South Bend Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in South Bend

April 14, 2018 Jasper Kershner

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

115 W Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46601-1601 Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards American, Contemporary, Grill, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Dinner, Late Night SGD 21 - SGD 75 +1 574-288-1155
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 442 reviews

LaSalle Grill

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

1835 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46637-5637 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Reservations Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 574-271-2777
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

J.W. Chen's

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

105 E Jefferson Blvd, Ste 103, South Bend, IN 46601-1922 Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available, Full Bar American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner +1 574-234-1141
Excellent
62%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Chicory Cafe

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

101 N Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601-1639 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 50 +1 574-968-8101
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 349 reviews

Cafe Navarre

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

127 N Main St, South Bend, IN 46601-1608 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Irish, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 574-232-2853
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 539 reviews

Fiddler's Hearth Public House

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

24460 Adams Rd, South Bend, IN 46628-9678 Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards French, American, European, International, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks, Late Night SGD 12 - SGD 85 +1 574-272-9220
Excellent
76%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 263 reviews

Carriage House Dining Room & Gardens

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

537 N Saint Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617-1925 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +1 574-233-2464
Excellent
62%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

Rocco's

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

1047 Lincoln Way E, South Bend, IN 46601-3726 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Bar, Pub, Gastropub, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 12 - SGD 24 +1 574-217-0881
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House

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

620 W Washington St, South Bend, IN 46601-1444 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 16 - SGD 45 +1 574-234-9077
Excellent
46%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
8%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 448 reviews

Tippecanoe Place Restaurant

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

100 Legends Drive, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46556 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 39 - SGD 39 +1 574-631-2582
Excellent
34%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 238 reviews

Legends of Notre Dame

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!!!

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