Exploring the Best Places to Eat in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a city full of great places to eat. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot for lunch or a special occasion dinner, the options are seemingly endless. From cozy cafes to chic restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Indy. Here’s a guide to the best places to eat in Indianapolis.

Fine Dining Restaurants

If you’re looking for a special occasion dinner, Indianapolis is home to a variety of fine dining restaurants. St. Elmo Steak House is one of the most iconic restaurants in the city and is known for its signature shrimp cocktail. The Capital Grille is another popular option for a romantic dinner. This classic steakhouse offers a variety of delicious steaks and seafood dishes. For an upscale Italian dinner, check out Vida, which offers a wide selection of handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other traditional Italian dishes. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, check out Recess, a modern American restaurant with a seasonal menu of creative dishes.

Casual Eats

If you’re looking for a casual spot to grab lunch or dinner, Indianapolis has plenty of options. If you’re looking for a classic burger, check out Steer-In, which has been serving up delicious burgers and sandwiches since 1950. For a quick, casual Mexican dinner, visit Bakersfield, a fast-casual restaurant that serves up tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. For a unique twist on pizza, try Bazbeaux Pizza, which has been serving up gourmet pizza since 1986. Another popular option for a casual meal is Shapiro’s Delicatessen, which has been serving up classic deli favorites since 1905.

Cafes & Bakeries

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to grab breakfast or a cup of coffee, Indianapolis has plenty of cafes and bakeries to choose from. Milktooth is a popular brunch spot that serves up creative dishes like Dutch Baby Pancakes and Green Eggs and Ham. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, check out the Village Deli, which offers breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, and other diner favorites. For a sweet treat, try the Flying Cupcake, which serves up cupcakes, cakes, and other baked goods. For a unique twist on coffee, try Tinker Coffee, which offers a variety of unique coffee drinks and roasted beans.

Food Trucks

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience, check out Indianapolis’s various food trucks. Some of the most popular food trucks in the city include the Spice Box, which serves up Indian street food, the Hoagie Nation, which serves up classic sandwiches, and the Bru Burger Truck, which serves up gourmet burgers. For a sweet treat, try the Cake Bake Shop, which serves up delicious cupcakes and cakes. For something a bit more savory, check out the Mac Genie, which serves up gourmet macaroni and cheese dishes.

BBQ Joints

If you’re looking for a delicious BBQ dinner, Indianapolis has plenty of great options. Check out R&R BBQ, which serves up classic BBQ favorites like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Another popular option is City Barbeque, which offers a variety of smoked meats and sides. For a more casual experience, check out The Smoking Goose, which serves up sandwiches, burgers, and other BBQ fare. For a unique twist on BBQ, check out Rex’s Ribs, which serves up BBQ tacos and burritos.

Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants

If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options, Indianapolis has plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Three Carrots is a popular vegan restaurant that serves up creative dishes like vegan mac & cheese and seitan Reubens. Another great vegan option is Yats, which serves up Cajun-inspired dishes like vegan gumbo and jambalaya. For vegetarian options, check out The Garden Table, which serves up salads, sandwiches, and other creative dishes. For a unique twist on vegetarian fare, check out Cafe Patachou, which serves up classic dishes with a modern twist.

Thai & Sushi Restaurants

If you’re in the mood for Thai or sushi, Indianapolis has plenty of great options. Thai Spice is a popular spot for Thai food, offering a wide selection of classic dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup. For sushi, check out Sakana Sushi Bar, which serves up a variety of creative rolls and sushi dishes. For a unique twist on Thai food, check out Thai Naan, which serves up Indian-style dishes like tandoori chicken and curry.

Pubs & Bars

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink and a bite to eat, Indianapolis has plenty of pubs and bars to choose from. Check out the historic Slippery Noodle Inn, which has been around since 1850 and serves up classic pub food like burgers and wings. For a more modern vibe, check out The Libertine, which offers craft cocktails and a unique menu of small plates. If you’re looking for a laid-back spot to grab a beer, check out Flat12 Bierwerks, which offers a variety of craft beers and pub grub.

Seafood Restaurants

If you’re in the mood for seafood, Indianapolis has plenty of great options. For a classic seafood dinner, check out St. Elmo’s Seafood Market, which offers fresh seafood, prepared dishes, and a raw bar. Another popular option is Harry & Izzy’s, which serves up a variety of seafood dishes like crab cakes and fish and chips. For a unique twist on seafood, check out the Rathskeller, which serves up German-style dishes like beer-battered cod and fried shrimp.

Ice Cream Parlors

If you’re looking for a cool treat, Indianapolis has plenty of great ice cream parlors. Try the local favorite, The Scoop, which offers a variety of homemade ice cream flavors. For a unique twist on ice cream, check out BRICS Ice Cream & Coffee, which serves up gourmet ice cream flavors like salted caramel and pistachio. For a classic ice cream experience, check out Sullivan’s, which has been serving up soft serve since 1933.

Coffee Shops

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to grab a cup of coffee, Indianapolis has plenty of great coffee shops. Check out Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company, which offers a variety of coffee drinks and pastries. For a unique experience, try the Indy Coffee Roasters, which serves up specialty coffees from around the world. For a classic coffee shop experience, check out Monon Coffee Company, which serves up coffee, espresso, and other specialty drinks.

Delis

If you’re looking for a classic deli experience, Indianapolis has plenty of great delis to choose from. Check out Shapiro’s Delicatessen, which has been serving up classic deli favorites since 1905. Another popular option is the Village Deli, which offers breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, and other diner favorites. For a unique twist on deli fare, try the Market District Deli, which serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads.

Conclusion

Indianapolis is a city full of great places to eat. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a casual bite to eat, there’s something for everyone. From delis to BBQ joints, there are plenty of great restaurants to explore in Indianapolis. So grab a group of friends and explore all of the delicious options the city has to offer.