Misal Of India Bistro

Reviews 4

ST

Stacy Brown

I cant say enough good things about Misals. For years, this has been one of the best restaurants in Norman, owned by some of the kindest people in Norman. I first ate at Misals in high school when they were on Campus Corner. I remember I was so excited to eat there, I had heard so much about it. They were very kind to help me decide what I would like to try and I ate there all throughout college. I tried everything on the menu. Now it is several years later and Misals is still amazing. I am frustrated by the negative reviews. Anyone who can read, who has any respect for people, would read their menu and learn the story behind Misals, their cuisine and their recipes. Instead of making themselves like every other Indian restaurant people are used to in the USA, they have provided you with a very personal experience with their own family recipes. I always loved eating in the homes of friends growing up. No matter what you eat in a friends home, the recipe will be different from what you eat in your own home, and that is very special. Also, through time, Norman has lost many local businesses. It is not easy to own a small business in Oklahoma. Many of those restaurants we have lost over the years had a very loyal group of patrons who also loved Misals, and many of those restaurants also provided very fresh, healthy food. As those restaurants closed, Misals became primary in being a Norman restaurant, one of the only ones, that still served homemade, fresh, wholesome food. I worked in one of those restaurants that had to close, and our customers were so grateful that Misals was still with open doors, as was I. THAT is one reason you find dishes on the menu that are not specifically Indian. They were taking care of their community, and they have been doing it for many years. They are also extremely supportive of other area businesses and they have been integral in so many areas of Normans development. When we go here with my mom or anyone who isnt used to Indian food, it is nice to have some alternative items on the menu, and theyre not frozen, processed foods like most restaurants provide in lieu of their cultural cuisine. Theyre delicious, fresh, non-Indian dishes. They also take good care of their employees. This restaurant is a treasure in Norman, a treasure in our community, and everything about it is authentic. Over the past 20 years, I became very involved with several Indian communities in TX and OK through Indian music circles, and I learned personally how to cook "real" Indian food. I have eaten Indian food in nearly every state in the USA and also in Canada as well as the homes of countless Indian families who were kind enough to host me. This is real Indian food. It doesnt all taste alike, just as all American food does not taste alike. I appreciate so much that Misals sticks to its menu and the ingredients are all high quality. They have never compromised quality and they have maintained reasonable prices, despite the economy. This is not a chain. This is a family restaurant. It is a privilege to share the dining experience with a real family behind it. People should enter their doors with that spirit. I usually order the Makhani Chicken or the Chicken Tikka. On the buffet, I literally eat everything but the lamb, because I have never been a lamb person, but it is also good Ive been told. The Vindaloo is usually the spiciest sauce. If you want a spicier meal, let them know and they will kick it up a notch. There is a beef dish on the buffet that is to die for and also the soups and salads are awesome. All of their naans and appetizers and desserts are also great. I love the chai tea and the mango lussi. Enjoy!

LA

Laura r

Came in on a Thursday night, not super busy. Initially they sat me and my boyfriend at a dirty table so we moved one table over. Waited maybe ten minutes just to get water brought to the table and the server walked away. Waited even longer to get our order taken. The manager came over and took our order. We started with some hummus and tabouleh. The hummus was literally a thin layer on an appetizer plate for $5.. after finishing that the server came over and asked us if we wanted our check and we said we were still waiting for our dinner. Then the manager came over and said there was a mix up in the kitchen and he needed to take our order again. We decided to instead leave and what was most infuriating was that there wasnt even an apology, "have a good night", absolutely nothing. The entire trip was planned around driving to Norman to go to this restaurant and it was one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. Im a restaurant manager and the flagrant carelessness of this place was astounding. I wasnt expecting anything for free but working in the industry I would NEVER let a table leave that way and if I dropped the ball on taking an order or having a kitchen "mix up" I would take responsibility and at least give an apology. I didnt pay $20 for sub par appetizers and to be treated like garbage. And to top it off they charged us for something we didnt even order. I can definitely say I will not be returning to this restaurant and will save the mileage for someplace that even remotely cares for their guests.

RO

ross davis

I had one of the worst dining experiences in years at Misal tonight. Over twenty mins to finally get apps, (which was the smallest portion of hummus Ive ever seen) another fifteen minutes and the waiter came and asked if we wanted our check? I said that we were still waiting on our entrees. The manager (who had taken our order) came over and said there had been a mix up in the kitchen and asked us what we had ordered again. At this point we were already forty minutes into a terrible dinner with very little food or drink, and I wasnt prepared to gamble any further that something might go right. I asked for the check. The manager simply said "OK", and went to print it. He at no point offered an apology, he asked no questions, he simply didnt care. Im in the business, so I know you cant win every night, but you can apologize for completely dropping the ball in every way. Ive sent many people to Misal, and I used to consider it my favorite restaurant in Norman. I will never return to this, or any restaurant that cares so very little about their guests. I could have left happy. A simple apology would of at least helped me to chalk it up to a bad night. I didnt want anything for free, I just wanted dinner. If the manager had even feigned interest I would have explained my bad experience to him in person. Fail.

A

A Private User

I hardly ever write reviews but I had to for this place. I have only been here once as I was passing through for business but my experience there was great. First, the food was amazing. I have eaten a lot of Indian food in my life and I thought the Chicken Tandoori was top-notch. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the flavors were amazing. Second, the service I received was first-rate. Not only were they extremely friendly and quick to serve but they were incredibly knowledgeable about traditional Indian food. I visited with the owner for about 20 minutes and he was extremely friendly, personable, and knowlegeable. While I was waiting he taught me about Indian traditions of preparing food. I appreciated the great service and food I experienced while eating here. I would definitely reccommend Misal Bistro and I will be returning when I come back. Dont listen to any of the negative reviews...just go try it and youll know for yourself what great food they serve.