit to Canal Bistro. Friendly waitress, quick service, nice decor...and the food was delish! I got a classic gyros sandwich w/ fries + added feta. Yum! The gyro meat is juicy and tender -- but I would ask for the sauce on the side next time. A little much in my opinion. This would be a great place to go in the summer -- they have great outdoor seating that overlooks the canal!

    (4)
  • Taylor T.

    I have never been a huge fan of Greek food. It was my mother's birthday on Saturday so I put myself aside and took her out to her favorite restaurant. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant and it was a nice seating arrangement outside. I purchased the chicken kabob with rice and salad. The chicken was delicious and had hints of garlic. The chicken was cooked to perfection and I now think I am a fan of Greek food! I of course had to get the French fries with feta cheese as well. They were delicious. My mom and I shared a bottle of their house Merlot and it was very tasty. Overall, our experience was great. It was a great place to sit outside and enjoy the view of the canal while eating a meal. The portion sizes were on the larger side. We quickly found out we could have easily shared a meal. We ended up going home with to-go bags. Our server was friendly, but I expected her to answer more questions since I didn't know much about Greek food. I would suggest this place in the summertime and I definitely suggest the chicken kabobs!

    (4)
  • Clare L.

    Garlic feta fries. Enough said. As for their other food, I've had better falafel elsewhere in Indy but theirs is still good and worth having. The location is great, I love sitting outside when its warm and watching the many sights of Broad Ripple.

    (4)
  • Vam K.

    I think they might make my favorite salad in the city! Now, I'm not saying it's a "healthy" salad, but there are vegetables so...that counts for something, right? The delicious, deep fried falafel patties are where I start getting in trouble. But they are so, so good and not your typical falafels either. These ones are made with leeks, and in place of the more common garbanzo beans, they use fava beans instead. Perfectly spiced, perfectly crispy fava bean patties atop crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, and pickled red onions, you really can't go wrong. I personally like to customize the salad a bit by swapping the dressing for their spicy tahini instead. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is great-especially in the warmer months when you can sit out their patio which overlooks the canal-but service can be a bit slow at times, especially at lunchtime when they seem to have only one server working.

    (4)
  • Megan N.

    This is my favorite restaurant in Broad Ripple! If it's nice, sit outside and people watch! Get the saganaki & gyro with garlic feta fries. Looking for something lighter? Have the hummus and Greek salad. You can't go wrong here!

    (5)
  • Jane S.

    Went for the first time and was not very impressed. We had heard good things about this place, but didn't experience it ourselves and do not plan on going back. Waited about 45mins standing outside to be seated. There were many tables open. We were not asked how many people we had (2). Overall the service was not good. Our food had the same tastes in about every dish. The food was mediocre. My boyfriend had the lamb shanks and they were severely burnt and he had to cut off most of what was there just to find a sliver of edible meat. I had the penne. It very over cooked and mushy. Overall wouldn't recommend it.

    (3)
  • Frank S.

    Great atmosphere...food was great! Service was amazing. Started with the goat cheese appetizer, it was good, the bread was over toasted. The gyro meat was great! The schwarma platter was great!

    (4)
  • Anna O.

    Heavy ornate curtains, soft colored lamps and frescos make you feel like you just said: "Open Sesame!" ... and it did. Kibi appetizer: beef on beef - looks like a little fried missile, interesting with the yogurt sauce. Fat delicious mussels (kept stealing the off my son's plate). Salad OK, but the flavors did con quite come together. Baby eggplant stuffed with beef and pine nuts with a hint of cinnamon a great cold-weather dish. Lamb kabobs a bit on the chewy side. Excellent Turkish coffee - makes your hair stand on end, gritty, but so smooth.

    (4)
  • Jeff F.

    We have gone to this restaurant twice in the last month. First time we would have given it 5 stars. 2nd time 0 stars. Couldn't believe we were at the same restaurant. So, I guess you roll the dice and take your chances.

    (3)
  • Suzie T.

    We tried carry out here last night and it was great. It's so hard to get hot fresh tasting food as carry out from most restaurants. New trys were spanikopia and baklava. I have to say without any doubt their baklava is the best I've ever had! My previous reviews remain the same. Give them a try, we've enjoyed!

    (5)
  • Alison Y.

    This place has a great outdoor dining patio that is tucked away back in a corner of Broadripple that isn't super busy! I took a little sneak peak into the main dining area inside and it was also very well decorated and is a very comfortable place to sit, eat, and chat. The ambiance was a winner for me all the way! I was really excited about the food but sadly everything I ordered fell short for me. The highlight of my entire meal was the fresh grilled pita bread and oil and dip that they provide for everyone at the beginning of the meal. Next favorite would be the side salad that came with my entree, lol. I ordered the mussels appetizer and the lamb shank entree. The mussels were way overcooked. The tomato sauce it was in helped me knock those babies down but otherwise, I was almost considering sending it back but again, I was enjoying the ambiance of the patio seating which made me happy. My main entree was a nicely cooked lamb shank but it had absolutely no flavor other than lamb. I love ordering lamb at restaurants because it had such great natural flavor that can hold its own against other strong flavorful seasonings and sauces. Sadly, this place made the lamb shank taste mild. I ended up using the sauce from my overcooked mussels on my lamb to give it more flavor :( My other friends got the Gyro sandwich which looked really good and the fries were super crispy and amazing. My other friend ordered the sampler appetizer and loved it. I'm thinking I need to give this place another shot and this time order one of the sandwiches.

    (3)
  • Joe L.

    We were in the mood for Mediterranean food Friday night and decided to give Canal Bistro a try. I'm glad we did because we both loved our meal here. We started with a couple appetizers: the goat cheese bruschetta and the opah dish which is a tableside flaming cheese plate. We didn't really care for the goat cheese bruschetta but we loved the opah. I also loved the spiced oil they gave you to dip the pita bread in. For my entree I ordered the lamb and beef gyro. It was pretty good and a large portion. The fries it came with were great. It seems every Mediterranean place has great fries. My wife had the lamb burger and said it was also pretty solid. For her fries she got them with the goat cheese on top. I could hardly keep my hands off of them. This meal hit the spot but as most Mediterranean places are, this definitely isn't a low carb/light meal. Lot of pita and cheese. I would like to come back in the summer and sit out on the canal.

    (4)
  • Lauren R.

    This place is awesome! We took a friend from out of town to this place and had an excellent time. The menu is extensive with plenty of palate pleasing options. I chose a gyro and devoured the whole thing. There is plenty of seating and were able to get a table on a Sunday night without a problem. They have both outdoor and indoor accommodations. Parking might be a little difficult if there's a lot going on, so add in a few extra minutes to your schedule to save yourself from getting too frustrated.

    (4)
  • Phi C.

    Decided to go out for a late dinner and a friend of mine suggested we come to canal. First off... The only Greek dish that I enjoy is the gyro sandwich/plate. So usually I avoid eating out at Greek restaurants since I limit myself only to he gyro. I of course order the gyro sandwich with the garlic and feta fries and that was amazing. The meat was very flavorful and the cucumber sauce was perfect. The fries were pretty good as well. We started our meal off with hummus and calamari. And both were good, not the best I've had.. But decent enough to come back. Service was friendly, however our food took some time to come out. I'm pretty sure it had to do with the big party of 10+ girls that ordered ahead of us. Overall, this is a great place. Would definitely come back!

    (5)
  • Marvi B.

    I had heard a great deal about this place being great. However I was pretty disappointed by the food. Very average I would say. The kebobs I got were actually burnt. I guess I have had better Greek food and most Indy people do not have a good idea about what real ethnic food is.

    (3)
  • Amruta K.

    The main reason of going to this place was the view !!the food was ok ok!i had ordered the salmon salad whereas my husband ordered the chicken shawarma with cheese fries!!!the appetizer was spinach pie which was abit too oily!

    (4)
  • Ted P.

    Favorite place to take a date...great food and ambience. All I need now is a date...

    (4)
  • Ashley Marie P.

    We were in town last night for a concert and stopped here for some Greek food beforehand. The only really disappointing item was the pita bread. It's just so doughy - not like any authentic pita bread I've had at other Greek restaurants. I'm not sure how to describe it other than Americanized pita bread! The rest is very, very good, authentic Greek food. I'd highly recommend the lamb kabobs, as they're seasoned and cooked to perfection. I had the lamb kafta and it was good, but nowhere near as good as the lamb kabobs. The accompaniments with the meal (feta, olives, pickles, lettuce) are fresh, and the rice is prepared wonderfully (not too overwhelmingly flavored). We also loved their standard side salad that comes with entrees - it's just fresh lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers with a vinaigrette, however, the vegetables are juicy and taste like they were picked that day, and the vinaigrette is so light that you don't mind it's not served on the side. I'd recommend the mango juice if you're looking for a refreshing, not-too-sweet non-alcoholic beverage. We finished our meal with some ouzo, and it was wonderful, too. The atmosphere is very nice, but if you're going to sit outside, don't bother going for the side with the canal - there's not really much of a view other than some screaming ducks, a dirty canal and the occasional homeless person walking by. I'd instead shoot for the front part of the outdoor dining, where it's covered, so you can still enjoy the weather, but be a little shielded from the "elements".

    (4)
  • Amanda S.

    If you go in spring or summer, you must sit outside! The view is gorgeous and it's always fun to people-watch while they walk along the side of the restaurant. I pretty much order the same thing every time I go which is the appetizer Mazza plate I split with a friend which is delicious: falafel, tabbouli, hummus, and spanakopita (spinach pie)- it's perfectly portioned for two. Of course they bring out pita bread and oil with herbs which is great but don't have too much or you'll get full. ;-) My entree is normally the Shawarma sandwich and with the fries with garlic and feta (which is an extra price). I normally end up taking half of my meal home since the portion is quite a good size. The wait staff I've had have all been friendly and attentive except on the rare occasion. Now that it's cold, there's less business, which is unfortunate but I'll continue to go when I can and look forward to the warm weather to sit outside again.

    (5)
  • D K.

    Excellent service and food. Was there for a late Sunday lunch and had a very pleasant afternoon. Lamb burger was very good and having a very knowledgeable and polite bartender for a conversation is a definite plus.

    (5)
  • Patricia N.

    Hummus was almost perfection. I had the gyros sandwich. My only regret was not doctoring up the fries, like everyone suggested.

    (4)
  • Amy N.

    First and foremost....the Sizzling Olives! Oh my....if you love kalamata olives, don't pass up this appetizer. The dish does indeed arrive sizzling in a little cast iron skillet, accompanied by pita slices. The olives are in a mixture of olive oil and brine, sautéed with rosemary and thyme. We also enjoyed hummus as an appetizer, and my husband ordered the Falafel appetizer as his entrée. He claims that the Falafel here is better than our favorite Mediterranean restaurant at home. I ordered the Tabouli Salad, which is generous in size and really delicious. This is a lot of food for two, so there was plenty of leftovers to take home. On the downside this visit: the waitress, although very nice, seemed to keep wandering off. We were ready to order long before she returned to ask, and worst of all we had to find someone to locate her for our check. That burns me. Also, all of our food arrived at one time.....we were hungry enough to excuse this, though.

    (4)
  • DeAnna P.

    Good food and delicious baklava. We had a wonderful dinner on the patio. I wonder though, how it would have been to eat inside. I took a quick trip inside, and it was almost uncomfortably hot. I enjoyed the gyro, although the meat was a bit fatty compared to others I've had. The fries are enough to make me come back though. Doused in feta, garlic and parsley, yet somehow still crispy. Fantastic.

    (3)
  • Chelsea K.

    Have come here multiple times since moving to Broadripple. They have a great outdoor seating area. The weather has always been so nice that I have yet to sit inside. The staff has always been attentive and pleasant when I've been here. The last time I came here was for a nice lunch with my boyfriend. We started with the mazza plate. It was absolutely huge and everything was delicious. My boyfriend got the vegetarian kabobs (which I don't happen to see on the online menu). The plate was huge and he was very happy that there were a lot of mushrooms, which is his favorite veggie. I always end up getting the calamari salad as an entree. One day I will try something else, but the salad is so yummy I always end up ordering it! There are a ton of calamari on the salad and the salad has cucumbers in it, which I love. I also like to get a side of red potatoes with my salad. So good. They have decent daily drink specials, and their cocktail list is pretty good. My drinks have always been made strong and tasty. The beer list is a little scant, but if you aren't super picky about a brand or beer type you can find something you like.

    (5)
  • Gina K.

    The staff was nice and accommodating. Not a fancy place by any means. More like a laid back dinner out. It's kind of a dumpy canal but the folks in these parts seem to enjoy it and consider it water front dining. When in Rome... Food was pretty good. Loved the kalamata olives in olive oil with rosemary for an appetizer. I'd come back if I lived in the area. :)

    (4)
  • Phil B.

    I really really want to love this place. The wait staff is always friendly. It's a nice location right on the canal. It just is not the best greek in town. The flaming cheese is good, not as good as Athens on 86. The Gyro not as good as Athens on 86. The Chicken Souvlaki is pretty good. Really like the rice. The Spanakopita I tried last time was very good. On of those places we go with friends that love it, but would prefer Athens on 86 or Greek Isle south of downtown.

    (4)
  • Michael F.

    Me and my fiancé went here yesterday and I must say the staff was very friendly and the food was on point!

    (5)
  • Melyssa H.

    Visited with a friend from San Francisco on a slow Monday night and got a delightful table in a fabulously decorated dining room with lavish draperies, art, and stained glass mosaic lighting situated next to beautifully designed bar. Our waitperson was sweet, attentive, enthusiastic about their offerings and helpful when we told her we didn't have much time. I noticed she never stopped smiling, even when outside stacking tables and chairs. My friend ordered a custom salad with falafel which was out of this world. I had the footish, a specialized salad with middle eastern pickles and a slightly sweet dressing made with dill and sumac that is now on my Top Indy Salad list. I also ordered the spicy tilapia wrap that was generously stuffed with succulent white fish, lettuce and tomatoes and served with french fries that were quite good. I love it dipped in the tahini sauce. I am coming back again on Thursday with another friend.

    (4)
  • Kinsey C.

    Pros: yummy food, great service, outdoor seating available, deeeelish hummus Cons: None so far I love the Canal Bistro. I stopped in here last fall, not knowing it was Mediterranean. The hummus and garlic fries are both very yummy. I've tried the chicken shish platter each time I've been here because I think it's fantastic. Juicy, flavorful and so fresh. It's served with a pyramid (yes, a pyramid) of rice. I like to put hummus, rice and chick on the pita and make a mini wrap. The service is great! Kara was my server last time, and my glass was never (even half) empty. She was always checking on us making sure that we had everything we needed and were enjoying our food. Kara was really a great waitress. All in all, I love the food and the ambiance of Canal Bistro. Sit outside if weather permits and enjoy people watching while eating some great Mediterranean grub.

    (5)
  • E W.

    Very yummy chicken shawarma platter. Great lamb kabobs. Minus one star because their mixed drinks aren't great and the place is a little pricey for the quality.

    (4)
  • Leslie H.

    Canal Bistro deserves a 4 out of 5 stars. I love the view, outdoor ambiance is great and food was excellent. We ordered the hummus, shawarma wraps and side of garlic fries with feta cheese. They were all great. I didn't like their grilled fruit that much. I should have known and ordered the baklava instead. They have a decent selection of drinks. My hubby liked the red sangria and their barracuda. They also have a good selection of martinis. Not enough wine and sparkling selection though. Of course, parking in Broad Ripple is a disaster on a Friday night. Good thing Canal had their own parking lot and an attendant was there to assist us.

    (4)
  • Amanda S.

    We had our wedding rehearsal dinner here and the food and service was fantastic!! George worked with us and allowed us to taste the food and showed up various options to work within our budget. I highly recommend this place because the food is great and the owner truly cares about his guests.

    (5)
  • Victor F.

    Grilled Fresh Salmon Salad is outstanding. If you think you are pretty good at making salmon yourself, try Salmon Salad at Canal Bistro. Yes, their salmon is better. Gyros and Falafel sandwich are tasty as well. Great place, great people. Definitely recommended.

    (5)
  • Jin S.

    The location of this restaurant was beautiful as it stands beside the canal. The server was friendly but would disappear for long periods of time. The hummus with pita and the fattoush salad were delicious!! The olives appetizer wasn't what I expected. It was simply a number of olives floating in olive oil. For our entrees, we ended up getting the eggplant sandwich, and felafel sandwich, which weren't very good. They lacked flavour and sauces. We also got a side of roasted potatoes. I thought these would be seasoned and come with garlic sauce. Unfortunately these were simply boiled potatoes (not even remotely crispy) without any sort of seasoning or sauce.

    (2)
  • Zach W.

    Great lunch, great service. I ordered the gyro and was surprised to get a wrap instead of a traditional gyro. The fries with feta and garlic we're awesome!

    (4)
  • Julie S.

    Great view, very nice wait staff. Had the hummus plate which was excellent.

    (4)
  • Jason G.

    Great lamb kebabs.... Ate outside on a Friday night. Service was less than stellar and wine menu was limited but lamb, bread and sauces made up for it. Would return bc of the food quality. Eating outside was nice too.

    (4)
  • Cameron T.

    Aside from a beautiful atmosphere and a great person at my table working to make sure I had a great experience, I also had great food. I had the falafel sandwich and the fattoush salad, and it was all very good.

    (4)
  • Stacy J.

    Service was pretty good. Meal: Complementary pita and oil with spices if yum-o! AP: Mediterranean Pizza $11 -Tomatoes, onion, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese and fresh herbs on a 10 inch pita. VERY GOOD! Loved this! Moussaka $15 - Roasted eggplant with ground beef and onions covered wth a creamy bechamel sauce and baked to perfection. This was pretty good. I asked the server to suggest the 'most' authentic entree... this was the one.. and I liked it, but wasn't as good as I perceived it would be. I think the 'creamy sauce' is what threw me, but like I said, it WAS good! Lamb Kafta Kababs $15 - Ground lamb mixed with parsley, onion and our signature spices. Not what we assumed... granted, it does describe it as 'ground lamb' but it is not on a skewer as you would assume a kabob would be! This was only ok. Tiramisu $8 - Ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks and mascarpone, and flavored with liquor and cocoa. Not that great... well, it was good and we did eat it all, but I have had much better tiramisu. This was cold and seemed very factory/bought-ish! I still have it 4 instead of 3 stars because 1. I like Mediterranean and it was much more Mediterranean than the last Mediterranean restaurant I tried... and the appetizer and the pita bread was GREAT! 2. it's such a great location, off the main strip and right on the canal with alfresco seating! Gotta love that!

    (4)
  • Shyla R.

    First time dining here and we will be back! Sat on the patio as it was a nice day and loved it! It's also dog friendly!! We started with the Mazza appetizer! It was tasty! Our gyros were amazing! I loved the fries with feta and garlic and he loved the side salad! Our waitress Emily was very helpful and knowledgable about the menu items!

    (4)
  • Krista R.

    Downgrade. Sigh. The last two times I've eaten here the free pita bread was stale (so what if it's free? it's food and it should be FRESH) and the wraps on our sandwiches were stale! C'mon! How do you screw up bread? The tabouli salad I ordered this weekend was ALL PARSLEY. Parsley is an herb, not a damn vegetable. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this was the most inedible salad I've ever ordered. It tasted like stems, salt, and lemon juice. No burgule wheat and no flavor. The falafel tastes different every time eat here. Sometimes it's stellar, sometimes it's not. I've had some great meals here but the inconsistency in the food and the awkward servers makes me want to not go back. It's embarrassing taking people here after I've said good things and then stale food is served.

    (2)
  • Marcia M.

    How far does $13 get you at Canal Bistro? You'll practically get to Greece. Trust me. My friend and I were wandering around Broad Ripple looking for a brunchy spot before we headed back to Nashville post-Indy 500. We considered a few of the other dining spots that were open but when we saw the menu here and the beautiful establishment that included a gorgeous veranda... we were hooked! The staff ranging from the host to our server and bussers were all beyond friendly as we sunk into the two oversized chairs for our much anticipated meal. The 1/2 sandwich and 1/2 salad combo caught my eye because I wanted to try as much of the menu as I could and the $7 price tag was appealing too. Our server notified us of a $5 Bloody Mary or Mimosa special too. Yes, please. My bloody arrived within moments and was simply divine. Next came my meal which boasted enormous potion sizes. The grilled eggplant wrap was full of flavor and very filling with it just being a half size portion. Next was my half portion of the Fattoush included freshly chopped tomatoes, cucumber, romaine lettuce, parsley and onion and lit my tastebuds up. WOW. This is a must stop for brunch, lunch, or dinner. When I make my way back to Indy next year, I will certainly re-visit Canal Bistro! TIP: Very veg-friendly so happy vegetarians and vegans can dine with confidence.

    (5)
  • Annie V.

    It's hard to find a place that has many healthy options. Look no further. Canal Bistro's Menu is packed full with possibilities. I ordered the shrimp kabob with rice and red peppers. It was cooked perfectly and was very tasty. While it's located in Broad Ripple the location makes it quite and classy. They have outdoor patio that overlooks the canal. Service was good but I would definitely come back for the food and atmosphere. Dogs are welcome too!

    (4)
  • Andrew A.

    Mediterranean cuisine is a very wide category and this place doesn't offer any food to rave about in my opinion. However, the location is great and I've only had good service here. I would certainly go again, though. For this type of food I would recommend Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe in town or Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine if you happen to get down to Lexington.

    (3)
  • Kimmi M.

    Great location for a dinner to get away from the people who put the bro in Broad Ripple. I always have a great meal at Canal Bistro. Always start with the homemade sangria, and when offered a side for your sandwich, always get the garlic fries. You can also ask for feta on the fries if you are indeed awesome. They do all typical Mediterranean food, gyros, shwarma, lamb, appetizers. I've tried a variety of dishes and always have enough left over to eat the next day. The oil and spices pita appetizer you get at the table is totally flavorless and I don't understand why it's still a thing. Do I eat it? Yeah, well I'm always starving. The waiter service can be a bit slow, but you should be taking your time. Enjoy the view, don't be startled by the crazy ducks in the canal, and sip on that sangria!

    (4)
  • Rachel L.

    I have given this place multiple chances but each time I go back I question why I did. Meat is very dry and the food just isn't worth leaving the house for.

    (2)
  • Kelly O.

    Cute little place next to the canal. I prefer this spot during the day, because at night it is a bit too crowded for me, but overall I think it is a cute place with good food and a fun atmosphere. The hummus is YUUUMMM and the pita is AMAZING. The have a decent wine selection and the prices are fair.

    (3)
  • Jess C.

    The garlic feta fries are amazeballs! I like the ambiance and especially enjoy sitting outside right on the canal on a beautiful day. The have tried a couple different entrees and have enjoyed them all but as feta is my weakness I always go for the feta fries. Noms!

    (5)
  • Chinasa N.

    Canal bistro in Indianapolis is a must for tasty vegan option. I had grilled veggies that was tasty & mouth watering. The falafel was awesome too..the ambiance is Mediterranean styles.

    (5)
  • Derek I.

    We love this place for any occasion. It's our go to when we can't quite agree on where I eat. My favorite is the lamb kabobs or the shrimp kabobs. We also love the garlic feta fries and the flaming cheese. You won't find a place with better food for a more fair price. The servers are top notch too. Thanks!

    (5)
  • Amber B.

    The lamb skewers here are my absolute favorite! They have some amazing appetizers such as their garlic feta fries! My kids can not get enough. They have awesome seating outside during warm weather which is just an added plus to their exceptional menu options. One of my all time favorites!

    (5)
  • Krystle B.

    One of my favorite places to eat in Broad Ripple. I love the atmosphere, and they even have live music sometimes. Classy but affordable. Their food is delicious too. You get pita bread and seasoned olive oil to dip it in before you order, that itself is delectable. The water here even tastes crisp and clean. They have a nice menu selection, as well as a drink menu. Service was very good as well. Bravo Canal Bistro. Cant wait till its warmer out to sit on the patio.

    (5)
  • Giles S.

    I have visited restaurant three times in the last 30 days. The quality of food varies by item. On my fist visit my chicken shawarma was cooked perfectly. It was fresh, juicy, and very tasty however the other items I ordered were mediocre (fried calamari and soup) My second visit my chicken shawarma was very dry but the feta french fries were fantastic. My last and most recent visit my chicken shawarma was dry and burnt and the fries were greasy and very unappetizing. It would be great if quality of food were consistent. I will have to pass on this restaurant the next time I am craving Mediterranean cuisine because quality is too inconsistent.

    (2)
  • Betsy G.

    So I decided to take my boyfriend to this restaurant when I read it about on Yelp. I thought it was a good way to introduce Greek and Mediterranean to him. They gave us the option of sitting inside or outside, so we choose inside. I wanted to see decoration inside which was lovely. The lights for inside the place were beautiful. As it got dark outside, the lights would turn on, giving it a nice dim lighting inside the restaurant. The music was calm and mellow, which it was great to listen and also to start conversations and watch people go by. This restaurant is great to take someone who has no idea what to get but willing to try or an evening out with family and friends. My boyfriend was lost in deciding what to get, so I decided to ramdomly order Saganaki and then Calamari Salad and Beef Kafta Kabob for our entrees. The dishes was huge, especially the salad, it looked like a green mountain with plenty of calamari. The second dish rice and ground beef placed the dish almost like a thin steak with salad on the side. The spices they use in the ground beef, left me wanting more. They bring Vero water to your table, apart from the beverages you order. I reccomend you to try the Guava juice and Mango juice. The gentleman in purple, I'm not sure if he is the owner or manager but I loved his service. He was observate and asked how we liked our dishes or if we needed anything else. He was always there to help out. So hopefully when I come back, he is there. As for the other staff members, they need to pay more attention to ther tables. And have more knowledge of their menus when they are asked. I'm not saying wait hand and foot on the customers but make them feel welcomed and friendly. Other than that I would come back and invite more people to at least get them to know this place next to the canal.

    (4)
  • Diane E.

    A year has passed since I moved to Indiana from Northern California...well 13 months and change. I ate at the Canal Bistro my first night as a Hoosier and when a friend wanted to go out to dinner tonight, this was one of the choices that I presented her with. We walked from my house in Broad Ripple, a nice 20 minute stroll to get the appetite going. We choose to sit out on the patio to enjoy the balmy summer night. Our waiter, Derek, was awesome. We asked for water to begin with and he brought it promptly. Never pushed us. I, who usually only drinks red wine, ordered the Pinot Grigio (what can I say, I'm craving white wine in this heat!) and my friend ordered the Malbec. We enjoyed our wine with the pita bread and dipping sauce. For dinner, I ordered the spicy tilapia sandwich. Derek asked me if I wanted regular fries or the garlic feta cheese fries. I wasn't sure about the fries because my experience has been that garlic fries tend to be yummy on top and soggy on the bottom. He assured me that wouldn't happen...and it didn't. My friend ordered the Schwarma salad and loved it. Dinner and wine for under $20. I love it!!! It's funny that over a year passed and I ended up ordering the exact same entree that I had the first time! I guess I'm a creature of habit. Didn't realize this until I read my previous review :-) Nice healthy walk back to my house and I'm feeling very happy and satisfied.

    (5)
  • Julia S.

    I love this place, although it is rather expensive. I don't find the entrees particularly great, but their appetizers and desserts are wonderful! Try the Mediterranean Pizza appetizer, or the calamari, they're both great. Also, really great baklava. Love baklava.

    (5)
  • Thomas J.

    [I should preface, here. I hail from the tundra-abyss-post-industrial-apocalypse known as Flint, Michigan. Though the people aren't good at finding jobs, (nor is industry good at providing them) the city has some LEGIT Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurants. (i.e. A joint called Badawest, and another called Taboon.) This said, I consider myself on the high-end of picky when it comes to the genre.] Canal Bistro delivered. Visiting our Indy friend, my partner and I (and our friend) stumbled upon this place whist walking the canal. I spotted a sign reading "Mediterranean" and our quest to find lunch was promptly over. The decor is....elaborate? It reminded me more of a Jewish grandmother's condo in Boca Raton than of the rocky coastline of Greece - but I digress. It's the food that matters! And so it does. The pita here is unlike any I've ever had. The complimentary basket comes with olive oil for dipping and some kind of seasoning concoction the waitress kindly explained, and I have since forgotten. That said - it's fantastic. I had the beef shwarma wrap with fries. The fries come equipped with feta cheese and garlic - because...that's how the French like it! No...No? Regardless, they're so good you will mindlessly eat them whilst you figure out what you did right in life to have stumbled into such a terrific establishment. The wrap was divine. The pita is thinner than traditional, lending itself to letting the contents take the spotlight. As they should. And they will. The beef was tender, juicy and seasoned perfectly. The subtle hints of cinnamon (sounds weird, I know. It's a Greek staple in savory food.) compliment the parsley, pickles, onions, garlic sauce, tahini - and who cares what else, PERFECTLY. The taste took me back to my days living in Flint - and ironic as it may seem - made me long for them. Well, at least for the food. The liquor stores, hookers and broken dreams - not so much. Canal Bistro is a must-inhale-stop for the Mediterranean lover in us all.

    (4)
  • Jonathan K.

    We've been here twice. It's been fantastic for the kids, and fantastic food. They're accommodating with substitutions and because of this place my wife now likes Greek food. If you want to push your kid's horizons, go for the flaming saganaki. Sure, it can be a tad on the salty and greasy side, but that's the point, and it gets the kids into something more exciting and ethnic than corn dogs. I've done the wrap/sandwiches with both the schwarma and kafta kabob. Both were excellent. Oh, and don't forget the crack known as the feta garlic fries. Good stuff.

    (5)
  • Tony B.

    Outstanding Greek food.

    (5)
  • Danyell W.

    Love all the grilled meats, vegetables and more. Salads were great - but Garlic feta fries were the table favorite. Good location along the canal, good food and friendly staff.

    (4)
  • Rebecca B.

    I loved this place. Staff was attentive and friendly. I ordered the lamb kabob meaning to get the chicken kabob. But that wasnt an issue as it turned out delish. Had a side of their yummy garlic fries with feta cheese. My sister had the gyro platter and that was great too. I am defently returning for the chicken next time. Also very nice atmosphere there. 2 thumbs up.

    (5)
  • Deborah B.

    We celebrated St. Patricks day riding up The Monon Trail and wound up biking from downtown Indy up to Broadripple. We wound up at Canal Bistro, because what says St. Patricks Day more that a mediteranean food?!!. We decided on a relatively light lunch and shared three small plates of hummus, baba ghanouge, and ceviche between the two of us. The hummus was great, as well as the baba ghanouge, however, I did not care for the ceviche. It wasn't bad, just not as good as I've had in the past at other places. They had the requisite local beers on tap, e.g. Sun King Osiris. Also a decent cocktail and martini drink menu. The service was stellar. It was beautiful out and a great place to people watch.

    (5)
  • Emma T.

    Okay- so the food is amazing...lamb kabobs phenomenal! Fries with feta outstanding! What's the problem? The service!! I was told by the owner himself that he knows the service is bad and that the food is good so that's why he doesn't ask tables how their service was. The food is so good, however, that I will continue to go back. If you're in a hurry though don't count on timely service if you come here. Definitely major pro's and con's.

    (3)
  • Nadine F.

    I really enjoyed Canal Bistro, and it seems like the best patio in town for when the weather is perfect, as it was today. I went during prime lunch hour on a weekday, but it wasn't very busy. I see this as a positive, because it meant service was fast and friendly. The food was fantastic. I had the grilled eggplant sandwich. Though I don't usually go for vegetarian options when eating out, this really hit the spot. The eggplant was perfectly grilled, not slimey or bitter at all. It had a meaty flavor to it, which went very well with the pita and sauce, and it was very filling. I also tried some of my mom's lamb burger, and it was also excellent. The hummus and Turkish coffee were also delicious. I would definitely come back!

    (5)
  • Jo K.

    Feta and garlic fries are AMAZING, but besides that not worth my time. Couldn't even get the basics right. P.S. We asked if the pita was made in house and they said no. Probably something you could buy from the grocery store.

    (2)
  • kat c.

    This is my second time there today and no complaints. We were greeted with fast friendly service. Not to mention you can't go wrong with the food. A new discovery was made which we saw another table order, French fries with feta cheese. I always enjoy this place with great food overlook a pond along with live musician there. Definitely a going back again!

    (4)
  • Angelique C.

    Gyros and cocktails by the canal. The tables are intimate, so a great place to bring a friend for a quiet evening before you head out to join Broad Ripple Nightlife. Try the hummus!

    (4)
  • Laurette K.

    Yummy Gyro! Also the fries with feta are amazing!! Will come back for sure!

    (5)
  • Emily U.

    This place rates four stars based on the garlic fries alone. If you're planning to kiss your dining companion later, it'd be wise to share these. I can barely describe the flavor sensation, but think Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" in garlic form. On a French fry. Amazing! The elements of the veggie platter were above average--nice hummus, decent falafel, refreshing tabouli and a tasty Jerusalem salad. The spanikopita seemed to be made with creamed spinach, which was weird, but different, and I appreciate that. But: GARLIC FRIES, people. No need for the feta, go, go garlic all the way! The décor is what I would describe as baroque--sort of sumptuous and tacky at the same time. They had a singing harpsichord player who often sounded more like he belonged at Paddy O'Flynn's or whatever than a Mediterranean joint, but at least I didn't have to do my belly-dancer eye avoidance routine the whole night. The waitress was a bit chummy, but the service was good. Overall, I was more impressed with the quality of the food and experience on a recent visit than at times past.

    (4)
  • Phil L.

    Great atmosphere, better food.

    (5)
  • Elizabeth C.

    The easy listening was bad. The food mostly hit the spot, there was plenty of vegan fare. I don't like fava bean falafel as much as I do chickpea falafel (sorry Egypt), but I they did it well for what it was. The spring mixed salad had a TON of sugar on it. When they said glazed walnuts I didn't anticipate walnuts with rock candy on the outside but that's what I got. I tried to pick around it, but the strawberries tasted of sugar as well. It was pretty over the top. The hummus and the garlic fries were well done.

    (3)
  • Denis C.

    Delicious Mediterranean food (being born in Greece I should know). Ceviche is very fresh. A bit spicy but very good. Saganaki was great. Hummus and falafel are made fresh daily.

    (4)
  • Alan S.

    My wife and I were in broad ripple with some friends and they wanted to go to the canal bistro. We hadn't been so we decided to give it a shot. We started out with a mixed appetizer plate with a variety of items like hummus, falafel, spanikopita, tabouli, and more. It was good. Nothing stellar though. For entrees my wife had lamb kabob and she loved it. Only negative was the giant pieces of vegetables on the kabob (like whole tomato). I had a lamb burger. It was over cooked and lacked salt. The had several local beer options on tap (like sun king) which was nice to see. Over all I enjoyed it and will probably be back.

    (4)
  • Kami L.

    I had dinner here on a beautiful Saturday evening. We sat right by the canal on the patio. The atmosphere was lovely but unfortunately my experience was just so-so. Our server took forever to take our order, bring our water, bring our wine, bring our food. And the food? Well, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable. Maybe I just don't love Greek food because I've never had a great Greek meal. It's not you baby, it's me. Hubster's chicken was moist and nicely seasoned, but my beef was a bit overcooked, and there was a whole lot of char on the vegatables. I don't really want to slam this place, but I probably wouldn't try it again unless it was someone else's suggestion. There's so many other options in Broad Ripple a place has to be great to get my return business, and this just wasn't.

    (3)
  • Leigh S.

    Canal Bistro has to be among my favorite Indianapolis establishments. To start, everything I've had here has been quite tasty. I'm a bit of a gyro snob and Canal Bistro holds up to my high standards. On top of that, the garlic feta fries are to die for. I've lived in the San Francisco area, the seeming birthplace of garlic fries, and the fries at Canal Bistro are better than any that I had in SF. Service is great - everyone is so friendly and attentive, a real neighborhood restaurant. The decor is funny, too. It's really ornate, which is a little unusual for a Mediterranean place, but I love it, it's just so funny.

    (4)
  • Bethany S.

    I just wandered in here on a Saturday in Broadripple with my boyfriend when we were looking for a non-packed restaurant to eat in and was pleasantly surprised. The service was slow, but I really enjoyed my grilled feta cheese sandwich. My boyfriend got a kafta kabob sandwich and was not so thrilled, but I tried a bite and actually liked it. I think that was just a matter of preference. It has a nice mediterranian atmosphere, and when we went there on a weekend afternoon it was not too crowded.

    (4)
  • Joshua V.

    Canal BIstro is a great place to go for some romance. My wife and I went and had their Mango Juice (C), Calimari (B), Chicken Shwarma (B), and Gyro Platter (A+). I'd say where it is located gets and A and the service gets a B+. Overall wonderful night for my wife and I started here. I look forward to consuming my leftovers tomorrow and returning to Canal Bistro some time in the near future.

    (4)
  • Marissa B.

    A nice wide patio and fantastic service made this a great dinner spot. The fact that it was a covered patio was a significant bonus as the torrential downpour continued throughout dinner. Several vegetarian options were available - I enjoyed the falafel sandwich (about $8, served with fries) and my sis was pleased with the fatoush salad. The salad was good, but it would have been REALLY good if the pita chips were baked instead of fried (just our personal preference...). The restaurant currently serves wine & beer by the bottle, it sounds like a liquor license may be in the future... Our server was fantastic and very friendly. Upon learning it was my birthday she may have been more excited than my own mother on the actual day of my birth, her enthusiasm was very sweet & rather entertaining. She brought out a yummy plate of assorted baklava for us to share - delish!!

    (4)
  • Bill S.

    I had the salmon. Cooked to perfection. Was with a large group. Service excellent. Loation can't be beat. Independent. Reasonably priced wines. Salad very good. And also great sandwiches. Recommended.

    (5)
  • Cm K.

    Solid Mediterranean fare. I stopped in here looking for something to eat for lunch. When I am away from home, I typically search for Lebanese or Med food for a little comfort food. Didn't feel like meat so I opted for the Mazza appetizer. I will say the falafel was well done and piping hot. I prefer my falafel to be made from garbanzos, but this was a solid delivery. The tabbouleh was delish. (please read my mini dissertation about this below). Also the zahtar (the oregano/thyme and sesame in olive oil they give you at with the bread) reminded me of my of the way my deceased mother in law used to make it. Overall I would absolutely eat here again should I ever make it back to Indy. This is some of the better middle eastern food I have had outside of SoCal. I would say top 5. In conclusion, i will mention that I am married to a Lebanese man and have learned about the nuances of "Mediterranean" food. Given this i also cook it at least weekly. I say this because I hope to counter the review here about 'bad tabbouleh'. The Mediterranean, is an area of the world with many different countries and cultures part if it. While similarities are great, The preparation and content of many dishes varies as you move throughout the region. Where tabbouleh is concerned, in certain regions, there is a lot of bulgur, in others, almost none at all (not to mention the debate about which grain size bulgur is better) Some have it swimming in olive oil, in others, it's lemon juice. There is also the matter of flat leaf vs curly leaf parsley. It as unique as each family kitchen. And I can tell you, their tabbouleh is legit and traditional. Theirs is simply a version where there it is mostly parsley and mint...and yes, some of the soft stems ARE used in making it. Personally, my tabbouleh has the same ratio, although I use flat leaf parsley and it swims in lemon juice because that's the way I learned to make it from my mother-in-law. Her sister, uses curly parsley and it's dry because that's how she likes it. Are you getting the picture people? If you don't personally like their interpretation then just say it. Claiming it is not true tabbouleh is an incorrect assertion. And a wee bit ignorant too. Go there and give it a try. I am glad I did and might just make it back there before I leave.

    (4)
  • Cynde M.

    Wonderful casual fun restaurant. Service is always excellent and food is out of this world. The lamb is great. Everything is fresh. The Schwarma platter is plenty for dinner and lots left over for lunch. Missed the live music this time, but have always enjoyed it in the past. Wonderful to sit by the canal and wonderful people watching on the canal trail.

    (5)
  • Melissa T.

    Excellent food! I can honestly say that I dream about the indulgent feta fries! It is our go to place when we want a great meal.

    (5)
  • Scott D.

    Never again. I went to Canal Bistro this past wknd and while the service was slow everything else was great. It really was. But, when I checked my bank account after the charge had time to clear, apparently the server didn't find my tip agreeable. She decided to add more. I'll *never* be back. This is unacceptable. It could be argued that it was an accident, but that's highly unlikely. I visited the restaurant on a Groupon of sorts. I know what was expected and knew that the tip was for the entire meal pre-tax plus a small bonus for any waters ordered. (It may show up as a zero on the bill, but someone worked for you -- we can give 'em an extra forty or fifty cents). The server wrote a 20% gratuity on the bill when she gave it to me. First, that's freaking rude, especially after she already told me that any gratuity was not part of the coupon. I knew that, but truthfully others may not. Well, she wasn't worth anywhere near 20%, but I still gave her about 17.5 to 18%. That's not what she entered into the computer at the end of the night, and I will *never* walk in the door again.

    (1)
  • Daniel L.

    This is a great date spot in Broad Ripple for any fan of the Mediterranean. Good wine, great hummus, fantastic baklava. As long as it isn't to busy, take a chance and ask to speak with the owner. His wife makes the baklava and if you're lucky he may tell you a story about where he found the furniture for the new(er) lounge area.

    (4)
  • Jami D.

    I was only going to give 3 stars, but they deserve an extra one for being strikingly clean from ceiling to floor... My friend and I were actually going to an Indian restaurant but they were closed until 5...and I was way too hungry to mess with that noise. So we decided to go to "I think it's a Mexican place we could try" on Guilford. Well, it wasn't Mexican... We were seated promptly at a table in a nicely decorated room near a very sleek bar. Our waitress was very patient and kind as we scoured the menu. She gave us just the right amount of time to look. The free bread and oil was okay, but nothing spectacular. For an appetizer, we tried the spanakopita. It was delicious, but I'm used to a larger spinach-to-phyllo ratio. I had a salad that comes with my dinner. I'm not a salad fan, but I actually ate more than two bites, and I'm pretty sure it was the dressing's doing. For dinner, I tried moussaka. The eggplant was prepared well, it had a very interesting flavor, but maybe I'm just not that into the dish itself. It didn't knock my socks off. I also tried my friend's garlic-and-feta fries. Pretty good! However, for the price I'd rather not consider the fries the best thing I ate... So, it's a decent place to try, and I might go again to be sure they don't have something that makes my eyes dilate.

    (4)
  • Julie M.

    Absolutely wonderful experience there last night-- everything was amazing from the food to the service. They knew it was our anniversary and provided us with a special table, champagne and baklava at the end of our meal-- a nice surprise and a sure bet to entice us to a return visit. We started with the saganaki which was delicious with the warm pita bread and by the time I had eaten my greek salad (an upgrade from the side salad that accompanies entrees) I barely had any room left for the gyros platter I had ordered. The gyros were perfectly cooked and had excellent flavor, and my husband selected the mixed grill (two enormous kabobs of chicken and beef) and enjoyed his meal as well. We will definitely return-- next time I can't wait to try simply a gyros sandwich with the garlic and feta fries.

    (5)
  • Steve P.

    I am usually not a big fan of Broad Ripple restaurants. I find most of them to be over-priced and mediocre at best. Canal Bistro is the exception. We found the food to be very good and the service to be even better. If you are a fan of Mediterranean food, this is the place for you. We sat on the patio, along the canal, which was great. The shrimp kabob, served on a small sword, was great. The sangria was awesome...get it! The saganaki app was also very good. If you are in Broad Ripple, give this place a try.

    (4)
  • Libbie V.

    Great dining spot on the canal in Broad Ripple with a nice scenic outdoor patio seating area, a large indoor restaurant & bar area, good service and great food. I will probably update this review when we return since our first visit consisted of appetizers & beer. There were 4 of us and we had hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, fries with garlic & feta and dolmathes. We loved every single dish. A lot. My personal favorites would be the baba ganoush made with rich olive oil and smoked eggplant. And, the falafel, made with fava beans (!), was moist inside and crispy but not greasy on the outside. This falafel makes all other falafel I've had taste like fried paste. Hopefully, when I return, the entrees will be as good as the appetizers. I know those platters of kabobs that kept passing our table looked delish.

    (4)
  • Tara M.

    I know that some people like the Broad Ripple Ave scene, but to me the best part of Broad Ripple is away from the main drag, on the much cuter and quainter side streets, and near the canal. And what better way to enjoy it than a well-prepared Mediterranean meal at Canal Bistro, served with warmth by lovely people and eaten alfresco on the patio, overlooking the canal? This place is great for dates, group get-togethers, and also families.

    (4)
  • David B.

    We stopped in Friday evening and had a great dinner. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed a great evening and enjoyed speaking with the other patrons. We all agreed the Hummus with pita bread rocked. I had the Lightly Fried Talapia and the wife had the Greek Salad..we would both order the same again.

    (4)
  • Richard H.

    Um, no. If you want Mediterranean food in Indianapolis, go to the Bosphorus, Greek Islands, Santorini's, even Aesop's Tables. Hell, there's a gyros place over on Broad Ripple Avenue that's probably as good as this place. I will say that the kebabs that came out of the kitchen looked really impressive. Our meal was not. The menu advertises the Shawarma as coming with chicken or beef tenderloin, and I did wonder, "Beef tenderloin?" But of course, it's not but instead some tougher cut of meat. And the "sandwiches" are actually wraps. We expected the sandwiches to come in a pita. And fries on the side? Really? The "Greek salad" was OK. The people at the table behind us sent their food back. And the service. Really nice, really friendly servers, but completely inattentive and unhelpful. Did not ask what sauce we wanted on the Shawarma, and only later did we realize we had a choice. Took drinks for a refill and never brought them back. (OK, we had to ask to have our drinks back.) Never ever came back to pick up the money for the dinner, so we finally scraped together a reasonably correct amount and left it.

    (1)
  • Miike G.

    This place really needs a lesson in how to prepare and spice some Middle-Eastern / Lebanese food! Please send your cook to Detroit to pick up some recipes soon.

    (2)
  • Dean F.

    Supper at the Canal Bistro hit the spot and the place deserves at least another 1/2 star for a 9/10 score I've been there for lunch on the patio several times in the past and that's a warm weather treat. On a cold Thursday night we, two couples, had supper inside. The dining room was half to two-thirds full. A solo guitarist provided the background music. The chairs are remarkable: heavy, wide low and comfortable. The place is clean. The investment in the furniture and the warm, tasteful appointments of the dining room makes one feel that the comfort of guests are a very high priority here. I'm happy enough with basic "dinor" style decor if it's clean and not cluttered. The service was attentive, helpful and not over-bearing. Being able to see items on the grill in the open kitchen helped me make my dinner choice which was lamb kabob preceded by the lentil soup. The lamb kabob was served on a platter with rice, a vegetable medley, yogurt, and dab of soft feta-like cheese. The lentils were perfect: not mushy. Our dining companions had the old-fashioned talapia that is prepared and served as a casserole and they well satisfied with that dish. There is a full-service bar with a decent beer selection. I was glad to find a "normal-sized" bottle of Fat Tire. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better value in Indianapolis for mid-priced dining. I also need to mention the freshness of the lamb and other food items. I have ordered some form of lamb each time I've eaten here and every time it's been fresh, tender, and tasty - never gamey. I really need to try the beef tenderloin item sometime soon. The dedication of the management and staff to quality and hospitality is apparent and refreshing The menu is on-line. There's all sorts of tasty snacks and appetizers and entrees. canal-bistro.com

    (4)
  • Jamison R.

    We ventured into the newly remodeled Canal Bistro for lunch today. The restaurant and bar look really good in their remodeled form. We started with the Baba Ganoush which was so so good. I had the Gyro salad and my boyfriend had the Shawarma sandwich. Both were really tasty. The salad had a huge portion of gyro meat on top of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. It was topped with a garlicky tzatziki sauce that was very flavorful. The shawarma sandwich was in a pita wrap served with garlic sauce. It came with a delicious side of feta topped fries. I want to go back for dinner and try some of the entrees. They all sound really good. Service was perfect. The restaurant was fairly busy for a Sunday afternoon but the server treated us like we were the only ones there. I highly recommend it!

    (4)
  • Teresa D.

    I loved the atmosphere and thought the food was delicious. Service was great as well! Large portions! Was a tad bit crowded, but that is good, it means the food is good! I can't wait till it's warm enough on the patio this summer to enjoy outside!

    (4)
  • Andy P.

    Burnt pitas. All of them. Side of Fries? How Mediteranian is that? McMediyeranian

    (1)
  • Sarah S.

    This is a fun place to go for lunch, especially if it's warm enough to sit outside on the pleasant enclosed patio. The view is nice, too, as the restaurant is located right on the canal. The pita bread and oil dip that we started with was excellent. I had the gyros, which was reasonably well-executed, although it was served a bit lukewarm. One of my companions had the mazza (or mezze, as they say in Turkey) platter, which looked delicious, and included my absolute favorite type of olives (oil-cured kalamatas). The food was good, but the best part, I think, is the airy, breezy atmosphere of the patio. Good Middle Eastern-sounding music, too.

    (4)
  • Matthew K.

    What a find! We were there on a trip from Chicago and fell onto this place located on the river. The food was excellent and rivaled many of the middle eastern places we eat at in Chicago.

    (5)
  • Cooper D.

    We visited on a Saturday afternoon and were so happy there wasn't a wait. We tried to visit the previous weekend (labor day weekend) and it was so packed that there was a crowd waiting outside of the restaurant, so we didn't bother. This place is very clean and the staff including the owner/manager were great! We ordered hummus as our appetizer and the gyros plate. The hummus was delicious, but the pita bread was horrible. It tasted like cardboard. Seriously. Bland cardboard. I've never tasted cardboard, but I assume this is what it would taste like. We couldn't get the taste out of our mouths. We really wanted to love this place. Then our gyros arrived. The portions were generous. One plate could have served 4 people. The hubby enjoyed the plate, but I thought it was okay. The meat was soft, but I think it was cut too thick for a gyro. Really, I just couldn't believe the pita bread. The hubby and I just couldn't stop talking about it after we left. The taste never left our mouths. cardboard. Maybe we ordered the wrong things.. if we ever come back, I will definitely try ordering what other yelpers recommend.

    (3)
  • Lisa G.

    Thanks to the waitresses at the bar for excellent service. I was kind of dissappointed that the owner George who is advertised to greet his guests literally walked by us about 30 times and never said hi or checked in with us. Maybe there's a "don't greet your guests at the bar rule? I finally struck up a conversation with him later and he was very nice. The Restaurant wasn't busy either BUT the girls behind the bar were great. The food was average. I had the Lamb Kabob and the marinade was tasty and the first couple of kabob pieces were nicely cooked, however the majority of it was chewy as rubber. I am sure they would have taken it back (but I wasn't in the mood to complain about the food). I would definitely give it a try again because of the delicious marinade they used, I will just make sure the lamb is cooked better. I also think they can do a better job with the bread they serve. It's was a little bit overcooked and just seemed like packaged pita bread. Not bad but nothing to write home about. The Baklava was quite tastey. I am not usually a big fan of Baklava...I like it but don't love it so I don't typically order it. I did order it here and was pleasantly surprised with the texture and taste...not gooey like usual and more crispy and better more nutty/nutmeggy flavor than usual. I would definitely order it again. Overall, I would say give it a try if you are in the neighborhood! Nice atmosphere, decent food and in the cute little "Broad Ripple" district.

    (3)
  • Amanda L.

    Took forever to even have a server come and give me a menu, ordered coffee and didnt get it until the end of the meal. Very slow service, but good lentil soup. The rest o the food was mediocre, not worth going back.

    (2)
  • J. W.

    My wife and I made our first visit to Canal Bistro on the Saturday of Valentines weekend. We'd made reservations and were seated within a few minutes of arrival, the restaurant was totally filled and the bar full as well. The decor is very pleasing, from floor to ceiling. The only odd thing was that they have silverware wrapped in paper napkins, which seemed out of place with the rest of the style. The owner showed us to our table and promised the server would be by shortly. In fact, that wasn't the case at all, we waited a good 15 minutes to be met by our server. However, during those 10 minutes the owner came by 2x to check on us, he apologized and said that there had been a miscommunication with the server. Unfortunately, upon greeting us, the server made no apology, rather, she made an excuse that she was busy. This was a pretty bad start to dinner, but I'm reluctant to judge a place too harshly when my first visit is during one or their busiest nights. The service got better as the night went on. Now the important part: THE FOOD! Our meals were excellent. We started with baba ganoush. My compliments to Baba, his Ganoush was outstanding! The side salad was very fresh, if a little heavy on the dressing. I enjoyed a huge gyro platter for dinner and my wife had a chicken shawarma sandwich, which she loved. We ended with some homemade baklava that was also outstanding. In the end, we paid less than $60 (glass of wine too) for a really nice dinner, it was money well spent. So, our first visit wasn't perfect, but I chalk much of that to picking the wrong night to go. Under other circumstances, I might have only given 3 stars based on service, but given the quality of the food and the fact that the owner is clearly invested in his patrons dining experience, this restaurant gets 4 stars - on the verge of 5. We'll be back soon.

    (4)
  • Byron J.

    For the record, I'm 23 years old, some days I look 23, most days I look closer to 18. I understand that many young people do not understand how to tip. I know this from my 6 years in the restaurant business. However, I also know the best way to get tips out of a suspected bad tipper is to kill them with kindness. Now, on to the review... First let me get the few rotten things out of the way so I can tell you how much I loved my meal. My server, Jarvis, clearly tagged me as a bad tipper when I walked in the door. I typically dine alone for lunch, and all the tables in Canal Bistro are set for four, so I may have gotten on the bad side of my server for taking up so many seats. However in a restaurant with 7 tables, I feel that this is a poor reaction for the server to have. Anyway, I felt like an inconvenience, my questions were answered rather curtly and my few attempts at conversation were battled off like a gladiator. So I sat in silence and just offered my pleasantries as my food and dishes came and went. The owner, George, was also about in the dining room as I ate, as he glad-handed the older diners and regulars I got little more than a nod. Other than feeling a like a second class citizen, I also took offense to my bill. Jarvis is one of those servers that offer options for meal items as if it is just a standard choice, and makes no mention that it will cost more, a quality that I despise in servers, both the ones that serve me and my co-workers, its underhanded and unfair to guests. So the bill came, my Turkish coffee was $5 though clearly listed at $3 on the menu, my meal was up-charged a dollar for the feta on my fries. So I was a little peeved about that, but the food was delightful so I got over and got on. Now the food...I love Mediterranean food, whether it be Greek, Arabic, Lebanese, whatever, it is hands down my favorite. This was exceptional, though I must note, if you're looking for an Americanized version of your Mediterranean favorites, this is not the place for you. George does not tone down the flavors for the typical American untrained palette. I started with free pitas and oil, and, its pitas and oil, nothing special. I opted for the Lentil soup full of hearty chunks of celery and boiled spinach, with a good amount of full lentils to give the great chili flavor that I enjoy so much about lentil soup, be warned this is not a puree. My main course was a Lamb Kafta Kabob sandwich, the grilled lamb was awesome, well spiced and full of a great grill smokiness that blends well with the parsley mix and tomatoes. (I suspected the parsley was a Tabouli mix, but I can't be for sure.) The sandwich was served with fries topped with parsley and crumbled feta, very mild feta, the only thing on my plate that disappointed, I like a nice pungent, full flavored feta. I wrapped everything up with the best Turkish coffee I have had in the Midwest, delightfully citrusy and earthy to the max, a great digestif to round out my delightful meal. All in all I liked the ambiance, the cozy nature of the store, and the food. The personality was lacking, but I rarely count out a restaurant for poor service, so long as the food is good. (Any of my friends will tell you one of my favorite restaurants and bars is Moe and Johnny's, despite the dreadful and often rude service in that joint.) I'll be back, hopefully for a better service experience, but defiantly for some awesome Mid-Eastern grub.

    (3)
  • Karhma D.

    Came back after a few months & was able to sit outside. Yay! It was very pleasant outside by he canal, even if the music was still awful. I tried the grilled eggplant sandwich this time & really enjoyed the grilled smokiness the eggplant had. The garlic sauce complemented it quite well. I also split an order of baklava, which I felt was a good deal for the $6 price tag. It came with 3 wedges of baklava, 2 slices of perfectly ripe strawberry, & 2 thin slices of juicy mango. I normally make baklava during the holidays, but will try it when a restaurant offers it, & Canal Bistro didn't disappoint. Perfectly ground nutmeats, crispy fillo layers, & just the right amount of sweetness to the syrup. I hate when I get overly sweet or dry baklava. Mona's baklava is handmade & seriously good. I'm glad we ordered it. The service was still fantastic & attentive, and my family left knowing that the quality at this restaurant is something we can count on.

    (5)
  • Tim H.

    This place will soon be making it's way into the "good restaurants where you can eat outside, where dogs are welcome" rotation. On a bit of a whim, we stopped here mid-stroll on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a bite to eat. They had just set up a couple of tables outside and we couldn't pass up the location. Granted, it's not the Clift House, but the location on the waters of the mighty White River Canal across the bridge from Broad Ripple was more than appealing. Upon being seated, service was prompt, including some water refreshment for Lucky the dog who was joining us on our walk. The homm(o)us and warm pita bread were a nice start to meal, having a nice consistency and a garlicky zip. For entrees, we split the beef shawarma and the gyros salad. Fries accompanied the shawarma sandwich, which was a whole pita wrapped around a nice amount of tender, sweet beef, covered with tahini and some cucumber and tomatoes. I'll definitely be ordering this again. A bed of greens, covered with gyro meat, cucumbers, tomatoes, and tzatziki made up the gyros salad. Being a fan of the salad/gyro combo, this was thoroughly enjoyed. The menu consists of many more Mediterranean dishes, including desserts. I'm assuming I'll end my meal next time with either the baklava or the grilled fruits. Beer and wine is also available. Needless to say, this place was enjoyable. The food was delicious, and the service put it over the top.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Categories

Greek Cuisine

Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.

Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.

For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.

Canal Bistro Mediterranean Grille

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