Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in South Bend

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 (338)

$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

Kodiak

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely outstanding service from Jorge, he took care of everything for us and was very personable and knowledgeable. The food was exquisite, especially the risotto. It was a very memorable anniversary for us and we will most definitely be back.

Cascade

4.9

4.9 (123)

$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

James

Dined 4 days ago

Food was prepared to perfection. Service with Chad was a pleasure. Atmosphere with music was soothing and pleasant. Will definitely go back.

Cafe Navarre

4.8

4.8 (2742)

$31 to $50

American

South Bend

About the restaurant

Specializing in modern American cuisine, fresh seafood, and USDA prime steaks, Cafe Navarre is celebrating its 12th year in historic downtown South Bend. Located in a bank building in the heart of our city with the fusion of Old World architecture, natural light, and the contemporary furnishings. Join us for dinner or 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 and fresh ingredients. Every part of your experience at Cafe Navarre is important to us, right down to the last detail.

Café Navarre brings you modern American cuisine with European influences, distinguished by its simplicity, flavor, and respect for ingredients. Cafe Navarre offers fresh seafood and steaks, along with dishes created with seasonal elements from local farms that are unmistakable in flavor and quality.

Top review

Julievip

Dined 1 day ago

Our second time and was even better than first. The Wild Mushroom soup was brilliant!

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Yesterday's Food & Spirits

4.8

4.8 (942)

$30 and under

American

Granger

About the restaurant

Cheers to our Yesterday's friends! Please join us to celebrate Valentine's with our special affair menu from February 9- February 17, 2024. Thank you, Evonne and Bill Corbett and Yesterday's staff.

Top review

Jonathan

Dined 3 days ago

Parking is limited. As we walked up, we could see HCP parking signs up front, but they were obscured by decorations. It would have been more convenient for patrons that need them such as us. It was my wife's birthday. She ordered a cocktail before dinner, but it took too long. The waiter thought they would bring it with dinner, so it was cancelled as we had been there for 30-45 minutes. The food was great and plentiful. Our to-go container looked as if the food was dumped in as the crab cake was all broken up. Dipping sauces was not in the container and thrown out. For some reason, the service was slow as we were there for 2-hours, but the conversation and environment was pleasant.

Artisan

4.8

4.8 (1221)

$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

Vincent

Dined 2 days ago

Had a great experience. Rachel was phenomenal and super knowledgeable of the menu!

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - South Bend

4.7

4.7 (1784)

$30 and under

American

South Bend

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House specializes in serving USDA Prime steaks, each seared to perfection, finished with butter and freshly chopped parsley, and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate. We invite you to join us in Granger, IN!

Top review

Kimberlyvip

Dined 1 day ago

Cory was a fabulous server! Outstanding service, delicious food, and a sweet surprise for our birthday girl!

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4.7

4.7 (1275)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

South Bend

About the restaurant

LaSalle Grill, a modern American Bistro featuring steaks and chops cooked over a live hardwood fire, is born of the dream of experienced restaurateur Mark McDonnell. Like the restaurant’s namesake, noted French explorer, Robert de LaSalle, McDonnell set out to explore the uncharted waters of downtown South Bend, Indiana. In April of 1991, McDonnell opened a lively and exciting restaurant unlike any other in the area.

LaSalle Grill is committed to providing guests with excellent service, great atmosphere, an award-winning wine list and, most importantly, delicious cuisine that is artfully and dramatically presented.

The Grill has been presented with the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award every year since 1996.

Set out to explore the art of fine dining usually found only in major metropolitan cities, visit LaSalle Grill.

Top review

Mary

Dined 7 days ago

LaSalle Grill is a classic -- it's been in downtown South Bend for many years. And it never disappoints. Ambience, service, and food are always first class.

Carmela's at Macri's

4.7

4.7 (1190)

$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

Dwight

Dined 6 days ago

The food is always great...we have been to Carmela's several times, but we've never seen such a busy crowd, so we were especially glad we made reservations. The staff clearly showed sensitivity to us as we were celebrating a unique and very special occasion. Despite the full and perhaps overflowing crowd, we were served well and without delay. Thank you all!!!

Copper Rock Steakhouse - South Bend

4.7

4.7 (1050)

$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 Steakhouse is a 21 and older dining establishment.

Top review

Cindyvip

Dined on Sep 30, 2024

It is always delicious. Our favorite place to eat.

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Villa Macri Ristorante

4.5

4.5 (504)

$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

Elizabeth

Dined 1 day ago

Great place! This was my first time there and the food was excellent and a beautiful atmosphere! I am already planning my next time back!

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