Brian Nagele
Located in Northeastern Indiana, Fort Wayne is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest.
With dozens of museums like the Fort Wayne Air Museum and Fort Wayne Museum of Art, a bustling downtown scene, and ample outdoor spaces, Fort Wayne is a must-see city.
In between all the exciting things you have planned for when you visit Fort Wayne, choosing the restaurants you want to eat at can help make your trip go smoother.
The good news is that Fort Wayne is filled with restaurants of all kinds. From seafood to steaks to casual American fare, there’s a restaurant for everyone here.
Best Restaurants in Fort Wayne
Check out the best restaurants in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Cork’ N Cleaver Steak & Seafood
221 E Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-484-7772
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Cork’ N Cleaver Steak & Seafood is a local steakhouse in Fort Wayne in the Northcrest neighborhood.
It looks unassuming from the outside, but once you’re inside, you’re greeted by a cozy environment perfect for date night, with amazing staff that knows everything about their menu.
This steakhouse is famous for its salad bar, so you’ll want to partake in that no matter what you order. They have a handful of steak cuts, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options.
I love their coffee-crusted ribeye with sun rice. If you want an appetizer, their bacon-wrapped artichoke hearts are a must-try when you’re here.
Baker Street Steakhouse
4820 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-484-3300
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Just a few minutes up the road from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is Baker Street Steakhouse.
It has classic steakhouse vibes with intimate booths, mood lighting, and staff that make you feel like the most important person in the room. It’s a popular spot for celebrating important life moments in Fort Wayne.
The food here is a classic American steakhouse. They have a vast menu with something for everyone.
Some popular items are their Asian prime rib tacos, lobster crowned filets, and the ahi tuna salad.
No matter what you order, you must save room for dessert and try their apple butter spice cake.
Coney Island
131 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-424-2997
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Coney Island is in the heart of Fort Wayne on Main Street, just a short walk from the Fort Wayne History Center.
This iconic restaurant opened in 1914 and is a staple within the community. It’s a casual restaurant, but it’s almost always packed with hungry locals and visitors.
As the name suggests, Coney Island is known for its coney dogs. I highly recommend you order their Coney Island hot dog when you’re here because the special, homemade coney sauce is the best.
Besides their coney dogs, they have hamburgers and chili, which are also delicious.
Paula’s On Main
1732 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-424-2300
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Paula’s On Main is just west of Downtown Fort Wayne, across the St. Mary’s River. This beautiful restaurant has plenty of natural light, tables with white linen tablecloths, and a great atmosphere.
It’s perfect for a quick bite or to celebrate something special while you’re in Fort Wayne.
You can only eat here for dinner, but their menu is worth it. It’s filled with appetizers, large entrees, desserts, and great drinks. It’s mainly a seafood restaurant, but they have non-seafood options too.
I love their Thai grouper and shrimp scampi the best, but other popular dishes are their crabcakes and perch piccata.
Oyster Bar
1830 Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-744-9490
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Oyster Bar is less than a mile from Downtown Fort Wayne and Promenade Park. The restaurant looks like it’s in an old house, but don’t let that fool you.
Oyster Bar has been around since 1888, so it means a lot to Fort Wayne residents. It has a comfortable atmosphere, and I love how laid-back it is.
This is another widely popular seafood joint in the city, but they also have options for those who don’t want seafood.
The smoked salmon starter is great for sharing and enjoying a cocktail while you choose your entree. I love their fresh oysters and the triggerfish pasta the most, but you can’t go wrong with anything here.
Chop’s Steak & Seafood
6421 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-436-9115
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You’ll need to head to Wilmarbee to find Chop’s Steak & Seafood. It’s in a plaza with other restaurants, but it’s still one of the best steakhouses in the city.
Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by warm fireplaces, dim lighting, and the aroma of delicious food.
The menu here is filled with great steaks, pork chops, burgers, pasta, and seafood. There’s much to choose from, so choosing my favorite is difficult.
I recommend trying the apple pork chops, grilled hanger steak, seafood manicotti, and their fish and chips. If you love wine, then be sure to ask your server for a glass that will pair well with whatever you order.
Junk Ditch Brewing Company
1825 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-203-4045
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Junk Ditch Brewing Company is on West Main Street, near the Nebraska neighborhood of Fort Wayne.
The brewery is in a large brick building and is exactly what you’d expect a brewery to look and feel like. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat when you want a casual and fun environment.
I love that they’re open for brunch on weekends, lunch, and dinner. You have to try a flight of their beer no matter what you order for food.
Their food is American, with options like burgers, ramen, and small plates to munch on. I recommend their salmon dip and fried chicken sandwich.
Cindy’s Diner
230 W Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-422-1957
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The perfect spot for breakfast in Fort Wayne is Cindy’s Diner. It’s on Berry Street in the heart of Downtown Fort Wayne.
It’s an old-school diner with a comfortable atmosphere. It’s almost always crowded because the food and staff are excellent.
Cindy’s Diner’s menu features all your classic diner breakfast and lunch items. I always love popping in here for breakfast and ordering a traditional option with two eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast.
If you prefer something sweet, they have homemade donuts almost every day that are mouthwatering.
Copper Spoon
301 W Jefferson Blvd #100, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-755-1019
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If you’re in the mood for New American cuisine, then Copper Spoon is the restaurant to be. It’s right in front of Parkview Field and a short walk to other bars and restaurants.
This elegant restaurant is chic and has a great patio that is my favorite spot to sit when the weather is nice.
Copper Spoon has delicious menu items that range from steaks to salads to everything in between. I recommend coming here for a three-course meal because everything is so delicious.
I start with the mahi mahi ceviche, have the ricotta gnocchi for an entree, and finish with the vanilla cheesecake.
The Hoppy Gnome
203 E Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-422-0070
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The Hoppy Gnome is an excellent gastropub on East Berry Street near the Fort Wayne Courthouse.
It has huge windows that allow for plenty of natural light and a bustling atmosphere, and it is a great place to meet new people and get a sense of how Fort Wayne really is.
If you’re traveling with kids, this restaurant is great because they have a separate kids’ menu. The food here is New American, with classic and elegant options.
They have a little of everything, but I love their duck mole, crispy pork belly, and tofu tacos. The local beers are a great option for those who enjoy a cold drink with their meal.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
4010 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-459-6700
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I typically prefer local restaurants when traveling, but Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is a great chain restaurant in Fort Wayne.
You’ll find it on West Jefferson Boulevard near the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center. The restaurant is large, welcoming, and resembles a more modern, family Italian restaurant.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano has a seasonal menu, so I suggest looking at those first. Besides their seasonal options, some of the best menu items are fried ravioli, braised short rib ravioli, and farfalle alfredo.
They have a few pizza recipes to choose from, too, which is always a great option.
Don Hall’s Gas House & The Deck
305 E Superior St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-426-3411
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Don Hall’s Gas House and The Deck is on East Superior Street. It’s right along the river and less than half a mile from Headwaters Park.
This top-tier restaurant is in an old gas house, and despite being known for its swankiness, it’s still a welcoming spot to enjoy a meal at when you’re in Downtown Fort Wayne.
The menu here features all your steakhouse favorites. I’m a big fan of their surf and turf, jambalaya risotto, and Icelandic cod.
All their entrees are delicious, but their side dishes are top-notch. I can’t visit here without ordering their baked mac and cheese or creamed spinach.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
224 W Wayne St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-444-5898
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You’ll find Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Downtown Fort Wayne, near the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center.
This is where you go when you want to treat yourself to a really nice meal and a bottle of wine. The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, and you’ll want to make a reservation rather than just walk in.
The menu at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has a variety of steak cuts, seafood, other entrees, appetizers, and amazing desserts.
I enjoy sharing a bottle of wine with whoever I’m dining with, but their cocktails are excellent too. My favorite dish here is their classic cut filet with garlic mashed potatoes.
Sara’s Family Restaurant
5792 Coventry Ln, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-436-4185
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You’ll need to drive about 15 minutes southwest of the city center of Fort Wayne to get to Sara’s Family Restaurant, but I promise it’s worth it.
The restaurant is homey and has plenty of patriotic decorations to go around. It’s the perfect combination of a classic diner and family restaurant atmosphere.
Sara’s Family Restaurant features dishes on its menu like chicken tenders, spaghetti, sandwiches, and classic breakfast items.
I’ve had the pleasure of eating here several times, and my top choices to order are their southwest breakfast burrito, fried green tomatoes, and country-fried steak. Be sure to ask about their daily specials!
Catablu Grille
6372 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-456-6563
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Catablu Grille is near Sara’s Family Restaurant in the Covington Shopping Plaza. The restaurant has a contemporary and modern vibe and decor.
I love the unique artwork, bright color walls, and overall exciting atmosphere of the restaurant.
The menu here is a little eclectic and has a variety of different things. They have steak, seafood, chicken, and more.
The spiced grouper sandwich is one of my favorite things on their menu, but their apple blueberry salad and chicken piccata are delicious too. The lemon feta dip is the perfect starter if you want an appetizer.
Conner’s Rooftop
223 W Jefferson Blvd Ste 750, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-702-0348
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There’s something about a great rooftop restaurant and bar, and Conner’s Rooftop is the best in Fort Wayne.
Conner’s Rooftop is in Downtown Fort Wayne, next to Parkview Field. They have a small indoor section, but for the best experience, you’ll want to get a seat outside so you can take in the city’s views and fresh air.
Conner’s Rooftop is the place you go when you want handcrafted cocktails and more snack-type dishes rather than a large meal.
I love getting an espresso martini here, and as for the food, the black truffle chips, stuffed jalapenos, and sweet sriracha smoked wings are my top choices.
Conner’s Kitchen + Bar
1150 S Harrison St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-467-1638
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Conner’s Kitchen and Bar is right next door to Conner’s Rooftop. Both joints have the same owner so you can expect the same level of elegance and a welcoming atmosphere at Conner’s Kitchen and Bar. This bright restaurant has beautiful decor that’s modern and cozy.
The food here is a combination of classic American comfort food but with elevated touches. I love their deviled eggs and lump crab hushpuppies as starters.
The rest of the menu features options like fried chicken, burgers, fresh salads, and enchiladas. Whatever you order, be sure to look at their cocktail menu because they’re delicious and pretty to look at.
Black Canyon
1509 W Dupont Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-203-5900
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You’ll need to drive about eight miles north to Black Canyon from Downtown Fort Wayne.
This restaurant is one of the coolest because when you walk in and look at the bar, it has modern touches, but the top looks like it’s carved out of a canyon.
It’s the perfect restaurant when you want a slightly fancy spot but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars.
Black Canyon’s menu features American and Asian cuisine. I always recommend people start with Tex-Mex egg rolls or sashimi.
Some other menu items I love here are their blackened salmon salad and bison burger.
Eddie Merlot’s
1502 Illinois Rd S, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-459-2222
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Eddie Merlot’s is on Illinois Road near the Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center. This steakhouse is chic and often sees people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other life events.
The atmosphere is sophisticated and offers people a reason to get all dressed up for a meal.
The menu here is filled with seafood, steak, and other delicious options. The chilled appetizer platter is the best for sharing because it comes with oysters, shrimp cocktails, and ahi tuna.
A few other popular dishes here include the lemon-dijon chicken, the medallions trio, and bison ribeye.
Don Hall’s Factory Restaurant
5811 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-484-8693
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Don Hall’s Factory Restaurant is surrounded by old factories, which is the type of building the restaurant is in.
They’ve done a beautiful job remodeling the building because you’d never know it used to be a factor with all the plants, lighting, and the patio outside.
The menu here has salads, steaks, sandwiches, and seafood that’s worth trying.
It’s hard to choose the best menu items here, but if I had to pick, my favorites would be the prime rib sandwich, the twin lobster tails, and poutine as a starter.
Hall’s Tavern at Coventry
5745 Coventry Ln, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-459-2222
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Hall’s Tavern at Coventry is a restaurant in an old-school building on Coventry Lane. It almost looks like a pub outside, but it’s more than just a bar.
The restaurant has a classic and comfortable American restaurant vibe and is even family-friendly.
The food at Hall’s Tavern is more like elevated bar food. If you pop into this restaurant, you can’t leave without trying their patty melt.
Other popular items here are their French dip, chicken sandwich, and cheesy French onion soup.
Salvatori’s Fort Wayne North
717 W Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-755-0130
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There are a few Salvatori’s in Fort Wayne, but the one on West Washington Center Road is in a prime location.
It’s near the Pufferbelly Trail Head and is only a few minutes north of Downtown Fort Wayne. As an Italian restaurant, it has a cozy atmosphere and features classic Italian decor.
You’ll find all your favorite Italian dishes at Salvatori’s. Most people enjoy ordering delicious pizzas because they’re great for sharing with friends.
They’re great, but I always prefer to order the rigatoni and sausage with their homemade breadsticks.
