I've had Cafe Navarre, an upscale restaurant in South Bend, for a while now so I jumped at the opportunity to finally come here for a carry-out lunch during the city's summer Restaurant Week 2026! I was short on time and money and felt a wee bit embarrassed to pick up my fancy 2-course lunch in a ratty t-shirt and jeans, but I was brave and strong and got through it the shame. I would like to dine-in here one day, looking nice and spiffy, to fully enjoy the vibes and have a nice date night with my honey. Finding a parking spot was tricky and annoying, even on a weekday, so be advised of that. So I can't speak too much on service with this visit nor how the drinks were (alcohol menu looks pretty nice), but I can talk about the food! So with the $19 restaurant week promotion, I could choose from a list of 5 starters and a list of 5 mains. I got the signature Navarre salad without the gorgonzola cheese and the white basalmic dressing on the side as my starter and the Waldorf chicken salad croissant with potato chips as my main. Chicken salad is a favorite of mine but I HATE when it is goopy and mushy. Gotta have that texture! So the to-go bag was quite light when I picked it up so my fat butt was worried I had paid twenty bucks for two bites of food. Nope! There was a decent amount of food inside. Let's start with the Navarre salad. Normally, this retails for $8. The produce was fresh and the candied walnuts were incredible. I do wish there were more green apples on it though. 8/10. Next, I gotta give a 10/10 to the fabulous potato chips. These were something special. Oh jeez, give me a whole bag of these tasty crispy slices of potatoes! Lastly, I gotta give only 7/10 to the chicken salad croissant. This originally sells for $17. Not a bad score at all, but yeah, this chicken salad was a bit too goopy for me. It tasted flavorful though and the locally-made croissant was great! Overall, I give Cafe Navarre 4.5 stars. I'm going to convince my boyfriend to take me here one day for a nice dinner date so we can try so fancier items on the menu! (But not too fancy - I don't want us blowing a paycheck on some $65 steak! I am a practical bougie lady!) read more

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Beautiful dining experience. We had requested a booth, but there were only half booths by the kitchen door available. Shortly after we received our waters, the manager came by and offered us a full booth, which was great. We had impeccable service from a very knowledgable server who was extremely attentive. The cocktails were top notch and the food was excellent. The French Onion soup had delicious depth. The cacio e pepe and radiatore vodka were both fabulous. Decor is tasteful and there appeared to be seating on the second floor. Super cute located in an old bank building. Really enjoyed our evening at Cafe Navarre. read more

The most disgusting spaghetti and meatballs I've ever had. The noodles were tasteless and an offputting texture - oddly thin for spaghetti noodles and limp like overcooked ramen. The sauce was so watery, it did not stick to the noodles and instead pooled at the bottom in a thin, salty, soup for the limp pasta to clump. The meatballs tasted like mystery meat. As someone from Chicago who knows what proper Italian, or at least American-Italian pasta should taste like, this was the worst dinner in South Bend of my week long business trip. What a disappointment after seeing the high reviews. For better and fresher tasting pasta, go across the river to Macri's Bakery/Carmela's instead. The Navarre salad with candied nuts and crumbled cheese was perfect, no notes. read more

This place was all Aces! Food, service, design, ambiance...everything, especially Allie our server, was super! Caprese salad & burrata were perfectly paired and dressed, marinara radiatore well seasoned and the Prosecco was perfectly paired. Thank you for this lovely surprise on my first trip to South Bend! read more

A little issue with checking in and delay for our table but thoughtful manager comped our drinks at the bar. Meal was very good and rest of evening was great. read more

Great special Pasta Server was professional and sweet Allie B Food was delicious and presented well read more

My favorite restaurant in South Bend. I love coming back to this place every time I visit. The food is always amazing. The wild mushrooms soup is my go-to every time. They have outdoor seating and it's dog friendly. Service is great too! read more

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We had a large group of 7 on a busy Saturday night and Cafe Navarre handled it with poise, efficiency and total commitment to our service. Mackensie was our sole menu, fulfillment and busing navigator. She was there at every appropriate and helpful moment without being the slightest overbearing. All of her recommendations from start to finish turned out to be perfect suggestions. The food was great and McKensie was flawless. Who could ask for a better evening? Thank You! read more

Fantastic food! Laina took us on a culinary adventure tonight with her descriptions and recommendations, all of which blew us away. 10/10 no notes. read more

The drinks, food and atmosphere were really amazing! Very high quality! A bit expensive but definitely worth it! Gluten free items were marked on the menu with multiple options! I had no reactions to anything I ordered. The caprese was so good, the tomatoes and burrata were so fresh and juicy! The Teres major was new to me so I had to try it! Cooked perfectly and had great flavor! Shrimp were also cooked perfectly! Biscotti was not GF but the rest of the affogato was! Service was good. read more

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I come here everytime I'm in South Bend. The food is delicious and the service is excellent.

Awesome welcome to a last minute large party walk in. We really appreciate it. Beautiful setting in a private second floor room. Service was pleasant. NY Strip was outstanding. Brussels sprouts, mash potatoes and green beens rounded out dinner. read more

Cafe Navarre - 2nd floor - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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Solid place to eat. Maybe a little expensive but usually well worth it. Staff is polite

We dined Saturday night while celebrating a birthday. The choices in the menu were excellent. All of our guests enjoyed their meals and expressed their delight with their choices. Christian was our server and he did an excellent job attending to our wishes and making sure everything was to our liking. He conscientiously checked on us without intruding. Thank you for an excellent overall experience. read more

There were 6 of us that dined at Cafe Navarre on 8/1 and the service and food and drinks were amazing! Christian was our server and he was great! Everyone that approached us was so professional and helpful! Great evening celebrating a birthday with friends!! read more

Cool building. Awesome food. Had a business meeting here. Good drinks and service. I had the salmon and it was cooked perfect read more

Cafe Navarre - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Had a wonderful dinner after flying in for a business trip! Our sever, Christian, was awesome! Friendly, informative, and very attentive. Highly recommend read more

Historic bank building from 1928. Large windows allow the diner to view downtown and the night sky. Quiet, candlelit tables and booths in a tranquil dim atmosphere. Large white planters with an assortment of tall blooming summer plants surround the outdoor patio. Prompt, professional service without being stuffy or intimidating. Large menu of culinary delights from appetizers to incredible dessert creations made in house. All pasta and sauces are made in house. read more

We really wanted to thoroughly enjoy our time at Cafe Navarre, as we know certain of the restaurant's management, plus we have high regard for the managing business's other offerings. But there were more than a few missteps. First, an ordered Negroni was virtually undrinkable. A Negroni relies upon a precise mix of all three ingredients; gin, Campari, and vermouth. The one served had way too much gin in it, essentially diluting the other components. In fact, when ordering the drink, our server seemed to insist that the cocktail is served "up," meaning in a martini-like glass without ice. While it can be served that way, many, like myself, prefer it in a low cocktail glass with ice. Ordering it almost seemed like an argument with the server; throughout the evening her demeanor was a bit too casual; lacking a sense of pride. The drink was sent back and a standard glass of wine replaced it; not what was truly wanted. Second, when diners obviously completely courses, dishes and silverware should be promptly removed from the table. Ours sat forever before being cleared. Finally, dessert, a banana-based dish, took over 20 minutes to arrive. By that time, we were ready to depart; it was just way too long. All that said, the food was well-presented and very good. But, if this restaurant wants to be on par with others of its partner sites, much needs to be worked upon. Cascade, one of their sister restaurants not far away in downtown South Bend, would be a model of consistency and professionalism to strive toward. As is, Cafe Navarre falls somewhat short. This was not a $222 dining experience whatsoever. Cascade, Essence in Elkhart, and Copper Rock offer much better service, food, and beverages at this point. read more

We have been going to Café Navarre for over seven years, and while we don't go there very often, every time we do it's delicious. They rotate their stuff on the menu, so sometimes you might find an item you loved is gone, it will typically return. Wait staff is always fantastic, and although we typically get reservations, we've never been turned away if we didn't have them as long as they weren't overpacked. If you want high-quality food and service, this is the place in South Bend read more

Jeffrey at the bar took such great care of me and my friend!! We were just out on new years for a girls night and I have to say that Navarre was very impressive. 10/10! I recommend the french onion soup and the navarre salad. read more

Cafe Navarre - Cocktail - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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Our dinner at Cafe Navarre started strong with a prompt and friendly greeting and seating. Our server, Autumn, arrived promptly and returned quickly with excellent martinis. The menu is limited, with a few appetizers, soups and salads. We split the excellent wedge salad to start. The mains section of the menu features several nice pasta dishes and a few meat and fish options. We each selected a small pasta dish, one gnocchi and one meat based, both very nice and reasonably portioned. Overall we enjoyed the experience and would definitely return. read more

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This is a favorite for my husband and me. Their mushroom soup is a must! We like the ambiance of sitting upstairs, but the booths are nice too. read more

After seeing enticing reviews online we decided to give Cafe Navarre a try. From the delicious food to the ambiance, we have nothing but positive things to add. Additionally, our waiter Christian was extremely helpful with our experience as well as giving us some guidance to our stay! Thank you to Christian and the team! read more

I just wanted to say thank you so so much to Lee , Laina and Mike for making an evening with someone so special come true . I had some Special requests and they honestly made it a night to remember forever ! Thank you for being kind , compassionate and having a servants heart . I also want to say thank you as well to the chef and his complete crew as well ! This meant everything . I will be returning as always . That's why I choose this restaurant. read more

First visit and did not disappoint! The Artichoke Appetizer was delicious. I was hesitant to order the Pork Tenderloin but glad I did. It was cooked perfectly and was one of the best I've ever had. Can't say enough about our server, Christian. He was very knowledgeable on the menu, had great recommendations, and coursed the meal out perfectly. I will be back. read more

We were in South Bend this past weekend for a wedding and had dinner at Cafe Navarre on Friday night. The atmosphere was beautiful. The food was outstanding. We had a beet salad to start and then my husband had the salmon and I had the bolognaise. All were perfect. I don't typically like salmon and I thought it was amazing! Our server Geoffrey made the experience even better! He had relevant knowledge of the menu and the recommendations he made were on point. From the food to the wine selection! If you are in South Bend, I highly recommend Cafe Navarre! read more

Atmosphere was great! Food was excellent! And service was superb! Ask for Laina! Hope you enjoy! read more

We reserved a room at Cafe Navarre to celebrate my Mom's 70th birthday last night. Lee, the manager, was so helpful in planning the event, communicated often and advised me on appetizer choices for the group, and champagne (which was delicious) and even arranged for a room close to the elevator and bathrooms to accommodate my Mom's mobility challenges. Our server, Christian, was attentive and friendly. We had a lovely evening and my Mom felt very special. And the food was top-notch, as always! My personal favorite on the menu is the mushroom soup. Yum! read more

Visited with my husband, baby, and MIL amazing food and service! The branzino was stunning, and the cinnamon swirl cake was divine. Bread, soups, and mocktail were all great. Loved it! read more

Cafe Navarre - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

If you are from New Jersey do not get any Italian food from this menu. Just do not. I do like the purple flowers outside and big windows inside. Service is good. Drinks were good. read more

After a day of driving, looked for a place to relax and enjoy a good meal. With no reservation on a Friday night, we were kindly escorted to a comfortable booth. Christian was our server and he was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. Both their bolognese & marinara were exceptional. Cocktails & wine were very good. Their homemade mango ice cream bar was the best!!! Very. Very nice restaurant read more

Our first time to Cafe Navarre. Beautiful and relaxing. Upscale fine dining yet casual setting. Our server, Jo, was friendly, fun and offered great detailed information about menu items. We were there to celebrate our 26th anniversary. It was the perfect place! My husband had the mushroom soup (I tasted. Fabulous!) and the short rib pappardel (equally fabulous). I had the Navarre salad (Will go back just for that salad!) and the gnocchi (soft pillows from heaven with an amazing cheese sauce with black truffles). Ended by sharing crème brûlée.Perfect! read more

Cafe Navarre - Our server, Jo, and my husband. - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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It's our go-to restaurant for special occasions and has been for years. The food is consistently fantastic. Our server tonight was Autumn and she was on top of everything! read more

We came to Cafe Navarre to celebrate after my son performed his senior piano recital at ND. The food and service were impeccable with a friendly, upscale atmosphere. The fresh pasta was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Our server, Christian, made the event even more special by congratulating our son with a free drink! We will be back to celebrate more events since our daughter is also attending ND for 3 more years. Go Irish! read more

What a lovely evening we had! Food ~ one of the best French onions soups I've had and the steak was yummy. All capped off by our server, Geoffrey, taking top notch care of us. read more

Went there for Easter dinner in the late afternoon. Six family members. I had eaten there before. Very disappointed. The menu has changed a lot. They used to have a lot of small plates including a mussels appetizer. Had been counting on that. Instead many Italian dishes. The onion soup was very good but none of us enjoyed the pasta. Two people had the bolognese. Both said not worth the &32 price. My daughter had short rib ragu. She was disappointed. The person who had the rigatoni with vodka sauce was also disappointed. I had the Casio E Pepe. It was tasteless. The person eating the salmon said it was ok. There are many very good Italian restaurants in the area Wish Cafe Navarre would go back to their former menu & leave the pasta to the Italian restaurants read more

Absolutely one of the best dining experiences that I have had while in the South Bend area. The bartender was absolutely amazing. She was spot on with the right mixture of being attentive, but not overly attentive. The food and the atmosphere were just perfect. Everything from the salad, the pasta entrée and dessert finished off with a cappuccino or absolutely fantastic. If you're in the area, you should visit this establishment. read more

Autumn made our dinner tonight very special. Autumn helped us with the menu, made our dinner experience very enjoyable and although the restaurant was busy, she made us feel like we were her only table. The food (pasta bolognese and branzino) were prepared just the way we like them. The buzz was great tonight. We had a drink at the bar before dinner. read more

We had an excellent time celebrating our date the new year with café Navarre. The food was just excellent and the service was incredible. Our waiter,Christian D really took very good care of us. Our favorite of the night was the smoked salmon dip. Just super delicious. And we enjoyed the short rib Ragu and the whole Bronzino. The sauces were to die for and great presentation. It's a beautiful vibe and was a very lovely dinner. We will definitely be back again. Thank you, Christian for making our night so special! read more

Cafe Navarre - Short Rib Ragu - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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