Janet & Joe tested every location first.
Albano’s Pasta Shop
$25–$40Fresh, handmade pasta and tortellini focused on high-quality ingredients and “Grammy’s” traditional red sauce.
Bao’s Pastry
$5–$15An authentic French pastry boutique run by a Paris-trained chef, serving handcrafted croissants, macarons, and traditional desserts.
Birdie’s Diner
$10–$20A trendy take on the classic diner, serving creative breakfast platters, Swedish pancakes, and artisanal sandwiches.
Blackbird Café
$5–$15A cozy downtown staple known for locally roasted coffee, house-made chili, and a variety of sandwiches and pastries.
Blockhead Beerworks
$15–$25A craft brewery with a surprising menu of sushi, bao buns, and “funky” comfort food like Korean BBQ fries.
Blue Point Seafood
$30–$50Upscale dining featuring fresh oysters, a massive sushi list, and classic seafood entrees like lobster bisque and sea bass.
Bob Evans
$10–$20The well-known chain focused on country-style breakfast and farm-fresh comfort food.
Brothers Breakfast & Lunch
$10–$20A vibrant spot offering massive portions of classic breakfast skillets, griddle favorites, waffles, and comforting lunch sandwiches.
Designer Desserts
$5–$15A whimsical downtown bakery famous for its decadent, beautifully decorated jumbo cupcakes in over 100 flavors.
Don Quijote
$20–$40An authentic Spanish experience specializing in tapas, paella, and sangria, run by a chef from the Galicia region of Spain.
El Salto Restaurant
$15–$25A family-run spot serving authentic Mexican staples, famous for their margaritas and “Molcajete” stone-bowl dinners.
Furin Japanese Restaurant
$15–$30A sleek restaurant and bar offering a wide array of sushi rolls, sashimi, and traditional kitchen entrees like teriyaki.
Grand Gardner Hotel Restaurant & Speakeasy
VariesA hidden gem offering approaching luxury and enchanting escapes in the bustling heart of Valparaiso. Elegant restaurant and hidden speakeasy.
Industrial Revolution Eatery
$15–$30A themed eatery serving “legendary” meatloaf, pot roast, and burgers in a steel-mill-inspired building.
Kelsey’s Steak House
$30–$60Famous for its 6-pound steak challenge and traditional, high-quality cuts of beef.
Le Peep
$12–$20A bright breakfast chain specializing in crepes, skillet breakfasts, and “pampered” eggs.
Lincoln Flats
$20–$40A sophisticated spot focused on shared plates, craft cocktails, and elevated main courses like short ribs.
Maple + Bacon
$15–$25A high-energy brunch spot famous for its “bacon flights,” creative waffles, and inventive morning cocktails.
Martinis Restaurant
$25–$45A fusion of Greek, Italian, and American flavors with a focus on seafood, steaks, and great martinis.
Meditrina Market Cafe
$15–$30A bright cafe serving healthy, flavorful Mediterranean dishes like hummus plates, wraps, and fresh salads.
Next Door at Birdies
$10–$20The spirited sibling to Birdie’s Diner, focusing on drinks and a more lounge-friendly snack menu.
Paréa Restaurant
$20–$40An upscale-casual spot offering Greek specialties and prime meats.
Pesto’s Italian Restaurant
$15–$30Hearty Italian-American dining with a focus on traditional pasta dishes and chicken parmesan.
Phil-B’s Café
$10–$15A neighborhood diner with a loyal local following, serving classic American breakfast and lunch.
Radius
$15–$30A modern restaurant and bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu in downtown Valparaiso.
Stacks Bar & Grill
$15–$30A library-themed pub featuring “stacks” of books and a menu of elevated burgers and craft brews.
Suzie’s Cafe & Catering
$10–$20A warm, community-focused cafe known for large portions and homemade soups.
The Rolling Stonebaker
$15–$25Serves thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas with unique, seasonal toppings **OUTDOOR IN CENTRAL PARK.
Tommy B’s Clubhouse
$10–$25A welcoming local neighborhood pub offering daily drink and food specials, flatbreads, wings, burgers, and live music.
Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery
$15–$25Offers a massive variety of toppings and a great craft beer selection in a vibrant atmosphere.
Valpo Velvet
$5–$15A historic local staple serving gourmet deli sandwiches, old-fashioned ice cream sodas, and premium homemade ice cream.
Veleros Mexican Restaurant
$15–$25Known for street tacos, fresh ceviche, and a wide variety of tequila-based drinks.
Viking Chili Bowl
$8–$15A nostalgic local haunt famous for its signature chili and old-school diner vibes.