The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Indianapolis
In recent years, Indianapolis's culinary landscape has flourished, rivaling nearby Midwest cities like Louisville, Cincinnati, and even Chicago. Iconic spots like Tinker Street (New American), the long-standing BBQ Heaven (famous for pork ribs), and the revitalized Kountry Kitchen (serving soul food) continue to delight diners. New independent establishments have emerged, such as Julieta’s (tacos), Sam’s Square Pie (Detroit-style pizza), and the entirely vegan Burgeezy. The city also boasts a variety of global cuisines, including the Burmese favorite Chin Brothers, the Honduran treasure El Sabor Catracho, and the popular Muslims of the World coffee and pastry chain. Moreover, Indianapolis’s vibrant sports and tech scenes have drawn a sophisticated crowd to stylish restaurants like Casa Santa (Mexican), Commission Row (specializing in caviar, steaks, and cocktails), and Vicino (Northern Italian).
Collectively, these dining spots reinforce the city’s identity as the Crossroads of America, offering chefs, visitors, and locals ample reasons to celebrate.
Brian Garrido is a freelance food and design writer residing in Indianapolis with his partner, Nick, and their two dogs. Follow him on Instagram @briangarrido or @i8toniteindy, focused on the dining scene in the Midwest city.
Syd's Gourmet Foods
Located at a charming corner of Noblesville’s historic square, Syd’s Fine Foods first opened its doors in 1889 as a tavern and lodge catering to travelers from the nearby railroad. Current owner Brian Knoderer appreciates the affection locals have for the building’s past, maintaining that warm spirit of hospitality with offerings like burgers, pork tenderloin sandwiches, fried pickles, and Hoosier cream pie. A 1945 handcrafted shuffleboard table takes center stage in the establishment, inviting some friendly competition over Indiana brews.
9th Street Bistro
Chef Samir Mohammed, originally from Taos and trained at the Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu, relocated to Noblesville with his Indiana-native wife, Rachel Firestone, to be nearer to her family. After initially offering heat-at-home meals, they built a loyal following with their 35-seat Mytoury, 9th Street Bistro. A James Beard Award semifinalist, Samir crafts a weekly menu that features uncomplicated interpretations of American classics infused with global flavors. He also prepares his own cured meats, cheeses, and desserts.
Casa Santa
Casa Santa in Noblesville is brought to you by the creators of Verde. The stunning interiors feature a vibrant pink dining room perfect for groups and a lush green area exclusively for members, setting the stage for a menu inspired by owner Paul Aréchiga’s hometown of Guadalajara. Highlights include a hearty pozole filled with pork and hominy, delicious quesabirria, and mezcal cocktails like La Milanche (lime, raspberry, ginger) and De Raiz (root syrup, piloncillo, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, lime).
Anthony's Chophouse
Opened in 2018, Anthony’s Chophouse in Carmel offers a refined setting for top-notch service, steak, and seafood in the Indianapolis region. Developed by Tony Lazzara, whose uncle runs the nearby upscale Joe’s Butcher Shop, this elegant venue presents creative interpretations of classic steakhouse fare, including the harvest pig (seared pork belly with a fruit and nut compote), gambas pil pil (a fresh take on the classic shrimp cocktail), and a selection of four-ounce portions featuring USDA Prime, grass-fed, and wagyu beef.
Good Omen
In 2023, Chef Nicholas Gattone and his mother, Diane, a former pastor, opened this Northern Italian Mytoury, Dinogoy, in a repurposed bookshop. Nestled between an insurance office and a nail salon, Gattone—who honed his skills at the New England Culinary Institute and worked at the iconic Spiaggia in Chicago—brings an impressive level of culinary artistry to the region. Dishes like whole roasted walleye with fregola and salsa verde, house-made gluten-free casarecce with duck Bolognese, and a robust lamb shank in wine sauce served over rich risotto may inspire diners to reach for a rosary.
Provision
In 2024, chef Aaron Bender returned to his roots at Provision, situated on the second floor of the industrial Ironworks Hotel. Although the menu remains the same, Bender has infused renewed depth into many dishes. The 14-ounce rib-eye features a more pronounced char, while the crab cake is generously portioned atop a bed of sliced asparagus, corn, and sautéed onion, accompanied by a perfectly balanced mustard aioli. The charred romaine is vibrant with contrasting bites of lardon and slivered anchovy. Rotating amuse bouches add a unique flair to each meal. If you're just stopping by for drinks, enjoy the outdoor fire pit with cocktails like the Fashionably Late (tequila, sherry, banana, curry, carrot, and lime) or Beauty and Grace (vodka, berries, pea flower, elderflower, ginger, and lemon).
Taylor's Bakery
For 113 years, Taylor’s Bakery has been crafting classic baked goods, the kind that come neatly boxed in white cardboard and tied with red and white baker's twine. The business began as a downtown grocery before shifting away from produce and canned items to a new location further uptown in the 1960s. A second site opened in Fishers in 2003. Throughout the century, little has changed in their baking methods, including the use of several dough mixers from the 1950s. All pies, cookies, breads, and more are still made from scratch and adorned by hand.
Perillo’s Pizza
Located in the far northeast corner of Hendrick’s County, about an hour's drive from Indianapolis, Perillo’s Pizza is situated in a refurbished 19th-century doctor’s office amid America’s farmland. Chef Damiano Perillo, who trained in his hometown of Palermo, Italy, collaborates with his wife, Meredith, a Hoosier native, to create a variety of pizzas, including Sicilian and classic New York styles. Baked on stone and topped with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Indiana farms, these pizzas are best enjoyed on the outdoor patio with selections from a curated list of Italian wines and Indiana beers. Cash only.
Diavola Pizza
A large Marra Forni wood-fired pizza oven bakes Diavola’s signature Neapolitan pizzas, filling the restaurant with the enticing scents of charred wood, fresh dough, and roasting salami. Dennis Gurnell, who hails from Vicenza, Italy, oversees the dining experience, ensuring that every guest enjoys the homemade pasta and pizzas.
Nicole-Taylor's Pasta + Market + Backroom Dinogoy
After the retirement of esteemed chefs Tony and Rosa Hanslits, talented chef Erin Kem, who started her culinary journey with them, took over their pasta shop, market, and Dinogoy alongside well-known vegan chef Logan McMahan, famous for his meat-free pop-ups. Diners can enjoy lunch in the Backroom, savoring handmade noodles crafted from seasonal ingredients, and shop for imported Italian delicacies like olive oils, anchovies, cured meats, wines, and frozen meals to take home.
Chicken Scratch
Chef Tia Harrison launched the original Chicken Scratch on Keystone during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as a carryout and delivery service, which later expanded to two more locations in downtown Indy and Cincinnati. The Keystone spot remains the most popular, often with cars lining up for takeout. A local community college culinary graduate, Harrison serves up scratch-made sauces like mango habanero, Cajun ranch, and lemon pepper to enhance chicken wings and generous servings of hand-cut fries. The fries can also be a satisfying meal topped with shrimp alfredo or seasoned crab meat in creamy Parmesan sauce.
Gallery Pastry Shop
When Kimball Musk shuttered his last diner, restaurateur Alison Keefer seized the opportunity to launch her third brunch and patisserie concept, elevating both the menu and ambiance. This venue offers eggs and crepes by day, and burgers and bowls by night, complete with a full bar serving specialty cocktails. A stunning array of French desserts, including macarons, millefeuilles, and tarts, are showcased prominently. The interior features a large artificial tree adorned with egg-shaped chandeliers, complemented by vintage bohemian furnishings.
El Sabor Catracho
Located in a strip mall in Lawrence, El Sabor Catracho caters primarily to a Central American crowd. Guests flock to enjoy the handmade baleadas, a beloved Honduran dish consisting of freshly made flour tortillas filled with refried beans and farmers cheese, with the option to add scrambled eggs for an extra treat. It's a filling choice, perfect for either lunch or breakfast. The carne asada, pollo frito, and pupusas each have their own dedicated following as well.
MOTW Coffee & Pastries
MOTW (Muslims of the World) Coffee started as a social media phenomenon with 700,000 followers before evolving into a coffee shop, founded by Sajjad Shah and his wife, Fatima. The first shop opened in 2021 at Indy’s International Marketplace, expanding to six locations across three states. The menu boasts a diverse array of drinks and pastries inspired by the Muslim diaspora, including specialty lattes with unique flavors like date cardamom, vanilla lavender, and rosemary honey. Pastry offerings include a date cookie, pistachio birdnest, and baklava.
Bar-B-Q Heaven
In 1954, an 11-year-old Ronald Johnson opened a barbecue shack to earn money for a bicycle his parents couldn’t afford, unaware that he would become a barbecue legend in Indianapolis, if not the entire state. Over seventy years later, he still follows his grandmother’s hickory-smoked secret recipe, which she entrusted to him when she lent him 75 cents to buy a crate of ribs, kickstarting his entrepreneurial journey. Today, countless fans, both local and from afar, are drawn to the neon pig sign that marks his establishment.
Gather 22
In late 2023, Adam Reinstrom and Pablo Gonzalez launched Gather 22 in the Fall Creek neighborhood, alongside Reinstrom’s family, who also own Byrne’s Grilled Pizza. This family venture features a complete coffee bar and a light breakfast menu for the mornings, as well as offerings for lunch and dinner, complemented by an impressive bar and lounge that overlooks a beautifully maintained, pet-friendly outdoor area. Enjoy the renowned charred pizzas, or opt for the Gather burger, brown butter potatoes, or the satisfying vegan Philly cheesesteak made with house-made seitan. For drinks, try the playful cocktails like the Hoosier Horchata (maple bourbon cream and cinnamon vodka) and Call Me By Your Name (Aperol, orangecello, sparkling wine, and lemon).
Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place
Kountry Kitchen, an iconic soul food diner, opened its doors in 1988 and quickly gained fame for its celebrity clientele, including Hoosier native musician Babyface Edmonds, comedian Mike Epps and his wife Kyra, and then-Senator Barack Obama. After a devastating fire in 2020 raised concerns about its future, the restaurant team rebuilt in the original location. The new space features a sleek full bar and an event area that can accommodate 500 guests, replacing the old uneven wooden floors and windowless dining area. However, the beloved menu remains, offering dishes like fried green tomatoes, rib tips, neck bones, and the roast beef Manhattan—a hearty sandwich filled with roasted chuck, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Tinker Street
For nearly ten years, restaurateur Thomas Main’s Tinker Street has stood as a beacon of the farm-to-table movement in Indianapolis. After reopening post-shutdown, chef Tyler Shortt infused the menu with a seasonal flair, enhancing signature dishes like shrimp and grits and smoked pork belly, while still delighting loyal patrons. Each guest is welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, embodying that exceptional Midwestern hospitality right through to dessert. Note: Guests must be 21 or older.
Leviathan Bakehouse
In 2020, renowned local pastry chef Pete Schmutte, along with esteemed bakers Jessica Kartawich, Matt Steinbronn, and brothers Jesse and Sam Blythe, launched Leviathan Bakehouse to overwhelming acclaim. Four years on, they continue to produce the finest croissants and breads in the area, including their famous porridge sourdough, alongside lunch sandwiches and coffee, all under the watchful gaze of a leviathan mural created by local artist C.S. Stanley. Their menu also features delights like strawberry-guava Danish, pretzel croissant, and a lemon-cinnamon braid, among other treats.
Patachou at the Stutz
Renowned restaurateur Martha Hoover has delighted the Meridian-Kessler area with her signature fluffy omelets and croissant French toast since opening the original Cafe Patachou. Now, with several locations throughout the city, her latest spot inside the historic Stutz building offers more than just breakfast and brunch, featuring full-service dining and a curated dinner menu. Hoover has also enlisted local artist Kaila Austin to adorn the space with vibrant artwork, perfectly complementing the rich, matte blue walls and oxblood countertops.
Julieta
If you spot a line snaking into the alley next to the historic Stutz Building, it likely starts at Julieta, the taco shop from former Milktooth chefs Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sanudo. After building a passionate fan base through two years of pop-ups while employed full-time at the Fountain Square brunch spot, they now create tacos using house-made blue corn tortillas, with assistance from Rosas’s mother, Yolanda. The fillings vary, but popular choices include suadero (braised brisket), al pastor, and locally sourced fried mushrooms.
Beholder
After the triumph of the award-winning brunch-only Milktooth, chef Jonathan Brooks partnered with sommelier Josh Mazanowski to launch Beholder in 2018. Situated in a transformed garage, this dinner-only venue serves up “sexy, delicious food.” Brooks emphasizes Indiana’s agricultural roots with upscale twists on local favorites like pork tenderloin, pan-fried walleye, and fried smelt served with fries. Mazanowski enhances the dining experience with a carefully curated global wine list that pairs beautifully with these Midwestern dishes.
Sam's Square Pie
What began as a hobby for Jeffrey Samuel Miner, a former NFL SkyCam operator, turned into an award-winning venture when he secured fifth place for his Detroit-style pizza at the International Pizza Expo in 2023. In 2024, he upped the ante by taking second place and opening Sam’s Square Pie on the Near Eastside of the city. Here, he serves delightfully fluffy crusts topped with bold and savory ingredients like smoked maple syrup, garlic jalapeno ricotta, pesto, and three varieties of pepperoni.
Lil Dumplings Noodle Bar
Carlos Salazar, originally from the Philippines and raised in Fishers, made a bold career switch from accounting to culinary arts in his early years. He has since gained recognition as one of Indiana's top chefs, known for his exquisite noodles and Asian-inspired dishes infused with Western flavors, all served at the Garage Food Hall. Notable offerings include beef birria ramen enriched with wagyu tallow, Mexican herbs, and Chihuahua cheese, alongside bao filled with braised steak, giardiniera, and Kewpie mayo.
Bodhi
Three generations of Thai women run the elegant Bodhi: Craft Bar + Thai Bistro, located in the former Black Market space. Taelor Carmine, alongside her mother Nicky and grandmother Pen Phojanasupan, serves a delightful mix of family recipes from both Northern and Southern Thailand. This establishment, restricted to guests aged 21 and over, features a menu filled with curries, satays, soups, and noodle dishes like pad see ewe (wide rice noodles), pad woonsen (vermicelli), and a flavorful pad thai.
Love Handle
Since 2018, husband and wife duo Chris and Ally Benedyk have been delighting diners on Mass Avenue with their inventive and hearty meals, gaining a loyal fan base among breakfast and brunch enthusiasts. Their morning offerings include sandwiches featuring buttermilk fried chicken, passion fruit tea jam, scrambled eggs, and cheese, as well as hanger steaks accompanied by pickled blueberries, sunny side eggs, remoulade, and local wilted greens. Ally also bakes delectable desserts like tart cherry-pistachio brownies and espresso maple cheesecakes. The quirky interior showcases three decades of pop culture, featuring VHS tapes, vintage clowns, salvaged paint-by-numbers art, and an old arcade game.
Burgeezy
Kadeesha and Antoine Wiggins launched Burgeezy, their thriving all-vegan venture, in 2021 at Indy’s Kitchen, a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs. Shortly after, they joined Be Nimble’s restaurant accelerator at AMP’s Melon Kitchen, securing funding for a permanent location upon finishing their training. By 2023, they opened their first outlet along Canal Walk, offering delicious sandwiches like Fishhh Fillet, Crispy Chick’n, and Double BBQ Bacon — all completely free of dairy, meat, and eggs.
Modita
Situated in the Bottleworks District, a transformed Coca-Cola bottling plant turned food hall, Modita showcases pan-Asian cuisine, offering sushi, chicken tandoori, grilled pork bao, and lumpia in a stunning setting that once served as the building’s loading dock. Executive chef Megan Stoller skillfully blends popular street food with local ingredients, adding a unique Indianapolis twist to these vibrant flavors.
Smoking Goose's Public Smokehouse
In early 2011, proprietor Chris Eley established this expansive smokehouse, market, and butchery in Holy Cross as a sequel to his acclaimed Goose the Market in Fall Creek, where he offers handcrafted sandwiches, cured meats, and a selection of local beers and wines. At this location, Eley showcases his charcuterie, European cheeses, and a variety of artisanal products, making it unnecessary to visit the smaller outlet for your weekly supplies. A strong advocate for local farmers, Eley has turned Smoking Goose into a go-to destination for artisanal foods across Indiana. Customers can also preorder charcuterie boards and sandwiches for gatherings and picnics.
Vicino
Vicino offers a contemporary twist on traditional Italian trattoria dishes. Chef Sean Day crafts pasta dishes adorned with rich, flavorful sauces and artisanal pizzas, all set against a luxurious backdrop of blue crushed velvet seating and gold and green details. This Mytoury is just around the corner from the stylish Oakmont, marking the first partnership between owners Chris Burton and Gus Vazquez.
Vida
At Vida, a fine-dining destination nestled in the picturesque Lockerbie Square, two-time James Beard semifinalist Chef Thomas Melvin crafts exquisite seven- and four-course tasting menus. Diners can enjoy stunning views through the restaurant’s expansive windows, showcasing the area’s beautiful 18th-century architecture, while savoring expertly prepared dishes. Highlights include seared scallops accompanied by crispy Brussels sprout leaves and rich bacon, along with a drizzle of gochujang maple brown butter, or delicately seared bluefin tuna adorned with smoked trout roe bubbles, yuzu kosho aioli, and sesame ponzu.
Commission Row
Led by Indiana native Chef Corey Fuller, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred establishments like Alinea and the now-closed Naha, Commission Row offers a refined dining experience in a sleek space adorned with modern chandeliers. The menu features an exquisite caviar service with roe sourced from Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova, a seafood raw bar, and a selection of exquisite steaks. A standout dish is the signature octopus terrine, showcasing delicately sliced pulpo accompanied by chiles and olives. With a view of the newly established Bicentennial Unity Plaza, guests can start their meal with a cocktail, including various martini selections, or explore the curated wine list. After dining, patrons can head to the adjacent speakeasy, Mel’s, named after the late Melvin Simon, a well-known local mall owner and Pacers executive.
Aroma
When Vinita Singh launched her first restaurant in Fountain Square, she brought on executive chef Kamal Papanai, who has a background in luxury hotels in India and esteemed Chicago Mytouries. At Aroma, the chef showcases beloved dishes like samosas filled with peas and potatoes, perfect for dipping in tangy tamarind chutney, alongside yogurt-marinated tandoori chicken.
Geraldine's
Dan Jarman, the owner of Fat Dan’s Deli, envisioned a steakhouse reminiscent of a setting where 'Dean Martin would sip a martini' and possibly serenade diners at the baby grand piano that takes center stage in the dining area. This restaurant also pays homage to his mother, Geraldine, and his father, a steak aficionado, with family photos adorning the exposed brick walls. The menu features impressive steaks, such as a 60-day dry-aged porterhouse, rib-eye, a 20-ounce chateaubriand, and beef wellington.
Bluebeard
In 2024, Alan Sternberg, a two-time James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist, took the helm at Bluebeard after cofounder Abbi Merris stepped down following 12 years as executive chef. Sternberg, who has experience at Iozzo’s Garden of Italy and Westfield’s Field Brewing, emphasizes local ingredients and innovative presentation, offering contemporary heartland cuisine with dishes like rib-eye paired with eggplant harissa and falafel accompanied by charred cauliflower and beet hummus.
Turchetti's
George Turkette and his spouse Amanda DeVary run one of the finest whole-animal, zero-waste butcher shops in the city, complemented by a nearby soccer bar and restaurant where customers can sample products before making a purchase. All meats are sourced from Indiana farms, sometimes delivered by Turkette before being processed in-house. At the restaurant, patrons can enjoy sandwiches crafted from in-house cured salami, corned beef, hot dogs, and tallow fries, while furry friends can snack on treats like pig ears, smoked bones, and liver goodies. Recently, the couple upgraded to a larger facility for meat production, allowing for growth in both the shop and restaurant.
Smokin' Barrel BBQ
In 2016, Mike and CJ McFarland kicked off their culinary journey with a friendly backyard barbecue competition. Having met while working in a barbecue restaurant—she as a server and he as a cook—they transformed their passion into Smokin’ Barrel BBQ. Here, they prepare all their meats using a low-and-slow cooking method that embodies a regional Indiana style. Tender brisket and pulled pork are treated with a special dry rub and smoked for hours using a mix of local woods. While napkins are available, diners may find a bib more useful. They also have a second location in New Palestine.
Chin Brothers Restaurant
In 2007, Chin tribal leader Than Hre established the Chin Brothers complex as a community hub for Chin refugees—immigrants fleeing violence in Myanmar—and the wider Burmese population in Indiana. Situated in Southport, just 30 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis, this establishment features a supermarket dedicated to Southeast Asian groceries alongside an adjacent restaurant. Guests can enjoy closed-circuit television showcasing Burmese musicals while savoring dishes such as lahpet-thohk (tea leaf salad), Burmese-style samosas, and sabuti, a hominy soup with beef offal.
Evaluation :
5/5