Went for dinner on 2/13 thinking we would not have the rush for Valentines Day. That plan was good. We made a reservation but when we arrived the bar had open seats so we sat there. I ordered the White Fish dish and my wife had Tortellini with vodka sauce with added sausage crumbles. Both dishes were incredible and I'd strongly recommend. Now for the downside and the reason for only rating 4 stars. Prior to dinner we split a Zsa Zsa Salad. The menu describes this as having poached shrimp, asparagus bits, bacon, avocado, tomato with a Balsamic Vinaigrette. For some reason the shrimp decided to leave the plate before we got it. Without the shrimp, the salad was boring and pretty much flavorless. We would have liked it better had they used Romaine rather then the foliage we all used to discard before serving. We asked the Bartender about the missing shrimp and she put in an order for a side of shrimp. The side arrived after we had pretty much finished with the salad. Not complaining because we ate the shrimp as it was the best part. The surprise came when we received the bill which contained the $19.00 charge for the salad as well as a $10.00 charge for the side of shrimp. I pointed that out and it was promptly removed. In summary, I'd suggest a hard pass on this menu item. Not to leave this review on a sour note, we love Cafe Farina and as previously mentioned the entrees were both fantastic. As a side note, we tried their privately labeled Farina Valpolicella Red. Moderately priced and well worth it's $56.00 price. We will order that again. read more

The food was spectacular, old world ambiance. Just like your Italian grandmothers kitchen, good service too read more

Cafe Farina - We had calamari, chicken limon, and linguine with clam sauce - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

What a sweet surprise this little spot is. My husband and I took an anniversary trip to the dunes and wanted a nice place to get dinner. The patio here is super cute but we actually sat inside. We were quickly greeted by our waitress who was very chatty but super sweet and helpful. We ordered a bottle of wine and the pizza bread to start - both of which were delicious. We also had the cafe salad which is a take on a Caesar that was out of this world, I loved the fresh lemon it was served with and that it was lighter than a normal Cesar. For our meals we split the chicken and sausage dish as well as the braised brisket tortellini, the chicken dish was good but I am still dreaming about that tortellini is was so tasty! read more

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Our server was extremely friendly, but the food was extremely salty. When I mentioned something to the server, he said he would love the kitchen know for Next time. At 9:00 pm by the time we left, I'm sure they didn't care. The bruschetta was extremely soggy. Not sure we will return. Also, it's extremely small and noisy. read more

Can't say enough about this hidden gem. Food is excellent always great service especially today our server Karen was great the baked clams are awesome we also had sausage and peppers as appetizers I had eggplant parmigiana excellent also we had lemon pasta and pasta with sausage and chicken all excellent. Drinks are great all reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend read more

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when you walk in you are greeted and seated right away. Lighting and space is cozy great place for a cute date night. They also have a bar areas where you can watch the games and get good drinks. Now the food is delicious, they have an open kitchen so you know you can trust the quality of you food. Our waiter Eduardo is amazing considering I went in there with my 11 month old. Super friendly and very attentive! read more

Cafe Farina - Menu - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

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Food was delicious Service great Ambiance just fine Highly recommend especially for Valparasio fine dining read more

We were driving back to Michigan from Illinois and Decided to stop and Have a Lovely late Lunch. cafe Farina is open most days for Lunch and Dinner. We were warmly welcomed. Had a charming waiter and the staff is Friendly! It was quite busy on a Tuesday off season for most Lakeside Towns. We went with some of the Classics and they did not disappoint! The portions were. Large enough to share. And bring home leftovers. We absolutely enjoyed everything we ordered and even commented maybe some of the best we have ever had! Being originally from Chicago we were thrilled to have such an amazing experience in this sleepy lil Indiana Town. The fun decor is that of a race track with a lovely settings on the table. If you are passing by Michigan City. Looking for a Day Trip Destination out of Chicago for An Afternoon Drive or live in and around Indiana. Don't wait to make a trip to have a wonderful experience! We look forward to our next visit! Ciao! read more

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Anytime I come into the area, I have to stop at one of Farina's restaurants. Ordered the Chicken Limone today and the Mozzarella sticks, so delicious. Love the atmosphere also read more

Cafe Farina - Mozzarella Sticks - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

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Food small portions, overpriced. Cramped dining area. Unfriendly atmosphere & service! read more

We moved south seven years ago and it is so hard to find good italian-american comfort food. It was so nice to have the bolognese, chicken a la Joe, and mozz ropes. Quick and positive service, clean restaurant, and easy accomodation of my little boy. Can't go wrong with this. Big thanks to the team. read more

Let me start off with saying I don't like leaving negative reviews. The bread was amazing and the ambiance is lovely. The food and service was awful. I was really disappointed We stopped by in the afternoon on a Saturday and it was pretty quiet with over half of the tables empty. It took about 15 minutes to take our order. We ordered bread, 2 entrees (one with a salad) and sat with our waters. A table next to us received bread 3 separate times (pretty sure one was meant for us becuase they were the only other 2 person table and we were the only 2 tables in that section of the place). Finally our entrees came out after 30 minutes and went to the table next to us. They said it wasn't their food and it got sent back to the kitchen (still no bread or salad at this point). A minute or 2 later they bring the plates back and drop them off at our table. Then they brought bread a minute or 2 later and the salad arrived about 5 minutes after our entrees. I got bolognese on my pasta and I ate a piece and it was so salty. I asked my hubby to try it without saying anything. He made a face and noticed too much salt as well. Luckily my husband shared and we both were able to eat. We notied that the marinara on his dish was also very salty. Sat there for about 15 minutes after finishing. Still not a lot of people in the place, about 5 or 6 tables had 2 people at each of them. Got our bill and when the waiter came back he tried to give us a credit card which wasn't ours. We said it wasn't ours and we had our bill at the table and we're getting ready to pay ourselves. He still tried to give us the card and receipt to sign. At least we left with over half a loaf of amazing bread ($4 for the order). read more

The dishes were good, though I expected larger portions for the price. I went during a quieter time, and the service was attentive and pleasant. read more

Cafe Farina - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

Cafe Farina has consistently delivered delicious food and good service for the few times I've been here. They accept reservations through Open Table and I suggest making one because they really get busy especially during the weekend dinner hours. The inside is clean, a little dark, busy, and vibrant. They also have a small outdoor dining area in front of the restaurant. The dishes that I've tried on my visits here were the INSALATA CAPRESE, FRIED CALAMARI, ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE, BRAISED BRISKET TORELLINI, SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS, CACIO E PEPE, and the ASPARAGUS & SHRIMP RISOTTO (from the specials menu). I honestly enjoyed all of these dishes, nothing was "just okay". The cocktails were good too. Service was efficient and friendly. On my last visit, our main dishes took a while to be served. They arrived hot and freshly prepared, so the wait was acceptable. I will definitely keep coming back here whenever I want outstanding Italian food in Michigan City. Til next time! read more

Who knew Michigan City had a restaurant scene? Farina was a pleasant surprise I happened to spot while driving through Michigan City. The vibe is a smallish, cozy Italian restaurant offering outdoor patio seating, with an urban feel due to the exposed brick interior, chill/lounge music, dim lighting, and cozy bar. I loved my delicious Cacio e Pepe, served with a grilled lemon, perfect for drizzling over the pasta and would have also enjoyed a small bread offering to accompany the dish. Their menu featured classic pasta dishes, sandwiches with a twist, salads and a variety of apps. In addition to the food, the service was also great and I'll be taking friends along on my next visit! read more

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The food was absolutely mediocre. I called an order for pickup and they forgot to make half of my order, then when I got it it was missing staple ingredients. The environment was extremely tense and rushed. I'm not sure if it was overall just a bad time to visit but it was terrible and I do not recommend. 4/10 read more

Today was my second visit to Cafe Farina for a much needed lunch and I have to say how my experience was beyond 5-Star! I'm a guy that loves to sit at the bar to relax and Casie brought an excellent-vibrant energy for every one. I met her earlier this year and she was dynamic during the winter time as well. My Parm Bros. sandwich with meatballs was scrumptious and delightful as the Moscow Mule washed it down my stomach to put a bow on my lunch. The meatballs were seasoned and prepared just right with Parmesan cheese and marinara! I even grabbed an Italian Hoagie to trace back to Chicago for either dinner later on or possibly lunch on Thursday! Thank you to everyone that made my second visit to Cafe Farina memorable and fulfilling! I do plan on bring my guys here for as part of some weekend getaway coming soon!! read more

Cafe Farina - The Parm Bros. with meatballs - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

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We tried this place on a whim because it was right next to our airbnb. The atmosphere was amazing with a super local and artsy vibe. We went at 7 pm without reservations and luckily got sat right away, even though the hostess mentioned they weren't supposed to take walk-ins but would seat us anyway. That was a bit odd to hear, but I understand since it was a Saturday. It was extremely busy and I'm hard of hearing. Try to sit outside on a busy night if you have hearing issues! The service was quite slow. I ordered the oysters, which were just okay, and the mozzarella sticks, which were huge but had a burnt taste like they were fried in old oil. On the bright side, the wine was good, and the chocolate cake was yummy. I'd like to give it another try on a weekday when it might not be as busy. read more

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Food was delicious. Bartender amazing. Service spot on. Kudos to the entire team. Love this establishment.

Such an amazing café! The coffee here is always strong and full of flavor, and their menu has so many great options to choose from. The vibe is laid-back and perfect for a quiet afternoon. I love the selection of baked goods - their croissants are a must-try! The staff is friendly and attentive, making each visit a pleasant experience. I can't wait to come back and try more drinks from their menu. read more

Cafe Farina - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

Café for over three years, but my most recent experience was extremely disappointing. The order was completely mishandled -- my meal was delivered incorrectly not once, but three separate times. Each time it came out wrong, and the timing between deliveries was all over the place. What used to be one of my favorite spots has turned into something absolutely unacceptable. After years of being a fan, it's honestly disgusting to see how careless the service has become. I expected better consistency and attention to detail, but this was the opposite. I truly hope management takes this feedback seriously, because right now Farina's Café is failing its loyal customers. read more

We stayed nearby at an Air B & B and went to this delicious restaurant for dinner one night and dessert and drinks on one afternoon....Yummy! Everyone at our table was very happy with their food!!! Even the Italian smells of the food were mouth-watering! The lemon cake was so light and tasty! But, the best part was the staff....they were so friendly and attentive!!!! read more

Cafe Farina - Delicious sauce! - Italian Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

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Today was my third visit. First time I ate here I was impressed with the food and atmosphere. The bartender said to come during the week for happy hour. I came back several days later, and was told that they didn't have the happy hour even though it said so on their website. Either way they did honor those prices. Today I came back for the eggplant parmigiana, which came out cold. They made a new one (would have been nice if bartender offered me a glass of wine while I waited). Also the price on the menu was higher than on their website. (btw, charging extra for bread is a cheap policy) Not sure I will return. D'Agostino's Navajo is much better! read more

Crazy place with lots of workers but very weird service! They either bring the food out all at once, after pressuring you to order. Or as last night, we waited over a half hour for our food!! When I asked one of the busers for some silverware, he said they were out, and walked away!!!! I nice couple next to us gave us their unused fork, or I wouldn't have been able to eat my dinner!!!! Food is good, but it's loud and crazy in there!!! Wine selections need help too!!! read more

I wish I could give this place more stars, because the food is decent. But, our experience was terrible on so many levels. First, we arrived early for our reservation. I asked if they might be able to seat us a little early. The hostess said maybe in 15 or 20 min. When I checked back, I was then told we would likely have to wait 20 min past our reservation time because they had several tables that were finishing drinks. When I explained that I had a 10-year-old and asked if they would move a table to the bar, I was told they would not do that. Eventually, they sat our party of three at a two top. It then took over an hour to get 3 entrees and one small appetizer, which they forgot. By the time our food arrived, we had to take it to go because it was so late. I was expecting at least some part of the bill to be comped, but nothing was. The server was nice and I left him a full tip since none of the issues were his fault. Otherwise, terribly handled from start to finish. read more

Nice place with a warm atmosphere (a little small). The food was good, I guess I just had higher expectations. Yes, I would recommend going here. Dinner for two: starter / couple of drinks / and two pasta dishes will cost you around $100.00 so its not inexpensive. read more

We arrived and originally ordered to go because we had our bikes on the back of our car. We realized we could see them from outside tables and very quickly told the hostess that we would eat outside. The order did not come for us for 40 minutes and the hostess did not realize that it was made to go. Burger was overcooked and fries were soggy and horrible. My husband did like the roast beef. Hostess Apologized on our wait but never checked on us after bringing all the food. Overpriced for our food. read more

So, we have eaten here quite a few times in the past but the last two experiences have been disappointing. In the past, service has been great. However, on our last visit, it was just so so. Asked for bread, which got burned, then delivered to the wrong table, then I was charged for it without ever receiving it Drinks there are way too expensive. I'm sorry but $20 for a Manhattan is too much. The last time me and my wife ate there, the bill was $150 for two of us. Another time, we had dinner there with 3 seniors who didn't drink and dinner was $250. The real disappointment was the portion size of the meals. I don't mind paying for really good food but shouldn't leave hungry with a $250 check. It's going to be hard to go back there with the prices and limited portion size PS. I am not a big eater at all. read more

The food here was ok, nothing great, but the service was terrible, the worst I have ever encountered anywhere. First, although we knew exactly what we wanted, the server, a guy named Joey, refused to take our order. When asked why, he replied: "I'm not going to allow you to throw off the rhythm of my kitchen." So we had to wait and wait until he deigned to attend our group of three, and when he finally got around to that, he ended up throwing a hissy fit when he was unable to register the simple fact that one of our party wanted a salad with bacon and the other wanted the same salad without. Result: flustered and impatient, he accused my wife and sister of being unable to "understand" the menu, as if it were the periodic table or something. So they ended up getting an unwanted free side order of insults to go with their meal. I thought Joey was an outlier, but we noticed that the female server who took the order of a neighboring table was just as rude and brusque to her customers. So maybe it is the house style at Cafe Farina to treat customers with disdain. In any case, we're never going back, and would urge others not to risk getting the same treatment. The place was very busy, which perhaps explains why the wait staff was so agitated and confused. But it does not excuse such behavior. As the saying goes, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. read more

I was a little disappointed but maybe my expectations were too high. I had heard good things about this restaurant. But the cacio e pepe with lemon (I added chicken) - tasted OK, but it was not appealing to look at. It was much saucier than I am used to and the chicken seemed to be frozen diced bagged chicken, not a grilled piece like I thought I would get. Also for as much as I paid and the hype I expected to get some bread or even a salad with dinner, but neither was included. read more

Pre-frozen food from Chicago. NOT housemade. Irate owner and miserable staff. Save your money and go elsewhere!

Amazing food and the Spaghetti is outstanding! So is the Lasagna and the Lemon pasta dish with a name we can't pronounce was unbelievable!

We have been avid customers of Farina's and the food is always fantastic, consistent and fresh! Tonight I wanted to comment on the service....:our waiter was wonderful (Steve) despite having to squeeze by the fire hydrant to get to our window table!! The host/hostess is just awesome! So calm, welcoming and accommodating (unlike last summer with the rude blond). Love this place!!! read more

We started at the supper club, which we love. The cafe however, has become a favorite date night spot due to its ambiance. I have to say that last nights dinner was absolutely perfect. Such simple, delicious dishes. I almost always order fish (at both locations) but decided to switch it up. We started with the cafe salad, I could eat that everyday. We also had the pizza bread, asparagus, Nana's ravioli and the chicken limone. The bar has a great selection and the service is always top notch. Cafe Farinas is definitely one of our favorites! read more

Wow!! Really good. Great energy, great service and a fantastic meal. four for four on our entrées and we shared a café salad to start that was really fresh and delicious. The pastas were the star of the show along with a great bottle of wine. Professional house, that's for sure. read more

Decided to take in a late lunch on Saturday, fortunately they were open all day. Really enjoyed the vibe, service and food. We had the lobster ravioli and the chicken parmigiana plate with spaghetti, both were fantastic and enjoyed chatting with Justin, Rachel and Bella at the bar (who were working there that day). We decided to go back the next day for brunch - it hit the spot too - loved the eggs Benedict (best in the area in my opinion). To sum up it up Cafe Farina is definitely a must go to if you live here or are visiting Cheers read more

ate here on Saturday, ordered a martini on the rocks, waiter pushed the bread so we ordered it, service was slow to say the least, at least 10 minutes for a drink , wife had pasta bolognese , it was like warm, sauce had a crust on it from sitting to long under the lights, I had chicken Ala joe, burnt, also small portions for the money, the bread finally came out at the end of our dinner, sent it back. got the check , and get this they charged me two dollars for the ice in my drink, I asked the server what this charge was , it was for the ice, r u kidding me, watch out for this place they will buckle and dime u , won't b back, much better places for less money, c Mon , twenty six dollars for pasta, no salads, no soup , no bread. bye bye!!!. read more

The food was the best part of the meal as it should be. The fried calamari was top notch as was the spaghetti and meatballs. My cacao and peppi with lemon was unusual and delicious. The service could have been more professional. The server's uniform was ill-fitting and soiled. The ambiance almost ruined the evening. The music was loud and brassy, forcing the patrons to speak loudly over the music, making the room unbearably noisy. We will return if only to dine alfresco. read more

Drove 45 minutes to try this restaurant out on a Sunday evening. When we arrived the hostess told us that they are only taking reservations and no walk ins. We walked out and made a reservation on Open Table. When we walked back in she went to the back and spoke to the manager and returned to tell us since you just made the reservation we cannot seat you until 45 minutes. I told her no problem. I asked her how will you contact us when our table is available? She told us they would call my cell. Well, they never did. I assumed by the unprofessional young hostess that we just needed to go somewhere else and we did. 1. Never tell a customer you need a reservation and then cannot honor it. 2. Just be honest and tell the customer we are full and taking no more reservations. 3. Manager should have came up instead of hiding in the corner of the bar to explain the situation. Sadly, we will never return. read more

Decided to stop by after a trip to the Lighthouse Mall in town. Wanted something low-key, but this place was a little more than we were searching for today. The bar takes up about 2/3 of the place, and the food is very seafood focused. We did find a sandwich to get since we wanted to eat lighter than a full dinner. Be prepared as this is a loud place. A few tv monitors and older music along with the chatter of many customers. Apparently, making a reservation is a good idea. Guess we just had good timing. The sandwich we got was good, but the chicken was heavily seasoned. It was a good balance IN the sandwich. However, when I was getting full, I decided to only eat the chicken. That's when I noticed the heavy seasoning. It was not bad, just a little heavy on its own for me. read more