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. The lines to get in can be long but they move quickly.
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!