Italian Restaurants in South Bend (2025)

A South Bend stalwart since 1981, Parisi’s channels Calabrian family recipes in a house-turned-dining room with views toward Notre Dame. Reported by local news in late 2024 yet still operating, it remains a celebratory standby with classic pastas and veal.

Tied to South Bend’s Macri family, Carmela’s pairs a pastry case next door with a Tuscan‑style dining room and handmade pastas. Consistently praised by diners on OpenTable in 2025, it’s where locals send out‑of‑towners for chicken parm and cannoli.

Billed by Visit Indiana as South Bend’s oldest Italian restaurant, this 1926 institution serves ravioli, house sausages, and broiled chicken to generations of regulars. Limited dinner hours add to the time‑capsule charm; reservations are smart.

A Notre Dame‑era legend dating to 1951, Rocco’s is still family‑run and known for hand‑tossed pies, Friday‑Saturday lasagna, and the house sausage. Frequently highlighted by regional media, it’s the go‑to for pre‑ and post‑game Italian comfort.

An old‑school Italian‑American spot near the airport dating to the mid‑20th century. Expect Italian beef, baked mostaccioli, red‑sauce classics, and pizza. Locals and travelers keep it humming, with steady coverage on TripAdvisor and area guides.

Chef Adele’s downtown dining room blends intimate Italian dinners with hands‑on pasta and limoncello classes. Praised by locals and frequently booked for events, it’s a personable way to taste homestyle sauces and desserts made the old way.

Family‑owned for decades, Polito’s is loved for New York‑style pies, stuffed slices, and a locally famous vodka sauce. A casual standby for dine‑in or takeout, and often mentioned by neighborhood guides when pizza cravings strike.

A casual sister to downtown fine dining, Macri’s offers build‑your‑own pastas, classic entrees, and a lunch buffet. Covered by local TV for seasonal bakery traditions in 2025, it’s a family hub that keeps South Bend’s Italian heritage in daily rotation.