Are you looking for the best restaurants in Indianapolis? You have come to the right place.
Indianapolis might be better known for the Indy 500, sports, and its place at the “Crossroads of America”, but its food scene deserves much more attention than it sometimes gets.
This is a city where you can eat in a steakhouse that has been serving diners for more than 120 years, find brilliant neighborhood pizza, try Cajun and Creole food, discover inventive farm-to-table restaurants, and eat your way through flavors from around the world.
And there is a restaurant here for pretty much every kind of trip. Whether you are looking for somewhere special for dinner, a casual lunch, a great downtown Indianapolis restaurant, vegetarian food, or somewhere that feels completely unique to the city, I’ve included something for you.
I’ve chosen a mixture of Indianapolis restaurants that show just how interesting the city’s food scene has become.
So, if you’re hungry, here are 15 of the best restaurants in Indianapolis to try.
Indianapolis also makes a great Midwest weekend getaway if you want to spend a few days exploring the city.
15 Best Restaurants In Indianapolis IN You Must Try
St. Elmo Steak House Is An Indianapolis Institution
If you love steak and would love to visit an award-winning restaurant then this restaurant in Indianapolis IN is the one for you. It was named as one of Forbes ‘Great Classic Restaurants Worth Visiting’.
The restaurant had been a landmark downtown since 1902. And it is the oldest steakhouse still at its original location. This place has history and the locals and travelers alike adore this place.
Its all wood panels and art and gives you a real feeling of nostalgia when you walk in. And the food is raved about.
The steaks are excellent, the shrimp cocktail is world-famous and the service matches up to the incredible food.
Of course, the excellent food and top-notch ambiance experience are on the expensive side. If you fancy splashing out on a meal in a historic place then this is definitely the restaurant in Indy for you.
Grab A Pizza At Bazbeaux
ometimes you don’t want a fancy dinner. You just want really good pizza, and Bazbeaux has been an Indianapolis favorite since 1986.
The original restaurant opened in Broad Ripple before Bazbeaux expanded downtown in 1989. Today there are locations in Broad Ripple, Downtown Indianapolis, and nearby Carmel.
The pizzas are made to order and there is a much more interesting selection than you’ll find at your average pizza restaurant.
One of the best known is the Quattro Formaggio, loaded with mozzarella, ricotta, cheddar, bacon, and mushrooms.
I particularly like Bazbeaux as an option when you want somewhere casual and unfussy. If you’re exploring downtown, the Massachusetts Avenue location is especially convenient, and you can even stop in for pizza by the slice at lunchtime.
It’s lively, relaxed, and the kind of place that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does when everyone in your group simply wants pizza.
BRU Burger Bar
For classic burgers, sandwiches, and salads this is the place to go. The flavors are bold and the BBQ nachos are a real hit.
They also have a great selection of local beers and spirits. It’s sleek inside all granite and brick and wood with a very millennial academia aesthetic feel.
If you are after great food in a casual atmosphere then this is the restaurant in Indianapolis IN for you.
Yats Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Indianapolis For Flavors And Spice
If you like flavor and spice then Yats is the place for you. It features flavors from New Orleans so expect Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes.
It is all bright colors and memorabilia and it is just as simple and delicious. There is a menu of between 7 to 10 items you can order and enjoy. There is no hassle here.
If you find it hard to choose from the menu and believe me you will go half and half.
It’s known for its chili cheese crawfish etouffee — a roux-based sauce, chili seasonings, and crawfish tail meat.
This place is full of personality and the food is packed with flavor. There is a familiar welcome feeling about this restaurant in Indy that just always feels so great.
Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant
A bungalow turned into a restaurant, oh yes, and it serves Italian dishes that make you feel like you are in your Italian grandmother’s house, or at least would if you had one.
And that is exactly how the owners want you to feel.
The house was originally built as a model home in 1920 and a lot of the original features remain. This place still looks like a house and that adds to its charm.
It opened its doors in 1997 after Mama drove past the house and decided she had to buy it as a home for her restaurant. This is a family-run neighborhood restaurant and the locals love it.
The menu is Italian cuisine and affordable. The beef lasagne and Bolognese are raved about. And the ricotta cake is out of this world.
This place has a charm about it that is hard to find. It’s unique, different and the food is so good.
Mama Carolla’s opens for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. This is definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Indianapolis.
Harry & Izzy’s
Earlier I recommended St Elmos Steak House. This is the more casual sister version to its more exclusive counterpart. There are several locations to choose from, including three in Indianapolis.
This place celebrates Harry and Izzy the founders of the famous steak house with a much more accessible and casual atmosphere.
It still serves steak and seafood and it is still pricey but some people prefer this as it is a little more laid back.
Bluebeard
A daily rotating menu from local farms and set in one of the oldest neighborhoods, this Indianapolis restaurant has a lot to offer. I’m all here for this and it turns out others are too.
Conde Nast, Food and Wine, and USA Today have all sung their praises. And the chef is a James Beard semifinalist.
Its tagline is ‘eat, drink and explore’ and I feel like that is a match made in heaven. It’s farm-to-table food and this place cares about food and the community it serves.
This restaurant started to make hearth-baked, European-style bread and it has grown from there earning the respect of many culinary greats. The chef is considered one of the best chefs in the Midwest.
They handcraft their food with love every day (their words) and the popularity of this place shows this is true. The place is wholesome with wood floors, brick walls, and large windows. This 1924 warehouse really adds to the charm.
The name is a nod to Indy Native Kurt Vonnegut and you will find typewriters scattered around.
If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis then I highly recommend this one.
Livery
Horse stables turned into a restaurant?! And to add another twist it offers Latin American cuisine.
This southwest culinary restaurant really is an experience. The seating is on two stories with an open rooftop. It’s like each time you visit this eatery the experience is as different as the view.
The food is delicious the atmosphere relaxed the restaurant bright. It’s just a beautiful mix of everything.
The menu is smallish but varied and you will find things like Yucca fries, six types of empanadas, and a variety of tacos. A favorite of locals is the Paella.
What the place really prides itself on though is its selection of Tequilas. There are loads.
It is open from 4 pm until 10 pm and stays open to 11 pm on Saturday and 9 on Sunday.
The Rathskeller Restaurant In Indianapolis IN Offers A German Vibe
Fancy eating at an authentic German restaurant ? Indianapolis has that too. Located in a historic Athenaeum Building downtown it’s as interesting outside as it is inside.
This downtown Indianapolis restaurant is known for its family-sized portions of schnitzel and sauerbraten and the award-winning menu has a selection of everything.
Like any German restaurant, it does not let patrons down in its selection of beers. With more than 12 imported draft beers and 50 imported bottled beers.
The space was designed by Bernard Vonnegut, Kurt’s grandfather, and it is impressive. It has a huge space for weddings and events. It is reminiscent of a quaint inn in the Bavarian Hills.
They regularly put on events in the beer garden and event spaces.
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
Want a cocktail while watching the sunset? Then this is the place for you to do that. It specializes in seafood, steaks, and pasta and overlooks the Eagle Creek Reservoir.
It was voted one of Indy’s Top 25 Restaurants and you will see why when you visit. It’s a mix of cozy and contemporary with incredible views and food that matches.
You can dine inside or outside the dining room has waterfront views perfect for serving some of the freshest seafood in Indianapolis.
It’s a great place for great food and a great atmosphere. Making this one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.
Eagle Creek Park is also one of my favorite things to do in Indianapolis if you want to spend some time outdoors.
10th Street Diner Is One Of The Best Vegan Restaurants In Indianapolis
If you are looking for vegan food in Indianapolis then 10th Street Diner is well worth a visit.
This family-owned restaurant serves a completely vegan menu but this is much more comfort food than health food. Think Reuben sandwiches, burgers, veggie lasagne, fried Brussels sprouts and plant-based pot pie.
The Reuben is particularly popular and even meat-eaters will find plenty to love here.
It’s casual, friendly and a great choice if you want something a little different.
BODHI Offers Incredible Thai Food In Indianapolis
For Thai food with a modern twist head to BODHI on Massachusetts Avenue.
This locally owned Thai bistro serves dishes inspired by recipes passed down through three generations of Thai women.
Expect dishes like tamarind peanut noodles, curries and papaya salad alongside some seriously creative cocktails.
The interior is stylish and atmospheric and there is a lovely patio for warmer evenings.
BODHI is a 21+ restaurant, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with children.
The Garden Table Restaurant In Indy Offers Seasonal Foods
Sourcing from local farmers makes this place is a real favorite with locals. The fresh menu is seasonal and changes with what is available.
It has an urban feel and really does let the food speak for itself. The Garden Table now has three locations: Mass Ave and Broad Ripple in Indianapolis, plus Carmel just north of the city.
They offer things like sweet minty acai bowl topped with granola and fresh fruit to vegan jalapeño cornbread. This restaurant manages to put together some truly unique and beautiful food.
It’s particularly popular for breakfast and lunch, although the Mass Ave location also serves dinner Thursday through Saturday.
Milktooth Is One Of The Best Indianapolis Restaurants For Brunch
If brunch is your favorite meal of the day then you need to visit Milktooth.
This popular Indianapolis restaurant takes breakfast and brunch dishes and makes them much more interesting.
The menu changes but expect creative dishes such as Dutch baby pancakes, waffles, latkes and some seriously good French toast.
It’s quirky, casual and a great choice for anyone looking for something beyond the usual eggs and pancakes.
Milktooth is a daytime restaurant, so come here for breakfast, brunch or lunch rather than dinner.
Tinker Street Is One Of The Most Unique Restaurants In Indianapolis
Welcoming vegetarians and meat-eaters this restaurant offers an upscale dining experience in a pleasant atmosphere.
The restaurant says it offers a unique experience in an unexpected location. It is named as a nod to the 16th street name during the 1800s. And it’s nestled in the northside historic district.
The menu changes with the seasons and uses locally sourced ingredients. It caters to most food preferences.
You must be 21 to enter and will need to take an ID so keep this in mind.
The menu is small but interesting with offerings such as sweet corn ravioli to pork belly. All the dishes are an interesting combination of flavors that sound delicious.
The dishes are imaginative and pretty legendary in this area. It prides itself in its friendly welcoming community-style atmosphere.
If you are after something a little different then this is one of the restaurants in Indianapolis for you.
Indianapolis has such a varied food scene, from historic steakhouses and casual pizza places to vegan comfort food, Thai cuisine and creative brunch spots. Whichever you choose, I hope you find a new favorite.
I’ve included a selection in this article but of course, there are so many more. If you live in the area please add your favorite to the comments so others can see.
If you’re exploring more of the state, take a look at my favorite attractions in Indiana too.
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