Is there a thunderstorm outside, or is that just our stomachs rumbling? As a Fort Wayne-based roofing company, we love to check out local restaurants in a variety of cuisines, including:
- Asian
- Latin
- American
- Mexican
- And more!
Maumee River Roofing is the go-to roofing company in the region, and when you visit downtown Fort Wayne, trust us locals! Because we know where to find the best restaurants downtown Fort Wayne is known for.
If your stomach is rumbling, too, let us help you find the perfect place to eat. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Fort Wayne or you’re just visiting, we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants downtown Fort Wayne has to offer for you and your loved ones to check out.
Local Favorite Restaurants Downtown Fort Wayne
While there are fantastic restaurants all around Fort Wayne, we’re focusing in on the best ones downtown. The restaurants downtown Fort Wayne is known for include vibrant and full of boutique hotels, beautiful murals, fun shopping, and exciting attractions.
Oh, and delicious restaurants, of course!
Our eight favorite restaurants include:
1) Nawa 🥢
Locals are always buzzing about the amazing food and ambiance at Nawa – Inspired Asian Cuisine. You can’t miss Nawa— it’s located on Harrison St. at the Dock Street Alley. Just look for the bison mural!
Paired with attentive service, the Thai food at Nawa is high-quality and intentional. Sit inside or enjoy a meal outside on the deck in the warmer months. We recommend trying the pineapple fried rice, pork belly bun, or Thai curry noodle soup. If you’re feeling indecisive, go for their curry flight with three different types of curry!
Nawa is a popular dinner spot, but they also offer a fantastic lunch menu.
2) Conner’s Kitchen & Bar 🍗
Is happy hour your thing? Or maybe weekend brunch? Then, the best restaurants downtown Fort Wayne offers is Conner’s Kitchen & Bar.
Elevated comfort food is the name of the game at Conner’s Kitchen & Bar, with standout menu items including:
- Lump Crab Hushpuppies
- Baked Mac & Cheese
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Quinoa Vegetable Chili
And much, much more. Their happy hour runs from 4-6pm every Monday through Thursday with $5 appetizers and a $5 drink of the day. They also have space for group dining for birthdays, work events, and even wedding receptions.
3) Marquee at The Landing 🍽️
Located in the Historic City Center, Marquee at the Landing is an upscale chef-driven restaurant that prioritizes using locally sourced products from nearby farms. The menu changes seasonally, so you’re always in for something new!
The service and ambiance at Marquee are just as great as their food. At the end of the day, visiting Marquee is a total experience from beginning to end.
If you’re interested in semi-private dining for an event, you can choose from their private dining menus or create your own!
4) The Hoppy Gnome 🍻
With a slogan like “There’s No Place Like Gnome,” what’s not to love? The Hoppy Gnome is a Fort Wayne favorite, adored by locals and visitors alike. While it’s a gastropub first and foremost, don’t be mistaken— they have an incredible food menu to boot!
Their main menu is large and varied, with classic sandwiches, comforting entrees, and lots and lots of tacos. They have dozens and dozens of different beers on tap, and you can even brew your own beer, bottle it, and take it home!
With a friendly staff and a yummy kid’s menu, this is a great place to enjoy with the whole family.
5) Bistro Nota 🍷
Are you someone who likes to order “family style” and try a lot of different menu items? Bistro Nota is the perfect place to do it. Their menu features many delicious small plates and a la carte items. But they’ve got an impressive entree menu as well!
While Bistro Nota is primarily an upscale dinner joint, they also offer a fantastic Saturday brunch. We love their Breakfast Risotta, but you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. This is a great place for date night, going out with a friend, or celebrating a win.
6) Próximo 🥩
Latin cuisine always hits the spot, and Próximo has menu options inspired by Spain, Cuba, Colombia, and more. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week, there’s no bad time to visit Próximo. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and carnivores alike.
Plus, they have a sophisticated cocktail menu that pairs wonderfully with their food menu. Making reservations is easy to do on their website!
7) Copper Spoon 🥄
Would it even be a visit to downtown Fort Wayne without a meal at Copper Spoon? Copper Spoon has a nationally recognized bar program as well as an impressive locally sourced food menu. Head chef Aaron Butts is a twice-nominated James Beard chef, as well as a “Best Chefs in America” semi-finalist.
Copper Spoon has been nominated for and won many local awards, and by our standards, this is a can’t-miss spot. With over 100 cocktails and creative NA drinks, we’re impressed by the bar every time. Additionally, we love grabbing a few shareables to share with the table and topping everything off with a delicious dessert.
8) Mercado 🌮
Who doesn’t love a taco food truck? Well, Mercado on The Landing started as a food truck and ultimately grew into having their very own brick-and-mortar space. (Don’t worry, the food truck still exists, too!)
This Cali-Mexican restaurant has an energetic space with delicious tacos and margaritas. They serve lunch and dinner each day and a Saturday brunch. Note that Mercado is currently closed on Sundays.
Our mouths are watering just thinking about their Chorizo, Cali-AF, and Falafel tacos. Not in the mood for tacos? Try their other creative fusion dishes like Quesabirria Empanadas, Shrimp Ceviche, or So Cal Surf & Turf. There’s something for everyone on this menu!
Support Local in Fort Wayne
Oh boy, if you weren’t already hungry, we bet you are now! As a local Fort Wayne business, we love supporting these fantastic downtown businesses. And we really love how many of them keep the support going by partnering with local farms.
If you’re looking for other local Fort Wayne businesses to support, Maumee River Roofing would love to help you out whenever you need roofing or other home exterior services. Just reach out when you need us, and we’ll be there.
For now, we’ll catch you at these incredible restaurants!
