Top Restaurants in Valparaiso, Indiana

Valparaiso has many things to offer visitors – but one thing Valparaiso excels at is a excellent food selection. We’re unique, compared to other Towns in Northwest Indiana in the variety of reastuarants our fine city has to offer. I’ve eaten at them all and here’s my top list of places to dine in Valparaiso.

1. Kelsey’s Steak House

What red blooded American man doesn’t love a good steak? Well, Kelsey’s has the best steaks in Northwest Indiana by far. I recommend the New York Strip – delicious! It has a nice atmosphere and you can even watch the cooks in the kitchen at work through a window. Very cool.

Website and directions here.

2. Pikk’s Tavern

One of Downtown Valparaiso’s newer restaurants – it’s a place that defies classification. There is something for everyone and all the food is made fresh with no frozen foods. They have an excellent bar and drink selection and the atmosphere is incredible. It’s located in a recently restored old brick building and it feels like dining in an old restaurant in Chicago. I recommend the broasted half chicken.

Website and directions here.

3. Don Quijote

Northern Indiana’s only authentic Spanish style restaurant. While there are plenty of Mexican places in town – Don Quijiote is NOT Mexican cuisine – it specializes in authentic Spanish dishes from the old world all cooked by a kindly Spaniard. If you love the food – they also have a shop where you can buy some of the specialist foods they prepare.

Website and directions here.

4. ZaZa

The best authentic Italian in town. Made by a real Italian in the kitchen, the food is mouthwateringly fantastic. Located on the North side of town, ZaZa has a nice atmosphere and a welcoming dining room. Great drinks menu and a wide ranging, authentic Italian Menu.

Website and directions here.

5. Bistro 157

This is another restaurant that’s hard to classify – they pride themselves in offering Americanized dishes based on French and Asian cooking. The result is a fantastic panoply of delicious meals. I highly recommend the Kobe Beef hamburgers – best you’ll ever have.

Website and directions here.

There is also an excellent selection of chain restaurants in town if neither of these places pick your fancy such as Red Robin, Schoop’s Hamburgers, Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays and countless others.

Bon Apetit!