On a visit to South Bend to attend a candlelight concert at the Scottish Rite, we decided to find an eatery for a meal before the show. As we sometimes do when seeking out a place to eat, we simply turned to Google for suggestions based on proximity. My husband scanned through restaurants in the area and found a gem.

Just a few minutes from the theatre, we ended up at South Bend’s oldest Italian restaurant, which dates back to 1926: Sunny Italy Cafe. Finding a spot that’s been around for almost 100 years where everything is still made from scratch - it was quite the jackpot to randomly find ourselves there for a meal.

Exterior of Sunny Italy Cafe

Originally called Niles Avenue Cafe, it became known as Rosie’s after Rosie Vumbaca who owned the restaurant with her husband, Tony. Notre Dame students made up a large bulk of the customer base in the early years, when it was a weekend hangout and popular date night location.

Inside, you feel like you’re stepping back into time and into another part of the world. We were greeted with Italian music, friendly faces and red checkered tablecloths.

Sunny Italy Cafe Bread/Wine/Salad

We didn’t have the time or appetite for a hearty Italian feast, but it’s clear this is the perfect place to have one. We opted for a simple spaghetti and ravioli combination plate, preceded by warm Italian bread and butter and a crisp, fresh salad with homemade creamy garlic dressing and accompanied by a nice glass of red.

Sunny Italy Cafe pasta plate

I can't wait to revisit this quaint, cozy spot the next time I’m in South Bend. It’s definitely a must-try spot if you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and ambiance.