The entire time I was in Sarnia I had a full belly. No word of a lie, I felt like I was constantly eating but I can’t complain about being fed good food. I was completely blown away at the great local food and drink spots I got to discover on my trip. Sarnia is a city but with a major small town vibe and there is lots about it to enjoy. Plus, your belly will definitely leave happy if you eat at some of the below places!
Alternate Grounds Dockside
Located at the Sarnia Bay Marina, this is surprisingly one of the few places in town that you can enjoy a meal next to the water. Alternate Grounds Dockside is only open during the summer months (April 1 to September 30) and not only boasts great views but also a fantastic menu. I tried Alternate Grounds for breakfast where their menu includes classics like eggs benny (photographed above) and also unique dishes like their latke breakfast sandwich.
Lola’s Lounge
Lola’s is the place to go if you’re looking for a little bit of a fancier meal or celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday. The restaurant is a celebration of Latin cuisine and the menu includes interpretations of Spanish, Puerto Rican and other Latino foods. The menu often changes by season given that the diversity of Latin food can’t all fit on one menu! I had the bruschetta and the prosciutto and shrimp salad, both were amazing!
Getaway Restaurant
The Getaway Restaurant is another one of the few restaurants on the waterfront in Sarnia. Located in the Gateway Casinos Point Edward this is the perfect place to fuel up before or during some gambling, or just to come and enjoy the views and some good food. When I visited they had a special event happening so the menu was set, however, their regular menu boasts a variety of your favourite pub foods and all day breakfast.
Republik Eatery & Lounge
A casual but chic lounge located downtown Sarnia, Republik Eatery and Lounge is a fantastic place to enjoy lunch or dinner. The decor is cute, they have a great patio and the menu is great. Choose from classic pub items like the arugula and steak sandwich I had that’s photographed above. They also make great caesars!
Purdy’s Fish Market
Okay, I didn’t eat at Purdy’s Fish Market but if I wasn’t traveling with someone allergic to seafood I definitely would have. Purdy’s has been selling fresh fish to the area since 1900 and although you can stock up on their fresh catch of the day to bring home with you, they also have a outdoor eatery out the back along the river which serves their famous fish and chips.
Blackwater Coffee
This isn’t the go-to place for food even though you can grab a small bite to eat here or snack, however what Blackwater Coffee is known for is their coffee. They are Sarnia’s only micro roaster with four distinctive types of coffee. Try one of their drip coffees or cold brews. Alternatively if you aren’t a coffee junkie they also serve tea, matcha and other beverages.
Refined Fool Brewing Co.
Last but not least, my favourite spot in Sarnia is Refined Fool Brewing and that’s because I love small town craft breweries. Refined Brewery however isn’t just your typical brewery, it is also the local hangout spot. Come in and grab a pint of one of their many brews or get a flight and try them all. You can also order food from anywhere in Sarnia (that delivers) and get it delivered right to your table.
Bonus!
Although I don’t usually include places on my lists that I’ve never tried, I heard multiple times while in Sarnia how great Burger Rebellion was which is a local food truck making gourmet burgers. Burger Rebellion is just parked down the road from the brewery and is actually owned by the same people. You can order their burgers right in the brewery too! Another bonus mention is to try fresh cut french fries under the bridge. I had multiple people recommend that I try these from one of the chip trucks but unfortunately by belly could only hold so much food.
For other things to do in Sarnia, check out my sample itinerary here.
Other Ontario content to read:
- How to Spend a Weekend in Collingwood
- An Ottawa Brewery Tour
- Where to Eat in Windsor, ON
- A Winter Getaway in Haliburton
Disclaimer: My weekend was hosted by Ontario’s Blue Coast and Ontario’s Southwest, however I only write about things that I enjoyed and would recommend to others. All opinions in this piece are my own and 110% honest.
12 Comments
Deb
July 31, 2017 at 5:22 pmIsn’t the restaurant at the casino called The Gateway?
Lauren
August 1, 2017 at 2:40 pmThe casino is called Gateway but the restaurant is actually called Getaway. I just double checked to be sure 🙂
Robyn
July 31, 2017 at 9:23 pmLove this article but I can’t believe no one insisted you mention or try Albert’ s fries under the bridge!!!! Everyone knows or comes for fries under the bridge!
Lauren
August 1, 2017 at 2:36 pmYou’re right Robyn! I completely forgot about this. So many people told me to try them but I just didn’t get a chance. I may have to add this in my “bonus” section 🙂 Thanks for pointing it out!
Dawn
August 1, 2017 at 6:17 pmIf you have the money I suppose they are great places to eat! perhaps next time you can try on of the fry trucks under the bridge not everyone goes to the expensive places to snooty for me!
Lauren
August 1, 2017 at 7:31 pmI wish I had time to try the fry trucks, I heard they are delicious! These places listed though I found to be relatively inexpensive for the food I got! The most expensive place was Lola’s and the rest of my meals I ate for around $25 or under and that was with an alcoholic drink.
Steve
August 1, 2017 at 7:10 pmAnd you really missed out on sitara, Indian restaurant. Great food
Lauren
August 1, 2017 at 7:30 pmYum sounds delicious. I love Indian food! Unfortunately I couldn’t go everywhere in only 1.5 days but I’ll definitely check it out when I’m back 🙂
J Flynn
August 2, 2017 at 5:55 pmLola’s has mussels in different sauces served over fries, white wine sauce, bruschetta , and curry. OMG. Best thing ever 😁👍🏻Oh and fries under the bridge when I’m home is a must. ❤️
Lauren
August 2, 2017 at 8:57 pmLola’s was so yummy! I left so full. I wish I had more room in my stomach for the fries!
Dave
August 14, 2017 at 6:33 pmNext time you come to Sarnia come to my shop. The Ice Creamery on Front St. across from the newly renovated Centennial park. My family and I have been handcrafting ice cream from scratch for 23 years along with fudge and chocolates
Lauren
August 16, 2017 at 7:59 amSounds fantastic! I’ll definitely keep that in mind for my next trip 🙂