Eating in downtown Fort Wayne is a treat and there are plenty of options if you know where to find them. Tucked on side streets are small cafés, pizzerias, pub-style restaurants and fine dining. Here are Fort Wayne’s best downtown dining options.
The Best Downtown Dining in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Arbor
Located in The Bradley Hotel, the divine dishes are described as the "culinary heartbeat of the hotel." Try some Utopian Coffee or their Grown-Up Grilled Cheese during your stay in Fort Wayne. Located at 204 W Main St.
Big Apple Pizza
True New York-style pizza awaits! Order by the slice or get the full pie to share. A side of garlic knots pairs perfectly. Located at 120 W. Wayne St.
Birdie's Rooftop
A comfortable and cute rooftop bar atop the Bradley Hotel for bites and cocktails! Great for those 21+. Located at 204 W Main St.
Bistro Nota
Enjoy fresh takes on Midwestern cuisine with French cooking techniques! Find the perfect wine to pair with delicious small plates and entrees. Located at 620 S. Calhoun St.
Burger Bar
Known for its classic American cuisine, Burger Bar serves delicious hamburgers, fries, shakes, and more. Located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Cindy's Diner
A classic, '50s diner serving 15 people at a time featuring breakfast served anytime. Located at 230 W. Berry St.
Club Soda
Club Soda, an upscale downtown Fort Wayne favorite, is known for outstanding steaks, cool jazz, and cocktails crafted to perfection. Enjoy a wonderful fine dining experience with indoor or outdoor seating. Located at 235 E. Superior St.
Coney Island
Coney Island is one of Fort Wayne’s classic restaurants, serving up their famous coney dogs since 1914 in this historic gem. Located at 131 W. Main St.
Conner's Kitchen and Bar
With menu items like Chicken and Waffles and the Philly Cheese Steak, you can enjoy great food for a great price! After a TinCaps Baseball game or an Embassy Theatre performance, head to Conner's for a bite to eat! Located at 1150 S. Harrison St.
Conner's Rooftop
Conner's Rooftop is a favorite for those 21+. The drinks are incredible and pair well with small plates and snacks on the menu. Adding to the experience, the rooftop bar overlooks Parkview Field, home to the TinCaps, Fort Wayne's Minor League Baseball team! Enjoy whimsical lighting, outdoor fire pits, and unbeatable views of downtown. Located at the top of the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown, at 223 W Jefferson Blvd.
Copper Spoon
Check out Copper Spoon's nationally recognized bar program for a seasonal cocktail or something else from their extensive drink list. They also offer a great lineup of non-alcoholic mixed drinks! Stay for dinner, a fresh take on locally sourced American food. From the #1 ranked steak in Fort Wayne to the giant Baron burger there is something on the menu for everyone. Located beside Parkview Field at 301 W Jefferson Blvd. Must be 21 to enter.
Dana's & Night Train
Visit Dana's on The Landing for quality cocktails and French brasserie-style food in an elevated atmosphere. Then, head downstairs to Night Train, an underground bar open until 3am! Located at 135 W. Columbia St.
Dash-In
The Dash-In features excellent house-made soups and sandwiches along with over 50 craft brews and locally-roasted coffee in an eclectic environment. Located at 814 South Calhoun St.
Don Hall's Gas House & Takaoka of Japan
Located at 305 E. Superior Street, Hall's Gas House and Takaoka of Japan are two separate dining establishments in one location. Head upstairs to Takaoka of Japan and enjoy the personalized experience of having your meal prepared on a hibachi grill. Or, grab a table at Don Hall's Gas House and enjoy their classic cuisine like the prime rib, seafood, or their Cajun specialties.
GK Cafe & Provisions
A local favorite among Fort Wayne residents, GK features scrumptious baked goods, an all-day cafe, and specialty beverages. Located at 202 W. Berry St.
Hall's Deck
Outdoor dining at its finest! Open in spring, summer, and fall, The Deck is one of Fort Wayne's most popular riverside dining spots with a full menu and bar. Located at 305 E. Superior St.
Henry's
A local favorite serving exquisite martinis alongside tasty dishes. 21+. Located at 536 West Main St.
Hoppy Gnome
Be sure to stop at the Hoppy Gnome for a glass of local drafts alongside gourmet tacos and entrees. Located at 203 E. Berry St.
J.K O’Donnell's
An Irish Pub in the heart of Fort Wayne serving traditional Irish fare and brews. The main pub area is 21+, while Belleek Hall seating is all ages. Or check out The Pitch, the outdoor, soccer-themed space out back (all-ages) with a great lineup of pub eats and drinks. Located at 121 W Wayne St.
Junk Ditch Brewing Company
Enjoy handcrafted beer with some of their fresh and local creative dishes! Located at 1825 W. Main St.
Kanela
Grab an acai bowl, muffin, and a blended drink at this downtown cafe. Located at 618 S. Harrison St.
Mad Anthony Brewing Company
With national award-winning beers, craft cocktails, and live music enjoy a family-friendly meal at Mad Anthony's. Be sure to try out their great pizza or any of their delicious menu items. Located at 2002 Broadway.
Marquee at The Landing
The menu at this chef-driven restaurant features creative takes on seafood, steaks, and delicious poutine options that are too good not to try! Located at 123 W. Columbia St.
Mercado
Your downtown destination for Cali-Mex cuisine in a cool, eclectic atmosphere! Enjoy a taste of the west coast with everything from Queso Fundido and Elote Oysters to delicious, fun takes on tacos and burritos. Check out Mercado's bar program, which focuses on Agave spirits that take you on a journey through Mexico. Be sure to try the tasting flights! Discover Mercado on The Landing at 111 W. Columbia St.
Nawa
Enjoy fine dining and Asian fusion cuisine at Nawa, located on Fort Wayne’s historic Landing. Take a seat for lunch, dinner, or drinks at this restaurant offering a "diverse fusion of tastes and beverages with far Eastern influences." Located at 126 W. Columbia St.
The Oyster Bar
Since opening in 1888, the Oyster Bar has served up some of Fort Wayne's most legendary fine dining. A short walk from downtown, expect great seafood and steaks! Located at 1830 S. Calhoun St.
Papi's Pizza
'90s vibes and delicious bites await. Enjoy pizza by the slice, full Sicilian-style or classic pizzas, plus wings and other great sides. Located on The Landing at 111 W. Columbia St.
Paula's on Main
Enjoy lobster, oyster on the half shell, fresh-cut steak, chowder, and more! Enjoy the great food on Paula's menu and then shop their seafood market to try your take at home. Located at 1732 W. Main St.
816 Pint and Slice
If you're hungry for pizza, 816 Pint and Slice offers excellent pizzas in the heart of downtown. Pint and Slice is located at 816 Calhoun Street.
Powers Hamburgers
Grab a stool, and enjoy slider-style hamburgers and old-fashioned bites like some of their chili and great shakes! Located at 1402 S. Harrison St.
Proof
A unique dining experience that combines the best of American cuisine with a modern twist. Located at 1915 S. Calhoun St.
Proximo
Proximo is your destination Latin-themed fare. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Proximo is the perfect downtown restaurant at any time of day. Enjoy carnitas benedict for breakfast, tortas for lunch, and a wonderful entree like Salmon Succotash for dinner! Located at 898 S Harrison St.
Ruth's Chris
For a fine dining experience in downtown Fort Wayne, make a reservation at Ruth's Chris. Serving lunch on Fridays and dinner every night, celebrate your special occasion with some of the best steak and seafood options including ribeyes, Lobster tail, and much more! Enjoy dinner, happy hour, or a sip of their signature cocktails. Located at 224 W Wayne St.
Shigs in Pit
If you're on the hunt for some great barbeque in Fort Wayne, you need to check out Shigs in Pit! From St. Louis-style ribs to flavorful chopped chicken, Shigs in Pit serves just about everything barbeque-related — all served with their own competition-quality barbeque sauce. And, don't forget about their homemade side dishes! Located at 2008 Fairfield Avenue.
Tolon
As Fort Wayne's original farm-to-fork restaurant, you can expect to experience the best in seasonal local ingredients. Located at 614 S. Harrison St.
Union Street Market
For the group that can't decide what food they want, Union Street Market is perfect. Located inside Electric Works, this food hall carries all varieties of cuisine — from Italian to Middle Eastern, Korean to Mexican, and even boozy ice cream. Located at 1620 Broadway, inside Electric Works.
Other dining options in downtown Fort Wayne:
- Chapman's Brewing Co. at Electric Works
- Conjure Coffee
- Davey's Delicious Bagels and Coffee
- Double Dragon
- Elijah's Restaurant and Bakery
- Fortezza Coffee
- Features at The Hilton
- Hop River Brewing Company
- Kilwins
- King Gyros
- Lincoln Tower Soda Fountain
- Los Patios Mexican Restaurant
- Ophelia's
- Penny Drip
- Poptique
- Revitalize
- Saisaki
- Sweets on Main
- Tall Rabbit Cafe and Community
- teds Snack + Bar — located at Promenade Park!
- Utopian Coffee and Kitchen
- Zinnia's Bakehouse
This post was updated in June 2024.