Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in South Bend

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Yesterday's Food & Spirits

4.8

4.8 (994)

$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**

We will be closed for a family holiday from December 22nd to January 1st. We will reopen January 2nd at 5:00 pm.

Until then join us for some Christmas cheer!
From our family to yours, have a Blessed and beautiful season.

Top review

Dined 2 days ago

Very large orders. Prepared beautifully and delicious Pace yourself.

Carmela's at Macri's

4.7

4.7 (1242)

$30 and under

Italian

South Bend

About the restaurant

Our authentic Italian restaurant is full of Italian classics inspired by Carmela herself. Enjoy rich Italian favorites like homemade lasagna, chicken marsala and lake perch. Relax over a hearty meal of spaghetti and arancini or enjoy chicken parmigiana, one of our old world selections. Located right next door to our very own Macri's Italian Bakery, save room for an exquisite dessert selection! Open since 1978 and ran by the same family for 45 years. Join us at our one and only location Downtown South Bend, for the best authentic Italian!

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

The wife and I enjoyed our brunch date very much thank you

Kankakee Grille - South Bend

4.7

4.7 (1739)

$30 and under

American

South Bend

About the restaurant

Enjoy rustic cuisine, hearth baked pizza, a variety of craft beers, and live entertainment every weekend. Kankakee Grille South Bend is the hottest restaurant in Northeast Indiana and features a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy during the warm weather season.

Top review

Gary

Dined 6 days ago

Sorry for the four stars, the night seemed to be a little off across the board. Normally its 5 Stars for us. We ate early this night, we were seated quickly and our order was taken quickly. Food seemed to take longer than usual coming out. Food wasn't as flavorful as usual, everything was to the bland side. Our waitress didn't check us during our meal. Overall just not a great night. It was good enough for just any old restaurant but not for Kankakee Grille. We look forward to coming back again, hopefully to a great experience.

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Popular dish

Caesar Salad

West on Warren

4.7

4.7 (36)

$30 and under

American

Middlebury

About the restaurant

Family owned and operated, West on Warren Gallery + Grill is about more than just food and art -- every part of our restaurant is designed to build community. We are dedicated to providing a space where friends and family gather to enjoy the best food and drink in the most inspiring environment possible.

Located at 200 W. Warren Street (across the street from Old Hoosier Meats), in the newly renovated Filling Station Building (est. 1926). West on Warren Gallery + Grill graciously features clean urban design with original artwork, being in perfect harmony with the cuisine.

Top review

Sam

Dined 3 days ago

We had a wonderful meal of honey sriracha Grilled salmon along with fresh broccoli cooked to perfection and potatoes. We enjoyed our meal on there serene outdoor porch with the small stream and waterfall and Paul Decker playing guitar and keyboards as he sang great hits and ballads by such greats as The Beatles, Elton John, and. Billy Joel. It was a truly wonderful evening!

BRU Burger Bar - South Bend

4.6

4.6 (197)

$30 and under

Burgers

South Bend

About the restaurant

Bru Burger Bar is an ode to our love, the burger! We offer shareable appetizers, fresh salads with in-house dressings, gourmet chef burgers, daily cut fries, plenty of vegetarian/vegan options, and mouthwatering house made desserts. All of which pair well with our list of 16 local draft beers and hand crafted cocktails.

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Our waitress was very attentive. It was a little loud, but it was nice to see the restaurant busy.

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Popular dish

Bru Burger

Villa Macri Ristorante

4.5

4.5 (523)

$30 and under

Italian

Granger

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Toscana Park, just north of SR 23 and Main Street, Villa Macri is the place for traditional Italian fare in the Michiana area. The extensive menu includes appetizers, steaks, seafood, pasta, and the best gelato outside of Italy.

Villa Macri is also home to Macri’s Deli, serving their famous sandwiches for over 40 years. With the largest Martini Bar in the area and inexpensive wine pricing on their Wine Spectator Award winning wine list, Villa Macri is also the place for spirits. Choose to dine upscale or casual in one of the many dining room options: Outdoor Patio, Garden Room, Round Room, Martini Bar, or Sports Theater Room. And don’t forget our Wine Cellar, Chef’s Room, and Villa Room for your next banquet or private party.

Top review

DanM

Dined on Mar 28, 2025

We had a wonderful meal and the service was exceptional!!

Brasserie 23

4.5

4.5 (400)

$30 and under

French

South Bend

About the restaurant

Brasserie 23 is a locally owned restaurant specializing in genuine French faire with a penchant for fine wine and outstanding cocktails. Driven by a passion for culinary craft and hospitality, we’re committed to creating a sensational French dining experience in the heart of the Midwest. Our restaurant is close to the University of Notre Dame, the Snite Museum of Art, Morris Performing Arts Center and the Hesburgh Memorial Library (one of the world’s largest college libraries). Brasserie 23 has been named the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner, a true testament to its unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and service. Join us for al fresco dining on our dog-friendly patio or indulge in the beautifully decorated dining room. We look forward to welcoming you and providing a memorable dining experience.

Top review

Caitlin

Dined 2 days ago

The food was delicious! Every menu item looked great so it was hard to decide, which is a good thing. I had great service and the L Essential breakfast was really good! Eggs were salty for my take so maybe ask them to be unseasoned, otherwise delicious!

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Popular dish

Steak Tartare

Doc Pierce's Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (82)

$30 and under

American

Mishawaka

About the restaurant

Doc Pierce's Restaurant serves up quality American cuisine in the heart of historic downtown Mishawaka. Belly up to the bar or enjoy a meal on the scenic outdoor patio.

The menu at Doc Pierce's Restaurant offers up an assortment of hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, prime rib burgers, classic cocktails and craft beers. Locally owned since 1976, Doc Pierce's offers a truly one of a kind dining experience. Enjoy soft lighting, antique Tiffany chandeliers, and stained glass windows while nestled in one of our cozy booths. Named after the famed Medicine Man, Dr. Ray Von Pierce, Doc Pierce's is just what the Dr. ordered. Parties of 7 or more, please call the restaurant at 574-255-7737 to schedule a reservation.

Top review

Christopher

Dined 2 days ago

I checked reviews and pictures before reserving, and it all looked good. Overall it was good, but it was just a little darker that I had anticipated. The pictures looked a lot brighter. Otherwise everything else was really nice.

Legends of Notre Dame

4.3

4.3 (547)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

South Bend

About the restaurant

***FOOTBALL FRIDAYS WE ACCEPT WALK INS ONLY****
Legends, our refreshed tavern offers a new menu featuring shareables, burgers, salads and sandwiches. Located just yards from Notre Dame Stadium on its sound side, Legends is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The University of Notre Dame is a cashless campus. Please be aware that campus is undergoing multiple construction projects this summer that may impact how you navigate campus by vehicle and on foot. A renovation project to the Main Circle on Notre Dame Avenue has begun, closing the roundabout to traffic. Access to North Notre Dame Avenue will be limited until mid-August and you may experience delays upon your arrival to campus. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to welcoming you to campus.

Top review

SaraVIP

Dined on Mar 29, 2025

Good food and nice atmosphere. Just took awhile to get a table owing to a delay in servers arrival at work.

O'Rourke's Public House

4.3

4.3 (40)

$30 and under

Irish

South Bend

About the restaurant

Located in the shadow of the Golden Dome and Nestled in the heart of Notre Dame's Eddy Street Commons, we provide delicious Irish pub and American fare in a lively and fun environment! O'Rourke's Has the largest selection of Irish Whiskey in the state, as well as 30+ draft beers, signature cocktails, and rotating seasonal taps. The perfect place to grab some delicious grub and a pint before the game or celebrate an Irish victory afterwards! Perfect for Private events, Birthdays, Corporate Gatherings, Rehearsal Dinners and MORE!

Top review

KimberlyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Very attentive waiters. Seating inside or out. Ruben fritters, scotch eggs, beef stew in a bread bowl, and all flavors of Mac n cheese(half price on Fridays) were fabulous. This is a great Irish pub. Highly recommend

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