One of the top questions I’m asked almost weekly is for restaurant recommendations near Notre Dame. Given that freshmen move-in is next weekend, my daughter Grace and I pulled together a quick post of our favorite places to go. We will keep this list updated as we try new spots.
Breakfast
Peggs: This is just a good old fashioned breakfast served by the nicest people. They take reservations up to the day before and you can call ahead the morning of and put your name on a waitlist (sometimes they stop accepting calls if they become too busy). If you do end up just dropping in unannounced, the lines move quickly and there is always hot coffee to enjoy while you wait.
Chicory Cafe: Fun seasonal coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches, good quiche, Cajun food, good for when the wait at PEGGs is too long
The Early Bird Eatery: Super cute, solid brunch
The General: Coffee/ very good breakfast sandwiches (and deli sandwiches for lunch)
Java Cafe: Great coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches, good vibes
Yellow Cat: Solid diner-esque breakfast, super nice staff
Purely Pressed: Great smoothies and bowls (2 locations, one on Eddy Street and one in Granger)
Uptown Kitchen: Solid Granger brunch option
The Breakfast Club: Very clever, seat yourself breakfast/brunch/lunch option that is serviced by different restaurant providers. You order your meal on your phone and it’s delivered to your table. Delicious, homemade, farm-to-table options with a hipster vib.
Casual Lunch/Dinner
Brothers Bar & Grille: Close to campus and something for everyone on the menu–good food!
Bru Burger: All of their salads are a 12/10
The Lauber: Can be casual or nice, great outdoor seating space
Cinco 5: Thai/Mexican fusion, something for everyone good price point, takes reservations
CoreLife: Sweetgreen-esque fast food, healthier than most
Zing: Hole in the wall but solid sushi
Evil Czech: one of our family’s favorite spots
Rocco’s Pizza: it’s the best if you can get my brother Peter to host!
Nicer Dinner Options
Tippecanoe Place: Very nice, occasion-celebration dining
Roselily: Also cute, good for brunch
Jesús Latin Grill: Great Peruvian/Latin American food, margaritas, yuca fries–delish!
Woochi: Very good sushi
Macri’s: Good Italian
Howard Park Public House: We haven’t been to this place yet, but hear it’s a great addition to South Bend
Koto: Casual sushi
Papa Vino’s: Solid chain Italian food, you can usually get a reservation there even if other places are booked
Dessert
Ritter’s Frozen Custard is the best thing about Notre Dame. Just kidding, but I can’t be in town without stopping for their Peanut Butter Mountain with Chocolate Custard. I literally dream about this!
Let’s Spoon: A froyo place right next to campus
Urban Swirl: Froyo in Granger
Vanilla Bean Creamery: Good small batch ice cream in Granger
I hope this is helpful. Feel free to send me your favorites and I’ll add them to the list.
xo,
Lasalle Grille was always a favorite for our family!
Thank you, Marianne! I will add it to the list. xo
No list of celebratory dining in South Bend would be complete without Cafe Navarre or LaSalle Grill. And for delicious coffee and/or ice cream the South Bend Chocolate Company is another good option.
I’m so glad to have the expert weighing in. Thank you, Alicia!!
What a great list! My niece is looking at ND and I hope she’s goes do I have a great excuse to vine visit!!
That would be so much fun for your niece to go there!