Located on the north end of Mass Ave, Bodhi is one of the hottest new restaurants in this buzzing cultural district.
Indy's Best Restaurants
As Voted by Indy Locals
Indy was named the most ‘Underrated Food City in America’ by Condé Nast Traveler, and for good reason. Indy’s diverse culinary scene is booming, from tried-and-true eateries to some newcomer favorites. And because we know every memorable trip begins and ends with a great meal. That's why we asked those featured as Indy Like a Locals - Indy advocates coming from a diverse background of artists, entrepreneurs, educators, city leaders, and more - to lend their voice to choose 40 locally owned restaurants across eight categories that best represent Indianapolis. The results are listed below.
You Know 'Em and You Love 'Em
Do you have a special memory at one of your favorite Indy restaurants?
"Over the last few months I've really enjoyed when my workout group goes to Café Patachou in the mornings, it's good for me, I think it's good for all of us."
Since 1986, Bazbeaux has served dozens of signature pizzas with traditional and exotic toppings on handcrafted crusts alongside salads and sandwiches.
Known For: The Pizza All Quatrro Formaggio is their signature pie and features rich dollops of ricotta cheese, as well as cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, and mushroom. Their house-made creamy basil dressing is a must for any salad
Drink Menu: Several wine and local beer options
Atmosphere: Both the downtown and Broad Ripple locations offer vibrant colors indoors and outdoor seating. Be part of the Mass Ave buzz downtown or enjoy the views of the canal through the heart of Broad Ripple
Open For: Lunch and dinner
cafe patachou
Martha Hoover’s Café Patachou is a must visit for both the farm-to-table sustainable menu and the impact of food and social change in Indianapolis.
Known for: Cinnamon toast, farm-fresh omelets, or vegan Cuban breakfast. Locals will tell you the Patachou chicken salad is a lunch must.
Drink menu: Five types of mimosa and prosecco cocktails, self-serve coffee bar, yogurt smoothies, and juices.
Atmosphere: Multiple locations across the city have many things in common, such as the clean lines and fresh white walls that allow the light to focus on the bright and fresh plates.
Open for: Breakfast and lunch
Rick's Cafe Boatyard
Rick's Cafe Boatyard specializes in seafood, prime steaks, and pastas with inside and outdoor dining overlooking Eagle Creek Reservoir.
Known For: Sipping cocktails and watching sailboats and native birds as you overlook the water
Drink Menu: Local craft beer, wine, and signature, classic, and tiki cocktails
Atmosphere: Nested right on the Eagle Creek Reservoir, the restaurant is ideal for outdoor dining in warmer weather. Rick’s has both outdoor and indoor dining and cocktail bars, but wherever you sit, you’ll still see the lovely view of the water
Open For: Brunch, lunch, and dinner
Huse St. Elmo ROS
St. Elmo Steak House is Indy’s award-winning classic style restaurant that proves great service and classic cooking methods make for a timeless menu worth visiting again and again.
Known For: World Famous Shrimp Cocktail with spicy, signature cocktail sauce, traditional steak cuts or chicken and seafood paired with potatoes or classic sides
Drink Menu: Equally weighted wine and beer menus next to classic martinis, mules, and their signature cocktail, the Elmo Colas
Atmosphere: Early 20th-century decor inside the bar, large room, and private dining areas features wood paneled and brick walls with carefully curated art and photos. Pro tip: Go upstairs for pre or post-dinner cocktails in the 1933 Lounge
Open For: Dinner
Yats
Yats keeps Indy’s food scene alive and spicy with fast Cajun and Creole dishes that rotate on and off a daily menu.
Known For: Crawfish étouffée, gumbo, the B&B, all served on rice and ordered with or without cheese, onions, and sour cream. If two items are calling your name, go half and half. And always get more bread
Drink Menu: Soft drinks, beer, and wine
Atmosphere: Walk into any Yats location and prepare for a punch of bright colors and New Orleans-style decor, often adorned with restaurant accolades and Indy-centric memorabilia
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Bazbeaux Pizza
cafe patachou
Rick's Cafe Boatyard
Huse St. Elmo ROS
Yats
Pack Your Passport
"Off the top of mind, not many consider Indy to be a diverse city, however over the past few years I think Indy has truly become a cultural melting pot. Take the time to get to know something that perhaps may not be familiar to you. It makes me happy to see Indy take on diversity with open arms."
A women-owned craft cocktail bar and Thai bistro with a focus on authentic Thai flavors shared for three generations.
Known For: Tamarind Peanut Noodles, also known as Guaytiew Pad Thai, with sweet radishes, bean sprouts, and your choice of tofu, chicken, or shrimp
Drink Menu: From the bar, BODHI offers creative and modern libations designed by a talented team of mixologists, as well as curated wine and craft beer lists
Atmosphere: New-age inspired dining room and bar, with botanical and rustic influences. In the warm months, enjoy the patio while soaking in the hustle and bustle along Mass Ave
Open For: Dinner
Delicia
A celebration of the culinary delights from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Spain, this fusion eatery specializes in New Latin cuisine.
Known For: Smoked Pork Pupusas with griddled chihuahua cheese, potatoes, serrano puree, and sweet plantains
Drink Menu: A full bar with specialty craft cocktails with Latin influence. Margaritas, anyone?
Atmosphere: Chic dining tables and upholstered high top seating in a classic and relaxing setting
Open For: Dinner and brunch on Sundays
Fans of Italian cuisine are fans of Iozzo's Garden of Italy
Originally established in 1930, Iozzo's Garden of Italy resurfaced onto Indy's culinary scene in 2009, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy a classic Italian meal in an old-world environment.
Known For: Classic Southern Italian recipes such as lasagne bolognese and pistachio crusted salmon
Drink Menu: Signature cocktails and extensive wine list
Atmosphere: The interior immerses visitors in exposed brick and historic family photos and the charming outdoor patio is one of Indy's hidden treasures
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Livery
Horse stable turned Latin-inspired restaurant, Livery relies on bright colors and dark furniture to transform your Indy dining night out into a southwest culinary experience.
Known For: One-plate entrees like paella or the skirt steak with chipotle dry rub and chipotle butter, or bring friends to share yucca fries and six types of empanadas
Drink Menu: Dozens of tequilas fill the drink menu that you can enjoy straight or as a cocktail, amongst other spirits, wines, and beers
Atmosphere: You might not see tumbleweeds, but you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another part of the nation inside this restaurant. Two-story seating and an open rooftop allow each visit to show a new view
Open For: Dinner
Petite Chou
This ideal French-inspired neighborhood restaurant offers a champagne bar and classic bistro fare including the ever-so-popular sweet crepes or broken yolk sandwiches.
Known For: An approachable take on French-inspired cuisine, sacrificing no elegance for a delicious rendition of your favorite entrees. Try the Steak Frites, with duck fat pomme frites with Maître d’Hôtel butter
Drink Menu: Explore no less than six champagne cocktails, along with a full bar and other specially-crafted libations, during your meal
Atmosphere: Tightly packed tables and a bistro-like energy transports you to a Parisian neighborhood eatery. Enjoy the stunning floral décor adorning the entryways
Open For: Brunch, lunch, and dinner
Bodhi
Delicia
Fans of Italian cuisine are fans of Iozzo's Garden of Italy
Livery
Petite Chou
Pick You Up at 7
"I had a friend visiting from Washington D.C. and took him to Tinker Street. He was blown away ... From the greeting of bubbles to the chef's kiss menu, it's just a fantastic experience."
Foodies flock to Bluebeard to taste the creations of Chef Abbi Merriss
Indy’s oldest neighborhood is home to a daily rotating menu crafted by Chef Abbi Merris and derived from local farms at Bluebeard, named after a Kurt Vonnegut novel.
Known For: Afternoon or cocktail snacks of pickles and cheese, lemon spaghetti, or mains like roasted cauliflower or pierogi
Atmosphere: Step off the Indianapolis Cultural Trail into a renovated 1924 warehouse with wood floors, brick walls, large windows, and vintage typewriters that connect Bluebeard back to the legacy of Vonnegut
Drink Menu: House-crafted libations, sommelier-selected wine, and local beer
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Prime 47
A downtown steakhouse that offers prime cuts with a twist just like the historic-yet-renovated building.
KnownFor: Prime filet sliders, wagyu tomahawks, upscale sides, and Handsome Eric’s plate-sized cookie topped with vanilla ice cream
Drink Menu: Modest wine menu and house-made cocktails
Atmosphere: Occupying the old Indiana Gas Company building built in 1895, Prime 47 restored the original tile floors, marble columns, and large windows to give you a glimpse of what downtown Indy once was
Open For: Dinner
A Taste of Tinker Street
Tinker Street’s tiny restaurant is bursting at the seams with the bold flavors served often vegetarian style in an upscale but approachable menu.
Known For: A seasonably rotating menu with shareable plates like fried brussels sprouts and entrees of duck breasts and pumpkin gnocchi highlight the creative and modern vegetarian, gluten-, and dairy-free fine dining options
Drink Menu: Wine list curated with each rotating menu
Atmosphere: Minimal accents and dark walls put the diner’s focus on looking straight through to the tiny-but-mighty kitchen, or enjoy the year-round patio
Open For: Dinner
Union 50
East Street’s Union 50 is a restaurant and bar fancy enough for date night and casual enough for game night with a group of friends.
Known For: Too upscale to be called “bar food,” Union 50’s menu offers plates for one or more to share like beef tartar and poutine, or complete entrees like steamed mussels and beef tenderloin
Drink Menu: Local craft beer, wine, house cocktails, and a page of American whiskeys will have you pondering your spirit choice while you soak in the light from the illuminated bar
Atmosphere: Late-night live music, skee ball, and shuffleboard juxtapose with open seating areas that offer a lounge-like experience
Open For: Dinner and late-night dining
Dining at VidaCliff Ritchey Photography
Vida embodies a modern expression of culinary techniques with a worldly influence, set in a relaxed ambience.
Known For: Your choice between a four course tasting menu or a six course tasting menu, including options like Berkshire pork belly and beef tartare
Atmosphere: Located in the Lockerbie neighborhood on the East side of downtown, this fine dining eatery grows their own herbs with their prolific greenery wall
Drink Menu: Vida’s bar is fully stocked with rare spirits and diverse and curated wine selection
Open For: Dinner
Foodies flock to Bluebeard to taste the creations of Chef Abbi Merriss
Prime 47
A Taste of Tinker Street
Union 50
Dining at VidaCliff Ritchey Photography
Sunny Side Up
"I’ve had a few friends who moved away from Indianapolis more than a decade ago who have returned to visit friends and family and we’re blown away with how much the city has changed in regards to culture but especially our dining options."
Gallery Pastry Shop’s European inspired pastries are great no matter the time of day.
Known For: Their stunning French macarons that are made fresh and have new flavors added on a regular basis. Diners also enjoy fresh local ingredients showcased in hashes and omelets
Drink Menu: Mimosas, rotating IPA beer, house sodas, fruit juice, house specialties, and coffee
Atmosphere: Gallery Pastry Shop is the OG SoBro location of the family. On a warm day, you’ll find a bustling brunch scene overflowing onto the patio. Note: Newer locations include Gallery Pastry Bar (open for dinner!) and Gallery on 16th
Open For: Brunch, lunch, and dinner
The Garden Table on Mass Ave is a popular spot for vegetarian cuisineGarden Table
A farm-to-table restaurant offering inventive dishes along with freshly pressed juices.
Known For: The cold pressed juice flight. Get any four fresh juices of your choice. The menu is built on acai bowls, salads, and healthy plates using Indiana farm-raised ingredients
Drink Menu: Mimosas, wine, beer, coffee, tea, and of course – juice
Atmosphere: Order at the counter at their fast-casual spot in Broad Ripple or enjoy a more traditional, full service brunch at their downtown location on Mass Ave. Both are equally charming
Open For: Brunch and lunch
Good Morning Mamas
This SoBro brunch favorite is the perfect place to start your day.
Known For: Original omelets and scrumptious French toast. Also try the Mexican Breakfast Tacos or Pasta Mama – spaghetti with eggs and pancetta bacon
Drink Menu: Mimosas, Bloody Marys, other cocktails, fruit juice, and of course – coffee
Atmosphere: No matter how early in the morning you arrive, you’ll quickly wake up when you walk in the door. Brightly painted walls, colorful plates, and an energizing staff help you start your morning right. Be sure to get there with plenty of time – seating is at a first come, first serve basis.
Open For: Brunch and lunch
Lincoln Square Pancake House
This family-owned local business, with five Indy locations, is no-nonsense approach to breakfast and lunch in a familiar diner-style setting.
Known For: Breakfast classics such as omelets and eggs benny with an abundance of varieties and customizations. Try the Spinach, Bacon, and Tomato Eggs Benedict for a fresh take on a popular favorite, or spice it up with a Chimichanga Breakfast Burrito
Drink Menu: Fountain drinks, juice, and coffee – including specialty lattes
Atmosphere: Cozy, nostalgic diner-vibes with table and booth seating
Open For: Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch
Milktooth
Named one of the "best restaurants in the world" by Conde Nast Traveler, Milktooth is a unique brunch, coffee bar, and cocktail spot that’s worth the wait for a table.
Known For: Apple Dutch baby pancake, sorghum glazed bacon, spicy miso soup, and a seasonally rotating menu
Atmosphere: This garage turned restaurant is best enjoyed both while sitting at the kitchen bar to watch the chefs cook your order or while hanging outside on the patio to enjoy the Fletcher Place neighborhood vibe
Drink Menu: Home to Indy’s own ModBar espresso machine, handcrafted coffee drinks, house-made cocktails and liquors
Open For: Breakfast and brunch
Gallery Pastry Shop
The Garden Table on Mass Ave is a popular spot for vegetarian cuisineGarden Table
Good Morning Mamas
Lincoln Square Pancake House
Milktooth
Keepin' It Simple
"I always take friends from out of town to Goose the Market for a Batali and to pick up something delicious for the grill!"
With an endless number of TVs, live music, and all your favorite comfort food, Ale Emporium is the perfect place to watch a big game.
Known For: The Ale's signature Hermanki wings are legendary and the pan style pizzas are layered and hearty
Drink Menu: full bar with domestic, local, and craft beers on tap
Atmosphere: Join your friends and family as you watch your favorite team on one of the many TVs, enjoy the weather on the patio, and eat great bar food, all while listening to live music performed by a local band
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Bru burger patio
Bru Burger Bar’s chef style and classic burgers, sandwiches, and salads were crafted with bold flavors to satisfy any burger enthusiast’s craving.
Known For: The BBQ nachos are a go-to splittable app before you bite into gourmet beef, lamb, turkey and veggie burgers with toppings like sweet chili mayo and cucumber slaw or habanero hot sauce and havarti
Drink Menu: 16 rotating craft bottles and draft options and over two dozen bourbons and whiskeys to drink straight or in a cocktail
Atmosphere: Sleek granite countertop bar with seating, brick walls, and wooden tables give an intimate and comfortable dining experience. In the warm months, enjoy the patio while soaking in the hustle and bustle along Mass Ave
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Caplinger's Fresh Catch - Yelp
Serving a variety of fish sandwiches - both grilled and fried - as well as lobster, octopus, calamari, scallops, and soulful sides.
Known For: Fresh seafood delivered daily, carrying almost everything that swims! Lunch sandwiches are an Indy favorite and carryout orders can be placed online ahead of time
Atmosphere: Casual, no frills spot to dine-in or take to-go
Open For: Lunch and dinner
The Batali sandwich at Goose the Market has been called one of the best deli sandwiches in the world
The modern neighborhood grocery and butcher shop caters to hungry diners who want to bite into crusty bread sandwiches.
Known For: Stacked charcuterie boards of thinly sliced meats and cheeses of all varieties and regions, daily sandwich specials like The Batali, gourmet grocery items, terrines, and fresh fish.
Drink Menu: Wine by the glass, local craft beer for dine in or carry out.
Atmosphere: A hybrid grocery and sandwich shop with gelato bar on the ground floor; enjoy wine and beer tastings in the underground enoteca.
Open For: Lunch and dinner weekdays, lunch on weekends
Broad Ripple Public Greens
This farm-market inspired cafeteria is the only restaurant in the region devoting all of its profits and crops to benefit The Patachou Foundation.
Known For: Farm-to-table seasonally crafted signature bowls, like the Warm Grain Bowl with quinoa & brown rice, sautéed kale, mushroom, roasted carrots, avocado, and power seed mix.
Drink Menu: Beer, wine, cider, specialty drinks, coffee, kombucha and tea. They’ve got it all.
Atmosphere: Vibrant interior décor with a bright view of the Monon Trail and accompanying gardens.
Open For: Lunch and Dinner, Brunch on Sundays
Ale Emporium
Bru burger patio
Caplinger's Fresh Catch - Yelp
The Batali sandwich at Goose the Market has been called one of the best deli sandwiches in the world
Broad Ripple Public Greens
Veggie-Friendly
"I take my friends from bigger cities to Beholder. They always tell me thank you as its often a surprising environment for Indy."
Known For: Loaded shrimp and Salmon, as well as Seafood chowder using Chef Oya's signature TRAP BUTTAH
Drink Menu: Soft drinks
Atmosphere: You can't miss this walk-up only window towards the city's northeast side, with the brightly colored trim and picnic tables
Open For: Lunch
Kountry Kitchen
A taste of soul food in the city, Kountry Kitchen is a well-known establishment in Indianapolis for over 20 years.
Known For: A variety of different down-home recipes, such as fried chicken wings, savory pork chops, and an entire catfish dinner.
Drink Menu: Soda, tea, and "Nell's Secret Lemonade"
Atmosphere: Carry-out only at this time
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Downtown's City Market is home to Maxine's Chicken and WafflesIM Imagebank
Maxine's motto is "A Taste of Love in Every Bite," and with the downtown location in City Market, grabbing a classic dish has never been easier.
Known For: Jumbo fried chicken wings and specialty waffle topped with Maxine's own peach butter
Drink Menu: Soda, tea
Atmosphere: Ample upstairs seating in historic Indianapolis City Market gives diners a relaxing dining experience
Open For: Breakfast and lunch
The Missing Brick
Indy's first 21+ pizza joint specializing in creating urban dishes on pizzas through collaboration with other successful brick and mortar restaurants.
Known For: Your choice of 12 different pies, as well as salads and tasty sides.
Drink Menu: Local craft beers served up cold and fresh
Atmosphere: The Missing Brick offers casual seating, including picnic tables for those warmer evenings.
Open For: Dinner
tea's me
Tea’s Me is Indianapolis’ premier tea bar and cafe, offering the highest quality selection of teas and tisanes from around the world. Owned by WNBA Star and Olympian Tamika Catchings.
Known For: Favorite deli sandwiches like BLTs, chicken salad, and grilled PB&Js.
Drink Menu: A diverse and impressive selection of loose-leaf teas
Atmosphere: Bright, natural light and local artists' work on the walls add to the ambience of the tea shop. Tea's Me's friendly staff excels on customer service and educating customers on the different types of teas
Open For: Breakfast and lunch
Chef Oya's The Trap
Kountry Kitchen
Downtown's City Market is home to Maxine's Chicken and WafflesIM Imagebank
The Missing Brick
tea's me
"Overall Favorite?"
We asked 75 Indy Locals to write-in their top go-to eatery in the city. The write-ins with the most entries were added to this final category.
"The first time my fiancé and my families met together was an outing at His Place Eatery. The food was delicious, unmatched."
A full-scale soul food and barbecue restaurant that puts a gourmet twist on down-home cooking.
Known For: Made-from-scratch chicken and dumplings, signature smokehouse items, and sweet potato cheesecake.
Drink Menu: Soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Atmosphere: A casual dining experience with counter ordering.
Open For: Lunch and dinner
La Parada
"My favorite restaurant at the moment is La Parada. It's close to where we live, the food is always good, and the staff is always lively and friendly!" - Indy Local Jingo M. de la Rosa
Known For: Try the flavorful Chimichangas or the elote with the perfect mix of savory and sweet
Drink Menu: Beer, craft cocktails, and of course, a wide selection of margaritas
Atmosphere: Vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and bold accents
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
Magoo's California Pizza
A taste of California-style pizza right here in Indy. Magoo's specializes in carefully concocted recipes, topped with fresh vegetables and 100% Zabihah Halal meats.
Known For: And endless array of pizza pies, featuring 100% Zabihah Halal meats
Drink Menu: Soda and tea
Atmosphere: Your classic low-key pizza join with comfortable seating in an airy dining room
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Thai Spice
Kick up the spice with this Southside Thai eatery.
Known For: Authentic Thai cuisine with your favorites like Pad Thai and curry dishes
Drink Menu: Beer, wine, authentic Thai teas and specialty drinks including coconut juice
Atmosphere: A classy interior with stunning light fixtures and leather-padded seating
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Twenty Tap
"My heart belongs to Twenty Tap! If you're looking for a gastropub that has it all, look no further than this hidden gem tucked into the outskirts of Broad Ripple Village." - Indy Local Polina Osherov
Known For: Classic bar bites like cheese curds, soft pretzels, and burgers
Drink Menu: More than 38 beers on tap at any given time
Atmosphere: Casual seating with wooden booths and a cozy patio overlooking College Ave.
Open For: Lunch and Dinner
His Place eatery
La Parada
Magoo's California Pizza
Thai Spice
Twenty Tap
"Indy has so many amazing places to eat. I would say don't just go to your traditional eateries. Pick a cuisine, do some research and don't shy away from the hole in a wall places. A lot of great options to choose from.