17 Best Restaurants in Kokomo, IN
When it comes to the culinary scene in Kokomo, Indiana, one might be pleasantly surprised by the delightful variety and quality that this city has to offer.
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Kokomo that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
Sakura Steakhouse of Japan
My visits to the Sakura Steakhouse of Japan are always marked by a delightful culinary journey.
It's a local gem here that has become a regular spot of mine.
It's not just a restaurant, it's a place where you feel like you're part of a family.
I've been there three times now, and I can't help but be drawn to the impeccable service and the mouthwatering dishes.
The moment you step in, you are greeted warmly, and you are helped to navigate the menu, which is especially helpful if you have dietary restrictions like I do, being unable to eat seafood.
The food, oh the food!
I've tried ramen, steak and rice, sushi, and even fried ice cream.
Each dish is a testament to exquisite Japanese cuisine, beautifully plated, almost too good to eat.
Situated at a nice, quiet, and tucked away spot, it's a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
And the best part?
The price point is just right, making it a great place for both lunch and dinner.
Trust me, this is a place you would want to keep coming back to.
Their pride in their service is evident in every meal and every interaction.
It’s not just about serving good food, it’s about creating a dining experience that you will remember.
Country Squire Carry Out
It's hard for me to remember a time when I didn't frequent Country Squire Carry Out.
The homestyle cooking and friendly service are deeply woven into the fabric of my life.
I can't help but remember that late Tuesday evening after a long day at work when I called in to order an eight-piece with mashed potatoes and a small gravy.
The anticipation of that meal was the only thing that kept me going as I battled the evening traffic to get there.
And oh, how they did not disappoint.
Picking up that steaming pack 20 minutes later was like picking up a treasure chest.
The aroma itself was enough to make my mouth water, and with the first bite of that crispy, juicy chicken, I knew I had made the right choice.
The mashed potatoes, so creamy and rich, were the perfect complement to the chicken, especially when doused with their homemade gravy!
I also have fond memories of that one family gathering where we decided to order from Country Squire Carry Out.
We opted for the broasted 20-piece chicken basket, two perch baskets, potato wedges, slaw, and rolls.
The joy in the room when we unveiled the meal, was palpable.
Every single item was delicious, but the standout for me was the broasted chicken and potatoes.
It was the best I've ever had.
Cook McDoogal's Irish Pub
There's something about Cook McDoogal's Irish Pub that truly captures the essence of our community.
Its charming ambiance, with weathered woods and stained glass, is reminiscent of a traditional Irish pub tucked away in Dublin.
The community table offers a perfect place for friendly banter, while the private nooks provide a quiet retreat for intimate conversations over a hearty meal.
The food is a delight as well.
The bangers and mash have a certain authenticity that transports you straight to Ireland, and the shepherd's pie is a quintessential comfort fare.
The Scotch egg rolls, albeit a little different from traditional Scotch eggs, are also worth trying.
And if you are like me, no meal is complete without dessert.
The sugar cream pie is a local delicacy that's worth a try.
One of the many elements that stand out at Cook McDoogal's is the excellent customer service.
Another highlight is Cook McDoogal's beer selection.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a lager lover, you're bound to find a brew that tickles your fancy here.
Kokomo Alehouse
I've been to Kokomo Alehouse a few times now.
It has this cool, relaxed vibe that I appreciate.
It's a great place to unwind with a beer after a long day - they have a decent selection of brews too.
I decided to try their pizza.
It was cheesy and satisfying.
I got lucky with great service.
It was so good that I ended up recommending the place to some of my coworkers.
The weekly specials, like half-off pizzas on Mondays, are worth checking out.
China King Chinese Restaurant
If you ask me where to get the best Chinese food in the city, without a moment's hesitation, I would say China King Chinese Restaurant.
Delicious food, generous portions, and affordable prices - it's all I need in a restaurant.
Over the years, my favorite dish has become the Hunan chicken or beef with broccoli and fried rice, which barely sets me back $10, tip included.
The taste and quality are consistently fantastic, and the portions are generous enough that I usually get two meals out of one dinner.
But what sets China King apart isn't just the food.
It's also their commitment to cleanliness and safety.
It's reassuring to see that their kitchen is the cleanest in Kokomo, and they've adapted their service to be very Covid-conscious.
They've got lunch and dinner specials that are simply too good to pass, and their family meals are a steal.
For just $15.99, you get a ton of food, two sides of your choice, and a drink.
Hong Kong Restaurant
One of my favorite spots in the city is the Hong Kong Restaurant.
Known for their traditional Cantonese, Sichuan & Hunan dishes, this cozy, straightforward sit-down restaurant has never disappointed me.
Just the other night, I treated myself to their signature Moo Shu Chicken.
It was very good, and the portion size was so generous I had enough for lunch the next day.
Their boneless spare ribs and large Rangoon are also must-tries.
But my all-time favorite is the Dragon meets Phoenix - a perfect combination of flavors that always hits the spot.
The dumplings are a delight, stuffed full and great, either steamed or lightly fried.
And the best part?
They deliver!
Their delivery charge is incredibly reasonable, and the service is speedy.
Even on the busiest nights, I've had my food delivered by their swift and courteous driver within 45 minutes.
And I just love the fact that the order is always 100% accurate, with the food still piping hot when it arrives.
Breakfast House Inc
It's no surprise that I find myself back at the Breakfast House Inc on a fine Saturday morning.
It's become a weekend ritual for me - a comforting routine that sets the tone for the rest of my day.
The moment I step in, a warm welcome washes over me, a testament to the incredibly friendly service that this place consistently delivers.
You see, at the Breakfast House, everyone is treated like family.
The diner, with its cozy setting, feels like a home away from home.
It's small but vibrant, often packed with customers who, like me, appreciate the hot, fresh food served here.
Yet, despite the crowd, the service is always prompt.
Coffee refills, for instance, are immediate and bountiful - a blessing for a caffeine lover like me.
When it comes to breakfast, the variety and quality of the menu are unparalleled.
The pancakes here are, without a doubt, the best I've had in years.
Perfectly fluffy, paired with a selection of homemade jams - they are an absolute delight.
But it's not just the pancakes; everything on the menu is noteworthy.
From the classic eggs benedict to the avocado toast, the food never disappoints.
The prices?
Incredibly reasonable!
It’s rare to find such high quality at such a fair price.
Los Amigos Mexican American & Bar
I've made a few trips to Los Amigos, and each time, it was a delightful experience.
Their food is far from the typical fast-food Mexican fare you'd get at a place like Taco Bell.
No, this is closer to the real deal, a more authentic, home-cooked taste.
They also cater to families, making it a great spot for a relaxing dinner with the kids.
On my recent visit, I tried their Shrimp Diablo and a Mango Margarita.
The shrimp dish was a beautiful blend of flavors, and the margarita had actual fresh mango in it — a nice surprise!
The prices, too, are quite fair for the quality and quantity of food you get.
I travel frequently, and it's always a relief to find a place that serves good food and maintains high hygiene standards.
The portion size is generous, and the meat quality is decent.
Plus, they throw in free chips and salsa with door dash orders, which is a nice touch.
Prodigy Burger Bar
One sunny afternoon, I decided to try out the local eatery, Prodigy Burger Bar.
The place came highly recommended by some friends.
I was in the mood for something different, so I decided to give it a shot.
Feeling adventurous, I decided to start my meal with their loaded sweet potato fries - a decision I was glad to have made because they were quite good!
Their chicken sandwich and the peanut butter cheddar burger were also absolutely delicious!
Pardon My Cheesesteak
I've tried all the local joints, but none compare to Pardon My Cheesesteak.
This place has got the perfect blend of comfort, taste, and nostalgia for me.
Their cheesesteaks are to die for!
The meat is juicy and flavorful, the cheese is melted to perfection, and the bread - oh, it's so fresh and perfectly toasted.
What makes it a notch higher is their secret sauce - it adds that extra zing that leaves your taste buds dancing.
They've got a variety of other items on the menu as well, but their cheesesteaks are hands down my favorite.
After all, there's a reason they've got a loyal fan base.
Home Plate Bar and Grill
I stumbled upon Home Plate Bar and Grill on their second day of business.
The cheeseburger I had was phenomenal, easily the best in the city.
The fries, too, were a delightful surprise, boasting a uniquely appealing taste.
I had the occasion to revisit the place a week later, on the 7th of April.
The food was as satisfactory as the last time.
On my next visit, I was accompanied by my partner and a couple of friends.
Our second visit had been great as well, with enjoyable food, exemplary service, and a lively atmosphere.
Spices of Smoke
Just the other day, I found myself at the Spices of Smoke, an exquisite little joint that satisfies my love for a good smoky flavor.
This place is worth a visit if you're in the mood for some excellent barbeque dishes.
On my visit, I remember indulging in one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever tasted.
It was moist, rich, and the chocolate flavor was just decadent.
But the real stars of the menu are their Mac & cheese and chicken wings.
The Mac & cheese was creamy and packed full of flavor, whereas the wings were succulent and had just the right amount of smoky flavor.
I also tried their ribs which were good; they had a delightful smoky flavor that tickled my taste buds.
Artie's Tenderloin
There's something heartwarming about starting your day at a place where everyone knows your name.
And Artie's Tenderloin is that place for me.
The place has been here since 1938, and it's been a part of my routine for as long as I can remember.
There's just something about their minimalist approach to food that gets me.
They only serve a few items for breakfast and lunch, but I believe that's their secret - focusing on making a few good dishes than a plethora of mediocre ones.
Their tenderloin and fries are my personal favorite.
Freshly made, crispy, and tender, and always served within 5 minutes of ordering.
The prices are more than reasonable.
For $14, you'll get yourself two sandwiches, two fries, and a can of soda.
But the experience doesn't just stop at the food.
In a world that's always rushing, this place is a nice little cocoon of familiarity and comfort.
Tokyo Cuisine - Kokomo
I popped into Tokyo Cuisine - Kokomo for dinner the other evening.
I'm not exactly a sushi expert, but I do enjoy trying new things, and I've always found sushi to be both visually appealing and tasty.
My experience at Tokyo Cuisine was no exception, the sushi was delectable, and I fully intend to revisit it.
I must say, Tokyo Cuisine really knows how to make a good first impression.
The atmosphere was inviting, and the menu was clearly laid out; definitely easy to navigate through the various offerings.
Plus, it's a kid-friendly spot, which is a bonus for families.
Pho Nguyen
One of the best things about living in this city is the local cuisine, and my favorite spot has to be Pho Nguyen.
Their food is simply divine!
Sure, it might be a little pricier than some places, but trust me, it's worth every penny.
When I'm not in the mood to cook or simply want to treat myself to something special, Pho Nguyen is my first choice.
Their portions are big enough to leave you feeling satisfied but not so big that you feel overwhelmed.
I personally love to pick up the food and enjoy it at home.
I haven't had the chance to dine in yet, but I've heard nothing but good things about their in-house service.
During my second visit, I decided to try the Beef vermicelli with egg rolls - let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
The dish was not only refreshing but also left me feeling gratified.
It's impressive to think that this place has been serving mouthwatering dishes like this for over five years!
To top it off, Pho Nguyen introduced the city to bubble tea, which was a delightful surprise.
I'm a huge fan of tofu, and they serve the best I've had in a long time.
Even though I was just a take-out customer, the service was top-notch.
Moe's River Room
Every time I visit Moe's River Room, I am blown away by the prompt and efficient service.
They always deliver my orders spot on, whether it's a drink or a meal, and I can tell you that they serve the best-tasting food around.
The indoor space is always available, spacious, and comfortable.
But if you prefer dining al fresco, they have a covered outdoor area, too - perfect for a cool evening dinner.
On one visit, I decided to try their jambalaya.
I would rate it as a medium spicy dish compared to others I've tried, but it wasn't too overwhelming.
When the heat got to me, I simply took a bite of the accompanying toast to balance out the flavors.
I must say, the jambalaya was indeed a delicious treat.
But the standout dish for me has to be their mushroom Swiss burger.
It is, hands down, the best burger I've had in a long time.
The combination of juicy beef patty, earthy mushrooms, and melty Swiss cheese was nothing short of exceptional.
Something Good
Growing up in Kokomo, I've seen a lot of establishments come and go, but I must say, Something Good has managed to carve a unique niche for itself.
Now, I don't eat meat, so you can imagine my apprehension when I first skimmed through their menu.
I was convinced I wouldn't find anything suitable for my dietary requirements.
The small touches he adds to his meals, like garnishing the French fries, his willingness to adapt and innovate, and his charm make dining at Something Good an experience in itself.
The food is not just good; it's fantastic.
Final Thoughts
In my culinary journey through Kokomo, I've been privileged to savor a world of flavors right here in my own backyard.
From the authentic Japanese cuisine at Sakura Steakhouse of Japan to the classic Mexican dishes at El Arriero Mexican Bar & Grill, my taste buds have traversed the globe without leaving the city.
From indulgent dinners to lazy brunches, quick bites, or romantic dates, there's a spot in Kokomo for all occasions.
Recent posts
16 Incredible Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, FL You Need to Try
17 Incredible Things to Do in Westchester County, NY
25 Incredible Things to Do in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Stop Scrolling! This Week's 10 Must-Enter Travel Giveaways Are Here, US Readers
12 Incredible Restaurants in Alexandria, VA You Need to Try
30 Best Things to Do in Omaha, NE
25 Best Things to Do in Anne Arundel County, MD
12 Incredible Restaurants in Santa Fe, NM You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restuarants in Rancho Cucamonga You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restaurants in Hilton Head Island You Need to Try