Best Restaurants in Indianapolis

In 1971, the Pizzi family opened Ambrosia to share their Italian-inspired dishes, showcasing techniques and recipes that have been passed down in the family for generations. Since its debut, this family-owned restaurant has been serving inventive Italian delicacies, focusing on quality, freshness, and creativity. Ambrosia offers a unique blend of Italian classics with contemporary artistic presentations in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The dinner-only restaurant features a vast, diverse menu, offering pasta, beef, seafood, and chicken entrees, signature handcrafted soup, and Italian main dishes. Diners can try local favorites like calamari and tortellini or savor the spinach and cheese stuffed ravioli.

Since restaurateurs John and Joe Lanni opened Bakersfield in 2013, they have been serving inventive Mexican specialties. Located in a prime location within a historic landmark, the upscale restaurant features a lively atmosphere, including an outdoor patio featuring live music during nice weather. Bakersfield's well-executed menu features a range of creative dishes, from staples like guacamole, margaritas, and queso, to local favorites, such as fish and short ribs. This casual dining restaurant also features a fine collection of well-curated cocktails, tequilas, and bourbons to complement the dishes.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill, open since 2018, is an ideal sushi destination, offering a unique combination of classic favorites and contemporary techniques. The restaurant's interior recreates a vintage Tokyo vibe, with outstanding décor, classic Japanese cinema artwork, and Japanese lanterns. Blue Sushi also boasts a large menu, offering diners an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sushi in an inventive way, featuring innovative ingredients and lively vibes. Diners can savor creative Japanese-focused starters, soups, salads, and classic entrées, including vegan maki. Moreover, the restaurant's drink list complements the sushi party with a selection of cold sake, beer, hot teas, specialty cocktails, and martinis.

Restauranteur Gino Pizzi revived his Blu Point Oyster Bar concept, which he initially debuted in Indianapolis in 1987. This oyster and sushi bar boasts the largest selection of fresh seafood in Indianapolis, with some of the best daily supplies from Hawaii and Greece as well as local seafood providers. Some of the restaurant's staples include linguine, oysters, and grilled octopus, available on a rotating basis. Helmed by Chef Eddie Luick, the restaurant menu provides a unique experience in a casual, tranquil atmosphere; diners can even enjoy live music on specific days during summer. Bluepoint also features a wide selection of wine and cocktails, which diners can sip alongside inventive dishes on the restaurant's scenic patio.

Capri, owned by Arturo Dirosa, has been one of the city's top Italian restaurants for over half a century. The restaurant debuted in Indianapolis in 1951 before relocating to its current location in the 1970s. Capri, with a friendly and inviting ambiance, serves lunch and dinner dishes that feature the Dirosa family's Old-World recipes, including its trademark homemade pasta and classic Italian meat and seafood specialties, complemented by an extensive wine selection. The local favorites at this restaurant include its signature ravioli aurora, tortellini, and linguine with fresh clams. Moreover, Capri is an ideal spot for private events, offering an exclusive antipasto table and family-style meals.

Catello's Italian Art Cuisine is nothing short of spectacular, becoming a near-instant hit since it opened in 2020. The restaurant's signature salads, parmo, and ravioli are the secret to its success. This chef-owned restaurant provides an exquisite but comfortable premium dining experience, featuring an Italian deli providing products from Italy. Helmed by Chef Catello Avagnale, the restaurant's menu features inventive Italian dishes, including vegan options, made from scratch with the freshest locally sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection. Catello's also features an onsite food market where diners can witness the made-from-scratch style of its menu. The restaurant also boasts a comprehensive selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails to complement the entrees.

Diavola is restaurateur Gino Pizzi’s pizzeria and bar concept that opened in late 2015. Since its debut, the restaurant has been serving handcrafted Italian-inspired brick oven-fired pizza and homemade pasta, including dairy and gluten-free alternatives, with both fresh, locally sourced and imported top-shelf ingredients. The flawlessly charred crusts and dough prepared with Caputo flour serve as the ideal foundation for classic Italian toppings, including creamy burrata, Pera Pesto, Nonna's meatballs, and gorgonzola cheese, among others. Deviola also offers starters, salads, gelato, and a full bar with a variety of wine and beer. The restaurant boasts a lively, friendly atmosphere, featuring a one-room setting with a long banquette lining the wall, giving the space a social vibe while still allowing for private chats.

Hinata is a chic Japanese-inspired restaurant serving inventive Japanese specialties in addition to the typical sushi and hibachi. This Japanese restaurant concept is the brainchild of Nobuharu Nakajima, Kazuhiro Hirata, and Chef Akinori Tanigawa. The restaurant boasts a unique vision of the Japanese dining experience, offering leisurely multi-course dinners, unlike the regular quick patio meals prevalent in Indianapolis. Hinata features a contemporary Japanese interior, with a relaxed, friendly, yet sophisticated dining experience. Since its debut in 2020, the restaurant, spearheaded by Chef Aki Tanigawa, has offered a prix fixe menu in two tiers—eight-course and nine-course—lasting up to three hours. Menu items vary monthly but usually include appetizers, sashimi, seafood, soup, fried specialties, and creative desserts.

Hollyhock Hill offers diners an opportunity to savor its 90-year heritage of home-style cooking. This family-style restaurant, founded in 1928 by V.D. Vincent and his wife, grew out of enthusiasm for intense flavors coupled with classic home-style cooking techniques. Despite ushering in novelties and innovation, the restaurant has maintained a mix of heritage and unique recipes. Hollyhock Hill also features a comfortable atmosphere and high-quality service, complementing its outstanding meals. While the restaurant is known for its fried chicken, it also features a children's menu, in addition to vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Hollyhock Hill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring classic specialties and vibrant flavors.

Iozzo's Garden of Italy was originally established in 1930 by an Italian immigrant, Santora Iozzo. An unfortunate incident inside the restaurant temporarily derailed Iozzo's concept in 1940, but it was relaunched in 2009. Since re-opening, the restaurant has been committed to serving traditional family recipes passed down for generations, blended with contemporary favorites. Iozzo's menu features various inventive Italian classics, including, veal, lasagna, Italian beef, and Florentine. The restaurant features classic Italian meals and wine in an upscale yet inviting setting, gaining recognition and accolades from various publications, such as "Best Italian Restaurant in Indianapolis."

Since its debut back in 2011, Late Harvest Kitchen has been a vital player in the culinary scene on Indianapolis' north side. The restaurant has an exceptional ambience, featuring an inviting, dimly-lit interior with a classic fireplace and a charming outdoor patio with a lovely herb garden. The restaurant's menu is inspired by award-winning chef Ryan Nelson's globally influenced expertise, blending innovation with fresh, local ingredients to create remarkable flavors. Dinners can dig into the various menu items Late Harvest Kitchen offers, from inventive entrees and side dishes to tantalizing desserts and a fine selection of handcrafted cocktails. Late Harvest Kitchen has earned several accolades and recognition in the state, including the coveted "Restaurant of the Year" award from Indianapolis Monthly in 2012.

Nestled in a restored 1890s building that once stabled horses, Livery, a 2018 debutant, brings classic Mexican flavors to Indianapolis. The two-level restaurant features an intimate interior with a casual gathering space and a scenic rooftop area. Diners can try local favorites, including lamb empanadas, chile relleno, and spicy skirt steak. The restaurant also features a fully-stocked bar on each level, featuring a comprehensive collection of Latin flair tequilas, premium spirits, and cervezas.

Since opening in 2019, LouVino has been serving inventive dishes from brunch through lunch to dinner. The restaurant’s menu features various shareable meals inspired by culinary director Tavis Rockwell's expertise, experience, and love of cooking going back to his childhood in Georgia. LouVino also features an award-winning wine selection as well as craft beer, bourbons, and cocktails, carefully curated by sommelier Gracie Peter to complement its extensive, ever-changing menu. The restaurant boasts chic, rustic interiors with a friendly, casual vibe, featuring relaxed outdoor dining and two exclusive dining rooms available for hosting any occasion, from rehearsal dinners to family gatherings and business meetings.

Since opening in 1997, award-winning Mama Carolla's has been serving inventive classics in a charming atmosphere. The restaurant, nestled inside a historic 1920s stucco villa, boasts intimate dining rooms, dim lighting, a fireplace, and a romantic outdoor patio. This family-run restaurant is well-known for its Italian-influenced inventive entrees, including seafood and local favorites like homemade meatballs and steamed mussels. Mama Carolla's has garnered a fair share of accolades, including “Best Local Italian Restaurant 2018” from the Indy Star and “Best Local Italian Restaurant 2018” from NUVO.

Mimi Blue is named after owner Gerry Kosene's mother, Mildred Bluestein, paying homage to her cooking, flavors, and friendly nature. The restaurant offers many of the foods Mimi served to her family, enhanced with contemporary presentation and cooking techniques. Some of the must-tries at the restaurant include baked ziti bolognese, vegetarian lasagna, and meatball salad. Mimi Blue has a warm, inviting atmosphere—a classic Italian restaurant vibe with exciting modern twists, including large capiz shell globe lights.

True to its name, Modita, a full-service fusion restaurant, serves various Japanese and Korean delights prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients blended with flavors from different regions. Located in the historic Bottleworks Hotel, the restaurant is part of the Cunningham Group and features a posh, yet inviting atmosphere with art deco décor. The restaurant's chef-driven menu, helmed by chef Braedon Kellner, is vast, featuring dim sum, soup dumplings, and entrees divided into wok, sushi, and robata grill. The restaurant also offers a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails to complement the entrees.

Since its debut in 2002, OAKLEYs Bistro has been serving inventive traditional food, earning local and national recognition, including bagging the American Culinary Federation’s National Achievement of Excellence Award, Bon Appétit's "Hottest Restaurant from Coast to Coast," and Indianapolis Monthly's "Restaurant of the Year." Helmed by chef-proprietor Steven J. Oakley, the restaurant's seasonal menu is influenced by Oakley's childhood, training, and professional experience, featuring fresh ingredients and combining textures and tastes to create inventive and delightful presentations. Some of the innovative favorites on the restaurant's menu include the signature Stanley's Meatloaf, served with potato purée and Vermont white cheddar sauce, petite shrimp corn dogs, and Tennessee egg rolls. The restaurant also features an impressive wine list.

Tucked in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Pearl Street Pizzeria offers a sophisticated dining experience with a pub vibe in a family-friendly setting, featuring an outdoor patio and spacious dining rooms. Since its debut back in 2010, the restaurant has been committed to offering inventive dishes, high-quality service, and a welcoming atmosphere, guaranteeing a delightful dining experience to guests. The menu features handmade specialty pizzas, oven-baked pasta, calzones, and wraps, as well as an assortment of microbrews on tap. Pearl Street Pizzeria also offers a kid's menu and gluten-free alternatives, accommodating all types of diners. A spacious private party room is available for large groups.

Owner Martha Hoover, a six-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist, opened Petite Chou Bistro and Champagne Bar in 2007 in an attempt to create a traditional French neighborhood restaurant. This classic French-influenced restaurant features typical bistro delicacies, including local favorites such as sweet crepes, rotisserie chicken, pan-seared Indiana steak, and broken yolk sandwiches. Petite Chou also has a libations collection featuring beer, champagne, and cocktails, including the popular French martini made with St. Germain. The interior ambiance is casual and comfortable all year round; however, diners can only enjoy their dishes in the restaurant's heated outdoor space during the warmer months. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on a first-come, first-serve basis, while dinner is served only on Wednesday and Saturday with reservations.

True to its name, Provision provides diners with a comprehensive, inventive menu; friendly, engaging service; and a vast wine list to complement its dishes. The restaurant is nestled in The Ironworks Hotel and serves contemporary local dishes in a casual yet sophisticated setting. High rustic wood ceilings brighten the interior, which is furnished with a formal tabletop. Diners can reserve a spot at the 12-seat Chef's Table and enjoy an immersive dining experience, including amuse-bouche, conversation with the chef, and special culinary treats. Some of the local favorites at this chef-driven restaurant spearheaded by chef Aaron Bender include steak and seafood, but diners can find fresh produce on Provision's menu, including vegan alternatives and purees. The restaurant's second-level patio enables diners to enjoy excellent food and beverages while taking in scenic views.

Since its debut in 2020, Root and Bone has been serving inventive comfort food prepared with soul-nourishing, ethically sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Located in a vintage 1927 limestone storefront, the restaurant combines expert craftsmanship with aesthetic culinary concepts to create unique delicacies, paying homage to the heritage and recipes of the countryside. The restaurant boasts a warm and friendly atmosphere, featuring a soft color palette of blues and whites with unique collectibles such as antique teapots, as well as an outdoor patio during warm weather. Diners can savor dishes inspired by Chef Jeff McInnis's family recipes, including braised short rib meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and drunken deviled eggs.

Sangiovese Ristorante at Ironworks opened its doors in 1994, offering traditional Italian meals with contemporary artistic presentation. Since its debut, the restaurant helmed by Chris Evans has remained committed to its devoted diners by offering high-quality ingredients and outstanding service. The restaurant combines inventive Italian food with music and art, featuring quarterly art exhibitions and live jazz music. Diners can dig into favorites including homemade lasagna and spaghetti fra diavolo with tomato cream sauce. Sangiovese also features a carefully curated Italian-inspired selection of wines, including whites, reds, and sparkling wines to pair with any meal.

The iconic St. Elmo Steak House has graced Indianapolis for over a century. The restaurant, founded by Joe Stahr, was named after the patron saint of sailors, St. Elmo. Located in the heart of downtown since 1902, St. Elmo is the oldest steakhouse in the neighborhood. The restaurant has remained relevant for so long due to its inventive dishes, impeccable service, and warm, inviting atmosphere. St. Elmo Steak House has gained national accolades for its exceptional sizzling steak and shrimp cocktail. Moreover, the restaurant boasts an award-winning 20,000-bottle wine cellar. Other popular items on its menu include fresh seafood, chops, and chicken. The restaurant has earned various accolades and recognition as one of the best classic restaurants in the nation, including winning this category in the 2012 James Beard Awards.

Opened in 2014, The Cake Bake Shop is Gwendolyn Rogers' inventive bakery concept. This spot is the ultimate cake, wine, and coffee destination in the city, ideal for any occasion, from birthday parties to romantic nights out. Upon entry, diners are greeted with the rich aromas of Belgian and French chocolates. However, the menu is not limited to just desserts. The chic restaurant features an upscale yet friendly atmosphere, featuring stylish décor, including an enchanted mushroom forest. The Cake Bake Shop also offers a seasonal lunch and dinner menu, featuring classic favorites, desserts made from scratch, and their popular quiche and chicken salad. Diners can choose from the restaurant's selection of fine champagne and wines to accompany the menu specialties.

The Eagle is a restaurant and bar promoting simple, traditional meals, focusing on all-natural fried chicken with unique seasoning served with its signature hot honey. The menu also features bar snacks, excellent salads, and sandwiches. The bar provides a range of beers to complement the menu's highlights, including stouts, porters, ales, and lagers. Diners can enjoy the restaurant's inventive meals while listening to a diverse blend of Delta, Texas, Electric, British, and Southern blues. The Eagle features a contemporary interior, with a rustic interpretation of a classic German beer hall. Whether it's a family night out or dinner for one, The Eagle is the place to visit for finger-licking treats and a memorable dining experience.

Tilly's is Sharon Moore’s contemporary tea room concept named after the owner's daughter, featuring a remarkable blend of classic English specialties. The restaurant serves weekend brunch, lunch, and traditional English afternoon tea, including its signature fresh homemade clotted cream. While the restaurant's interior décor is more contemporary than typical tea rooms, Tilly's menu retains the classic specialties and flavors people expect from British afternoon tea. The restaurant also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and homemade fruit scones. Tea flavors are outsourced from England, including favorites such as ginger peach, blueberry elderflower, and chocolate superberry. People can also host gatherings and special events in the tea room's spacious shared event space, from tea parties to birthdays, corporate events, and bridal showers.

This steakhouse, which began in a modest kitchen in Italy, has developed into Tony's in downtown Indianapolis. This Tony Ricci restaurant debuted in 2018, combining a traditional steakhouse with innovative contemporary dishes; a vast, diverse wine list; and award-winning quality service. The restaurant's chef-inspired prime-cut steaks are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and proprietary seasoning, adding depth of flavor by charring the steak. However, the restaurant's vast menu offers much more than steak, from appetizers to salads, pasta, and seafood. A full bar is also available at the restaurant, featuring cocktails to accompany the inventive dishes. Moreover, Tony's features soft live jazz music, combining with the ambiance and cuisine to create a memorable dining experience.

Union 50 is a charming, chef-driven restaurant and bar. Since its inception in 2014, the restaurant has provided inventive specialties, exceptional service, and an inviting atmosphere with a scenic outdoor patio. The menu offers innovative contemporary local meals that vary seasonally, including hand-cut fries, salads, starters, and entrees. The diverse menu also includes children's meals, gluten-free dishes, and vegan options. Moreover, the restaurant features a full-service bar serving local liquors and crafted cocktails. Diners can dig into the sharable entrees while enjoying live music to enhance the dining experience.