Must-Eat Restaurants in Lafayette Indiana: All Types of Cuisine
|The culinary scene in Lafayette, IN is diverse. From top-rated cafés, diners and burger joints to upscale Italian and Japanese restaurants, Lafayette has it all. Whether you are visiting Star City for the first time or a local looking for a new place to check out on game day, keep reading as we explore all Lafayette has to offer.
Some of the best restaurants in Lafayette, Indiana are included below!
Breakfast Restaurants in Lafayette
If you are looking for an early bird special in Lafayette, you should give these restaurants a try. Order a piping hot cup of coffee from Fuel Coffee Shop. Grab a French cruller or tiger tail from Mary Lou Donuts. Try a gravy-smothered omelet alongside a plate of home fries and a bottomless cup of joe at Shellie’s Café. Or stop into the Downtowner for its diner atmosphere and a full breakfast spread: scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, toast and pancakes.
Lafayette is also home to several national breakfast chains. If you are looking for a familiar spot while visiting Star City, consider getting a table at the local Cracker Barrel Old Country Restaurant, IHOP, Bob Evans or Denny’s.
American Restaurants in Lafayette
Those looking for American cuisine will be able to find several tasty dinner options in Lafayette, IN. Explore the wonders of space travel and human innovation while grabbing a meal at 8ElevenBistro (the top-rated restaurant in Lafayette). Or chow down on a Bert burger—a bacon cheeseburger with Miracle Whip—at Triple XXX Family Restaurant. Wash down a Coney cheese dog with a root beer float or handcrafted soda at Dog N Suds. Cut into a plate of surf and turf at Mountain Jack’s. Or wow your family with a night out at East End Grill, an upscale restaurant on Main Street.
In addition to the local favorites mentioned above, Lafayette is also outfitted with several national burger joints. Check out Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, LongHorn Steakhouse or Chili’s Grill & Bar.
Mexican Restaurants in Lafayette
Lafayette is also home to several local Mexican restaurants. Couples and families will enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Taco Rico. In addition, El Rodeo and Little Mexico both also have familiar Mexican favorites such as burritos, tamales and enchiladas on the menu. Senior Tacos is well rated on TripAdvisor and serves fajitas that are to die for.
Lafayette is also home to two separate Chipotle Mexican Grill locations for those who want fast-casual American-Mexican fare. There is this one on SR 26, while those in West Lafayette will be closer to this location on W State St.
Italian Restaurants in Lafayette
If you are looking to wine and dine, there are several Italian restaurants in Lafayette, Indiana. Grab an authentic pie or plate of pasta from Bruno’s, which is located just down the hill from the Purdue campus (crowded on game days). La Scala also offers an Italian experience with their take on chicken parmigiana and pasta coppa. Puccini’s Pizza & Pasta, Monical Pizza and Noble Roman’s are also great options for those looking for pasta, salad and breadsticks.
And yes, for those of you who think Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is authentic, there is one of those too.
Japanese and Sushi Restaurants in Lafayette
Restaurants in the city are not limited to American, Mexican and Italian offerings; there are also several top-rated Japanese restaurants located in Lafayette. Those looking for traditional sushi rolls should stop in to either Maru Sushi or Sushi Don. Each of these two restaurants are well-rated and outfitted with diverse menu offerings.
If you are looking for dinner and a show, order from Mt. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and watch as talented chefs prepare your meal. You can also order a tasty bowl of ramen from Yatagarasu Noodle Shop or Asahi.
Indian Restaurants in Lafayette
While Lafayette isn’t a focal point of Indian cuisine by any means, there are a few restaurants serving tasty bowls of curry and authentic Indian plates throughout the city. The most well-regarded Indian restaurant in Lafayette is Sharma’s Kitchen. Here, you can peruse the lunch buffet for your favorite dishes. Sai Shaukin in West Lafayette offers Indian fast food, while Khana Khazana serves their own lunch buffet that rivals Sharma’s.
Cheap Eats in Lafayette, Indiana
If you are looking for cheap eats in Lafayette, Indiana, you need to check out Arni’s Columbian Park. The restaurant is located right next to Gibson’s Shaved Iced and Original Frozen Custard, making it the perfect summer dining spot. In addition, several of the restaurants we have already explored, including Dog N Suds, Triple XXX Family Restaurant and Taco Rico also offer affordable options. If you are looking for small-town diner fare, you can also check out B & N Diner or Star City Coffee.
Game Day Eats in Lafayette, Indiana
If there is one thing to know about Lafayette, Indiana, it’s that cheering on Purdue University is more than entertainment, it’s a lifestyle. And what a better way to celebrate a big win on the football field or watch a competition on the hardcourt, than over a tasty meal and drink.
Those looking for the best game day restaurants in Lafayette should look no further than Nine Irish Brothers or Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
FAQs
What are the best restaurants near Purdue University?
There are several great restaurants located in West Lafayette near Purdue University. Local favorites are Triple XXX Family Restaurant, Nine Irish Brothers and East End Grill. 8Eleven Modern Bistro, Another Broken Egg Café and The Bryant Food & Drink Company are also nearby.
What are the best restaurants in Lafayette that deliver?
Hot Box Pizza, Monical Pizza and Oishi are all popular delivery options in Lafayette, Indiana. In addition, Happy China, The Dock 231 and several other favorites are available through Grubhub or DoorDash.
What are the best takeout restaurants in Lafayette, Indiana?
Teays River Brewing & Public House, Puccini’s Pizza & Pasta and The Tick Tock Tavern & Eatery all offer takeout in Lafayette.
Food in Lafayette, Indiana
While Lafayette may not be the first place on your list of food tours, there is quite a bit to keep your palate intrigued. If you are visiting the city, make sure to try at least a few local spots during your exploration.
If you are a local, let us know what your favorite restaurant or game day spot is in the comments below.
We care about more than just offering affordable, premium storage in Lafayette, we also care about the communities we serve. Go Boilermakers!
Nicholas Sollitto is a content writer for Store Space who also enjoys rooting for the Detroit Red Wings, reading Vonnegut, and hiking.
Share This Post: