10 Must-Try Restaurants in Bloomington, IN

Shh. What’s that sound?

That’s right! It’s your stomach grumbling. If you’re feeling peckish, don’t wait until you are angry to grab a bite to eat. Especially if you are in the Bloomington area.

If you are looking to find the best restaurants Bloomington, IN, has to offer, we have you covered. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to meet your friends, or the perfect date night destination, we have a restaurant recommendation you will yo

1) FARMbloomington

If you are looking for a delicious meal that is both delicious and community-oriented, you need to try the delicious farm-to-table cuisine at FARMBloomington.

This treasure of a restaurant offers an ever-changing seasonal food menu, full of tasty options like smoked pork chops with cheese or a vegetable tagine with couscous and toasted almonds. Their locally-sourced house bison burger was voted the best burger in Indiana by Food Network magazine, making this a true destination stop for a burger lover.

While you are there, check out their in-store market, featuring house-made spice blends, rubs, and condiments that you can enjoy at home!

🏡 108 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408

⭐️ 4.3 on Google

2) The Irish Lion Restaurant & Pub

If you are a lover of traditional Irish pub food, you have to stop by The Irish Lion!

The Irish Lion features an impressive list of tap and canned beers, as well as wine, specialty cocktails, and coffee (with an Irish twist). Enjoy your pint of Guinness while digging into one of their delicious menu options. They serve traditional Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. However, you don’t want to miss their other signature offerings, such as the leg of lamb, or the Roast Duckling Rineanna, with baked apple and roasted potato.

🏡 212 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.5 on Google

3) Samira Restaurant

Broaden your horizons while visiting one of the best restaurants in Bloomington. Samira Restaurant offers authentic Afghan food that is sure to delight.

We love the Chicken Manto – housemade dumplings filled with chicken and leeks and topped with spiced yogurt. Vegetarian? No problem. Their extensive menu offers plenty of plant-based options to suit any dietary needs you may have.

🏡 100 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.5 on Google

4) The Owlery Restaurant

Looking for quality vegan and vegetarian options that even the most devoted meat eater will love? You need to check out The Owlery!

This quirky little spot has a menu that is jam-packed with veggie-forward versions of your favorite sandwiches. We have to shout out the tempeh reuben and mushroom banh mi.

Additionally, they offer a weekend brunch, complete with unique spins on your classic favorites. Be sure to try the lentil hash with crispy kale and home fries and the red velvet pancakes.

🏡 118 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.6 on Google

5) Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream

Sometimes, you just need good, old-fashioned comfort food. And what’s more comforting than a delicious burger?

Bub’s Burgers has three brick-and-mortar locations, as well as a traveling food truck so that you can enjoy their food wherever you are! Of course, we are partial to the Bloomington restaurant, where you can indulge in their cooked-to-order all-beef burgers or specialty elk burgers.

Wash it all down with a creamy milkshake from their rotating menu (or stick to the classics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry).

🏡 480 N Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.4 on Google

6) Hoosier Seoulmate Korean Restaurant

At Hoosier Seoulmate, the chefs take inspiration from traditional Korean bulgogi but add a Hoosier twist that makes for a delightful dining experience. Korean spices and pickled radish mingle with cheese and a fresh hot dog bun for a sandwich you’ll crave every day.

This family-owned business also offers more traditional Korean fare, such as JJampong spicy seafood noodles, ramen, and Soft Tofu Jjigae (what English speakers would call a stew).

🏡 1614 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.8 on Google

7) Osteria Rago

Everyone needs a go-to pizza joint. If you are in Bloomington, Osteria Rago might be just the place for you!

This casual Italian restaurant offers all the charm of Italy while having options for everyone. Start your meal off right by choosing from over a dozen house wines before moving onto the main course. Their wood-fired pizzas range from the classics (Margherita and pepperoni), to more surprising options such as a shrimp scampi pizza.

You also won’t want to miss out on their house-made pasta, including an exceptional spaghetti carbonara and five-cheese ravioli.

🏡 419 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408

⭐️ 4.5 on Google

8) Small Favors

If you are looking for an upscale dining option for a fabulous date night, you have to go to Small Favors. This community-oriented restaurant focuses on sustainability and local ingredients to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Their lunch and dinner menus change seasonally, so be sure to check the menu before making your reservation. However, you can enjoy their expertly crafted cocktails at any time of the year, as well as a rotating list of carefully sourced wines.

🏡 402 1/2 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.9 on Google

9) Uptown Cafe

From hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners, you can count on great food when you visit Uptown Cafe. The chefs work hard to create an approachable but elevated menu that you and your family will love.

The menu itself has a distinct Creole influence and offers things such as chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and shrimp and grits. However, the Louisiana Hot Pepper fried chicken absolutely can’t be missed!

🏡 102 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408

⭐️ 4.6 on Google

10) Nourish Bar

If you’re traveling through Bloomington, you’ve likely had your fill of road trip fast food meals and car snacks. Instead, give your body the food it deserves when you visit Nourish Bar. Their high-quality, organic food is designed to help you feel your best while still tasting delicious.

We love the pork belly pan-fried noodles served with a soft egg and aromatic vegetables. However, you don’t want to bypass their delicious salads. Our favorite is the green apple and duck confit salad, topped with goat cheese and almonds.

🏡 217 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

⭐️ 4.7 on Google

Support Local Bloomington Businesses

There’s certainly no shortage of fun restaurants in Bloomington to try out. While you’re out dining and relaxing, let us take care of your home. Rapid Roofing is proud to be Bloomington’s go-to choice when it comes to residential and commercial roofing. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today to receive a free quote on your roofing project!