You won’t go hungry

Janet & Joe tested every location first.

Italian / Pasta

Albano’s Pasta Shop

$25–$40

Fresh, handmade pasta and tortellini focused on high-quality ingredients and “Grammy’s” traditional red sauce.

Phone: (219) 242-9160
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French Patisserie / Bakery

Bao’s Pastry

$5–$15

An authentic French pastry boutique run by a Paris-trained chef, serving handcrafted croissants, macarons, and traditional desserts.

Phone: (219) 299-8693
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Modern Diner

Birdie’s Diner

$10–$20

A trendy take on the classic diner, serving creative breakfast platters, Swedish pancakes, and artisanal sandwiches.

Phone: No Phone Listed
No Website
Coffeehouse / Deli

Blackbird Café

$5–$15

A cozy downtown staple known for locally roasted coffee, house-made chili, and a variety of sandwiches and pastries.

Phone: (219) 548-2811
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Brewery / Asian Fusion

Blockhead Beerworks

$15–$25

A craft brewery with a surprising menu of sushi, bao buns, and “funky” comfort food like Korean BBQ fries.

Phone: (219) 707-5749
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Seafood / Sushi

Blue Point Seafood

$30–$50

Upscale dining featuring fresh oysters, a massive sushi list, and classic seafood entrees like lobster bisque and sea bass.

Phone: (219) 286-7166
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Family / American

Bob Evans

$10–$20

The well-known chain focused on country-style breakfast and farm-fresh comfort food.

Phone: (219) 464-9201
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Diner / Breakfast & Lunch

Brothers Breakfast & Lunch

$10–$20

A vibrant spot offering massive portions of classic breakfast skillets, griddle favorites, waffles, and comforting lunch sandwiches.

Phone: (219) 769-1591
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Bakery / Sweet Treats

Designer Desserts

$5–$15

A whimsical downtown bakery famous for its decadent, beautifully decorated jumbo cupcakes in over 100 flavors.

Phone: (219) 465-0008
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Spanish / Tapas

Don Quijote

$20–$40

An authentic Spanish experience specializing in tapas, paella, and sangria, run by a chef from the Galicia region of Spain.

Phone: (219) 462-7976
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Mexican

El Salto Restaurant

$15–$25

A family-run spot serving authentic Mexican staples, famous for their margaritas and “Molcajete” stone-bowl dinners.

Phone: (219) 462-0100
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Japanese / Sushi

Furin Japanese Restaurant

$15–$30

A sleek restaurant and bar offering a wide array of sushi rolls, sashimi, and traditional kitchen entrees like teriyaki.

Phone: (219) 286-6648
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Historic Boutique Hotel

Grand Gardner Hotel Restaurant & Speakeasy

Varies

A hidden gem offering approaching luxury and enchanting escapes in the bustling heart of Valparaiso. Elegant restaurant and hidden speakeasy.  

Phone: (219) 409-1899
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American Comfort

Industrial Revolution Eatery

$15–$30

A themed eatery serving “legendary” meatloaf, pot roast, and burgers in a steel-mill-inspired building.

Phone: (219) 465-1801
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Steakhouse

Kelsey’s Steak House

$30–$60

Famous for its 6-pound steak challenge and traditional, high-quality cuts of beef.

Phone: (219) 255-8401
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Breakfast / Brunch

Le Peep

$12–$20

A bright breakfast chain specializing in crepes, skillet breakfasts, and “pampered” eggs.

Phone: (219) 242-8968
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Modern American

Lincoln Flats

$20–$40

A sophisticated spot focused on shared plates, craft cocktails, and elevated main courses like short ribs.

Phone: (219) 510-5046
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Brunch / Modern

Maple + Bacon

$15–$25

A high-energy brunch spot famous for its “bacon flights,” creative waffles, and inventive morning cocktails.

Phone: (219) 242-8738
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Mediterranean / Steak

Martinis Restaurant

$25–$45

A fusion of Greek, Italian, and American flavors with a focus on seafood, steaks, and great martinis.

Phone: (219) 464-0801
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Mediterranean

Meditrina Market Cafe

$15–$30

A bright cafe serving healthy, flavorful Mediterranean dishes like hummus plates, wraps, and fresh salads.

Phone: (219) 707-5271
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Bar / Lounge

Next Door at Birdies

$10–$20

The spirited sibling to Birdie’s Diner, focusing on drinks and a more lounge-friendly snack menu.

Phone: (219) 312-5512
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Greek / American

Paréa Restaurant

$20–$40

An upscale-casual spot offering Greek specialties and prime meats.

Phone: (219) 510-5428
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Italian

Pesto’s Italian Restaurant

$15–$30

Hearty Italian-American dining with a focus on traditional pasta dishes and chicken parmesan.

Phone: (219) 462-0993
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Diner

Phil-B’s Café

$10–$15

A neighborhood diner with a loyal local following, serving classic American breakfast and lunch.

Phone: (219) 548-3100
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Modern American

Radius

$15–$30

A modern restaurant and bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu in downtown Valparaiso.

Phone: (219) 299-2551
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Gastropub

Stacks Bar & Grill

$15–$30

A library-themed pub featuring “stacks” of books and a menu of elevated burgers and craft brews.

Phone: (219) 462-0553
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Breakfast / Lunch

Suzie’s Cafe & Catering

$10–$20

A warm, community-focused cafe known for large portions and homemade soups.

Phone: (219) 462-5500
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Wood-Fired Pizza

The Rolling Stonebaker

$15–$25

Serves thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas with unique, seasonal toppings **OUTDOOR IN CENTRAL PARK.

Phone: (219) 462-0443
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Bar & Grill / Pub

Tommy B’s Clubhouse

$10–$25

A welcoming local neighborhood pub offering daily drink and food specials, flatbreads, wings, burgers, and live music.

Phone: (219) 299-8936
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Pizza / Craft Beer

Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery

$15–$25

Offers a massive variety of toppings and a great craft beer selection in a vibrant atmosphere.

Phone: (219) 462-7499
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Ice Cream & Sandwiches

Valpo Velvet

$5–$15

A historic local staple serving gourmet deli sandwiches, old-fashioned ice cream sodas, and premium homemade ice cream.

Phone: (219) 464-4141
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Mexican

Veleros Mexican Restaurant

$15–$25

Known for street tacos, fresh ceviche, and a wide variety of tequila-based drinks.

Phone: (219) 242-2557
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Diner / Chili

Viking Chili Bowl

$8–$15

A nostalgic local haunt famous for its signature chili and old-school diner vibes.

Phone: (219) 462-0800
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