If you have yet to hear, Indiana is home to a large population of Amish. As a result, there are several Amish restaurants in Indiana where you can grab a delicious bite to eat.
These eateries don’t only showcase this loyal group’s genuine hospitality but also their skills in the kitchen. Your stomach and taste buds will be satisfied, and looking forward to visiting again.
Today, we’re sharing several of the best Amish restaurants in Indiana. Where are they, and which ones are worth trying?
Let’s get started and see!
An Amish restaurant is an eating establishment that showcases traditional Amish cuisine. Their homemade offerings rely on simple, locally sourced ingredients. But, don’t think they sacrifice quality because they’re simple.
It’s common to find staples like potatoes, noodles, vegetables, and various meats on their menu. Regardless of what you order, they’ll likely prepare it from scratch using techniques passed down from one generation to the next.
Amish restaurants are an excellent opportunity to embrace simplicity. It can be a great reminder that life doesn’t have to be as complicated or high-tech as we often make it. Take advantage of an opportunity to give one of these restaurants a try.
Pro Tip: Check out How the Amish are the Backbone of the RV Industry and learn more!
Yes, Indiana has one of the largest Amish populations in the United States. While there may not be as many as states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, there are well over 50,000 Amish in Indiana. You can find them scattered across the state, but the largest populations are in the northern and southern regions of the state.
Approximately two-thirds of The Hoosier State’s Amish population live in Elkhart and LaGrange counties in Northern Indiana. When traveling through the area, you’ll see various businesses operated by families in this unique community. Additionally, practically every major RV manufacturer heavily relies on these skilled craftsmen.
With the majority of the Amish population in Indiana residing in Northern Indiana, it’s no surprise that’s where the best Amish restaurants are. Let’s look at some of the best dining options if you’re traveling in this neck of the woods.
Das Dutchman Essenhaus isn’t only one of the best Amish restaurants in Indiana; it’s one of the best in the country. This massive eatery sits on the corner of State Route 20 and County Road 20 in Middlebury, Indiana. With a bakery, gift shop, and overnight accommodations, there’s more than a restaurant to enjoy.
If you’re here for breakfast, grab a hot cup of coffee or a massive cinnamon roll, or order one of the platters on the Essenhaus Favorites list. In addition to large lunch and dinner menus, the Das Dutchman Essenhaus offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. If visiting during a holiday, their holiday buffet is a fan favorite.
Right down the road from the Das Dutchman Essenhaus is the Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana, Indiana. This award-winning Amish-style restaurant features traditional Amish cooking and over 25 different types of pies. While they always use local recipes, they adjust their menu every week.
In addition to the incredible food, the Blue Gate Restaurant hosts theater and concert performances. This is also an ideal opportunity to take a carriage ride and tour the lovely town of Shipshewana. If you need more than the 15-minute ride around town, you can pay more and take their 30-minute ride into the country.
Eden Meadows Banquets offers family-style home-cooked meals that are perfect for any occasion. However, while this authentic Amish restaurant welcomes groups of all sizes, including buses, they require reservations. You may even sit down and enjoy a meal with the owners, Clyde and Vera Miller.
Sitting at the table, you can enjoy home-baked pies, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, and much more. You can choose two types of meat, including chicken, baked ham, baked steak, roast beef, and barbecue meatballs.
Additionally, each patron receives homemade bread served with jelly or apple butter, chicken dressing, homemade noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a choice of a vegetable. You can choose a vegetable and a salad, dessert, or mixed fruit if you need more than that. There’s no way you’re leaving this place hungry!
Another fantastic Amish restaurant in Shipshewana is Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking. This in-home dining experience allows you to see and taste the Amish lifestyle. You can enjoy a hearty meal, light lunch, or breakfast, depending on the time. In addition to delicious food, Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking offers an incredible view of the nearby lake.
One unique offering of Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking is the opportunity to attend cooking classes. You can learn some of the secrets of preparing and serving such delicious meals while enjoying a simple lifestyle. Whether you’re coming to learn or eat, call ahead and make reservations.
The Carriage House offers an all-you-can-eat family-style dining experience. In addition to their breads and spreads, they offer a thresher’s meal, chicken dinner, haystack dinner, and many desserts. If you’re looking for a place to dine that provides an authentic Amish experience, this is the place to go.
In addition to their food, The Carriage House provides an inside look into how the family runs their farm. Occasionally, the kids will bring up one of their massive Belgian horses for you to admire while the team prepares your meal. If you want to take the experience to the next level, register for their cinnamon roll demonstration. You and your tastebuds can thank us later!
Dining at one of these Amish restaurants in Indiana can be an unforgettable experience. It’s a great reminder that making incredible meals doesn’t have to be complicated. These experts in the kitchen use methods that date back hundreds of years. If you want a unique dining experience, try one of these Amish restaurants in Indiana.
