Cafe Navarre surpasses all they hype and anticipation. With exceptional food, service and beverages. The beautiful decor of this restored historic building makes for a spectacular ambiance. The restaurant opened to the public on January 13th, a snowy night in the Bend, and it was very crowded. Every seat was taken at the rounded bar and most of the tables on the main level were full. My party was seated on the balcony overlooking the bar. Everything we ordered was very well prepared and presented beautifully. Oysters, soup, main dishes, dessert. The osso bucco was tender and delicious with ogled mashed potatoes. The special sea bass was full flavored and light. The filet was cooked to perfection. The bartender was serving a special peal bot cocktail and the dessert cocktails were also lovely. There is fine selection of wines too. Service was excellent and at the level that is required for this type of restaurant. There was a large dinning room in the back upstairs for groups. read more

Cafe Navarre - Peal bot. A delicious combination of bourbon and champagne. - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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More of a four and a half, but just back from Happy Hour so I'm in a generous mood. The place looks very trendy but non-fahionistas don't fret, the dress code is more Eddie Bauer than it is Armani. Went during Dining Week, the more limited menu saves you about $6 on average. The Duck Two Ways was great, even though the duck breast was medium instead of the preferred medium rare, the confit was to die for. The Grilled shrimp and the Pork Chop were excellent as well. The Foie Gras was superb (I had an all duck dinner ... no duck dessert though ... the creme brulee was a nice rendition). read more

I wanted to give a 5 star because everything was great but my duck was not the greatest. It was cooked right but I just didn't care too much for the sauce it came with. Other than that everyone else liked there dishes there. I really liked their bread and also mushroom soup! Very nice place and for a nice place like this you would think portions would be small but I thought the portions were fairly large! For the atmosphere and great staff I would give 5 stars! I was really impressed with the hostess. I made a reservation a couple days ahead for my best friend's birthday and mentioned it when I had called. When we came to eat I did not mention my friend's birthday at all and after we ate she was served a complimentary dessert for her birthday! I was very impressed by this:) read more

Beautiful restaurant! We have always had amazing food and service at Cafe Navarre. High class, for sure!

Top tier establishment. Excellent service and outstanding food. I love the atmosphere.

Amazing. From start to finish, a totally enjoyable experience. It is located in an old bank building which had a charming decor. I started with a wedge salad which was good. My husband had what he called "the best French onion soup" he had ever had. He had the salmon while I had the pork chop. I'm nervous about trichinosis so ordered it well done expecting a dried out chop. To my surprise, the chop was perfect and juicy. It was huge so I shared half with my husband. He doesn't usually order chops but said it was the best chop he's ever had. So tender, he cut it with a butter knife. Our server was a gentleman from California. He was excellent. A wonderful experience overall. read more

Cafe Navarre is a bright new star in South Bend. We've dined there three nights in a row and we're working our way through the menu. You'll be immediately knocked out by the ambiance. Our first experience was a birthday dinner with friends. We were seated in a small room on the mezzanine next to the front arched window. If you can get that table, it helps make a great dinner perfect. Service, even in the opening week, was great. I thought about four stars because, of course, they're still working out a few opening week kinks. But the whole team made the experience seem like they've been doing this for years. It's a smooth operation. The menu made choosing difficult. Everything sounded good. And the good news is: everything we ordered was. Opening night we had sea bass that was some of the best we've ever eaten; bouillabaisse that was delicious (everything in it, except maybe the lobster, was near perfect); mushroom soup that is wonderfully creamy with just enough mushroom and not too much; and the artichokes that are really tasty. Since then, we've had chicken, quail, tuscan bean soup, and skate wing. All of it has been delicious. Kudos to Kurt and his team. Larry will welcome you and Wally will care for you at his expansive and beautiful bar. This place couldn't be a more welcome addition. We'll be there often. read more

Cafe Navarre - Wally at Cafe Navarre - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Wonderful meal before the theatre. All requests were met and our expectations were exceeded. From the cocktail to the dessert, wait staff Holly was very friendly and helpful but not intrusive. She even let us move our seating to a better table! Great experience and I plan to return! read more

Cafe Navarre - Evening at the Cafe Navarre. - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Four people from work flying/driving in to South Bend today, and we all met here for lunch -- selected entirely from the Yelp reviews. The food was nicely prepared and presented. My soup was better than I make at home, which is saying something. Their iced tea was awful. It looked 4 days old. As noted elsewhere, the service could really use some additional training; it was amateurish at best ("What are we having today?" level of service.) read more

This place is great. Definitely a place to splurge as far as price. But the food was awesome. I sat in the open and airy bar. One look at the menu.....pork belly....um yes please! Nice and crispy served on top of cheese grits with tomato jam. Omg! Stunning! Also had the Navarre salad which was also wonderful. Lightly dressed and perfect for summer. The bartender was also cool peoples. My salad and pork belly cost me 18 bucks. Not bad. But if you are looking for large portions, not here. Lol. But it was plenty for me. I'll be back for sure! read more

Cafe Navarre - Pork belly......awesomeness - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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Cafe Navarre is one of my favorite spot for a client lunch, work happy hour or date night. The ambiance is awesome and there is always a great ambiance. I always get the mushroom soup which is one of my favorite things in the world. I prefer the lunch potion to the dinner portion but that is a moot point. I typically get a fish dish and try to order off the specials. I have never had a bad meal here. You have to sit at the bar some time and let the bartender make you something they recommend. They have a wide arrange of bitters that you cannot find anywhere else in town. In the winter, I really enjoy their black walnut Manhattan. Make sure to make reservations, especially for lunch, or you might not get a table. Finally, the fois gras controversy. I can never fault a chef for having on their menu what they cook well. If you don't agree with fois gras, do not order it. read more

Cafe Navarre - Mushroom soup :) - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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Very up-class but open to casual dinners. Real candles on the table and nice atmosphere. Food was very good and the staff were really nice and professional. You can also book ahead and they're very accommodating. read more

This is probably the best place to enjoy some fine dining in south bend downtown. Great location, great service and great food! I love the brick chicken most. Also, the dessert menu is also good! Definitely try this place when you are here in town! read more

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I went to Cafe Navarre after a show at the Morris Civic Theatre. We made a reservation because this is a popular place for people before and after shows. We were seated right away. Our table had a great view on the second floor looking down at the bar and lower dining area. Our wine and food was brought to use in a timely fashion. We were able to enjoy the food and not feel rushed. I will make sure to make another reservation at Cafe Navarre next time I'm in South Bend for a show. Also, it appears they would have a great patio in the summer. read more

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Was looking for a good place to eat while visiting Notre Dame. Found this place and figured we'd give it a try and was very pleasantly surprised. Excellent food and service. We shared the filet mignon- amazing quality steak and amazing mashed potatoes. We also shared the crème brûlée for dessert and it was outstanding. Highly recommend. read more

Cafe Navarre - Crème Brûlée!! - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

First time to South Bend, and we're certain we selected the best restaurant in the Midwest! Small plates and mains allowed us to tailor our dining with the precision that the chef put into each dish. The balance of flavors in each were perfect, not one thing was over or underrepresented, and well, just plain delicious! We followed their recommendation on a cab, which turned out to be exquisite. We enjoyed the outside dining with a view of the post rain shower rainbow and moonrise. A quaint, perfect laid back evening with a perfect partner to share it with. read more

Returning to this wonderful place, we discovered that time nor pandemic have marred its deliciousness or visual appeal. In South Bend it's the upscale watering hole and culinary legend within the preserved walls of an historic downtown landmark bank. We opened them late afternoon and left happy early evening as the locals rolled in filling those barstools chatting and laughing with their much-adored bartender. The bar mirrors and spirits collection is displayed behind him. Our server was uniformed and prompt just as we had remembered the remarkably fine service there as was the interesting art hung on the focal point back wall. Cozy surroundings viewed from our comfy booth included b/w pix showing tellers at work in the 40's (?) bank and the ancient wall clock that still ticks away all these many years later. But then our meal: mouthwatering savory craft bourbon cocktail and a gently tannic chanti, Parmesan truffle fries for starters. His was a spicy seafood pasta (bucatini, octopus, scallops, shrimp, calamari) and mine barramundi (a crispy sear, accompanied by summer squash, grilled olives, goat cheese, cherry tomato and was that a sun-dried tomato schmear? ) cooked perfectly, resting upon herbed Israeli couscous. To boot, we enjoyed the luscious lemon cake, one bite only, wishing we had room for more. Honestly, I admit we savored the candied lemon garnish unapologetically. It was all so beautiful. The check with generous and well-earned tip was $200 but included the full bottle of vino nicely packaged to-go. read more

Time and again this summer we have chosen to go back to Cafe Navarre. They availability of outdoor covered seating has allowed to enjoy a night out and a break from the monotony of being at home in lockdown. We have experienced wonderful food, great cocktails and exceptional service. I hope they can continue to serve outdoors as long as possible! read more

Excellent service and atmosphere. Party of nine enjoyed an array of meals from walleye , risotto, salmon, spicy seafood pasta and bolognese. Everyone was very pleased with their meals . Never felt rushed and waitress was very attentive. Highly recommend . read more

Wonderful. Nice atmosphere. Open, a little crowded on spots. Very nice though. Two levels. Nice varied and large wine, spirits and beer offerings. Something for everyone. The Pork belly with farro appetizer was excellent. The bison carpaccio was very very good. The mushroom soup was silky, thick and scrumptious. As far as entrees went, the beef short ribs were really tender and juicy. Sturgeon was just plain awesome. As was the filet with the duck fat potatoes. Damn fine. And possibly the best creme brûlée around. Service was spot on. Our waitress/server was just plain wonderful. And she was working injured (foot). And when there was an issue with one of the entrees, it was replaced and comped immediately. And that was not expected nor ask for. Come here. You will not be disappointed. At all. read more

The appetizers and entrees are generous and cooked to perfection. We really enjoy the service and atmosphere as well - a great addition to the area! read more

Superb service and excellent, creative food. Went with a group. Made reservations online. Had the grilled octopus to start along with a creative gin-based cocktail. The octopus was cooked perfectly, tender and not chewy at all. The drink was delightful. Bread was also great. Next was the French onion soup. It was good, but fairly average. Main was the trout, cooked perfectly, along with white beans and spinach in an addictive saffron sauce. Highly recommend. Dessert was a tiramisu cheesecake, also good, but somewhat average. Atmosphere and service was great. I'll be back. read more

Went here for mothers day. We were planning to have lunch but didn't saw any notice in their website about dinner being served for the whole day. Place is clean although looking a bit cramped because of the floor width and seeing the staircase to the second floor. Would look better with an uninterrupted view of everything. There is an available elevator for elderly and disabled. We were seated by the window at the second floor. We wished they were located by the river instead of seeing the bank as our view. Staff is courteous and knowledgeable of the menu. Price is reasonable except for the unexpected bump to the dinner menu. We tried the grilled shrimp and prime rib. Both were very tasty, done as ordered and succulent. Plates were empty by the end of the meal. Definitely going to return to try the rest of their menu. read more

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I went on 6/22/20 The restaurant is the nicest and most expensive in south bend area. A friend of mine came to visit from out of town. I thought the food was a bit overpriced for the area and the quantity. The food was high quality. However, the waitress was very rude to me. I would ask her for something, and she would pretend as if she didn't hear me and walk away. Then, she would come back and do what I asked her after the fact. I've had much better and friendlier service at much less costly restaurants! I thought the manager was very nice. They need to train the wait staff. read more

Wonderful food and customer service. Beautiful atmosphere. Steak was amazing. Highly recommended.

Outside seating and staff all wearing face masks. The food was exceptional. I've never had a bad meal there. Our server was very friendly and checked on us frequently. The pace of the meal was nice and relaxing. We didn't feel rushed and we were able to enjoy the nice evening with an awesome dinner. The key lime pie for dessert was spectacular. Not too tart and not to sweet. Just the right blend of sweet and tart. read more

Cafe Navarre was for girls night out. The filet mignon was perfect. The whole dining experience was superb! Not been there in years though.

I heard about this place from my friends in South Bend, so I decided to give it a try for lunch when I was downtown. The restaurant is inside a beautiful building with high ceilings and very ornate craftmanship. It is something to see! The service was excellent and a special shout out to Lavone, my friendly and professional server, who's first name coincidentally sounds like my last name. We both got a good chuckle out of that. I started off with a cosmopolitan and it was mixed perfectly. As I was awaiting my lunch, Lavone brought over some bread, with butter on a side dish drizzled with chive oil, which was fantastic! I ordered the French Onion Gratinee soup with melted gruyère cheese, which tasted as good as it sounds. I paired the soup with the Navarre salad. The salad was a mixture of baby greens, green apple, bleu cheese and candied walnuts with a white balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The combination of the sweetness of the green apples and the tangy bleu cheese crumbles was a perfect pairing for the mouth. I can see this place being quite busy before or after Notre Dame football or basketball games and if you are ever in South Bend, I highly recommend you check this restaurant out. For my friends who live in South Bend and recommended this place, thanks for the tip! read more

My primary issue with Navarre is the service. Hostess was not excited to see us despite an empty house, and our waitress could barely feign interest, walking off before we would even finish sentences. She also left us to box our own leftovers, which, if you've ever been to a "fine dining" restaurant, seems insane. The food either excels or flops. The pork belly and the crab cake were both pleasant surprises. Other foods, such as the polenta or fried vegetables, seem to have never been tasted by anyone associated with the restaurant, as they were heinously bad. Also, they shook my martini, which, come on, that's low hanging fruit. read more

I went with a large group and had a wonderful time. My group shared a few appetizers and a few had drinks. Appetizers were small portions but delicious. Most of my group ordered steak and enjoyed it very much. I ordered the Monkfish and it was one of the best meals I've had in South Bend. Ended dinner with crème brûlée! Delicious! read more

I've been to Cafe Navarre multiple times for lunch. One word... AMAZING!! One 'have to have' is the wild mushroom soup. Omg! Out of this world!!! I've had multiple meals there & have never had a bad dish. It's on the pricier side but the quality of the food lives up to it. And the staff is extremely nice & attentive. Absolutely will keep on going there! Would love to try out their dinner! read more

Cafe Navarre - I believe this was the Cafe Salad. Probably the best salad I've ever had. AMAZING!! - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Food is okay, we ordered duck, and lamb. The French onion soup was probably the better dish although it was very salty. Wine list was very underwhelming. Service was good although it seemed that "of course" was their favorite response. The place looks nice service is of good quality. Lacks the skillful cooking, and overall level elegance of restaurants of this category. I'm reminded of Disney world restaurants that offer these type of dishes but don't really live up to the expectation. read more

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I was disappointed in our experience at Cafe Navarre. For the amount of food we got, the atmosphere, and the less than friendly waitress, I thought it was overpriced and overrated. My family came out for a ND football game and had heard that Cafe Navarre was an excellent spot. I think the architecture and design of the place is stellar- really pretty. However, our waitress seemed to be doing us a favor by waiting on us and was very short in her responses. The food was good enough- I enjoyed the trout- but for South Bend, IN, this place thinks too highly of itself to give out its price tags...you could get meals that are just as good somewhere else and for half the cost. I wouldn't come back. read more

The food is delicious, the atmosphere is soothing and the service is smooth and unobtrusive. The mushroom soup is divine. I had the scallop starter which was perfectly cooked and the miso sauce added depth. Nice beer list too. My third time here and it doesn't disappoint. read more

So here is the deal, I am a brunch fanatic! I'm moving to the South Bend area, and I have to say I have not been impressed with the brunch options around town. Someone recommended Cafe Navarre's brunch and gave a few menu suggestions. We picked the perfect Sunday afternoon, so we opted for a table outside to enjoy the weather. While inside, I noticed the full bar. There were selections you rarely see offered in a restaurant but in the spirit of brunch, we opted for mimosas. One look at the menu and there was no question what I was getting- Crab Benedict. The Brussel Sprout Green Goddess salad also caught my eye, so I opted for that, as well. My honey got the Pork Belly Hash. Everything was delicious. I definitely pounced on my food, hence no pics, but I'm sure I'll be returning soon. Cons: I felt like service was a little slow, but not enough to bother me. It was a beautiful, lazy Sunday, so I was in no rush and this food was definitely worth the wait. read more

There are some restaurants that have atmospheres and prices that are conducive for multi-purpose dinning occasions, such as family nights with the kids, dates nights, business meetings, and large group/family dinners, etc. However, Café Navarre is not a multi-purpose restaurant. If a person wants to go out for family dinner somewhere and take their young hyper, screaming kids and toddlers to eat with them....... then go to a buffet, Café Navarre is the wrong place to go. Or if you have a really large crowd and want to dine with your large group Café Navarre isn't ideal either . Café Navarre is ideal for couples seeking to enjoy a date night, and for intimate adult groups (of about four maybe five tops) with older kids. Café Navarre is located in downtown South Bend and is a spacious restaurant with two floors (I believe), and one floor which has a beautiful balcony overlooking the interior of the restaurant. The inside of the restaurant has a dark, warm, romantic vibe, with cute tealight candles at very table, and a generous amount of seating. Café Navarre's menu isn't overly extensive, but what they lack in extensiveness is compensated for in great quality (I believe their menu changes according to the time of day). They have a great selection of meat entrees and soups. Some of their steaks are dry aged, which I had to try!!! One thing I noticed about their style of food is that they're supposed to be a French restaurant and yet a lot of their dishes seem to be a hybrid of American/French, and I didn't see a lot of solely French dishes. Either way when my food came out (regardless of the food being pan-French or not), the food was delicious. Each dish we ordered was made wonderfully. The flavor notes complemented each other well, and the ingredients used to make each dish enhanced the dish in all aspects. The method of cooking was well executed, additionally the portions were ample. The food was presented and tasted very refined, while maintaining great flavor. I was very pleased, and the food is a win win!! The atmosphere was an added bonus which made the evening even better. This is definitely a great dining option in Michiana, and I highly recommend it for couples, and adults of all ages. I have no disappointments in any aspect of the restaurant. If you're in the mood to treat yourself I recommend you pay this place a visit. read more

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This place tries to be nice, our server was nice, it looks nice, the menu sounds nice but what it really is is super overpriced for so-so wine and okay food. We didn't have anything bad but seriously you should pay this price for a great meal, not Chicago prices for a ...meh...meal. I was really hoping for good. read more

Wow got lucky on this one. We were traveling back on Mothers Day from Nashville back to Grand Rapids. Valerie thought about a burger joint in New Buffalo, but I thought we should do something nicer for Mother's Day. Best crab cakes I can remember, filet done perfectly. Definitely recommend this place. Cesar is a great server. read more

Cafe Navarre - Crab cakes are delicious - Italian Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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I just had an amazing meal. Beautiful restaurant. I ate at the bar, my server, Alicia was so friendly & gave great recommendations. The salad was fresh, the special fish w/ red beans & rice was amazing OMG & desert just finished everything off. When I'm back in the area, I will definitely visit Cage Navarre again. read more

This is my go to place for lunch while in the downtown area for work. Love the baby kale salad with roasted butternut squash, whipped mascarpone, red plum, spiced almonds with apple cider vinaigrette. The wild mushroom soup is equally delicious with a hint of sherry, chopped hazelnuts & chive. The bartender, Aaron is super friendly, welcoming & accommodating. read more