Romantic Restaurants in the South Bend, Indiana Area

With the holidays over and Valentine's days approaching, you may be wondering about romantic places to take a special someone to celebrate the day of love, or any other time a unique and romantic excursion is warranted. Here is a listing of some of the most romantic restaurants in the South Bend area.

10. Tippecanoe Place

Located in the historic old Studebaker mansion, ambience is what you'll get when you dine at the Tippecanoe Place restaurant. Found at 620 W. Washington St., Tippecanoe offers a variety of classic meals including steaks, seafood and chicken dishes. Tippecanoe restaurant is also known for its Sunday morning brunch buffet. $$

9. The East Bank Emporium

Ambience is abundant in this old brick building located right on the East Race waterway. Ask for a seat near the window to truly enjoy what this restaurant has to offer. Located at corner of Jefferson and Niles Ave., The East bank Emporium specializes in upscale chicken, steak and seafood classics. $

8. Hani Yori

In the mood for Japanese? You'll find the area's only teppan Japanese Steakhouse in Mishawaka. Watching your food cooked right in front of you with the flair and enthusiasm of the teppan chef can create a wonderful atmosphere for any outing. Hani Yori can be found at 3601 Grape rd. Mishawaka $

7. Noma

Newer to the area is Noma. Noma features a unique cuisine known as fusion, blending the taste and delights of different cultures to create an exciting and palatable menu. Very chic in décor and atmosphere, Noma is the place to go for the young and old alike. Complete with a martini menu to die for and large exotic fish tanks, Noma should not be missed. Noma is located at 119 N. Michigan St. $$$

6. Main Street Grille

The Main Street Grille is tucked away in the heart of Mishawaka at 112 N. Main St. A quaint little grill with a refreshing décor of old and new, Main Street Grille is the perfect place for an intimate getaway. Serving a mix of cuisines from delicious seafood to Italian delights, Main Street Grille is a perfect place for two people to dine who want to enjoy both the food, and one another. $$

5. LaSalle Grill

LaSalle grill earns its reputation as one of the areas only true bistros, with a unique, changing daily menu. Located at 115 W Colfax, LaSalle Grill has earned its reputation as being one of the finest dining locations in the area. The upper level of the bistro houses Club LaSalle, a comfortable bar with jazz music and a smoking room, which can be enjoyed either before or after dinner. $$$

4.Toyo Grill

Toyo Grill is housed at 620 W. Edison in Mishawaka. This intimate restaurant is one of the areas few sushi establishments. Though tiny, the atmosphere is intimate, comfortable, and delightful for either the adventurous eater or the Sushi aficionado. $$

3. Carmela's

In the former Macri's restaurant you will find Carmela's, a renovated treasure bringing to life the style and décor of Old World Italy. Complete with fountain and street lamps, Carmela's transports one to Sicily through its ambiance and delicious Italian cooking. This is one restaurant not to be missed, whether a South Bend resident or in town for business or pleasure. Carmela's is at 214 Niles Ave. $$

2. Yesterdays

In an old home at 12594 SR 23 in Granger, Yesterday's is a busy place. That's because the food is so delicious and the atmosphere so inspiring. You'll need a reservation, but Yesterdays' is a true gem, advertising in food, drink and merriment, you won't be misled. $$

1.Papa Joe's

Hidden away at 1209 Union Street in Mishawaka, is a little Italian restaurant. You have to walk down a set of stairs to enter, but when you do, you'll find you're transported: twinkling lights, cascading ivy, hanging umbrellas, flickering candles: Papa Joe's doesn't disappoint in ambiance. Nor does it disappoint in food. Be prepared to wait: the staff at Papa Joe's will tell you themselves that food this good takes a while to create, but spending that time staring into one another's eyes beneath a canopy of lights will make up for the delay. $$

(A rough estimate of restaurant costs: $ entrees between $9-15; $$ entrees between $15-20; $$$ most entrees in the $20+ range)