The 38 Must-Visit Restaurants in Indianapolis

Located on a charming corner of Noblesville’s square, Syd’s Fine Foods has been a staple since 1889, originally serving as a tavern and lodge for railroad travelers. Today, owner Brian Knoderer preserves this historic charm with classic Midwestern fare, including burgers, pork tenderloin sandwiches, fried pickles, and Hoosier cream pie. A 1945 handcrafted shuffleboard table takes center stage, inviting friendly competition alongside the selection of local Indiana brews.

Samir Mohammed, a Taos native with training from the Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu, relocated to Noblesville with his Hoosier wife, Rachel Firestone, to be near her family. The couple started by offering heat-and-eat meals before winning over locals with their intimate 35-seat Mytoury, 9th Street Bistro. As a James Beard Award semifinalist, Samir crafts a rotating menu featuring simple yet sophisticated American classics with a global twist. He also takes pride in his house-made cured meats, cheeses, and desserts.

Casa Santa, a creation of the team behind Verde, offers an enchanting atmosphere with vibrant interiors, including a vivid pink dining room for groups and a lush green members-only area. The menu reflects owner Paul Aréchiga’s roots from Guadalajara, featuring highlights like hearty pozole with pork and hominy, quesabirria, and mezcal cocktails such as La Milanche (lime, raspberry, ginger) and De Raiz (a blend of root syrup, piloncillo, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and lime).

Opened in 2018, Anthony’s Chophouse in Carmel offers a refined setting for top-tier steak and seafood in the Indianapolis area. Established by developer Tony Lazzara, whose uncle runs the nearby high-end meat counter Joe’s Butcher Shop, this opulent venue presents innovative twists on classic steakhouse fare. Highlights include the harvest pig (seared pork belly paired with a fruit and nut compote), gambas pil pil (a fresh take on shrimp cocktail), and a selection of four-ounce portions of USDA Prime, grass-fed, and wagyu beef.

In 2023, Chef Nicholas Gattone and his mother Diane, a former pastor, launched their Northern Italian Mytoury in a converted bookstore. Nestled between an insurance office and a nail salon, this new spot showcases Gattone’s refined culinary skills, honed at the New England Culinary Institute and Chicago’s famed Spiaggia. Their menu features whole roasted walleye with fregola and salsa verde, gluten-free casarecce with duck Bolognese, and a succulent lamb shank in wine sauce over rich risotto—dishes that might make diners reach for a rosary.

For over 113 years, Taylor’s Bakery has been crafting classic baked goods, often found boxed in white cardboard and tied with red and white twine. Initially a downtown grocer, it shifted focus from produce and canned goods in the 1960s and expanded with a second location in Fishers in 2003. Despite changes over the century, including the continued use of 1950s dough mixers, everything from pies and cookies to bread is still made from scratch and hand-decorated.

Located in the northeastern corner of Hendrick’s County, about an hour from Indianapolis, Perillo’s Pizza resides in a refurbished 19th-century doctor's office. Chef Damiano Perillo, originally from Palermo, Italy, teams up with his wife Meredith, a local, to create a variety of pizzas including Sicilian and classic New York styles. Baked on stone and featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, these pizzas are best enjoyed on the outdoor patio with selections from a curated list of Italian wines and Indiana beers. Note: Cash only.

At Diavola, a grand Marra Forni wood-fired pizza oven turns out their signature Neapolitan pies, infusing the space with the delightful scents of charred wood, freshly baked dough, and sizzling salami. Dennis Gurnell, hailing from Vicenza, Italy, ensures a top-notch dining experience with their homemade pasta and pizzas, blending his European and Indiana experiences.

Following the retirement of renowned chefs Tony and Rosa Hanslits, the esteemed chef Erin Kem, who once worked with them, took over their pasta shop, market, and dining spot. Partnering with well-known vegan chef Logan McMahan, Kem now offers a lunch-only dining experience in the Backroom. Guests can enjoy freshly made noodles crafted from seasonal ingredients and browse imported Italian products such as olive oils, anchovies, dried meats, wine, and frozen meals.

Chef Tia Harrison launched Chicken Scratch during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as a carryout and delivery service in the Glendale area. Since then, it has expanded to include two more locations in downtown Indy and Cincinnati. The original spot remains a local favorite, with patrons lining up for carryout. Harrison’s culinary expertise shines through in her homemade sauces—mango habanero, Cajun ranch, and lemon pepper—that generously coat crispy chicken wings and hefty portions of hand-cut fries. The fries alone can be a satisfying meal, topped with shrimp Alfredo or seasoned crab meat in rich Parmesan sauce.

After Kimball Musk shuttered his diner, Alison Keefer seized the opportunity to launch her third brunch and pastry venture at the location. This new spot elevates the menu and ambiance with daytime offerings of eggs and crepes and evening dishes like burgers and bowls, complemented by a full bar with unique cocktails. A stunning array of French pastries—macarons, millefeuilles, and tarts—takes center stage. The interior features a whimsical faux tree adorned with egg-shaped chandeliers and eclectic vintage furniture.

El Sabor Catracho caters predominantly to a Central American crowd from its spot in a Lawrence strip mall. The highlight is the baleadas—Honduran flour tortillas filled with refried beans and cheese, and optionally scrambled eggs. These hearty creations make for a satisfying lunch or breakfast. The carne asada, pollo frito, and pupusas also enjoy a dedicated following.

MOTW Coffee, born from a popular social media page with 700,000 followers, is now a thriving coffee shop. Founded by Sajjad Shah and his wife, Fatima, it started in 2021 at Indy’s International Marketplace and has expanded to six locations across three states. The menu offers a diverse range of flavors from the Muslim diaspora, with specialty lattes featuring unique blends like date cardamom, vanilla lavender, and rosemary honey. Their pastry selection includes date cookies, pistachio birdnests, and baklava.

In 1954, 11-year-old Ronald Johnson started a barbecue stand to save up for a bicycle his family couldn’t afford. Over seventy years later, his modest venture has become a local barbecue institution in Indianapolis. Using his grandmother’s hickory-smoked recipe, which she passed down along with 75 cents for ribs, Johnson's legacy continues. Fans from near and far follow the neon pig sign to his iconic Mytoury.

In late 2023, Adam Reinstrom and Pablo Gonzalez, alongside Reinstrom’s family (also owners of Byrne’s Grilled Pizza), launched Gather 22 in the Fall Creek area. This family-run spot offers a full coffee bar and a light breakfast menu in the mornings, plus lunch, dinner, and a chic bar and lounge with views of a charming, pet-friendly outdoor area. Enjoy their celebrated charred pizzas, or try the Gather burger, brown butter potatoes, or the robust vegan Philly cheesesteak with homemade seitan. Drinks include inventive cocktails like the Hoosier Horchata (maple bourbon cream and cinnamon vodka) and the Call Me By Your Name (Aperol, orangecello, sparkling wine, lemon).

Kountry Kitchen, a legendary soul food spot since 1988, has served celebrities like Babyface Edmonds, comedian Mike Epps, and former Senator Barack Obama. Although the original location was destroyed by fire in 2020, the restaurant has been rebuilt with a modern touch, featuring a sleek bar and a large event space. The menu still boasts favorites like fried green tomatoes, rib tips, neck bones, and the roast beef Manhattan—a savory sandwich with roasted chuck, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

For almost ten years, Tinker Street, under the leadership of restaurateur Thomas Main, has set the standard for the farm-to-table movement in Indianapolis. Following its reopening, Chef Tyler Shortt revitalized the menu with seasonal creations like shrimp and grits and smoked pork belly, while still satisfying loyal patrons. Guests are greeted with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and receive exceptional Midwest hospitality throughout their meal. Please note, the restaurant is for guests aged 21 and over.

In 2020, pastry chef Pete Schmutte, formerly with Beholder, along with prominent local bakers Jessica Kartawich, Matt Steinbronn, and brothers Jesse and Sam Blythe, launched Leviathan Bakehouse. Four years on, their bakery remains renowned for its exquisite croissants and breads, including a standout porridge sourdough. They also offer delicious sandwiches and coffee, all while showcasing a striking leviathan mural by local artist C.S. Stanley. Other notable treats include a strawberry-guava Danish, pretzel croissant, and lemon-cinnamon braid.

Renowned restaurateur Martha Hoover, famous for her fluffy omelets and croissant French toast at the original Cafe Patachou, now offers a new experience inside the historic Stutz building. Expanding beyond breakfast and brunch, her latest location provides full-service dining with a small dinner menu. The space features vibrant artwork by local artist Kaila Austin, perfectly matched with the rich blue walls and deep red countertops.

Spot a line extending into the alley next to the historic Stutz Building, and you’ll likely find it leads to Julieta, a taco shop founded by former Milktooth chefs Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sanudo. After creating a buzz with their pop-ups, the pair now offers house-made blue corn tortillas filled with changing, yet beloved, ingredients like braised brisket, al pastor, and locally foraged fried mushrooms, with Rosas’s mother Yolanda contributing to the culinary efforts.

Following the success of his acclaimed brunch spot Milktooth, chef Jonathan Brooks, along with sommelier Josh Mazanowski, launched Beholder in 2018. Located in a transformed garage, this dinner-only venue serves up “sexy, delicious food.” Brooks emphasizes Indiana’s agricultural roots with refined dishes such as a gourmet pork tenderloin, pan-fried walleye, and local smelt with fries. Mazanowski complements these flavors with a carefully curated global wine list.

What began as a pastime for ex-NFL SkyCam operator Jeffrey Samuel Miner turned into a sensation when his Detroit-style pizza earned him fifth place at the International Pizza Expo in 2023. By 2024, he claimed second place and launched Sam’s Square Pie on Indianapolis’s Near Eastside, featuring fluffy crusts with bold toppings like smoked maple syrup, garlic jalapeno ricotta, pesto, and a trio of pepperoni varieties.

Originally from the Philippines and later settled in Fishers, Carlos Salazar transitioned from a career in accounting to become a renowned chef in Indiana. At the Garage Food Hall, he crafts exceptional noodles and Asian-inspired dishes with a twist of Western flavors. Highlights include beef birria ramen enriched with wagyu tallow, Mexican herbs, and Chihuahua cheese, as well as bao buns filled with braised steak, giardiniera, and Kewpie mayo.

Bodhi: Craft Bar + Thai Bistro, formerly known as Black Market, is run by three generations of Thai women: Taelor Carmine, her mother Nicky, and her grandmother Pen Phojanasupan. This upscale Mytoury serves a delightful mix of Northern and Southern Thai dishes, including curries, satays, soups, and noodles such as pad see ewe (wide rice noodles), pad woonsen (vermicelli), and a tasty pad thai.

Since 2018, Chris and Ally Benedyk have been delighting diners on Mass Avenue with their inventive and rich fare. Their breakfast and brunch offerings include indulgent dishes like buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches with passion fruit tea jam, and hanger steaks with pickled blueberries and eggs. Ally also crafts delicious desserts like tart cherry-pistachio brownies and espresso maple cheesecakes. The eclectic interior features a nostalgic collection of pop culture memorabilia, including VHS tapes, vintage clowns, and a classic arcade game.

Kadeesha and Antoine Wiggins launched Burgeezy, their all-vegan venture, in 2021 at Indy’s Kitchen, a commercial kitchen space for startups. Their journey continued with an investment from Be Nimble’s restaurant accelerator at AMP’s Melon Kitchen, leading to their first permanent location in 2023 along Canal Walk. They offer a variety of plant-based sandwiches such as Fishhh Fillet, Crispy Chick’n, and Double BBQ Bacon, all crafted without dairy, meat, or eggs.

Situated in the Bottleworks District—a former Coca-Cola bottling plant now transformed into a food hall—Modita offers a pan-Asian menu featuring sushi, chicken tandoori, grilled pork bao, and lumpia. Set in the former loading dock area, this spot blends popular street food with local flavors, thanks to executive chef Megan Stoller’s creative use of Indianapolis ingredients.

Opened in early 2011, Smoking Goose's vast Holy Cross location serves as a grand smokehouse, market, and butchery. A follow-up to Chris Eley's acclaimed Goose the Market, this venue features an array of house-made meats, European cheeses, and a variety of charcuterie. With a focus on supporting local farmers, Smoking Goose has become a key source for artisanal goods across Indiana. Customers can also arrange preorders for charcuterie boards and sandwiches for special events and gatherings.

Vicino redefines modern Italian cuisine with its contemporary take on classic trattoria dishes. Chef Sean Day crafts vibrant pasta dishes and artisanal pizzas, served in a chic setting featuring blue crushed velvet and green and gold accents. Positioned just around the corner from Oakmont, this Mytoury marks the first joint venture by owners Chris Burton and Gus Vazquez.

At Vida, two-time James Beard semifinalist Chef Thomas Melvin curates exquisite seven- and four-course tasting menus. Nestled in the picturesque Lockerbie Square, diners enjoy Melvin's culinary prowess through dishes like seared scallops with crispy Brussels sprout leaves, savory bacon, and gochujang maple brown butter, or slightly seared bluefin tuna adorned with smoked trout roe, yuzu kosho aioli, and sesame ponzu. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the area’s charming 18th-century architecture, enhancing the fine dining experience.

Led by Hoosier native Chef Corey Fuller, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred Alinea and the now-closed Naha in Chicago, Commission Row offers an exquisite dining experience in a sleek, modern space adorned with contemporary chandeliers. The menu features a luxurious caviar service with roe from Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova, a seafood raw bar, and an impressive selection of steaks. A highlight is the octopus terrine, showcasing delicate slices of pulpo with chiles and olives. Guests can enjoy a cocktail or select from a curated wine list while overlooking the Bicentennial Unity Plaza. After dining, continue the evening at the adjacent speakeasy, Mel’s, named in honor of the late Melvin Simon, a local mall owner and Pacers benefactor.

At Aroma, established by Vinita Singh in Fountain Square, Executive Chef Kamal Papanai showcases his expertise from luxury hotels in India and top Chicago Mytouries. The menu features popular favorites like pea and potato-stuffed samosas with tamarind chutney and yogurt-marinated tandoori chicken.

Dan Jarman, the mastermind behind Fat Dan’s Deli, envisioned a steakhouse where Dean Martin might sip a martini and serenade patrons at the grand piano in the center of the room. The Mytoury also pays homage to Jarman’s mother, Geraldine, and his steak-loving father, with family photos displayed on the exposed brick walls. The menu features top-tier steaks like 60-day dry-aged porterhouse, rib-eye, 20-ounce chateaubriand, and beef wellington.

In 2024, Alan Sternberg, a two-time James Beard Rising Star Chef finalist, took the helm at Bluebeard, succeeding cofounder Abbi Merris after her 12-year run as executive chef. Sternberg, known for his work at Iozzo’s Garden of Italy and Westfield’s Field Brewing, focuses on modern interpretations of heartland cuisine, featuring dishes like rib-eye with eggplant harissa and falafel with charred cauliflower and beet hummus.

George Turkette and Amanda DeVary run one of the city’s premier whole-animal butcher shops, which emphasizes zero-waste practices. Adjacent to the shop is a vibrant soccer bar and restaurant where patrons can sample meats before buying. All products are sourced from local Indiana farms, with some animals butchered on-site. The restaurant offers sandwiches made with house-cured meats like salami, corned beef, and hot dogs, alongside tallow fries. Pets are also catered to with treats like pig ears and smoked bones. Recently, they expanded to a larger facility to enhance meat production and grow their business.

Mike and CJ McFarland turned a friendly backyard barbecue competition from 2016 into Smokin’ Barrel BBQ, a venture that highlights their Indiana-style barbecue. The pair, who met while working at a barbecue joint, slow-cook their meats with a unique dry rub and smoke them for hours over a mix of local woods. Their tender brisket and pulled pork are so delicious that napkins might not be enough—diners may want a bib. They also have a second location in New Palestine.

Opened in 2007 by Chin tribal leader Than Hre, Chin Brothers serves as a community hub for Chin refugees from Myanmar and the broader Burmese population in Indiana. Located in Southport, just south of downtown Indianapolis, the complex includes a Southeast Asian grocery store and a restaurant. Here, you can enjoy traditional Burmese dishes like lahpet-thohk (tea leaf salad), samosas, and sabuti (hominy soup with beef offal) while watching Burmese music videos on closed-circuit TV.