The culinary landscape in Fort Wayne is experiencing remarkable growth and generating significant buzz. Having been a regular visitor for a few years now, I’m constantly delighted by the thriving dining establishments that continue to attract a loyal customer base and the frequent emergence of new ones. Allow me, the self-proclaimed culinary explorer, to present my personally sampled and meticulously studied list of the best restaurants in Fort Wayne, IN.
Thanks to Visit Fort Wayne for hosting many of my meals. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
Table of Contents
Junk Ditch Brewing Company
Junk Ditch, located in the old Korte Paper Company warehouse, is a delightful and unique establishment that offers indoor and outdoor seating. Prepare to be enthralled by this charming eatery’s eclectic cuisine and globally-inspired dishes.
A commitment to culinary excellence is evident at Junk Ditch, as everything is made from scratch using top-notch ingredients. Begin your culinary journey with the indulgent Junk Ditch fries, accompanied by a delectable sambal and garlic aioli, all for $6.
For an unforgettable experience, savor the Chuck Roast Gnocchi. This masterpiece features ricotta gnocchi, Gojuchang, scallions, and a perfectly slow-cooked egg.
Junk Ditch is proud to offer a highly acclaimed weekend brunch (10 AM to 4 PM) and is open Wednesday through Friday for lunch and Tuesday through Sunday for dinner.
Tolon
Tolon is an industrial-chic farm-to-table restaurant renowned for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, curated craft cocktails, and seasonal ingredients. With its inviting ambiance, Tolon beckons visitors to return time and time again. Spearheading this delightful eatery is Chef Matthew Nolot, the mastermind behind its culinary creations.
When it comes to delectable starters, Tolon offers brilliant creations. The crispy Brussels sprouts and duck fat frites with basil aioli are particularly noteworthy. For dinner, patrons can indulge in the Classic Coq Au Vin or savor the Bacon Cheeseburger topped with a perfect bacon jam.
The culinary experience at Tolon is truly delightful. You’ll want to save room for dinner at this restaurant.
The Hoppy Gnome
The Hoppy Gnome, a clever nod to the art of brewing, is a contemporary gastropub in the heart of Fort Wayne. Their menu is meticulously crafted using fresh and locally sourced ingredients and boasts an impressive array of tasty offerings.
Hoppy Gnome makes some fantastic tacos. The Cauliflower taco, with creamy guac and chili glaze, is an exceptional choice. Equally enticing is the meatball taco, featuring a perfect balance of lemongrass, red curry mayo, and a refreshing mango slaw.
For those seeking a distinctly original experience, The Hoppy Gnome offers the opportunity to brew your very own beer on-premises at their exclusive BOP (brew on-premises) facility. Whether you bottle or keg your creation, the brewing process promises to be a memorable endeavor—a perfect gift option for beer lovers.
In addition to an impressive selection of 40 beers on tap, including their handcrafted brews, The Hoppy Gnome also boasts a curated wine list, enticing sangrias, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Proximo
Proximo stands out as one of the most exquisite eateries in Fort Wayne. With remarkable cuisine, attentive service, and a wide range of menu options, Proximo is a haven for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Proximo fuses Latin flavors from Spain, Cuba, and Colombia to create a unique blend of dishes.
I was at Proximo for a food sampling. I feasted on Chilaquiles, French Toast with macerated berries and pecans, and the Carnita Benedict, with braised pork on a cornbread base. They were all fantastic!
I tried Steak and Eggs for the first time—a traditional Midwestern breakfast dish. The steak (with chipotle demi-glaze) was amazingly tender and well-seasoned, complimenting the gorgeous fried eggs. Make sure to order a side of Sweet Pepper Bacon. Yum!
816 Pint & Slice
816 Pint and Slice in Fort Wayne goes beyond being a pizza joint. Not only do they serve Fort Wayne’s favorite pizza, but they also offer a variety of other delights like lip-smacking grinders, calzones (buffalo chicken, please!), and salads. If you’re craving a slice of New York-style pizza, look no further! 816 Pint and Slice has classic options and daily specials like the mouthwatering Greeeen topped with bacon, chicken, pesto sauce, and ranch.
The quality of their pizza goes beyond the delicious taste of their crust (also deep dish and gluten-free options), which is almost cracker-like and remarkably sturdy, perfectly supporting the generous amount of toppings. But it doesn’t stop there – the menu boasts Build-Your-Own wraps, pasta, calzones, and grinders. A slice of cheese pizza will run you $3.50, and specialty slices are $4.95.
As you enjoy your meal, kick back and watch some fun movies on TVs throughout the place. I savored every bite, wanting my slice of pizza to last so I could soak up the relaxed atmosphere a bit longer.
Nawa
A mainstay on The Landing is Nawa, a beautiful Asian restaurant with special lunch pricing, rice bowls, wok dishes, beer, and wine.
For lunch, indulge in Nawa’s curry dishes, boasting flavors like Green, Panang, and Massaman, accompanied by your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, pork, beef, shrimp, or seafood). I highly recommend the Massaman Curry, paired with fragrant Jasmine rice. The explosion of flavors is remarkable.
Nawa allows you to pick your spice level. Lunch is served at Nawa from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with most prices $12 to $13. As for beverages, Nawa offers sake, beer, wine, cider, and an extensive cocktail menu. I always have Thai tea at Asian restaurants, and Nawa’s does not disappoint.
Dash In
Dash In offers a delightful dining experience, boasting a laid-back atmosphere and an enticing menu. Indulge in the delectable grilled cheese selection, complemented by 20+ craft beers and ciders on tap. Whether you are craving pulled pork, pub burgers, or red pepper chicken, Dash In serves comforting dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I loved the breakfast sandwich with spinach, tomato, Cheddar, Canadian bacon, fried egg, and herbed cream cheese. Yum! They also have traditional breakfast plates with eggs cooked to order, your choice of breakfast meat and bread.
Additionally, the restaurant provides a wide array of beverages, including barista specials like macchiatos, Vietnamese coffees, and lattes, as well as refreshing smoothies, teas, and shakes, not to mention an impressive wine selection.
Hop River Brewing Company
Hop River Brewing, a prominent microbrewery and taproom in the heart of Fort Wayne, offers an exceptional dining experience and excellent brews. Enjoy a customized flight of your four preferred beers, or entrust the friendly staff to curate a selection.
The brewery also caters to vegan and vegetarian preferences with a menu that promises a positive culinary journey. I had the mouthwatering Vegan Sloppy Joe, lovingly garnished with mustard vinegar slaw. Its flavors were exceptional!
Hop River has a family-friendly atmosphere with board games, pinball machines, and many other signature calendar events, like Tuesday Trivia Night and Sunday Singo (music bingo).
Copper Spoon
At the heart of Fort Wayne’s culinary scene is Copper Spoon, a sophisticated dining establishment captivating guests with its prohibition-style cocktails and Chef-inspired menu. The craft cocktail selection, meticulously crafted with carefully curated ingredients, alcohol content, and unique flavors, will undoubtedly astound you.
The menu goes above and beyond, suggesting new cocktails based on your preferences. If cocktails aren’t to your liking, fear not, as Copper Spoon also boasts an exceptional wine menu.
Start your dining experience at Copper Spoon with the lovely Pimento Cheese Board, featuring a delectable combination of baguette, cornichons, and pickled onion. I tried my first cornichon at Copper Spoon—a delightful and tangy French pickle. How did I overlook this yummy delicacy for the past five decades?
I recommend the Ribeye with chorizo butter or the Grilled Salmon for the main course. Both showcase the culinary expertise and attention to detail that separates Copper Spoon. And, of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Indulge in the heavenly Chocolate Torte with fresh berries—a sweet conclusion to a remarkable dining experience.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
DeBrand Fine Chocolates is a true gem nestled in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. This exceptional candy store exudes opulence and offers a delightful assortment of decadent creations, exquisite gifts, and irresistible desserts.
With multiple locations, one of them being a charming dessert cafe, DeBrand provides a serene ambiance where you can relish the finest chocolates, indulge in delectable ice cream, and savor mouth-watering desserts.
Immerse yourself in the luxury of the 10105 Auburn Park Drive corporate headquarters, where you can bask in the heavenly essence of their confectionary delights. Signature collections from DeBrand include the truffle, classic, and connoisseur.
If you find it hard to choose among their tantalizing offerings, allow me to suggest a few personal favorites: Passion, Key Lime Pecan truffle, and Dark Raspberry Cream.
Don Chava’s Mexican Grill
Don Chava’s in a part of Fort Wayne that was new to me. Serving excellent Mexican food, margaritas (lime, mango, peach, strawberry, or raspberry), and Fried ice cream, you certainly won’t leave hungry from this festive grill. Don Chavas has quite an impressive amount of seafood options on the menu, not just the typical entrees. The huge lunch and dinner crowds tell you this eatery is a Fort Wayne favorite.
Don’s Arroz Con Pollo was delicious—a grilled chicken breast over Spanish rice covered in creamy queso dip. The chips and salsa were endless and 10/10 tasty.
Zesto Ice Cream
Zesto, an adorable retro ice cream stand, delights customers with its classic frozen custard cones and sundaes. While the butterscotch-dipped cone is my favorite, the menu also boasts malts, razzles (their creative version of a Blizzard), chili dogs, barbecue, and slushes. Furthermore, where else could you indulge in a delectable banana split for around $5?
This nostalgic corner spot serves as an Instagram-worthy location and a testament to a business that has thrived for 50 years in Fort Wayne. I was drawn not only by the cool signage but also by the delectable treats on offer.
Rise ‘n Roll Bakery
This Amish bakery is one of the best restaurants in Fort Wayne that will make you happy to wake up early for breakfast. From the delicious “Amish crack” donuts (sugared cinnamon cake) to the Bismarcks, muffins, homemade bread, and other baked goods, everything is sinfully delicious at Rise ‘n Roll Bakery.
My favorite creation of theirs is a rolled sausage, cheese, and egg slice drenched with sausage gravy. It is tasty and original, too!
Casa Ristoranti
Casa Ristoranti, a beloved Italian eatery in Fort Wayne (or any of the other three restaurants owned by the same family), offers a delightful array of exquisite Italian dishes. From appetizers like Toasted Ravioli, Bruschetta, and Polpette (succulent housemade meatballs in a Parmesan cheese-topped meat sauce) to indulgent desserts and family-style suppers — they have it all.
When choosing the main course, the options at Casa Ristoranti are almost endless. You can savor anything from steaks and wood-oven pizzas to sandwiches and classic pasta dishes. However, one standout is the Petto di Pollo al Palermo, a breaded chicken breast sautéed in a flavorful lemon white wine sauce, complemented by peas and mushrooms.
Eat what you will, but don’t miss the sensational house salad with signature dressing.
Fort Wayne Famous Coney Island
The residents of Fort Wayne have a deep affection for their cherished hole-in-the-wall hot dog establishment. Here, patrons can relish the experience of observing the preparation and cooking of the beloved coney dogs. Whether seated at the counter or one of the full-service tables, the setting remains reminiscent of Coney Island in the 1910s.
Guests can indulge in a hearty bowl of “chili soup” or savor the iconic Coney Island Hot Dog, the shop’s signature dish.
What precisely is a Coney Island dog? It begins with a perfectly steamed bun cradling a grilled wiener, complemented by mustard, house-made coney sauce (chili), and diced onions. And the flavors? Exquisite. While personally, I favor the Skyline chili cheese dog; I am aware of the distinction between Indiana and Cincinnati chili.
Mmm, Mmm, Good Fort Wayne
This list will hopefully ignite your desire to visit Fort Wayne, Indiana, or indulge in its culinary delights. As someone fortunate enough to explore incredible dishes and support local establishments like these, I have the best job in the world. Thank you, Fort Wayne, for the warm welcome.
I’d love to know which restaurant you adore that I may have overlooked here.
Pin This Post For Later!
Read more about the Midwest in these posts: