<p>I'd like to take my daughter to a nice restaurant for dinner the night before we move her into the dorm. It'll just be the two of us, and it will be a Sunday night. Can anyone recommend a nice Italian spot, or perhaps French? We will have a rental car so it doesn't have to be near campus. Thanks!</p>
<p>My daughter recommended Grazie for Italian. It is right in town on W. 6th. She visited McNutt -Crone today and was excited about the renovations.</p>
<p>Grazie is nice, but very expensive. There’s another Italian place on 4th that is just as expensive, but I think it has a nicer atmosphere. There a lot of unique, expensive restaurants on 4th street and on the east side of downtown Bloomington.</p>
<p>Grazie is okay. Sometimes they overcook the pasta which I find unforgivable in an Italian restaurant. I think maxellis is referring to Puccini’s on 4th street. I don’t think of either as terribly expensive, but I’m not on a student budget. You might also try googling Scholar’s Inn or FARM Bloomington for a couple of other options. I’ve not been to FARM personally, but DH has been to the lower level restaurant/bar for lunch a few times and enjoyed it. I know lots of people like the Malibu Grille, but I’ve never been a fan.</p>
<p>DeAngelo’s in Eastland Plaza is good. Their pesto pasta with roast chicken is to die as is their lasagna. Not Italian, but the Uptown is a favorite, some Cajun influence but many non-Cajun dishes as well. Always excellent, and be sure to go there for breakfast if you have time. Haven’t been, but I hear for a pricey foodie experience, try Restaurant Tallent on N. Walnut just north of the square. David Letterman ate there last year. We also like Malibu Grille. Nice atmosphere, usually good food.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ve got a good list going and will try to hit as many of them as I can over my upcoming four years of visiting IU. Keep 'em coming.</p>
<p>I ate at Grazie and thought it was good and not too expensive. The entrees were in the $18 range, expensive for students but nice for dinner with parents.</p>
<p>My favorites in order are (but some more expensive than others):</p>
<p>(1) Restaurant Tallent</p>
<p>(2) The Farm; and</p>
<p>(3) Malibu Grill (I know some like this and some don’t–but it has a California feel to it, and I’m from California–so I do like it.)</p>
<p>Also, some people like the buffet at The Tudor Room at the Indiana University Student Union, although I haven’t eaten there, and my wife considers it just okay.</p>