Bloomington’s restaurant scene offers Indiana University students and Bloomington residents a variety of local dining options, ranging from Italian cuisine and barbecue to breakfast favorites and formal dining.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet breakfast spot or a lively restaurant on game day, these five spots have become some of my favorite places to eat in town.
Nick’s English Hut
I have eaten at Nick’s English Hut, located at 423 E. Kirkwood Ave., three times, and each visit leaves me craving its classic Nick’s Stromboli. Filled with mozzarella cheese, crumbled Italian sausage, onion and pizza sauce, the sandwich combines savory and sweet flavors with crunchy, crusty bread for a mouthwatering bite.
The longtime Kirkwood staple also offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere and features a diverse selection of appetizers, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. My friends and I especially enjoyed the Sink the Biz Fries, an appetizer featuring a large bucket of fries served with garlic mayonnaise dipping sauce.
The Village Deli
The Village Deli at 409 E. Kirkwood Ave. has quickly become one of my favorite breakfast spots in town because of its quiet atmosphere and strong breakfast selection. Although I have not ordered from the lunch menu, which includes sandwiches, soups, burgers and salads, the breakfast items I’ve tried have impressed me.
The French toast topped with fruit has quickly become one of my go-to dishes. The strawberries, blueberries and bananas paired with the cinnamon-flavored Texas toast, create a sweet and refreshing combination. During my most recent visit, I created my own omelet filled with bacon, sausage and onion, which was equally delicious.
BuffaLouie’s at The Gables
Whenever I am craving wings, BuffaLouie’s at The Gables at 114 S. Indiana Ave. is one of my first choices. While the atmosphere can become loud during football or basketball season, the upstairs seating area offers a better setting for conversations.
I usually order the 10-piece traditional bone-in wings topped with Mrs. Louie’s Famous Sweet Q barbecue sauce, but even the mild buffalo wings surprised me with their savory, crispy flavor despite me not usually being a fan of the food. Beyond wings, the menu also includes chicken sandwiches, burgers and subs, along with other sides such as curly fries and onion rings.
Da Vinci Pizza & Pasta
For me, Da Vinci Pizza & Pasta at 250 S. Washington St. serves some of the best Italian food in Bloomington. Although wait times can sometimes be long, the welcoming atmosphere and formal dining experience make the restaurant worth the wait.
Among the restaurant's dishes, I particularly enjoy the chicken fettuccine alfredo, which includes grilled chicken, spinach and mushrooms mixed into a creamy alfredo sauce over fettuccine. The rich sauce and well-seasoned chicken made the dish one of the most fulfilling meals I have had at Da Vinci.
SmokeWorks
SmokeWorks at 121 N. College Ave. serves some of the best barbecue ribs I have ever had. The restaurant’s smoky flavors and casual atmosphere make it one of my favorite barbecue spots.
One of my favorite menu items is the half-pound St. Louis spare ribs. The tender, smoky ribs are packed with flavor and the sauce complements the meat without overpowering it, making each bite enjoyable. Other standout menu options for me include the crispy fried pickles and the backyard burger.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's 2026 Orienter.
