Location: South Bend
Top Restaurants in South Bend
Top Things to do in South Bend
Countries
South Bend Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in South Bend
The 150-year-old University of Notre Dame is South Bend's biggest tourist draw, and for good reason. Though it's not easy to land seats at the 80,000-plus-capacity Notre Dame Stadium for a "Fighting Irish" football game, you'll find plenty of attractions on the beautiful, expansive campus. Highlights include numerous works of art, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous shrine. Football fans will also want to visit the College Football Hall of Fame, which features interesting perspectives on the game and inductee videos. Whether or not you remember the Studebaker automobile, which saw its demise in the early sixties, you're sure to enjoy the Studebaker National Museum, featuring more than 75 vehicles drawn from the history of the company, beginning with horse-drawn carriages. South Bend has several fine museums, including the South Bend Regional Museum of Art and the Northern Indiana Center for History, a complex of four museums. Don't leave without trying truffles or fudge from the South Bend Chocolate Company.
Things to do in South Bend
1. LaSalle Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
LaSalle Grill is located in Downtown South Bend's oldest commercial building. Built in 1868 as the St. Joseph Hotel, the building has survived over 146 years. Converted to restaurant use in 1991, LaSalle Grill has become an institution in South Bend and the region. We have won the coveted AAA Four Diamond rating for 19 consecutive years, the longest run of any restaurant in Indiana. Our menu is rooted in USDA Prime and Choice steaks cooked over a live hardwood fire, Lamb and Pork chops, locally raised Chicken and Duck, Fresh seafood delivered daily, Vegetarian and Vegan options and seasonal game dishes. We have won the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence for over 17 years and employ the only Certified Sommelier working in a restaurant in the state.
Reviewed By marjieP - Michigan
Here I am again, at LaSalle Grill. Their Thursday special is a beautiful "burger". It's an inch thick piece of tender ground beef, with gorgonzola cheese sprinkles, crispy bacon diced pieces, lettuce, on a baguette/french bread. IT was So Good. And accompanied by roasted potatoes. We also had the brie with strawberry vinegarette (yummy), the Lobster Macaroni and cheese ( ohmygoodness, highest praise from a woman who does not like mac and cheese. The blending of cheeses, the lobster pieces oh my oh my!! WOW). I am just so sorry we didn't have tummy room for the creme brûlée which is also ever so wonderful. AND speaking of wonderful, Justin, our server was so knowledgeable, helpful, attentive.... YOU know why this is titled "a Dining Experience". It's not equaled in the entire area.
2. J.W. Chen's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By SueBee46530 - GRANGER
Jean has been running a restaurant for a long time and she remembers regular customers so she anticipates your order if you regularly order the same thing. Very fast service especially at lunch where you've barely touched your soup and your meal is there. Chinese students at Notre Dame get more authentic meals because they know what to ask for, but Jean will have the kitchen make you whatever you'd like, especially if it has fresh green beans!
3. Chicory Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By design007 - Granger, Indiana
The pillowy powdered sugar doughnuts were the craving for the day so we headed to the Mardis Gras inspired cafe. Delish food and atmosphere as on Saturday mornings live music to entertain. Could not decide what to order so I ordered it all.... Muffaletta, shrimp gumbo, coffee and beignets. Place your order and staff will bring your order to the table. Great coffee and wonderful food. Will not dissapoint.
4. Cafe Navarre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
A warm, inviting atmosphere best defines Cafe Navarre. Clearly one of downtown South Bend's most attractive buildings from the exterior, and the view from inside Cafe Navarre is nothing short of breathtaking. The fusion of Old World style architecture with natural light and the finest interior furnishings, the ambiance of Cafe Navarre is truly one of a kind.The style of food offered by Cafe Navarre includes French, Italian and Spanish. Cuisine distinguished by simplicity, full flavor, and healthiness describes the overall style. Cafe Navarre's menu also offers more fresh fish options than what other local restaurants typically offer.Dishes created with farm to table sources are unmistakable in flavor and quality. These are regularly featured at Cafe Navarre, along with an array of top shelf wines at prices that our customers return frequently to enjoy.Private Rooms: For your special event or business meeting, Cafe Navarre can seat up to 20 guests in each of three private meeting rooms.
Reviewed By Steve C - Palatine, Illinois
We arrived to downtown SB before noon---arriving well in advance of Governor's announcement in afternoon of new destinations departing from SBN. Relying upon the collective wisdom of TripAdvisor's sleuths everywhere--we determined that Cafe Navarre would hold the potential for a surprise & delight lunch experience. We were NOT disappointed. Ably served by knowledgeable waiter Alex--we selected two reasonably exotic entrees for lunch--then Alex urged us to consider the mushroom soup. It was splendid. Our entire experience was fabulous and we look forward to an opportunity to catch an evening meal here soon!
5. Fiddler's Hearth Public House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By CrystalEats - South Bend, Indiana, United States
This is a pub, not a “bar/club”. Grab a pint, converse w friends, listen to live musicians (sometimes) while you enjoy some humble Celtic fare. It’s a place you can take your kids, parents or date and enjoy a friendly, casual atmosphere.
6. Carriage House Dining Room & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Indiana's most nationally recognized restaurant - 28 years AAA Chicago Four Diamond and 30 years Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence." Formal Main Dining housed within historical 1851 building featuring the freshest farm-to-table foods and extensive fine wine list. Michiana's premier outdoor fine-dining facility, ALFRESCO FINE DINING & GARDENS, featuring a wood fire oven, patio seating adjacent to outdoor stage exhibiting local musicians every weekend during summer. Two Excellent Venues - One Superb Restaurant!
Reviewed By Carla M - South Bend, Indiana
Annual dinner in the garden for my birthday. Good is excellent and atmosphere is excellent. Music was relaxing and menu holds the traditional pate for which they are known as well as oven fired pizza and delicious burgers in addition to a limited menu.
7. Rocco's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By LizBethob - Chicago
Went to Rocco’s for an early dinner before the ND game. The place has been here for 66 years. The food is good and it’s the only restaurant I’ve ever seen that serves quarts of beer. They have a full bar, but the beer in quarts was most amusing. They have good pizza and pasta. It’s your basic red sauce Italian fare. Service was fine and prices are very reasonable.
8. Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By flosue - Grand Haven, Michigan
pretty place on the river, nice, attentive wait staff....but food was a bummer. I hate to eat at a place where everything on the menu needs an explanation...ugh....my friend is a vegan so this restaurant was her choice, but I found the food to be fussy and too complicated for my taste.
9. Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 448 reviews
Reviewed By Davidamy617 - Novi, Michigan
Lovely, lovely building. Be sure to explore all the floors! They offer guided tours at certain times. They also sell a guide book for self tours. The service is great. The food is outstanding!! We will return!!!
10. Legends of Notre Dame
Overall Ratings
4 based on 238 reviews
Legends is on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, next to the football stadium.
Reviewed By Michael F - South Bend, Indiana
Unless you attend this facility "The University of Notre Dame" Facility-Student Bar, you will have lost a memory of this great Campus. Its colorful of football Soft and having a green decorum. The meals are plentiful, full and robust!!! Like the beer always ask for a Guinness's on tap, and have a few to remember this place. Its like you never left Ireland. Its located right in the middle of Campus, within shouting distance of the "Football Stadium". The name of this family restaurant will bring back the glory and hollow halls of this great university!!!
Wonderful people catering to every need, a great staff. Their sandwiches are world famous, and prepared well and to the taste of the individual requesting it!!! the Kitchen staff is supervised by a skilled chef, enjoy your visit at the University of Notre Dame, we did!!!
