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

OpenTable

Updated December 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

4.9

4.9 (392)

$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

Coletin

Dined 1 day ago

We had an amazing night at the Essence & Carissa along with the staff treated us like royalty. They set the standard for hospitality & for amazing food! You won’t be disappointed!

LaSalle Grill

4.8

4.8 (1295)

$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

Jenny

Dined 4 days ago

The food is always phenomenal. Service is wonderful. It can get a bit noisy as the restaurant fills up. Overall, I always recommend LaSalle Grill!

Cafe Navarre

4.8

4.8 (2776)

$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

RobertVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great service, great food and great ambiance. What else do I need to say?

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Yesterday's Food & Spirits

4.8

4.8 (968)

$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

Deanna

Dined 3 days ago

Had the baked brie, prime rib, and godfather, then the turtle cheesecake for dessert. Everything was phenomenal! I would come back again and again’

Cascade

4.8

4.8 (216)

$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

LAURIE

Dined 6 days ago

Service was fantastic and food was great. I give a shout out to Carlos being so attentive to us.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - South Bend

4.7

4.7 (1825)

$30 and under

American

South Bend

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House is a premier dining establishment renowned for its specialty in serving USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is expertly prepared and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience. Located in Granger/South Bend, 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), Ruth's Chris Granger/South Bend has been recognized as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner. This is a testament to its commitment to exceptional quality and service. Whether you're a steak aficionado or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, we invite you to join us and indulge in our award-winning cuisine.

Top review

KarenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

From the steak to the au gratin potatoes, our dinner was delicious. Our server,Mark,was exceptional with his service. We truly enjoyed our entire experience.

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4.7

4.7 (1244)

$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

Lauren

Dined 6 days ago

All five of us had the filet, and we all agreed it was hands down the best we’ve had! Food, drinks and service were all excellent!

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Copper Rock Steakhouse - South Bend

4.7

4.7 (1084)

$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

Amy

Dined 6 days ago

Rumi was an amazing server! The food was great and a good value.

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Villa Macri Ristorante

4.5

4.5 (510)

$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

Sher

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Celebrated a bday with outstanding food and service. Happy atmosphere surrounding us!! Thanks for the bday treat.

Brasserie 23

4.5

4.5 (356)

$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

Eric

Dined 2 days ago

It was fantastic! The food was amazing! Can’t wait to come back for their brunch menu!

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Popular dish

Steak Tartare

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