Bloomington's food scene shifted over the summer, with new restaurants opening, long-lasting restaurants closing and some moving away. Here are some of the changes:
Restaurant openings
Ciao Bella
Ciao Bella, a new Italian restaurant located at 405 E. Kirkwood Ave., opened Aug. 13. Its menu is filled with house-made pastas, pizzas and dessert. Ciao Bella replaced the oldest pizzeria in Bloomington, Cafe Pizzaria, which closed unexpectedly in August 2024 after 71 years. The Ciao Bella owners told Indiana Public Media they want to continue creating new memories for Bloomington residents just as Cafe Pizzaria did.
Roll n' Dip
Roll n’ Dip is a Mexican restaurant that opened this August. It is located at 405 E. Kirkwood Ave. Both Roll n’ Dip and Ciao Bella operate out of the same location vacated by Cafe Pizzaria, and while they’re two separate businesses, customers can walk between the two from the inside. The menu consists of build-your-own options including bowls and tacos and specialties such as the Roll n’ Dip taquitos and chips and salsa.
Layali Feast
Layali Feast is a Middle Eastern halal restaurant located at 228 S. Grant St. Its owner originally ran the restaurant out of a ghost kitchen in Turkuaz Cafe after it closed for the night, offering takeout and delivery, but no traditional storefront.
Restaurants moving locations
The Trojan Horse
The Trojan Horse is a Greek-American favorite that was located at 100 E. Kirkwood Ave. for more than 40 years. Owners Kristen and Michael Shelley are relocating the restaurant to Richland Plaza in Ellettsville to expand and increase accessibility for people with mobility issues, with plans to reopen in September. They will be taking over the building at 4618 W. Richland Plaza Drive, previously home to Wee Willie’s.
Restaurants that have closed
Orbit Room
The Orbit Room was a pub located on the square in downtown Bloomington at 107 N. College Ave. It shut down in July after co-owner Michael Klinge said running it was no longer sustainable. This restaurant was known for its gourmet hot dog selections, pinball room and events like live music and comedy shows. It originally opened in October 2018.
Red Robin
Red Robin, a national burger chain, recently permanently closed its College Mall location. The corporation is undergoing changes as part of a larger national plan to close underperforming restaurants.
