Brasserie 23 — Restaurant in Mishawaka

Wow..this had to be one of the MOST disappointing meals I have had in a long time. I'm not afraid to spend money but this meal should have been free TBH. We had a party of 10 - 5 of us with birthdays - made an advance reservation in light of large party. Things started well but once the main course was served - YIKES - all of the food was lukewarm at best - how long had it been sitting there? - sauces and gravy literally congealed on most plates - is there no plate warmer, food warmers or salamander? One of our party ordered the salmon dill dish - had a dietary concern (no pepper) - no problem we were told only the ratatouille had pepper..and could sub out a vegetable - later told oh, potato puree has white pepper - ok, double the veggie - then the salmon comes out - literally a piece of salmon on a plate - no veggie, no sauce, no garnish at all. Where was the sauce..oh, found out it had pepper in it but we were never told that until the single piece of salmon was brought to the table - and salmon did not come out at same time as other entrees and the veggie came out even later. the puff pastry chicken and the chicken with noodles were also barely warm - again, with congealed sauce as was the short rib....Duck breast did not have fat properly rendered - second cup of coffee also came out cold???? No recognition for birthdays other than 2 signs on the table..no dessert, nothing. Caesar salad was weird with a cold hard poached egg. - overall, an embarrassment to restaurant and me - who selected this place based upon good reviews. I have NO idea what was happening in that kitchen but keeping food hot was certainly not part of it. They took the salmon off the bill - as they should ($31 for piece of salmon and a bit of asparagus brought out after the fact) and 15% off the total bill and then tried to sell us on their 'brunch' - no thank you - while the appetizers and drinks were fine, pretty skimpy on the bread/crostini - asked for more and they charged for it possibly? I've had better.. and much cheaper!! ..meals at the local diner down the street. Needless to say, we won't be back - simply inexcusable on both the chef and waiter's part - you ARE the gatekeeper - i don't care if you don't have a food runner or are...

Bin 23 Bistro, a captivating French bistro tucked away in Northwest Indiana, is a delightful surprise that should not be missed. My partner and I ventured there for a late date night dinner and were immediately enchanted by its cozy ambiance, tastefully adorned in holiday glamour, and seductively lit, setting the tone for an intimate and memorable evening.

Upon arrival, we were promptly seated and were quickly attended to by our exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable waitress. As first-time diners, we appreciated her friendly guidance navigating the menu and her insightful recommendations which greatly enriched our dining experience.

The wine selection was quite impressive, with numerous options available by the glass or bottle. At our waitress's suggestion, I opted for a crisp, slightly tart Pinot Grigio, which beautifully complemented the salty, savory notes of our whipped feta appetizer. This starter, impeccably prepared and showcasing premium ingredients, was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to high-quality cuisine.

While there was a minor hiccup with my companion's entrée—the kitchen had run out of their initial choice due to our late dining hour—our waitress was swift to suggest a suitable alternative. Despite a slight mix-up on the bill, where both items were charged, the issue was promptly and professionally addressed, leaving no sour taste on our overall experience.

Our main courses, a lentil salad and a chicken and noodle dish, were both hit out of the park. The chicken and noodles dish was particularly satisfying, with its hearty, well-seasoned profile and tender, flavorful chicken.

The evening was rounded off with a delightful seasonal tart, crowned with a unique green apple ice cream—a refreshing, sweet end to a wonderful night.

In conclusion, Bin 23 Bistro more than earns its five-star reputation. The combination of its charming ambiance, attentive service, and delicious, well-executed French cuisine make it a standout dining destination. My partner and I are already looking forward to our return visit, and I would highly recommend Bin 23 Bistro to anyone seeking a top-notch French culinary experience in...

We’ve been visiting South Bend for decades, and discovering Brasserie 23 was an absolute treat! This past dreary Sunday, my husband, daughter, her boyfriend, and I stopped in for brunch, and from the moment we walked in, we knew we were in for something special.

The warmth of the experience started right at the door. The host greeted us with a friendly smile, and when I couldn't determine which name we had used for the reservation, I joked about having too many aliases. Without missing a beat, he quipped back with a “Friends” reference—"Ken Adams"—which had us all laughing. That effortless charm set the tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable meal.

Seated in a booth by the window, we took in the bright and airy ambiance. Our waiter was exceptional—personable without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about the menu. Having worked in the kitchen, he confidently answered our questions and made us feel at home.

To start, I ordered the Chocolate Chambord Latte, and it was so delicious that I ordered a second! My daughter opted for a Lavender Latte—an unexpected and unique offering that showcased the creativity of their menu.

When it came time to order we simply couldn’t choose, so we did the only logical thing—ordered four entrées to share! The cannoli-stuffed French toast was indulgent and perfectly sweet, the croque madame with a poached egg was rich and satisfying, and the quiche Lorraine was the best any of us had ever tasted. The crepes with pears, walnuts, and dried fruits had a slightly different texture than expected, but the flavors were reminiscent of a cozy autumn day.

One of the things that impressed me was the restaurant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients from Indiana farms—a detail that elevated the experience even more.

From start to finish, our brunch at Brasserie 23 was nothing short of exceptional. We left already planning our return, and I’ve made it clear to my family that this will be a must-visit spot on our (many) trips to South Bend. There are so many menu items we can’t wait to try. If you haven’t been yet, go!...