If you're in Bloomington celebrating a special occasion, or if you're simply looking to treat yourself to the finer food in life, there are an array of incredible upscale restaurants to choose from. You're in for a delicious culinary experience at each of the following local eateries — dine at them all to establish yourself as a true B-Townfoodie!
C3
Focusing on chef-driven cuisine and handcrafted co*cktails, C3 is a fantastic option for a romantic date night, a birthday dinner, or a treat-yourself experience. Theirmenu changes on a seasonal basis, so there's always something new to try. C3 is known to offer everything from elevated tacos to gourmet steak dinners, and their co*cktails are some of the very best in Bloomington. Enjoy your meal at their inviting bar, in their cozy lounge, on their patio — where live musical performances frequently occur — or at a private, candlelit table.
CARDINAL SPIRITS
Cardinal Spiritsis Bloomington's sole distillery, offering some of the best craft co*cktails in town, all produced with their ownvodkas, gins, rums, liqueurs, and canned co*cktails.Theyalso serveup seasonally-inspired gourmetdishes for dinner, all scratch-made and locally-sourced. Each plate is incredibly unique —even classics like tomato soup —due to the interesting ingredients and flavors they choose to use, putting their own signature flair in every meal and drink they create.
CHE BELLO
For a delicious, authentic Italian meal, head over to Che Bello. Divulge into your favorite Italian dishes, likeFettucine Flambée,Tuscan Shrimp, orSpaghetti & House Meatballs, and enjoy the restaurants great location. Located on the Square, head to local shops, likeskullznbunniez or EllieMae's Boutique before dinner, or take a stroll to Kirkwood Avenue and grab some ice cream at Hartzell's Ice Cream or enjoy the nightlife in Bloomington.
THE ELM
The Elm is one ofBloomington's newest culinary sensations. SelectedoneofUSA Today'sBest Restaurants in the U.S. in2023, The Elm's ingredients are sourced locally and sustainably so you may see the same ingredient used in several dishes with a different twist.The menu may changeseveral times a season as new items are available. Located in the Elm Heightsneighborhood on the near southside, The Elm prides itself on making every meal an experience, while providing exceptional hospitality. Small plates to share will start you on your delicious journey, and don't forget to save room for their decadent desserts, better yet start there.
FARMBLOOMINGTON
FARMbloomingtonis a must for all foodies. With a focus on creating seasonally-inspired plates with locally-grown,fresh foods and exciting global flavors, FARM's dishes always have an eclectic, playful element to them. Enjoy elevated classics like their weekly meatloaf and fried chicken specials, or try one of their seasonal entrees for a unique plate you may never come by again. No matter what you choose, a bowl of FARMFamous Garlic Fries is a must. The name doesn't lie — they're some of Bloomington's mosthighly-revered French fries.
FEAST MARKET & CELLAR
Food meets art at this fine dining restaurant, making it another perfect destination for anyone with adventurous taste buds.Feastoffers a quaint, cozy, intimate ambiance, setting the tone for a charming night out. Pair that ambiance with their unique, bold-flavored dishes and excellent wine selection, and you've got an unforgettabledining experience on your hands. Menus change on a seasonal basis, offering an exciting range of farm-to-table plates year-round — you'll want to come back each season totry the latest dishes.
Janko's Little Zagreb
Photo byJanko's Little Zagreb
Janko's Little Zagreb is a local-favorite steakhouse, offering daily hand-cut selections grilled to perfection in a casual, IU-themed atmosphere. Aside from their incredible steaks, Janko's is also known for their famous spicy meatballs and robust wine selection. It's always a good idea to make a reservation when you want to dine at the Little Zagreb — the steakhouse is usually booked on the weekends and special occasions, especially when parents of IU students are in town.
MALIBU GRILL
Focusing on upscale California-style plates,Malibu Grillis one of Bloomington's most popular restaurants for special occasions. The entire restaurant has an intimate, friendly ambiance, but the bar area — complete with a piano forlive musicacts —boasts an even cozier atmosphere, making it the perfect place to sit during a romantic dinner date or anniversary celebration. Enjoy one of the restaurant's craft co*cktails, a glass of wine from their extensive selection, and one of their unique &delicious upscale entrees — we recommend the Salmon Oscar or the Pan-Seared Sea Scallops.
Southern Stone
If you're a fan of Southern comfort food, Southern Stone is going to be a real treat for you. Specializing in elevated versions of down-home classics, Southern Stone crafts each dish from scratch using locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Their Shrimp and Grits plate is the most upscale, astounding rendition of grits you'll come across in the area — don't miss out on their Southern Sweet Tea co*cktail, either.
TRUFFLES
Photo by Truffles
A bit of a hidden gem,Trufflesprides itself on creating symphonies of sensory stimulation through their upscale cuisineand wine pairings. Another must for any foodies, the restaurant offers everything from American classics to international fare, all with a modern, fine dining twist. Their atmosphere is intimate and elegant, with warm lighting, linen-clad tables, and beautiful artwork lining their walls. If you're looking for an evening of incredible foodwithout having to venture into downtown, Truffles is the perfect dinner destination for you.
UPTOWN CAFE
Photo byUptown Cafe
Uptown Cafeis one of Bloomington's most beloved restaurants, known for their upscale New Orleans-style cuisine and warm, soulful atmosphere. Specializing in elevated renditions of Cajun-Creole classics, Uptown is a bit of Louisiana right here in B-Town. Be sure to pair one of their signature co*cktails with your meal for the full experience — it'll be a night of cozy,upscale comfort you'll keep coming back to townfor.
Looking for more of B-Town's best food? Check out these blogs:
- Bloomington's Best Brunches
- Eat Like a Local in Bloomington
