Dinner out with your special someone is always something to celebrate. Fort Wayne has some stellar locations for fine dining, no matter what cuisine strikes your fancy. Here are some newer locations and tried-and-true favorites that will make your special occasion even more memorable. Pick your destination, and then find an event or activity nearby to plan the perfect romantic outing.
BakerStreet
Category: Fine Dining, American
A locally-owned favorite, BakerStreet serves some of the finest foods, from savory lunches to delicious dinners, and decadent desserts and drinks.
Nearby: Purdue Fort Wayne, Memorial Coliseum
Black Canyon
Category: Casual and Fine Dining, American
Taste food prepared on a wood-fired grill. With tasty selections and inventive recipes, Black Canyon is a fine dining destination.
Nearby: Dupont Road activities, Fort Wayne Trails
Casa Restaurants
Category: Casual and Family Dining, Italian
This local favorite serves all corners of the city with 4 locations. The legendary Casaburo salad is worth the trip, and you can choose from a wide variety on their extensive menu.
Nearby: Varies by location: Casa! Ristorante (Southwest); Casa Grille (Dupont Road); Casa Ristorante Italiano (Coliseum Area); Casa Grille Italiano (Maplecrest)
Chance Bar
Category: Fine Dining, American
Opened in 2020, this neighborhood eatery offers an intimate dining room with unique menu creations, rotating seasonally based on local ingredient availability.
Nearby: Foster Park, Clyde Theatre
Club Soda
Category: Fine Dining, Cocktails, American
This downtown hotspot is a favorite for lovers of gourmet food and drinks. It's also a hip jazz and music clubs with live entertainment.
Nearby: Headwaters Park, Downtown Entertainment
Copper Spoon
Category: Fine Dining, Cocktails, New American
With award-winning mixologists and chefs, this restaurant is a favorite for farm-fresh ingredients in surprising combinations. The drink menu is legendary.
Nearby: Parkview Field, Embassy Theatre, Grand Wayne Convention Center
Cork 'N' Cleaver
Category: Fine Dining, Group Dining, Cocktails, American
A Fort Wayne favorite for decades, "Cork" offers fantastic flavors. Not just wine and steak, as the name would imply, but several dishes, including fantastic seafood.
Nearby: Coldwater Road and Coliseum Blvd. Shopping
Eddie Merlot's
Category: Fine Dining, American
Specializing in prime aged beef, seafood, and cocktails, Eddies is a perfect destination for after-work drinks, or a special occasion. The comfy seating and tasty dishes offer a memorable dining experience.
Nearby: Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center
Marquee at The Landing
Category: Fine Dining, American
Marquee's scratch kitchen features local ingredients in each of its creative dishes. From delicious seafood and steak to the must-try poutine options, the menu offers something unique for every palate. This cool spot on The Landing downtown is great for your next date night.
Nearby: Promenade Park, The Landing, The Bradley Hotel, Downtown Entertainment
Nawa Inspired Asian Cuisine
This Asian fusion specializes in Thai and curry dishes, but is also a popular spot for cocktails. The mixologists take their work seriously, with specialty potent potables.
Nearby: Promenade Park, The Landing, Downtown Entertainment
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Category: Fine Dining, American
The beloved franchise made its mark a few years ago in downtown Fort Wayne. The deluxe dining room comes with all the legendary luxuries Ruth's Chris fans find at locations in much larger cities. The convenience of their location means a short drive for sizzling steaks and seafood.
Nearby: Downtown Attractions & Entertainment
Saisaki
Category: Fine dining, Asian Fusion
A new spot on Main Street, this restaurant offers a wide variety. From Japanese and Thai, to sushi and cocktails.
Nearby: Arts Campus, Downtown Entertainment
Takaoka of Japan
Category: Family and Fine dining, Japanese
This was one of the first Japanese restaurants in Fort Wayne. A favorite for generations of families, Takaoka's legendary hibachi chefs are their own form of entertainment. And the food keeps crowds coming back. Located above another Fort Wayne favorite, Don Hall's Gas House.
Nearby: Headwaters Park, Downtown entertainment.
Tolon
Category: Fine Dining, American
A unique blend of local ingredients make dining at Tolon a memorable experience. Add in craft cocktails and delicious desserts for a treasured dining experience.
Nearby: Promenade Park, The Landing, Downtown Entertainment
Trolley Steaks & Seafood
Category: Casual and Fine Dining, American
Originally opened as the Palm Gardens in 1890, the Trolley Bar has gone through many changes. Now located off Dupont Road near the Interstate 69 exit, this spacious restaurant can accommodate large parties, or couples looking to celebrate special occasions.
Nearby: Dupont Road activities
Umi Fort Wayne
Category: Fine Dining, Japanese, Asian Fusion
Umi goes beyond traditional sushi and Japanese fare. The deluxe dinner menu features a full range of favorites. Private dining is also available.
Nearby: Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center
Wu's Fine Chinese Cuisine
Category: Fine Dining, Chinese
Wu's features tasty gourmet Chinese. From genuine classics, to unique favorites, Wu's is a top spot for a little extra spice.
Nearby: Glenbrook Square, Coldwater Road shopping.
Accommodations
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This post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated. Last revised November 2022.