Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in South Bend

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in South Bend? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Essence Restaurant + Bar

5.0

5 (775)

$31 to $50

American

Elkhart

About the restaurant

A culinary playground centered around unwavering hospitality and creatively curated cuisine, wine and spirits.

Welcome home.

Top review

Sandy

Dined 5 days ago

The absolute best dining experience in this region. We have dined here many times since it opened, and have never been disappointed. If you are looking for a true fine dining experience, look no further than Essence, you will glad you did.

Discover more

Popular dish

Tuna Tartare

Popular dish

Japanese Sweet Potato

Popular dish

Filet

Artisan

4.9

4.9 (1479)

$31 to $50

American

Elkhart

About the restaurant

The culinary team creates dishes that reflect the freshest in season ingredients. With hospitality that exceeds expectations, Artisan staff foster a space that is inviting and comfortable.

Top review

LarissaGold

Dined on Jul 6, 2026

Isabella was our server and she was amazing! The food was absolutely delicious. Great atmosphere and the staff was great! From the hostess to the management.

Discover more

4.9

4.9 (853)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

South Bend

About the restaurant

South Bend’s newest dining destination, Cascade, showcases fresh seafood, shellfish towers and prime steaks. Featuring signature cocktails, craft beer and an extensive wine program with over 400 selections. Floor to ceiling windows provide unparalleled views of the St. Joseph River. Modern yet understated décor, open kitchen and wood fired hearth are the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Join us on our large river side patio and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cascade waterfall, Keepers of the Fire sculpture and river lights, or dine at our custom-built bar: with every seat enjoying uninterrupted views of the water. Private dining for groups of 8-50 people

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

First time here, and I was blown away by Dustin’s food and beverage knowledge! He gave impeccable service and the food and cocktails were all amazing! I had what can only be described as the best short rib of my life. I will most definitely be returning. Thank you for making our night so special.

Discover more

4.9

4.9 (410)

$30 and under

Italian

Elkhart

About the restaurant

Now Open!
We are here to welcome you to a gathering of food and friends at Amici. As part of Navarre Hospitality and partnered with Paul Cataldo of Antonio's Ristorante, we are driven to provide excellent food, quality, and service, making you want to come back for more.

Top review

Angie

Dined 4 days ago

The service was excellent and the food was amazing 🤌

Yesterday's Food & Spirits

4.8

4.8 (1051)

$30 and under

American

Granger

About the restaurant

Starting December 1st, our hours have changed to accommodate the early birds.

Tuesday through Thursday, we open from 5:00 pm until 9:30 pm
Friday and Saturday, we open from 4:00 pm until 10:30 pm
**We are open later for drinks and desserts**

Happy Spring! We are now accepting Mother's Day and graduation reservations; we will be open for Notre Dame Saint Mary's graduation.

Top review

Kim

Dined 3 days ago

Loved everything about Yesterday’s…My new favorite restaurant!

Copper Rock Steakhouse - South Bend

4.8

4.8 (1304)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

South Bend

About the restaurant

Dining at Copper Rock Steakhouse is an experience like no other. Savor perfectly dry aged steaks, succulent seafood, gourmet desserts and more, paired with a selection from an award-winning wine list feature over 200 wines by the bottle and glass. Stop by the bar in Copper Rock Steakhouse for pre-dinner martinis or an after-dinner cognac.

Copper Rock guests must be 21 years of age to dine.

Top review

Mitch

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and service! The $60 three course meal is a great value. Looking forward to next time already

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (2968)

$31 to $50

Italian

South Bend

About the restaurant

Specializing in modern Italian cuisine, sustainably sourced seafood, and house-made pasta. Cafe Navarre is celebrating its 14th year in historic downtown South Bend. Located in a former bank building in the heart of our city with the fusion of old world architecture, natural light, and contemporary furnishings. Join us for lunch & dinner, enjoy a cocktail in our bar, or on our outdoor patio. As a locally owned establishment, we strive for excellence in producing and serving the finest cuisine. We are excited to provide you with top-shelf service, world-class recipes, as well as local & fresh ingredients. Every part of your experience at Cafe Navarre is important to us, right down to the last detail

Top review

KateGold

Dined 5 days ago

Always a delicious experience!! It is my mom’s favorite. We went for her birthday again. The staff leaves a card. The service was fantastic. The meal was amazing!

Discover more

Popular dish

wild mushroom soup

Popular dish

tagliatelle alla bolognese

Popular dish

meatballs

Bonefish Grill - Mishawaka

4.7

4.7 (52)

$30 and under

Seafood

South Bend

About the restaurant

Your local Mishawaka, IN Bonefish Grill® specializes in hand-cut, wood-grilled specialties and locally crafted Partner Selection dishes made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature hand-crafted cocktails, using just-squeezed juices, edible garnishes, and house infusions in addition to offering a distinct list of wines, which are the perfect match for any food pairing. Just west of the corner of Edison Rd & Grape Rd.

Top review

Dave

Dined 6 days ago

Consistently excellent food and service! Always a treat to go there.

Discover more

Experience

$5 Martini & Margarita Monday

Experience

$7 Bang Wednesday

Experience

4-Course Cocktail Pairing Dinner

Brasserie 23

4.7

4.7 (502)

$30 and under

French

South Bend

About the restaurant

Brasserie 23 is a locally owned French restaurant celebrating classic cuisine, fine wine, and thoughtful cocktails. Rooted in a passion for culinary craft and warm hospitality, we offer a refined yet inviting dining experience in the heart of the Midwest.

Conveniently located near the University of Notre Dame, the Snite Museum of Art, and the Morris Performing Arts Center, Brasserie 23 was named a 2025 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award winner.

Join us for al fresco dining on our dog-friendly patio or in our beautifully designed dining room. We look forward to welcoming you.

Join our loyalty program for exclusive rewards. Visit: Brasserie23.com

Top review

BethGold

Dined on Jun 27, 2026

Our server Sheldon was fantastic!! He made great recommendations and was extremely personable!

Discover more

Experience

Weekend Brunch, the French Way

Experience

Burger Tuesday Special

Experience

Wine Wednesday at Brasserie 23

Saltgrass Steak House - Mishawaka

4.7

4.7 (95)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Mishawaka

About the restaurant

Saltgrass Steak House is an award-winning steakhouse in Mishawaka, IN famous for serving Angus Beef steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice, and topped with garlic butter. All breads, dressings, soups and desserts are made from scratch daily. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

John

Dined on Jul 6, 2026

Good steaks and accompaniments. Great service and nice ambience. We try to dine here every time we travel to Mishawaka,

Explore Diners' Choice best of South Bend

Explore more Diners' Choice lists