15+ Must-Eat Restaurants in Indianapolis {2024}

Looking for all of the must-eat places in Indianapolis? Check out this local's guide to dining in Indy!

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Looking for the best restaurants
​in Indianapolis?

I am absolutely thrilled to finally publish what I can only consider to be one my most lovingly, not to mention thoroughly researched, articles ever. And by thoroughly researched, of course I mean all the time we've spent propping up the bar, I mean, sampling the city's best restaurants.

I've been a proud Indianapolis resident since 2014, and grew up in the suburbs before college and law school. My husband and I spent 6 lovely years living near Mass Ave, and though we recently moved up to Meridian Kessler, we spend as much time as possible indulging in the Indianapolis restaurant scene.

Even with all of the research, I've been quietly muling over this post in my mind for a long time, maybe even immobilized by indecision and intimidated by the idea of finally laying down my list in stone. I'm quite often asked for my list of the "best" and must-eat Indianapolis restaurants, either by locals, or when people are in town visiting for the Indy 500 or, the inevitable convention. Many people don't think of Indianapolis as a "food city," but I'd argue that we have more than our fair share of excellent restaurants. Visitors are invariably pleased with our variety, selection, and overall restaurant quality.

So, I've finally done it. I've rounded up our 15 favorite local, Indianapolis restaurants you need to try this year. If you love creative cocktails, good wine lists, interesting-but-always-satisfying entrees, and a cozy ambiance, then join me as I walk you through my "must-eat" Indianapolis restaurants. 

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Is Indianapolis a foodie city?

Of course it is! Indianapolis has a vibrant restaurant scene, and a number of excellent local restaurants that serve creative, innovative food and cocktails. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise!

What food is Indianapolis famous for?

When most people think of Indianapolis, they think of two foods: pork tenderloin and St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail. Try them both while you're here!

15 Must-Eat Indianapolis Restaurants

Downtown Indy
​& Mass Ave

Let's kick things off in what I consider to be the main hub of the Indianapolis food scene - central downtown Indy and my old stomping grounds, Massachusetts Avenue.

Vida

For my money (and this restaurant has taken a lot of it over the years), you simply absolutely cannot beat Vida. It's my favorite restaurant for date night, birthday, anniversaries, Christmas Eve...you name it, I'm suggesting Vida.

​The priciest and most innovative offering from The Cunningham Group, Vida's open kitchen features their amazing chefs hard at work perfecting the best our local farmers have to offer. Expect great service and a wonderful (and ever-changing) cocktail menu. Don't forget to try the ricotta doughnuts! 

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The Fountain Room

A new addition to the Mass Ave dining scene, we visited The Fountain Room for the first time a couple weeks ago, and immediately went back the next weekend specifically because we couldn't go any longer without trying the onion soup again.

Featuring an extensive wine list and hearty, heavy dinner dishes, expect a packed, dressed-to-the-nines crowd on the weekend. Nestled in the heart of The Bottleworks District, The Fountain Room's decor pays homage to its 1930s art deco history.
​
What is a supper club?
​It's basically just a restaurant that prides itself on not rushing diners and providing more of a 'private club' feel. It did remind me of having dinner at our country club - they let you finish your cocktails before they bring the main dish and they aren't focused on turning tables.

The Garage Food Hall

Looking for good food, wine selection, craft beer, and need to please several different guests? Try The Garage Food Hall in The Bottleworks District. Featuring a diverse (but not cheap) range of offerings, from Poke Guru to Clancy's Hamburgers, and Hard Truth Distilling to Great Legs Wine Bar, there's something to satisfy even the pickiest in your group.

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Modita

One last Bottleworks destination, Modita is the restaurant in The Bottleworks Hotel, an Asian-fusion creation with which I feel in love on my very first visit. Start with the ginger miso salad, followed by the soup dumplings (watch out - they explode!), and then your choice of sushi or a rice/noodle dish. We usually belly up to the friendly bar, but the dining room is charming and you'll be certain of good service. Another perk of Modita? Since it's in a hotel, it's actually open on Sundays, unlike so many high end restaurants.

Livery

A hop-skip-and-a-jump away from The Bottleworks is Livery, the perfect place for Indy's best margarita. Livery has some of the tastiest guacamole in town and their Manchego Crisp Salad is my go-to main course when I'm saving room for...more margaritas.

Bru Burger Bar

For our last Mass Ave offering, Bru Burger Bar's original, Indianapolis location, even with the significant outdoor seating, is consistently packed. Offering elevated takes on the classic burger, Bru Burger's creations are much more than your usual burger. All burgers have the option to add a fried egg which, while decadent, is undeniably delicious. If you think you can manage multiple courses, don't skip our favorite appetizer on Mass Ave, the Triple Dip (goat cheese, peppadew pepper jam, hummus, guacamole, onion straws, and grilled naan brea).

King Dough

Keeping on the more casual trend, King Dough, just on the other side of the 'tracks' from Mass Ave (just FYI, it's not walkable), offers the best pizza in Indianapolis. With elevated, yet still accessible, substantial, and 'normal,' pizza offerings and enticing sides, King Dough is worth the 'trip.' And don't worry, they serve delicious drinks. The perfect place to grab dinner after shopping at Midland Arts & Antiques.

Beholder

Indy locals will well remember Beholder for the great mural debacle of a few years ago. Though the scandals have died off, Beholder remains an excellent date-night location for fancy cocktails and creative entrees, for those with a relatively open mind.

St. Elmo Steak House

At roughly the other end of the proverbial restaurant spectrum, it simply wouldn't be a round-up of the best restaurants in Indianapolis if I didn't include Indy's own, locally-owned, and locally loved, steakhouse, St. Elmo's. Perfect for a special occasion, or a great place to just grab a fancy, perfectly-prepared drink, St. Elmo's is an Indianapolis institution. The metaphorically flaming shrimp cocktails are even spicier than you anticipate. Tourists beware.

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Fountain Square

Alright, that does it for downtown and Mass Ave. Let's head down south to another of my favorite spots in Indy, Fountain Square!

Bluebeard

Describing itself as "an award-winning restaurant for people with an appetite for adventure," Bluebeard features creative menus that change daily, a large wine list, and a very impressive typewriter collection. Technically located in Fletcher Place (which you encounter just before crossing into official Fountain Square), Bluebeard is consistently one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis, for a good reason.

Milktooth

There was a time when the idea of an average person being able to actually snag brunch at Milktooth was nothing but a pipe dream. Though the fervor has died down a bit, the quality of the food has never lessened! Unsurprisingly, their breakfast cocktails will kick your weekend off on the right food.

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Midtown & Broad Ripple

Moving up north, let's dive into a few of our favorite restaurants in the Midtown Indianapolis area. 

Gallery Pastry Shop

Recently completing its move to its new location on College Avenue, The Gallery Pastry Shop is a great place for a bunch date or a cocktails. They do offer a full menu, but it's not where I'd take someone looking for a very hearty-non-breakfast meal. If you're downtown, they also have a location, Gallery Pastry Bar, not far from the Pacers' stadium.

The original Patachou

While we're talking brunch, why not try out the *original* Patachou, at 49th and Penn? If you see a line of coffee-sipping Hoosiers, you're in the right place. Famous for their massive omelets and cinnamon toast, Patachou is *the* place to grab lunch in Indianapolis. And such a cute little intersection....I know some awesome people who live near there ;)

Public Greens Urban Kitchen

Speaking of Patachou, a little further north, Won't Stop Hospitality has another location, Public Greens. Delicious food for a good cause, with
all profits donated to the Patachou Foundation, which aims "to cultivate an equitable future for youth by amplifying the value and power of food" in Central Indiana. Their signature bowls are perfection.

Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant

 If you can somehow manage to get a reservation, stop by local favorite neighborhood restaurant Mama Carolla's in Meridian Kessler. Family-friendly atmosphere, delicious (and, of course, massive), homemade pasta dishes, and to-die-for desserts in a classic old home - what more is there to want? My husband and I do the split plate deal, when we aren't feeling like we can tackle a full portion

Root & Bone

For great cocktails, fried chicken, and all-around-excellent comfort food, one of the best places in Midtown is Root & Bone. It's not local, but the food is excellent and it does not feel like a 'chain' (there have only ever been 2 other locations, and now just 1, in Miami).

The new kid on the block: RH Indianapolis, The Gallery at the DeHaan Estate

RH Indianapolis, The Gallery at the DeHaan Estate, a Restoration Hardware restaurant and store is located in the stunning former home of the late Christel DeHaan. It's the most unique restaurant on the list. Featuring a 35-acre private lake, the property's opening in November 2023 caused a great deal of excitement, and for good reason. It's definitely the most unique new restaurant in the city, and perhaps our ultimate dining experience.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope I have you some good inspiration and that you're halfway out the door and off to have a wonderful dinner in Indianapolis in one of the city's must-eat restaurants. There's no shortage of lovely restaurants in Indy, so I'll be updating the post as I fall in love with new ones! Drop your favorite Indianapolis restaurants in the comments below. I'm always looking for new date night ideas.

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