Joseph Decuis is difficult to explain in the sleepy little Town of Roanoke (halfway between Huntington and Fort Wayne). The owners have created a little oasis with wonderful and creative cuisine. Diver Scallops, Dover Sole, Kobe steaks, Veal, and other seafood and meats fill the menu with creative preparations. Many of the dishes have a creole flair. I have dined there a few times and have never had anything but an outstanding meal with impeccable service. Entrees range, on the high side, and the menu is a la carte. The menu changes weekly and can be viewed at josephdecuis.com . They have an extensive wine list (500+ different wines) and have been awarded, a few years ago, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This is a testament to their established standards. Working in Fort Wayne for Regional Business and I have met local customers there. I was amazed by the creativeness of the menu, friendliness of staff, great service, and amazing atmosphere. So many nooks-and-crannies in and out, and everyone liked the layout of the restaurant. We ate outside which was perfect for June. Appetizer Mushrooms were fabulous, many compliments from table. Roasted Lamb was popular and also Scallops well prepared. Great after-dinner drink menu and no-flour chocolate cake was decent. People in my group have eaten dinner all across the US and I can honestly say that this was one of the most unique, enjoyable nights they had in a long time. I will absolutely come back if in the area, and would highly recommend for any dinner. The hotel attached so may utilize hotel and restaurant for future endeavors when working in Ft Wayne area. The restaurant consists of 4 beautifully appointed dining areas. The clubroom contains the bar and permits cigar smoking after 9 PM. The center Cafe has views of the open kitchen. The Conservatory is a glass enclosed dining area with views of the streetscape and patio courtyard. The Courtyard is open for outdoor dining, weather permitting. The atmosphere is business casual. The restaurant is not appropriate for children. Joseph Decuis is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two or for a party of eight looking to experience fine dining in a beautiful atmosphere. You will not be disappointed. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
(5)
Ross C.
Fantastic place!!!! The Wagyu beef is well worth the price. Excellent food selections, all around! Highly recommend coming here.
(5)
Christina A.
My husband and I have wanted to make time for a drive to this place since we tried the Waygu beef sliders at last Years Dig-IN. We both got the six course tasting menu with the wine pairings. The food was wonder, our server was wonderful. And the server that brought and explained all the wine was wonderful and gave us a wine list to help us remember what we like and help us purchase future wine.
(5)
Cheeky M.
My wife and I were married at the resturant. They have enough room in the conservatory to accommodate about 50 people. In addition we used their court yard to conduct the wedding and serve cocktails. It was a bit pricey but the venue was beautiful. The food and wine excellent. Frankly the nicest wedding I've ever attended. It's great that it was my own! Manager and staff were very professional, helpful and considerate. I can't say enough to express how happy I am with the whole experience. Simply outstanding Resturant.
(5)
Jerome K.
This is an amazing dinning experience. The food is delicious the wine selection is wonderful, and the restaurant atmosphere is unique and very comfortable. The old bank vault in the restaurant is now the wine vault. If you are in NE Indiana you should definitely stop in. The town of Roanoke is quaint and very inviting. I'm definitely going back.
(5)
N W.
Great food and service. This is a formal dinner and I would recommend allowing 2+ hours for dinner here. The culinary expertise is rare in this area of the country. We had filet mignon and scallops and both dishes were prepared marvelously. Presentation was outstanding. Atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Big city taste in quaint small town.
(5)
Violet S.
Our experience touring the farm, meeting the owner, the cafe, and the cuts we purchased was fantastic. Well worth a mini road trip to check out the wagyu! We gushed the whole way home. Next time, I would definitely like to stay a night in their bed and breakfast out in the country. The farm grounds are breathtaking and the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day away.
(5)
Trena T.
Months ago, husband suggested we do a couple of Indiana foodie road trips. We would each choose an Indiana restaurant that we'd never been to, but always wanted to try. He chose The Schnitzelbank in Jasper (watch for that review in about a month). I chose Joseph Decuis. After many days of online menu perusing, we finally headed north last Saturday as a late birthday celebration for me and an early anniversary celebration for us. Start to finish, top to bottom, this was the very best dinner either of us have ever had. The service was wonderful. The food was spectacular. The atmosphere comfortably upscale. We were seated directly in front of the kitchen, which I loved! I so enjoyed seeing the chefs working together and seeing how the dishes were composed. The food: a bread plate (white, wheat, and cranberry with fresh butter), tempura battered squash blossoms (heavenly), tomato ceviche salad (perfectly tangy), lobster carbonara (in husband's word, "perfect"), Holland sole (delicious and light, and I'm not even a fish person). You can get full descriptions on their website, but just know that I doubt there is a single thing on their menu that isn't going to wow you! Their beef offerings vary by what is available on their farm. The night we were there, they had filet (market prices on beef items), which was by far the most heavily ordered thing in the restaurant that night. We skipped dessert because...well, see above. We did have their house blend coffee, which was smooth and not bitter. Everything Starbucks is not.
(5)
Jenny A.
Fantastic! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary dinner here, and it was amazing! The food was spectacular; everything we ate was unique with incredible flavors. The pork belly appetizer was melt in your mouth. My husband enjoyed the gumbo - very flavorful. I had the garden salad; literally the most interesting combinations of flavors I have ever had in a salad - very special. I had the beef short ribs and my husband had the duck breast - both were incredible. I also must say that the service was impeccable - including the hostess and our server, Shawn. A meal like this is meant to be savored, and should take a few hours to enjoy, which we did. The staff gave us the perfect amount of time in between each course to relax, talk and savor the flavors. THANK YOU for making fine dining the experience it should be.
(5)
Janice B.
Our first visit to Joseph Decuis was this week to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. What an excellent decision. We had the Chef's 6 course tasting selections with their specially chosen wine pairings. Everything was beautifully presented and "lick your plate" delicious! The 6 course dinner including the chilled avocado soup, roasted beets, sweetbreads, pork belly, wagyu ribeye finished off with a wonderful pudding dessert was a culinary delight. I don't feel my description does it justice as there were many unusual greens, sauces, spices & ingredients that made the different courses spectacular. We will definitely return as this restaurant is a special place.
(5)
Alison A.
It pains me to give Joseph Decuis only 3 stars. This was not my first time at the restaurant but definitely my last. When spending a couple hundred dollars on a meal I expect exceptional service and top notch food and unfortunately that was not the case on this occasion. Our waitress was the caliber of a waitress that you may find a chain restaurant. She never shared her name and gave us about 2 seconds to look over the menu before asking what we wanted to drink. We barely had time to sit down. We were celebrating our anniversary, which they were aware of and kindly made us custom menus, and chose to sit in the dining area that is connected to the kitchen. It was supposed to be an intimate and quiet table. Apparently the kitchen was having a bad night because on several occasions the wait staff and the kitchen staff were arguing back and forth. At one point a waiter asked the head chef to split a bowl of soup for a table and he told them to tell the table that they don't do that. Really? We then ordered the morel mushroom appetizer and avocado soup, which the busboy brought to our table. Literally before I could even try the appetizer our waitress asked how the food was and clearly we hadn't even eaten it yet. The avocado soup was so-so but the morels were out of this world the best mushrooms I have ever had. For dinner we ordered the ribeye which is there locally raised Wagyu beef. I ordered a lobster and pasta dish that featured homemade pasta in a spicy sauce. It was recommended by our server. Another server delivered our meal to our table. My husband's ribeye was $55 and the portion was that of which a small child would be eating. Also a little too heavily seasoned with a cut of beef that fine it doesn't need to any seasonings in my opinion, but it was cooked to perfection. Now on to my dinner, the pasta was so chewy that it was beyond al dente. Then I had a large shell from the improperly cleaned and lobster claw that I bit into and could have damaged a tooth if I had bit harder. Also my lobster had hot and cold spots in the meal which led me to believe that the pasta had been reheated in the microwave. It then took about 15 minutes for our original waitress to come back to our table to check on our food at that time I let her know about the lobster shell. She offered to have the kitchen make a new one but I didn't feel like eating my meal by myself while my husband was almost done with his. Then the head waitress came to our table, who I thought was quite meak and unprofessional and offered a free dessert or drink with an apology about the lobster. Seriously, this is a five star restaurant in this is the best you can do? Again we've eaten here before and had a wonderful time but this night was just an off night. I try to keep my expectations in check based on the price point of a restaurant and therefore I expected perfection and didn't get, it not even close. My husband and I were so disappointed our experience that we left and didn't even consider dessert that night.
(3)
Crystal M.
We have been here several times since it opened. Our last visit recently was for our 34th wedding anniversary. We both indulged in the Wagyu filet. It is so tender that it melts in your mouth. We also got morels for an appetizer and I got some gumbo soup. The bread plate is worth it, so save some room for it. Service was spot on. The art displayed makes it also a cultural event. Expensive, but a wonderful culinary experience.
(5)
Cathy D.
I must say first that our food was fabulous - We had a Waygu Carbonnade, which was a beer braised chuck - kinda like the best pot roast in the world. The seafood gumbo was the best I've ever had. Coming from me, that says alot because I LOVE gumbo and get a cup whenever possible. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was perfect - fresh, sweet and firm shrimp with creamy cheese grits. The reason I gave four stars rather than five was the inattentive service. Our server was helpful and pleasant but just never checked on us. There was a 45-minute wait from the time we finished our appetizers until our entrees came. No one ever stopped by to explain the delay or even check on us. Similarly, after the entrees finally arrived, no one checked to see if we needed anything or our orders were correct. Fortunately, the food was perfect so there was no issue (except for the delay). We will still make the two-hour drive to go back to this gem in Northern Indiana (yes, it's that good).
(4)
Marsha K.
We were so looking forward to revisiting this place, had such good memories from years ago. Sometimes you just can't go back. From the minute we arrived to the minute we walked out something was definitely WRONG. Made reservations 1 1/2 weeks before on OPEN TABLE only to arrive and have the hostess give us a perplexed look and flit around to find us a table then ask, "so there's only the 2 of you??" Sat us in the dining room next to the bar which was packed 2 deep, very loud and when we asked to be moved to a 2 top we were told those were for people with reservations!!!! Water was poured and that was the last we saw of any wait staff, we sat for about 15 minutes wondering if we'd ever be attended to. Funny thing, another table was seated and had drink and food orders taken. At that point, we walked out!!!! The hostess smiled as we left and said THANK YOU for coming in. Our response was not as pleasant. Don't know what the issues were that nite, but our memories will have to suffice, because we will NOT be going back.
(1)
Turner G.
My fine dining experience was made possible by the excellent outgoing backup and host Abby. I normally wouldn't go to a restaurant like this but I'll be back again thanks to the proficient staff. 5/5 WOW.
(5)
Brian M.
Fact: This is the best restaurant in the Fort Wayne area. My only grievance is that the menu does not seem to change that often. However, upon a recent visit, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they have finally added some new options. I would literally kill you for a platter of their new sliders.
(5)
Brian W.
We made a reservation 6 weeks out for a special dinner for out of town guests. I confirmed the reservation 4 weeks after the initial reservation. I didn't receive a call the day before or the day of, and I reached out to the restaurant. They asked if I had the right restaurant, and then informed me that there was no record of my reservation. This is incredibly unprofessional, and I doubt, after years of enjoying their food, we'll be back any time soon! Good riddance to lousy service!
(1)
Megan K.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this restaurant. I went with a friend on a Tuesday night. The waitstaff was very accommodating and let us roam around the mostly empty restaurant. We got to peek into the different wine cellars and meander in the conservatory/patio area. The restaurant has a very intimate, romantic feel to it. As for food, he got the foie gras and I got the crab cake appetizer. Both were absolutely amazing. The foie gras was perfectly cooked and the caramelized bread it came on was perfect. It was buttery and slightly sweet. My crab cakes were made with big chunks of crab meat. They were nestled in some mayonnaise based sauce and topped with a tuft of greens that had been mixed in a fresh vinaigrette. It balanced the richness of the sauce perfectly. For dinner we both got the Wagyu beef entree. It was cooked perfectly and the meat barely needed to be cut, it was so tender. The waitress showed us a piece of meat that hadn't been cooked and the marbling was intense. It was served a top some sort of whipped potato and vegetable mixture. I don't really care for potatoes but I nearly licked the plate, it was so good. For dessert we shared the chocolate bourbon pecan cake. It didn't really have a cake consistency. It was much softer and was topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream infused with vanilla bean. It was absolutely delicious. We will definitely stop by again when we're in town.
(5)
Peter P.
I rarely give 5 stars, but when it's warranted, I have no qualms about doing so. Amazing food, amazing experience. Possibly the finest restaurant in the state of Indiana. If Joseph Decuis was in an international city (i.e. Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, New York) it would have a Michelin star. Our server was a little green (she said she had only worked there for a couple weeks), but from what I could from the other servers and the hostess, the service is impeccable. This is a no-jeans (except during special events) crowd, so dress accordingly. Joseph Decuis either raises/grows their own ingredients at their farm (which you can tour) a few miles away Their farm is said to be the only Wagyu beef producer in the US (I haven't checked whether or not this is true). If you are unfamiliar with Wagyu, think Kobe beef (except not produced in Japan). I actually didn't try the Wagyu (as I have had it before in Indianapolis - sourced from Joseph Decuis). I had the excellent osso bucco. So tender and flavorful. Served over a parsnip puree, the whole experience melts on your palate. Adjacent to the restaurant is the emporium where you can purchase many of the meats (frozen) found at the restaurant to take home. There is also an inn (which I did not visit) where you really immerse yourself in the JD experience. I will definitely be finding an excuse to make the 2-hour drive from Indianapolis north so I can return to this truly amazing dining destination.
(5)
Jay Rand B.
Joseph Decius provides the "perfect storm" for me: great food, understated service and prices consistent with the quality. As a vegan that strays a couple of times a year, this is the place to fall off the wagon!
(5)
S S.
All I can say is wow! This is one of the best restaurants I've experienced. "Farm to fork" all fresh ingredients and the Wagyu filet...INCREDIBLE! The foie gras is sensational, best I've tasted. The wine list is not what you would expect in a small town....probably the best list in Indiana. Make the trip to this restaurant, it's worth it.
(5)
Temeka E.
Visited Joseph Decuis Emporium while in town for a business meeting! I was told that it was the only 5 star restaurant in the area! We stopped in for a casual lunch. It was a great hamburger venue, and I loved the local foods like honey, bbq sauce, cheese and even ketchup that the store displayed for purchase! I love supporting local businesses! I ordered the Wagyu burger and it was awesome!! They boast burgers "grilled to perfection". Now, don't get it twisted - the cafe is not five star! You pick up your own food, and bus your own table, and get your own drinks! Definitely worth visiting and learning about Wagyu beef aka kobe beef and teh way that it is raised, right here in Indiana!
(4)
Joseph T.
Perhaps the best restaurant in the state. Make time for Joseph Decuis ... you absolutely will love their food, service and decor.
(5)
Rita T.
Love JD! Was disappointed only once of many times visiting there, and the owner made it right immediately! It's worth the trip to this adorable little town of Roanoke, to enjoy a terrific meal!
(5)
John C.
Our first visit was on our 25th wedding anniversary and it was fantastic. The restaurant even had our names on the menu congratulating us on the occasion. Nice. Started w/ the morrel mushrooms followed by tomato soup and duck for her and seafood gumbo and WAGYU (Kobe) filet for me. Best filet ever and I've had them all in Indy, Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati... Again, the Creme Brulee was the best I've had. Expensive meal, but worth every dime. We'll be coming back for the mushrooms, soup and deserts which are a full meal in themselves. 6 stars.
(5)
Dino G.
Drove 30 Minutes to the middle of nowhere and found this absolutely amazing restaurant.
(5)
Shelly F.
True foodie's take note and GO... don't walk but RUN to Roanoke for perfection in food. I have had the pleasure to eat at Joseph Decuis numerous times and have not had a bad experience. Visit one was for a romantic dinner with my husband about 5 years ago. I have picture's I will share. Sit in the courtyard if you can. We had the pleasure of hearing a wonderful guitarist playing outside that night by the name of George Ogg, he recently passed away and it is a shame, he was very talented and made our evening all the more special. Hopefully when you experience Joseph Decuis you will have someone as talented to enhance your evening. Upon arrival we were presented with customized menu's that wished us "Happy Anniversary" The food was amazing. I had the wagyu fillet and I will confess happily it was worth every penny, I still remember after all this time how good it was! On this trip my husband was so impressed with the meal that he ordered every dessert on the menu... He just could not decide on one. The wine list is so extensive that it is hard to believe that this restaurant is in small town USA! There is really something for everyone at every price point so don't be intimidated, and don't be shy to ask for the wine steward if you have questions. Our next trip involved 2 other couples and lots of that wine I mentioned above, we were a bit obnoxious I am sorry to admit, but still treated with complete tolerance and respect. I enjoyed sea bass on this visit and it was perfectly prepared with a macadamia nut crust and risotto. Everyone at our table raved about the food. Other visits have been just as lovely. The menu is seasonal and is really a true farm to fork experience. They do keep the website up to date unlike many restaurants, so check it out. The first 2 visits we stayed at the bed and breakfast that the restaurant owns as we knew we would be drinking more than normal due to celebrating. Upon check in we were showed the kitchen and offered complementary soda's etc. We also had a platter of cheeses, veggies and fruits presented to us both times. The first time it was in our room. The next visit it was in the main living area, this was due to our party reserving the entire B&B. The B&B is very affordable and lovely, you are welcomed to take you own cocktails if you plan on drinking before dinner as the B&B does not have a liquor license. This is a road trip worth taking!
(5)
CK A.
Its as good as it gets. Excellent service. Great gumbo, superb lamb "stew" that they had a real fancy name for, but mama would have called stew. Others in the group had the chicken and the salmon. No complaints from any one.
(5)
Rebekah C.
An amazing find in the middle of no-where Indiana! If you are looking for an amazing food experience in Northern Indiana, similar to what you can find in a big city, then you just need to head to the small town of Roanoke. This place offers fresh food that is seasoned and cooked to perfection. The service is excellent. The only reason it doesn't get five stars from me, is I wasn't a fan of the atmosphere. This might just be the room we sat in, as I hear they have an amazing patio. This is an extremely laid back atmosphere, where you will see people in jeans and t-shirts sitting at tables with white linens, waiters in tuxedos and elegantly prepared dishes. All in all I think this place could compete with some of the upscale restaurants I have been to in places like Chicago and Boston and hold its own.
(4)
Ashley C.
We checked this place out while visiting my family in Indiana. It's by far the prettiest restaurant I've been to out there. The food is insanely fresh, and the dishes are well planned out. There is a huge wine selection and the martini list looks great. My appetizer was surprisingly spicy - so much so that I think it was a mistake. The waitress said it was ponzu, but I've never had ponzu that was spicy. It was a tomato ceviche that said nothing about heat in the description. The waitress also put in the wrong order for me - I asked for short ribs and I ended up with a fillet mignon. It was still really good, but it wasn't what I wanted. All in all, it was a delicious and elegant meal. The charcuterie appetizer was something truly different - house cured meats that were packed with flavor. Dessert was also really decadent and different. Warning: your GPS may fritz out trying to find this place, so bring a backup printout!
Have been here a number of times before and just back again for the usual outstanding meal. The main courses were delicious (pork and grouper), but I have to mentioned the Caesar Salad. I have been searching out the best Caesar's coast to coast for 25 years. I would put JD's in a tight race for top spot. It was a creative interpretation of the classic, but was so well done it deserved this special mention.
(5)
Alan S.
My wife and I went up to Joseph Decuis just for some midweek fun. It was truly a breath of fresh air. The food and the ambiance was amazing. I highly recommend the charcuterie board. Nothing beats house cured meats! After that, we both had the tomato bisque with fresh goat cheese. Delicious and fresh. For entrees, I had seared duck breast over assorted vegetables and it was very tasty. My wife had a salmon with beets and she was equally as pleased. Thank you chef Butts and staff for an excellent evening.
(5)
Dave S.
Had lunch next door and enjoyed all the fresh veggies. Great wine selection and local gifts. Someday I will be back for dinner in the old bank building.
(5)
Nicole C.
Possibly the finest (and as far as I know, the only five-star) restaurant in the region! They are a "Farm to Fork" restaurant ~ they raise their own Kobe beef, eggs, vegetable, and herbs on their own farm, as well as locally sourcing other meats. That is a win in my book. My husband and I went here on our anniversary several months ago. Made our reservations and mentioned it was our anniversary, and were pleasantly surprised when we got to our table to discover custom paper menus with our names and "Happy Anniversary" printed on them! The Artisinal Cheese Plate was a lovely starter. My chicken dish was outstanding, and my husband said that his salmon was the BEST he'd ever had in his life. We split the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake for dessert ~ amazing! Their wine list is enormous! I tried one of the recommended red wines (now of course I don't remember what it was) and my husband had a bourbon cocktail. I'm not a fan of bourbon but I tried his drink and I have to say it was REALLY good. Service and staff were very friendly, attentive, and helpful. What a wonderful anniversary dinner! Unfortunately, Joseph Decuis will probably remain a special-occasion-only place for us, because it is QUITE pricey!
Good but not great. I guess expectations are everything. It must be very hard to be inspired every night. The flavors just weren't on point... We received very good service from the bartender and he was fun and knowledgeable. Our table server was slow and odd... kept staring at the top of my head when she talked to me.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic, Classy, Upscale Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
R T.
Joseph Decuis is difficult to explain in the sleepy little Town of Roanoke (halfway between Huntington and Fort Wayne). The owners have created a little oasis with wonderful and creative cuisine. Diver Scallops, Dover Sole, Kobe steaks, Veal, and other seafood and meats fill the menu with creative preparations. Many of the dishes have a creole flair. I have dined there a few times and have never had anything but an outstanding meal with impeccable service. Entrees range, on the high side, and the menu is a la carte. The menu changes weekly and can be viewed at josephdecuis.com . They have an extensive wine list (500+ different wines) and have been awarded, a few years ago, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This is a testament to their established standards. Working in Fort Wayne for Regional Business and I have met local customers there. I was amazed by the creativeness of the menu, friendliness of staff, great service, and amazing atmosphere. So many nooks-and-crannies in and out, and everyone liked the layout of the restaurant. We ate outside which was perfect for June. Appetizer Mushrooms were fabulous, many compliments from table. Roasted Lamb was popular and also Scallops well prepared. Great after-dinner drink menu and no-flour chocolate cake was decent. People in my group have eaten dinner all across the US and I can honestly say that this was one of the most unique, enjoyable nights they had in a long time. I will absolutely come back if in the area, and would highly recommend for any dinner. The hotel attached so may utilize hotel and restaurant for future endeavors when working in Ft Wayne area. The restaurant consists of 4 beautifully appointed dining areas. The clubroom contains the bar and permits cigar smoking after 9 PM. The center Cafe has views of the open kitchen. The Conservatory is a glass enclosed dining area with views of the streetscape and patio courtyard. The Courtyard is open for outdoor dining, weather permitting. The atmosphere is business casual. The restaurant is not appropriate for children. Joseph Decuis is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two or for a party of eight looking to experience fine dining in a beautiful atmosphere. You will not be disappointed. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
(5)Ross C.
Fantastic place!!!! The Wagyu beef is well worth the price. Excellent food selections, all around! Highly recommend coming here.
(5)Christina A.
My husband and I have wanted to make time for a drive to this place since we tried the Waygu beef sliders at last Years Dig-IN. We both got the six course tasting menu with the wine pairings. The food was wonder, our server was wonderful. And the server that brought and explained all the wine was wonderful and gave us a wine list to help us remember what we like and help us purchase future wine.
(5)Cheeky M.
My wife and I were married at the resturant. They have enough room in the conservatory to accommodate about 50 people. In addition we used their court yard to conduct the wedding and serve cocktails. It was a bit pricey but the venue was beautiful. The food and wine excellent. Frankly the nicest wedding I've ever attended. It's great that it was my own! Manager and staff were very professional, helpful and considerate. I can't say enough to express how happy I am with the whole experience. Simply outstanding Resturant.
(5)Jerome K.
This is an amazing dinning experience. The food is delicious the wine selection is wonderful, and the restaurant atmosphere is unique and very comfortable. The old bank vault in the restaurant is now the wine vault. If you are in NE Indiana you should definitely stop in. The town of Roanoke is quaint and very inviting. I'm definitely going back.
(5)N W.
Great food and service. This is a formal dinner and I would recommend allowing 2+ hours for dinner here. The culinary expertise is rare in this area of the country. We had filet mignon and scallops and both dishes were prepared marvelously. Presentation was outstanding. Atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Big city taste in quaint small town.
(5)Violet S.
Our experience touring the farm, meeting the owner, the cafe, and the cuts we purchased was fantastic. Well worth a mini road trip to check out the wagyu! We gushed the whole way home. Next time, I would definitely like to stay a night in their bed and breakfast out in the country. The farm grounds are breathtaking and the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day away.
(5)Trena T.
Months ago, husband suggested we do a couple of Indiana foodie road trips. We would each choose an Indiana restaurant that we'd never been to, but always wanted to try. He chose The Schnitzelbank in Jasper (watch for that review in about a month). I chose Joseph Decuis. After many days of online menu perusing, we finally headed north last Saturday as a late birthday celebration for me and an early anniversary celebration for us. Start to finish, top to bottom, this was the very best dinner either of us have ever had. The service was wonderful. The food was spectacular. The atmosphere comfortably upscale. We were seated directly in front of the kitchen, which I loved! I so enjoyed seeing the chefs working together and seeing how the dishes were composed. The food: a bread plate (white, wheat, and cranberry with fresh butter), tempura battered squash blossoms (heavenly), tomato ceviche salad (perfectly tangy), lobster carbonara (in husband's word, "perfect"), Holland sole (delicious and light, and I'm not even a fish person). You can get full descriptions on their website, but just know that I doubt there is a single thing on their menu that isn't going to wow you! Their beef offerings vary by what is available on their farm. The night we were there, they had filet (market prices on beef items), which was by far the most heavily ordered thing in the restaurant that night. We skipped dessert because...well, see above. We did have their house blend coffee, which was smooth and not bitter. Everything Starbucks is not.
(5)Jenny A.
Fantastic! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary dinner here, and it was amazing! The food was spectacular; everything we ate was unique with incredible flavors. The pork belly appetizer was melt in your mouth. My husband enjoyed the gumbo - very flavorful. I had the garden salad; literally the most interesting combinations of flavors I have ever had in a salad - very special. I had the beef short ribs and my husband had the duck breast - both were incredible. I also must say that the service was impeccable - including the hostess and our server, Shawn. A meal like this is meant to be savored, and should take a few hours to enjoy, which we did. The staff gave us the perfect amount of time in between each course to relax, talk and savor the flavors. THANK YOU for making fine dining the experience it should be.
(5)Janice B.
Our first visit to Joseph Decuis was this week to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. What an excellent decision. We had the Chef's 6 course tasting selections with their specially chosen wine pairings. Everything was beautifully presented and "lick your plate" delicious! The 6 course dinner including the chilled avocado soup, roasted beets, sweetbreads, pork belly, wagyu ribeye finished off with a wonderful pudding dessert was a culinary delight. I don't feel my description does it justice as there were many unusual greens, sauces, spices & ingredients that made the different courses spectacular. We will definitely return as this restaurant is a special place.
(5)Alison A.
It pains me to give Joseph Decuis only 3 stars. This was not my first time at the restaurant but definitely my last. When spending a couple hundred dollars on a meal I expect exceptional service and top notch food and unfortunately that was not the case on this occasion. Our waitress was the caliber of a waitress that you may find a chain restaurant. She never shared her name and gave us about 2 seconds to look over the menu before asking what we wanted to drink. We barely had time to sit down. We were celebrating our anniversary, which they were aware of and kindly made us custom menus, and chose to sit in the dining area that is connected to the kitchen. It was supposed to be an intimate and quiet table. Apparently the kitchen was having a bad night because on several occasions the wait staff and the kitchen staff were arguing back and forth. At one point a waiter asked the head chef to split a bowl of soup for a table and he told them to tell the table that they don't do that. Really? We then ordered the morel mushroom appetizer and avocado soup, which the busboy brought to our table. Literally before I could even try the appetizer our waitress asked how the food was and clearly we hadn't even eaten it yet. The avocado soup was so-so but the morels were out of this world the best mushrooms I have ever had. For dinner we ordered the ribeye which is there locally raised Wagyu beef. I ordered a lobster and pasta dish that featured homemade pasta in a spicy sauce. It was recommended by our server. Another server delivered our meal to our table. My husband's ribeye was $55 and the portion was that of which a small child would be eating. Also a little too heavily seasoned with a cut of beef that fine it doesn't need to any seasonings in my opinion, but it was cooked to perfection. Now on to my dinner, the pasta was so chewy that it was beyond al dente. Then I had a large shell from the improperly cleaned and lobster claw that I bit into and could have damaged a tooth if I had bit harder. Also my lobster had hot and cold spots in the meal which led me to believe that the pasta had been reheated in the microwave. It then took about 15 minutes for our original waitress to come back to our table to check on our food at that time I let her know about the lobster shell. She offered to have the kitchen make a new one but I didn't feel like eating my meal by myself while my husband was almost done with his. Then the head waitress came to our table, who I thought was quite meak and unprofessional and offered a free dessert or drink with an apology about the lobster. Seriously, this is a five star restaurant in this is the best you can do? Again we've eaten here before and had a wonderful time but this night was just an off night. I try to keep my expectations in check based on the price point of a restaurant and therefore I expected perfection and didn't get, it not even close. My husband and I were so disappointed our experience that we left and didn't even consider dessert that night.
(3)Crystal M.
We have been here several times since it opened. Our last visit recently was for our 34th wedding anniversary. We both indulged in the Wagyu filet. It is so tender that it melts in your mouth. We also got morels for an appetizer and I got some gumbo soup. The bread plate is worth it, so save some room for it. Service was spot on. The art displayed makes it also a cultural event. Expensive, but a wonderful culinary experience.
(5)Cathy D.
I must say first that our food was fabulous - We had a Waygu Carbonnade, which was a beer braised chuck - kinda like the best pot roast in the world. The seafood gumbo was the best I've ever had. Coming from me, that says alot because I LOVE gumbo and get a cup whenever possible. The Shrimp and Grits appetizer was perfect - fresh, sweet and firm shrimp with creamy cheese grits. The reason I gave four stars rather than five was the inattentive service. Our server was helpful and pleasant but just never checked on us. There was a 45-minute wait from the time we finished our appetizers until our entrees came. No one ever stopped by to explain the delay or even check on us. Similarly, after the entrees finally arrived, no one checked to see if we needed anything or our orders were correct. Fortunately, the food was perfect so there was no issue (except for the delay). We will still make the two-hour drive to go back to this gem in Northern Indiana (yes, it's that good).
(4)Marsha K.
We were so looking forward to revisiting this place, had such good memories from years ago. Sometimes you just can't go back. From the minute we arrived to the minute we walked out something was definitely WRONG. Made reservations 1 1/2 weeks before on OPEN TABLE only to arrive and have the hostess give us a perplexed look and flit around to find us a table then ask, "so there's only the 2 of you??" Sat us in the dining room next to the bar which was packed 2 deep, very loud and when we asked to be moved to a 2 top we were told those were for people with reservations!!!! Water was poured and that was the last we saw of any wait staff, we sat for about 15 minutes wondering if we'd ever be attended to. Funny thing, another table was seated and had drink and food orders taken. At that point, we walked out!!!! The hostess smiled as we left and said THANK YOU for coming in. Our response was not as pleasant. Don't know what the issues were that nite, but our memories will have to suffice, because we will NOT be going back.
(1)Turner G.
My fine dining experience was made possible by the excellent outgoing backup and host Abby. I normally wouldn't go to a restaurant like this but I'll be back again thanks to the proficient staff. 5/5 WOW.
(5)Brian M.
Fact: This is the best restaurant in the Fort Wayne area. My only grievance is that the menu does not seem to change that often. However, upon a recent visit, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they have finally added some new options. I would literally kill you for a platter of their new sliders.
(5)Brian W.
We made a reservation 6 weeks out for a special dinner for out of town guests. I confirmed the reservation 4 weeks after the initial reservation. I didn't receive a call the day before or the day of, and I reached out to the restaurant. They asked if I had the right restaurant, and then informed me that there was no record of my reservation. This is incredibly unprofessional, and I doubt, after years of enjoying their food, we'll be back any time soon! Good riddance to lousy service!
(1)Megan K.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this restaurant. I went with a friend on a Tuesday night. The waitstaff was very accommodating and let us roam around the mostly empty restaurant. We got to peek into the different wine cellars and meander in the conservatory/patio area. The restaurant has a very intimate, romantic feel to it. As for food, he got the foie gras and I got the crab cake appetizer. Both were absolutely amazing. The foie gras was perfectly cooked and the caramelized bread it came on was perfect. It was buttery and slightly sweet. My crab cakes were made with big chunks of crab meat. They were nestled in some mayonnaise based sauce and topped with a tuft of greens that had been mixed in a fresh vinaigrette. It balanced the richness of the sauce perfectly. For dinner we both got the Wagyu beef entree. It was cooked perfectly and the meat barely needed to be cut, it was so tender. The waitress showed us a piece of meat that hadn't been cooked and the marbling was intense. It was served a top some sort of whipped potato and vegetable mixture. I don't really care for potatoes but I nearly licked the plate, it was so good. For dessert we shared the chocolate bourbon pecan cake. It didn't really have a cake consistency. It was much softer and was topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream infused with vanilla bean. It was absolutely delicious. We will definitely stop by again when we're in town.
(5)Peter P.
I rarely give 5 stars, but when it's warranted, I have no qualms about doing so. Amazing food, amazing experience. Possibly the finest restaurant in the state of Indiana. If Joseph Decuis was in an international city (i.e. Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, New York) it would have a Michelin star. Our server was a little green (she said she had only worked there for a couple weeks), but from what I could from the other servers and the hostess, the service is impeccable. This is a no-jeans (except during special events) crowd, so dress accordingly. Joseph Decuis either raises/grows their own ingredients at their farm (which you can tour) a few miles away Their farm is said to be the only Wagyu beef producer in the US (I haven't checked whether or not this is true). If you are unfamiliar with Wagyu, think Kobe beef (except not produced in Japan). I actually didn't try the Wagyu (as I have had it before in Indianapolis - sourced from Joseph Decuis). I had the excellent osso bucco. So tender and flavorful. Served over a parsnip puree, the whole experience melts on your palate. Adjacent to the restaurant is the emporium where you can purchase many of the meats (frozen) found at the restaurant to take home. There is also an inn (which I did not visit) where you really immerse yourself in the JD experience. I will definitely be finding an excuse to make the 2-hour drive from Indianapolis north so I can return to this truly amazing dining destination.
(5)Jay Rand B.
Joseph Decius provides the "perfect storm" for me: great food, understated service and prices consistent with the quality. As a vegan that strays a couple of times a year, this is the place to fall off the wagon!
(5)S S.
All I can say is wow! This is one of the best restaurants I've experienced. "Farm to fork" all fresh ingredients and the Wagyu filet...INCREDIBLE! The foie gras is sensational, best I've tasted. The wine list is not what you would expect in a small town....probably the best list in Indiana. Make the trip to this restaurant, it's worth it.
(5)Temeka E.
Visited Joseph Decuis Emporium while in town for a business meeting! I was told that it was the only 5 star restaurant in the area! We stopped in for a casual lunch. It was a great hamburger venue, and I loved the local foods like honey, bbq sauce, cheese and even ketchup that the store displayed for purchase! I love supporting local businesses! I ordered the Wagyu burger and it was awesome!! They boast burgers "grilled to perfection". Now, don't get it twisted - the cafe is not five star! You pick up your own food, and bus your own table, and get your own drinks! Definitely worth visiting and learning about Wagyu beef aka kobe beef and teh way that it is raised, right here in Indiana!
(4)Joseph T.
Perhaps the best restaurant in the state. Make time for Joseph Decuis ... you absolutely will love their food, service and decor.
(5)Rita T.
Love JD! Was disappointed only once of many times visiting there, and the owner made it right immediately! It's worth the trip to this adorable little town of Roanoke, to enjoy a terrific meal!
(5)John C.
Our first visit was on our 25th wedding anniversary and it was fantastic. The restaurant even had our names on the menu congratulating us on the occasion. Nice. Started w/ the morrel mushrooms followed by tomato soup and duck for her and seafood gumbo and WAGYU (Kobe) filet for me. Best filet ever and I've had them all in Indy, Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati... Again, the Creme Brulee was the best I've had. Expensive meal, but worth every dime. We'll be coming back for the mushrooms, soup and deserts which are a full meal in themselves. 6 stars.
(5)Dino G.
Drove 30 Minutes to the middle of nowhere and found this absolutely amazing restaurant.
(5)Shelly F.
True foodie's take note and GO... don't walk but RUN to Roanoke for perfection in food. I have had the pleasure to eat at Joseph Decuis numerous times and have not had a bad experience. Visit one was for a romantic dinner with my husband about 5 years ago. I have picture's I will share. Sit in the courtyard if you can. We had the pleasure of hearing a wonderful guitarist playing outside that night by the name of George Ogg, he recently passed away and it is a shame, he was very talented and made our evening all the more special. Hopefully when you experience Joseph Decuis you will have someone as talented to enhance your evening. Upon arrival we were presented with customized menu's that wished us "Happy Anniversary" The food was amazing. I had the wagyu fillet and I will confess happily it was worth every penny, I still remember after all this time how good it was! On this trip my husband was so impressed with the meal that he ordered every dessert on the menu... He just could not decide on one. The wine list is so extensive that it is hard to believe that this restaurant is in small town USA! There is really something for everyone at every price point so don't be intimidated, and don't be shy to ask for the wine steward if you have questions. Our next trip involved 2 other couples and lots of that wine I mentioned above, we were a bit obnoxious I am sorry to admit, but still treated with complete tolerance and respect. I enjoyed sea bass on this visit and it was perfectly prepared with a macadamia nut crust and risotto. Everyone at our table raved about the food. Other visits have been just as lovely. The menu is seasonal and is really a true farm to fork experience. They do keep the website up to date unlike many restaurants, so check it out. The first 2 visits we stayed at the bed and breakfast that the restaurant owns as we knew we would be drinking more than normal due to celebrating. Upon check in we were showed the kitchen and offered complementary soda's etc. We also had a platter of cheeses, veggies and fruits presented to us both times. The first time it was in our room. The next visit it was in the main living area, this was due to our party reserving the entire B&B. The B&B is very affordable and lovely, you are welcomed to take you own cocktails if you plan on drinking before dinner as the B&B does not have a liquor license. This is a road trip worth taking!
(5)CK A.
Its as good as it gets. Excellent service. Great gumbo, superb lamb "stew" that they had a real fancy name for, but mama would have called stew. Others in the group had the chicken and the salmon. No complaints from any one.
(5)Rebekah C.
An amazing find in the middle of no-where Indiana! If you are looking for an amazing food experience in Northern Indiana, similar to what you can find in a big city, then you just need to head to the small town of Roanoke. This place offers fresh food that is seasoned and cooked to perfection. The service is excellent. The only reason it doesn't get five stars from me, is I wasn't a fan of the atmosphere. This might just be the room we sat in, as I hear they have an amazing patio. This is an extremely laid back atmosphere, where you will see people in jeans and t-shirts sitting at tables with white linens, waiters in tuxedos and elegantly prepared dishes. All in all I think this place could compete with some of the upscale restaurants I have been to in places like Chicago and Boston and hold its own.
(4)Ashley C.
We checked this place out while visiting my family in Indiana. It's by far the prettiest restaurant I've been to out there. The food is insanely fresh, and the dishes are well planned out. There is a huge wine selection and the martini list looks great. My appetizer was surprisingly spicy - so much so that I think it was a mistake. The waitress said it was ponzu, but I've never had ponzu that was spicy. It was a tomato ceviche that said nothing about heat in the description. The waitress also put in the wrong order for me - I asked for short ribs and I ended up with a fillet mignon. It was still really good, but it wasn't what I wanted. All in all, it was a delicious and elegant meal. The charcuterie appetizer was something truly different - house cured meats that were packed with flavor. Dessert was also really decadent and different. Warning: your GPS may fritz out trying to find this place, so bring a backup printout!
(4)Jason F.
Last night my wife, a friend, and I all tried JD for the first time. We drove about 2 hours from Indianapolis. The short version: the food was an absolutely delightful experience, although the service falls short when compared with the caliber of the food and décor. We will definitely go back. The long version: I called one week in advance and made the reservation for 7pm on Saturday. Since we arrived about 20 minutes early, we stopped at the JD Emporium and bought some wine. I asked the ladies at the emporium whether we could bring the wine next door and pay corkage, and while they were unsure they called next door to the restaurant to ask; the answer was "no", which was a little disappointing. When making the reservation a week prior, I told the polite young lady on the other end of the call that the three of us would order the chef's tasting menu. When we arrived at the restaurant, I told the hostess again that we all would have the tasting menu as she was taking us to the table. From there, it was at least 10-20 minutes before any wait staff approached us. We had just driven 2 hours and felt tired and very hungry, and my wife had a migraine starting in. (My wife thought it was 20 minutes, and I thought it was at least 10. The point is, when you're hungry and tired you do not like feeling ignored, and time seems to move along MUCH more slowly!) Finally, a female server approached. I was hoping she'd begin by explaining a little about the cuisine or tonight's menu or at least welcome us or acknowledge that we'd been ignored for longer than we should have been. Instead, we recievd an expressionless and dispassionate, "What do you want to drink?". I told her that we all wanted to the chef's menu and asked if she could tell us what was on the menu so that I could pick some wine from the wine list. Her response was something like, "I have no idea. Let me go find out". After I had told the restaurant twice that we wanted the chef's menu, the server's not knowing what was on the menu made me nervous and certainly did not inspire any confidence about the food to come. (The food ended up being pretty fantastic, but I was not expecting it at this point in the meal.) I ordered the wine pairing with my meal, which was an extra $30, and got way more than my money's worth. The servers pour what appears to be a complete 4.5-ounce glass of wine with each course (except for the dessert wine). By the end of the meal, I was a little tipsy from all that wine. I was expecting 2-ounce pours and would have been content with that. Here was the chef's tasting menu: First Course - garden tomato ceviche with white sardines, manchego, red onion, and greens with a vinaigrette. The flavors were harmonious and delicious together. The dressing had a dash of jalapeno that really sparked the flavor in the sardine and the cheese. Paired with a Hogue dry Riesling from Washington. Second Course - the foie gras (an extra $28 from the menu). Delicious, with a blueberry reduction sauce and served over something like glazed French toast. The problem was the temperature - mine was lukewarm. The second problem was the server thought we had only ordered one instead of two, so my friend's did not arrive for about 7-10 minutes later and after I had finished mine. He happily devoured it (and it was his first time trying foie gras) and said it was nice and hot. Also, the server did not ask if I wanted any wine with my foie gras, and I had none because I had finished all but a few drops of my Riesling from the first course. Foie gras is one of those rich foods that just BEGS for wine with it. I would have gladly paid for a Sauternes or a dessert wine, but she didn't offer anything either before or after bringing the gras out. Third Course - tempura squash blossom over a sand ball (sp?) aioli. This was the most interesting thing on the menu, but temperature was again a problem as mine came out hardly warm. Still, good balance with the fried veggie and spicy aioli. Fourth course - monkfish filet with spinach fettucine and morel mushrooms. The fish was hot, meaty, and tasty, and the morels were wonderful. Fifth course - sweetbreads with asparagus tips and morel mushrooms. This was good, although not my favorite of the night. I was thrilled to get more morels though. Paired perfectly with A to Z Pinot Noir. Sixth Course - Wagyu beef skirt steak. The beef was sublime. Seventh Course - dessert. It was some sort of rich caramel custard, paired with a 20-year Fonseca port. The bottom line, it felt like 5-star ambience and 5-star food being delivered by 2 or 3-star service. Still, I will definitely go back!
(4)James G.
Have been here a number of times before and just back again for the usual outstanding meal. The main courses were delicious (pork and grouper), but I have to mentioned the Caesar Salad. I have been searching out the best Caesar's coast to coast for 25 years. I would put JD's in a tight race for top spot. It was a creative interpretation of the classic, but was so well done it deserved this special mention.
(5)Alan S.
My wife and I went up to Joseph Decuis just for some midweek fun. It was truly a breath of fresh air. The food and the ambiance was amazing. I highly recommend the charcuterie board. Nothing beats house cured meats! After that, we both had the tomato bisque with fresh goat cheese. Delicious and fresh. For entrees, I had seared duck breast over assorted vegetables and it was very tasty. My wife had a salmon with beets and she was equally as pleased. Thank you chef Butts and staff for an excellent evening.
(5)Dave S.
Had lunch next door and enjoyed all the fresh veggies. Great wine selection and local gifts. Someday I will be back for dinner in the old bank building.
(5)Nicole C.
Possibly the finest (and as far as I know, the only five-star) restaurant in the region! They are a "Farm to Fork" restaurant ~ they raise their own Kobe beef, eggs, vegetable, and herbs on their own farm, as well as locally sourcing other meats. That is a win in my book. My husband and I went here on our anniversary several months ago. Made our reservations and mentioned it was our anniversary, and were pleasantly surprised when we got to our table to discover custom paper menus with our names and "Happy Anniversary" printed on them! The Artisinal Cheese Plate was a lovely starter. My chicken dish was outstanding, and my husband said that his salmon was the BEST he'd ever had in his life. We split the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake for dessert ~ amazing! Their wine list is enormous! I tried one of the recommended red wines (now of course I don't remember what it was) and my husband had a bourbon cocktail. I'm not a fan of bourbon but I tried his drink and I have to say it was REALLY good. Service and staff were very friendly, attentive, and helpful. What a wonderful anniversary dinner! Unfortunately, Joseph Decuis will probably remain a special-occasion-only place for us, because it is QUITE pricey!
(5)Rebecca A.
The primary draw, for us, was the Wagyu beef. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, the quality of the beef is amazing and our steaks were cooked perfectly. They were decently seasoned. Unfortunately, the beef was served with a potato purée (good) and a spiced mixture of vegetables and legumes. I can't understand why the chef would take such a beautiful, delicate meat and overpower it with spices. Spices are meant to compliment the dish, not take center stage. I'm not complaining that they were too hot. They were just too concentrated and unbalanced. This beef would work much better with a hint of something sweet... maybe cherry or tamarind. Think, more Asian or French and less Tex Mex. Also, when a person orders a ribeye, they expect a ribeye. What I got was a 4 oz section of a ribeye (for $85). Considering the prices they charge for the beef in their market, I'm not sure how they justify that. I was expecting at least 8 oz. So, if you plan to order steak, be sure to order plenty of appetizers. At least they were generous with the bread basket. The quality of the food is quite good, definitely the best in the area. The seafood is fresh, which is no small feat in the Midwest. The foie gras is great, although we were served a tiny spot of it, encompassed by some sort of toast. The price is equal to a fine Manhattan restaurant but, in Manhattan, you would get 3 times as much foie gras. The restaurant is comfortable and nicely decorated. The service is excellent. I would definitely recommend Joseph Decuis for a special occasion. Just go into it knowing that you're going to over pay. I'm accustomed to prices like this but I've never felt like I got so little for my money.
(4)Eric N.
Good but not great. I guess expectations are everything. It must be very hard to be inspired every night. The flavors just weren't on point... We received very good service from the bartender and he was fun and knowledgeable. Our table server was slow and odd... kept staring at the top of my head when she talked to me.
(4)