Home may be where the heart is, though I’d argue the stomach is equally important to one’s sense of belonging.
Live somewhere long enough and you’ll come to rely on certain restaurants, whether for a special occasion you’ve been planning for months or a frantic last-minute dinner in the face of near-delirious hunger. Everyone has their spots, and these are ours.
Below are more than 70 restaurants IndyStar staffers consider their favorites. You’ll find big-ticket steakhouses downtown as well as grocery store food court counters — including those that appeared on our Defining Restaurants guide — all spread across Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. The entries are listed in alphabetical order, but you can also use the database embedded below to search by cuisine and neighborhood.
We’ve roughly defined a restaurant as a brick-and-mortar vendor that primarily serves made-to-order food; otherwise, the only requirement was that each place meant something special to its entry’s author.
If you don’t see one of your go-to spots, there’s a very real chance my colleagues and I simply haven’t been there. Feel free to let me know at bhohulin@indystar.com and hopefully I can give it a try soon.
This list will continually update with additions and to reflect closings, so next time you need a recommendation, you know where to look.
317 Burger
915 E. Westfield Blvd., (317) 251-1317, 317burger.com, $$
I don’t believe in such concepts as the “best burger,” but I do believe I’ve eaten a cholesterol-altering amount of grilled beef and melted cheese at 317 Burger over the last year and a half. This Broad Ripple haunt serves my kind of burger, with a reasonably thick and sufficiently greasy patty that pairs beautifully with a pile of salty skin-on fries, a tall crisp beer and a long, possibly labored walk along the Monon Trail immediately afterward.
— B.H.
5th Ave Grill and Bar
423 Main St., Beech Grove, (317) 757-3320, 5thaveindy.com, $$
I’m a vegetarian, so I’m normally wary of restaurants featuring burgers, wings and shrimp. But 5th Ave. Grill & Bar in Beech Grove caters to vegans with its “Garden of Eden” burger. I think it’s delicious. The atmosphere is relaxed enough to go solo and watch the Pacers or Colts play on any of the large TVs surrounding the restaurant, but nice enough for a date. My young teen thinks the chicken tenders are an 8/10, and we usually share an ice cream brownie desert at the end of our meal.
— John Tufts
9th Street Bistro
56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, (317) 774-5065, 9thstbistro.com, $$$$
Inspired by the world travels of owners Rachel Firestone Mohammad and chef Samir Mohammad, 9th Street Bistro has plated up just about everything from andouille sausage corn dogs to tarts topped with still-moving Japanese fish flakes. It’s not necessarily the sort of place you’d expect to thrive in an old knickknack-crammed brick building in Noblesville’s still small-feeling downtown. But the Mohammads have earned a following by pushing diners’ comfort zones without making them feel like they have to Google 20 ingredients just to navigate the appetizer lineup.
— B.H.
Ale Emporium
Multiple Indy-area locations, ale-emporium.com, $$
The wings! The folks behind this local mini-chain have what are often called the best wings in the city. Also known for their quality pizzas and a wide menu offering many different things, these restaurant-bars feature a great sports atmosphere, too.
— Jon Buck
Ardys Concession
4141 S. East St., (317) 985-6485, $$
You could lead a long, happy existence only knowing Ardys for its Indianapolis 500-famous kebabs, but you’d miss out on the delicious Filipino fare available at Ardys’ small restaurant inside the Philippine Cultural Center. From shattering lumpia and sour-sweet chicken adobo to the peppery, multi-textured bits of pork that comprise Ardys’ wonderfully savory sisig, owners Arnold and Gladys Patiag serve a fantastically well-crafted rendition of their homeland cuisine. Be sure to check Ardys’ Facebook page for updated restaurant hours, as the Patiags are often out and about in their food truck — the people need kebabs, after all.
— B.H.
Asaka Japanese Restaurant
6414 E. 82nd St., (317) 576-0556, facebook.com/indyAsaka, $$
Japan holds a special place in my heart, in large part thanks to my visit to Kawachinagano, the sister city of Carmel. I had a habit of trying out family-owned restaurants, which were perhaps some of the best meals I had while in Japan. Asaka reminds me of a lot of these restaurants. Love and passion can be tasted with every bite. I always find myself transported to the streets of Japan whenever I have a bowl of agedashi-dofu and zaru soba at Asaka.
— Noe Padilla
Asian Snack
3605 Commercial Drive, (317) 297-107, $
When I first moved here in 2023, multiple IndyStar colleagues impressed upon me the beauty of the walk-up Chinese food counter in the westside Saraga International Grocery. Serving all manner of delicacies, from mouth-numbing Chongqing chicken to a sticky-sweet eggplant stir fry, Asian Snack has since become a culinary touchstone for me as well. Many of those colleagues have since left, but I’d like to think I’ve honored them by making frequent pilgrimages to pick up some pork buns or to scorch every single nerve on my tongue eating a steam-belching chive pie way too soon.
— B.H.
Baan Thai Bistro
8705 Southeastern Ave., (317) 759-8424, baanthaibistro.com, $$
I like to think that now and again,an out-of-towner in need of dinner is driving down Southeastern Avenue and blindly stumbles upon Baan Thai Bistro in Wanamaker, completely unaware that they’re about to eat one of their better meals in recent memory. Baan’s brightly flavored roster of Thai dishes spans from classics like thom yum and pad Thai to spicy “crying tiger” steak and the soothing Thai hangover cure soup khao tom, all served in a supremely friendly and casual atmosphere.
— B.H.
Bar-B-Q Heaven
2515 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. St., (317) 926-1667 and 877 E. 30th St., (317) 283-0035, $$
Bar-B-Q Heaven has dished up all manner of lovely meats and comforting sides since owner Ronald Jones started slinging barbecue in 1952. With take-out spots on both the west and east sides, the sanctuary of smoke continues its proud tradition with plentifully sauced pulled pork, turkey ribs and pig’s feet, plus classic sides like corn muffins and macaroni and cheese as well as a handful of pie slices. I believe barbecue restaurants are among our best-smelling institutions, and Bar-B-Q Heaven’s food is well worth giving into that smoky siren call.
— B.H.
Beholder
1844 E. 10th St., (317) 419-3471, beholderindy.com, $$$$
In one sitting at chef-owner Jonathan Brooks’ Near Eastside dining destination, you might enjoy wine-doused oysters and Wagyu flat-iron steak or a meatloaf sandwich with fries followed by salted caramel ice cream. While the prices are steep and the décor not for everyone — one wall features a depiction of two rabbits that skews less “Bambi” and more Discovery Channel — there is no debating the stomach-delighting quality of Beholder’s food, whether you prefer French mignonette or French fries.
— B.H.
Big Lug Canteen
1435 E 86th St., (317) 672-3503, biglugcanteen.com, $$
Big Lug in Nora is a cozy local spot with plenty of charm that’s perfect for families, date night, or watching a game upstairs. In summer, the beer garden is gorgeous. The menu has range — pizza, tacos, burgers, and more. My favorite: the Phrisco melt and hot honey Brussels sprouts paired with the Pirate Cat porter, a nod to a Monon Trail legend. Specials rotate every two weeks, so there’s always something new.
— Katie Wiseman
Bluebeard
653 Virginia Ave., (317) 686-1580, bluebeardindy.com, $$ lunch, $$$ dinner
Nearly three years into Alan Sternberg’s run as executive chef, this acclaimed Fletcher Place restaurant has proven its staying power by constantly tweaking its delivery like a pitcher who deals primarily in screwballs. Between the ever-changing menu and crowded, bustling dining room, dinner at Bluebeard can feel a little disorienting. I’m not sure how exactly you’re supposed to navigate all the cross-cultural appetizers, artisanal pastas and endlessly creative desserts, but I’ve always had solid luck starting with a good (ideally strong) drink.
— B.H.
Bodhi
922 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 941-6595, bodhi-indy.com, $$$
A notoriously tricky table to snag, Bodhi rewards guests’ patience with an inspired take on Thai cuisine courtesy of chef-owner Taelor Carmine, her mother Nicky and her grandmother Pen Phojanaspan. In a tremendous clash of the traditional and the hyper-chic, staple dishes like peppery pad kaprao (holy basil stir fry) and tongue-prickling papaya salad meet cocktails that are never quite what they seem. Bodhi last year started taking reservations to help trim wait times, not that that there was ever any obstacle that could hinder my pursuit of a standout massaman curry.
— B.H.
Borage
1609 N. Lynhurst Drive, Speedway, (317) 734-3958, borageeats.com, $$ breakfast/lunch, $$$ dinner
In Speedway, where some restaurants live and die by the month of May, Borage has emerged as a year-round neighborhood favorite under chef-owners Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor. Simultaneously a bustling café and cozy bakery with a small attached grocery, the expansive eatery is equipped to handle a wide variety of gustatory needs, whether in the form of a hearty breakfast plate, fresh local produce or cinnamon rolls the size of paving stones.
— B.H.
Bosphorus Istanbul Café
935 S. East St., (317) 974-1770, thebosphoruscafe.com, $$
On the rare occasions I dined out during college, I typically ate at restaurants crammed into old houses that served decent food at prices low enough that I didn’t feel like one dinner would irreversibly alter my retirement prospects. Bosphorus is that sort of place, a charming Turkish café nestled in a squat maroon house whose walls drip with rugs, photos and assorted trinkets. With generous platefuls of kebabs and well-prepared vegetables — and more flatbread than one could possibly need — Bosphorus is among my go-to recommendations for a nice dinner with friends that won’t deplete your wallet too much.
— B.H.
Café Patachou
Multiple Indy-area locations, cafepatachou.com, $$
There have been several additions to Indy’s upscale brunch scene since Patachou came on the scene decades ago. But Patachou was the first of a genre that seems to keep getting more pretentious if not necessarily better. Patachou represents the best of the bunch, I still think. It’s reliably delicious and relatively accessible, while still offering fresh ingredients and bright flavors. The menu doesn’t change much, and maybe it’s not avant-garde anymore. But it’s still great. And isn’t that the point?
— Hayleigh Colombo
Cake Bake Shop
6515 Carrolton Ave., (317)-257-2253 and 799 Hanover Place, Carmel, (317) 257-2253, $$$
It took me several years living in Indianapolis to try the Cake Bake Shop, but now, it’s a go-to for a simple yet luxurious night out. My favorite remains the choose two combination where a straightforward ham and brie sandwich and a bowl of gumbo goes a long way. If you feel like eating in, sit back in comfy chairs, order a pot of tea for the table and enjoy. If you’re in a hurry, just pop into the walk-up bakery for a humongous slice of cake that can easily provide dessert for three nights.
— Alysa Guffey
Canal Bistro
6349 Guilford Ave., (317) 254-8700, canal-bistro.com, $$$
I mean absolutely nothing negative when I say Canal Bistro reminds me of the casual sit-down chain restaurants my family frequented as a kid. The food is approachable, the portion sizes borderline unfinishable and the ambience fancy yet familial. Don’t skip the appetizers, whether it’s the bursting-fresh dolma or flaming cheese “saganaki,” then progress to whichever grilled meat, stuffed pepper or bechamel-lined comfort food suits you. After your meal during the warmer months, shuffle about 20 feet to the Bistro’s next-door ice cream shop for a baclava sundae out by the canal.
— B.H.
Chao Vietnamese Street Food
7854 E. 96th St., Fishers, (317) 622-8820, chaovietstreetfood.com, $$
The rationale here is simple: bánh mì is arguably my favorite sandwich, and Chao Viet thus far makes my favorite in town. In addition to the Vietnamese staple of tender ham and fresh veggies on a spongey baguette, Chao serves other classic fare like pho and the broken-rice dish cốm. And though I can’t defend the beer-battered Chao fries, a spicy mayo-doused melee of pork and potato pulled straight from the Buffalo Wild Wings appetizer menu, I try not to let tradition alone stand between me and anything delicious.
— B.H.
Chin Brothers
2318 E. Stop 11 Road, (317) 888-1850, chinbrothers.com, $$
For those unfamiliar with Burmese cuisine, Chin Brothers in Southport offers a solid crash course in the form of rich soups, generously spiced stir fries and traditional salads with a distinct mix of textures and flavors sure to keep a newcomer guessing. To me, the restaurant’s must-try dish is its lahpet thoke, a traditional salad of fermented tea leaves, shredded cabbage and a bunch of other crunchy, vaguely spicy stuff. Not the most efficient way to get a hit of caffeine, but certainly among the tastiest.
— B.H.
Corridor
1134 E. 54th St., (317) 257-7374, corrdiorindy.com, $$
A good lunch is a very special thing, and for that reason I’m very grateful for Corridor. The successor to Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta, this snug SoBro market and café from chefs Erin Kem and Logan McMahan specializes in small plates representing a vast diversity of flavors found throughout the Mediterranean basin. Corridor’s seasonal offerings range from shakshuka and gazpacho to mortadella sandwiches and buttered house-made noodles, each priced at $15 to $20. You can also drink from a strong wine list; how you spend your Tuesday lunch break is none of my business.
— B.H.
Daisy Bar
1011 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 390-4002, daisybarindy.com, $$ breakfast/lunch, $$$ dinner
I have ranted that Indy has a dearth of breakfast sandwich options — an untapped market! Then I discovered Daisy Bar. I have since gone three more times and gotten the same thing: the most savory and unique breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had. The eggs are “chili crisp” fried, there’s a sunflower crunch, some pickled onions to counterbalance… it doesn’t even need cheese. It’s counter service with sit-down quality vibes. And like a daisy, adorably but tastefully decorated. My compatriots attest that other menu items served throughout the day are just as delectable.
— Kayla Dwyer
divvy
71 City Center Drive, Carmel, 317-706-0000, divvycarmel.com, $$$
Don’t want to commit to one entree? divvy with a menu devoted to upscale shareable small plates and charcuterie and boards could be the answer. The more people with whom you dine here, the more you’ll get to try. Just don’t bring the kids; divvy is 21 and over or 16 and over with an adult.
— Shari Rudavsky
Delicia
5215 N. College Ave., (317) 925-0677, deliciaindy.com, $$ Sunday brunch, $$$ dinner
Mexican and Central American food historically haven’t received the same fine dining treatment as other global cuisines, but Delicia bucks the trend with rigorously arranged plates and stellar service. The birria short rib with crispy rice and cream-doused pepper strips rivals any meat-and-starch dish, and I suspect I could put down a concerning number of Delicia’s heavily browned corn cakes. Delicia’s prices may still be staggering to some, but when it comes to well-executed griddle cakes or rajas con crema, I fear my willingness to pay is high enough to refute entire schools of economic thought.
— B.H.
Fernando’s Mexican and Brazilian Cuisine
834 E. 64th St., (317) 377-4779 and 888 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 771-6653, fernandosindy.com, $$ for lunch, $$$ for dinner
Fernando’s Mexican and Brazilian Cuisine celebrates the home cuisines of owners Elizabeth Fernandez and her husband Cristiano Rodrigues, respectively. With hefty portions that clock in between $20 and $35, plus a robust cocktail selection, Fernando’s is ideal for a fun but not financially devastating meal. You can stick to more common stateside flavors like carne asada, tacos and tortas or try something new like Brazil’s beloved, uber-comforting black bean stew, feijoada (ideally if you have some time for a nap shortly thereafter).
— B.H.
Flatwater
832 E. Westfield Blvd., (317) 257-5466, flatwaterbroadripple.com, $$$
The first restaurant I tried when I moved to my new digs is still my favorite. Settled in the heart of Broad Ripple, Flatwater hits the sweet spot: patio views of the Central Canal, great American fare and rarely a reservation required. Even the pickiest palates (guilty!) will find a favorite on Flatwater’s menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and signature appetizers and entrees, Note: My mom can’t say enough good thing about the house-made hummus platter. Live music in the warmer months is the cherry on top.
— Heather Bushman
Freeland’s
875 Freeland Way, Carmel, (317) 316-9875, freelandsrestaurant.com, $$$$
From the owner of Tinker Street — and a former chef, with Indy restaurant veteran Braedon Kellner now helming the kitchen — Freeland’s brings its esteemed sister restaurant’s flare for fine dining and stellar service to an 1845 mansion in Carmel’s North End community. The menu has expanded its emphasis on Central and European cuisine to a more globally inspired medley including escargot, shrimp and grits and tuna tataki. But the restaurant has retained the vibe of a massive retro dinner party, one to which I’d never turn down an invitation.
— B.H.
Gather 22
22 E. 22nd St., (317) 258-2222, gather22.com, $$
Not that “coolness” was a factor in determining this list, but it certainly didn’t hurt Gather 22’s case. Partners and co-owners Pablo Gonzalez and Adam Reinstrom keep tweaking their Near Northside hangout with globally inspired dishes and an ever-changing atmosphere that has included a winter tiki tavern on the veranda and outdoor hammocks in summer. Grab a cocktail, a refreshing chilled soba noodle salad or an almost too-tall fried tempeh sandwich, then remember to really soak up the ambience — it might be totally different on your next visit.
— B.H.
Good Morning Mama’s
1001 E. 54th St., (317) 255-3800, goodmorningmamas.com, $$
Good Morning Mama’s is my favorite way to start my morning, both for its homey breakfast food and its communal, colorful vibe. Every time my boyfriend and I go, it’s packed, and we see someone we know there. Eating strawberry jam and biscuits while admiring the murals of birds and other characters is the best way to bide time before your plate comes out. I get something different each time, but the Hawaiian Loco Moco with two eggs has a special place in my heart.
— Cate Charron
Goose the Market
2503 N. Delaware St., (317) 924-4944, goosethemarket.com, $$
Goose the Market sits just beyond where I can comfortably walk from my apartment, a minor tragedy for my stomach but perhaps a godsend for my wallet. The walk-up deli counter makes a mean sandwich, complete with meats from sister business Smoking Goose and locally sourced cheese, plus soup, salad, a fully stocked coffee bar and even some gelato. Several factors determine how much one loves their home, but the mere knowledge that I’m never far from a quality sandwich and an inexpensive can of craft beer does a lot for me.
— B.H.
Hanna’s Bar N’ Grill
6221 Allisonville Road, (317) 907-5580, hannahsbarngrill.com, $$
North Indianapolis and southern Hamilton County have a crazy number of Indian restaurants, and I’ve sampled the fare at most of them. Hannah’s is one of the best. The flavors of the palak paneer are perfectly balanced and medium spiciness brings just enough heat (for me). The vegetable samosas and kheer are also on point. Hannah’s has plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and even though vegetable korma isn’t on the menu, they will make a tasty rendition upon request. A lunch buffet is offered 11-3 p.m. daily, and a respectable mac and cheese is on the menu for the picky child in your life. Despite its location next to a closed Big Lots, Hannah’s has an upscale ambiance.
— Cindi Andrews
His Place Eatery
6916 E. 30th St., (317) 545-4890 and 1411 W. 86th St., (317) 790-3406, hisplaceeatery.com, $$
Owner James Jones has said many of his earliest memories revolve around barbecue. The pitmaster’s love of smoked meat and Southern comfort is apparent at His Place Eatery, a friendly and gut-stuffing tribute to the soul food Jones grew up with. His Place has the classics like fried chicken, ribs and candied sweet potatoes, but don’t overlook curveballs like the red velvet waffles with chicken or collard greens grilled cheese — the latter a recipe from a stint when Jones didn’t eat meat, which lasted about as long as you might expect.
— B.H.
Inferno Room
902 Virginia Ave., (317) 426-2343, theinfernoroom.com, $$$
For most of its six-year history the Inferno Room in Fountain Square has been a destination for larger-than-life tiki cocktails set in a massive collection of Papua New Guinean décor. It still is, but the bar is now also home to some excellent Cuban-inspired food courtesy of chef José Plasencia. A crackly tostada loaded with roasted mushrooms and sweet plantains, sticky-sweet spam fried rice and a burger that rivals most others in town are just a handful of the imaginative eats now at the Inferno Room. And if you just want to crunch through some yucca fries and watch your server set your drink on fire, that’s an option, too.
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy
946 S. Meridian St., (317) 974-1100, iozzos.com, $$$
Iozzo’s has everything I personally look for in an Italian restaurant: stellar service, lots of olive oil and marinara, a troubled history wherein the previous incarnation of the restaurant was shuttered after the owner killed a guy in a bar fight (yep!). The modern-day Garden of Italy pays homage to its 1930s ancestor with standout handmade pastas and wine served in that quintessentially ritzy yet homey atmosphere. And I’d put the deep-fried ricotta zeppole up against any ricotta donuts in town.
— B.H.
I Tre Mori
8220 E. 106th St., Fishers, (317) 436-8739, itremorifishers.com, $$
Tre Mori has some of the best wood-fired pizza in the Indianapolis area, as well as a nice selection of pasta dishes and salads. My favorite is the pizza napoletana, but the pizza Tre Mori is also popular, with raw pistachio, mortadella, ricotta, mozzarella and tomato sauce. The eggplant parmigiana, which is offered as an appetizer, is another favorite: The eggplant is practically swimming in sauce and cheese. As a bonus, the restaurant has a patio for dining in nice weather and a drive-through window for those who want to eat well but in the comfort of their own home.
— C.A.
John’s Famous Stew
1146 Kentucky Ave., (317) 636-6212, facebook.com/Johnsfamousstew, $$
I’m a big believer in the value of specialists. And while I don’t demand a restaurant spend nearly 115 years perfecting its stew for me to eat it, I mean, it certainly doesn’t hurt. More than a century since a pair of Macedonian immigrants first prepared their mother’s recipe in a cast-iron kettle in downtown Indy, John’s Famous Stew remains a charming Midwest throwback full of good, hot, often rather sloppy food.
— B.H.
Julieta Taco Shop
1060 N. Capitol Ave., instagram.com/julieta_tacoshop, $$
Julieta’s menu isn’t much bigger than its walk-up counter in the downtown Stutz building, but virtually everything chef-owners Gabriel Sanudo and Esteban Rosas make is the sort of food I’d brave long lines to secure. Daily specials have included posole, grilled fish, coffee-rubbed habanero chicken wings. But really, you can’t go wrong with Julieta’s signature tacos crammed with brisket-like suadero, fried mushrooms or charred broccolini, all of which are steadily crippling me financially, $5 at a time.
— B.H.
King Dough
452 N. Highland Ave., (317) 602-7960 and 12505 Old Meridian St., Carmel, (317) 669-2201, kingdoughpizzas.com, $$
King Dough’s Indianapolis location is best in summer. The trumpet vines are blooming on the pergola above the patio. The aroma of wood-fired pizzas fresh from the 1,000-degree oven is wafting out to your table. You’re enjoying a Greco salad full of feta chunks, dressed with a zesty lemon basil vinaigrette. And, finally, the pizza: a chewy, sourdough-tinged crust with charred air bubbles on the rim. I recommend the “Destroyer,” a red-sauce pie with mozzarella and goat cheese, Italian sausage and a hot honey drizzle.
— Jordan Smith
La Costa Azul
1351 W. 86th St., (463) 202-2139, lacostaazul317.com, $ lunch, $$ dinner
This Salvadoran restaurant offers a range of pupusas priced under $5, along with heartier Central American entrees for those looking for more of a meal. Tucked in the back of a strip mall off 86th St., this spot boosts some of the best Central American food in the city served without a fuss.
— S.R.
La Piedad
6524 Cornell Ave., 317-475-0988, lapiedadindy.com, $ lunch, $$ dinner
In the summer you can sit on the patio under twinkling lights and sip a margarita while consuming copious amounts of typical Tex-Mex fare — think burritos, tacos, fajitas, arroz con pollo and the like. If the weather sends you inside, this Broad Ripple staple is cozy and warm and has been drawing fans for more than 20 years with its consistently tasty and filling fare.
— S.R.
Late Harvest Kitchen
8605 River Crossing Blvd., (317)-663-8063, lateharvestkitchen.com, $$$
Situated in a strip mall on the north side of town, Late Harvest Kitchen has an upscale feel, with subdued lighting and top-tier service. The menu is short, but every option is a solid choice; I always defer to the pork chop. You absolutely want to save room for dessert. Chef Ryan’s signature dish is his amazing Sticky Toffee Pudding. It’s not uncommon for us to order a couple to take home, “for a friend.”
— David Mayhew
Leonardo’s Mexican Food
8431 Michigan Road, (317) 337-9022, leonardosmexicanfood.com, $$
A 24-hour Mexican restaurant that is the definition of a hole in the wall, this restaurant has been around for years for a reason. From delicious quesadillas to super fries, you can find anything and everything here a Mexican food lover could crave. Their horchata is some of the best in the city, and the queso never fails to hit the spot. You can never go wrong giving this spot a chance.
— Madyson Crane
Love Handle
877 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 384-1102, facebook.com/LoveHandleIndy, $$
A place synonymous in my mind with “grub,” Love Handle specializes in the too-tall sandwiches and sauce-smothered breakfast plates that haunt one’s thoughts on late weekend mornings. You’ll find a consistent roster of biscuits, sandwiches and fried chicken at the laidback Mass Ave joint, though I typically wait until Love Handle drops a particularly captivating special, then hunt it down with a level of focus that I should probably be reserving for work.
— B.H.
Ma Ma’s Korean Restaurant
8867 Pendleton Pike, (317) 897-0808, indymamarestaurant.com, $$$
Among my colleagues, Ma Ma’s is probably the foremost “man, I really need to get back there” restaurant. The Lawrence stalwart has served up standout Korean soups, noodles, stir-fries and table-grilled barbecue for more than 30 years, a well-earned longevity. If you aren’t up for the complete $30 barbecue blitz, treat yourself to a good bowl of spicy soup sometime. Ideally, you wouldn’t be able to consider yourself an Indianapolis resident without visiting Ma Ma’s, but I know Lawrence sort of does its own thing.
— B.H.
Macizo
6335 Intech Commons Drive, (463) 202-2853, macizorestaurant.com, $$
While I sometimes think I’d rather walk the length of Interstate-65 than drive on it during rush hour, I’d readily endure any amount of gridlock for a bowl of Macizo’s restorative sopa criolla or a plate of the sauce-doused mole enchiladas. Sequestered in a Traders Point industrial park, the delightfully friendly restaurant pays homage to the Mexican and Peruvian cuisines of husband-wife duo Omar Ramirez and Luz Gonza. While the menu features familiar dishes like tacos and tortas, you’re better off trying something new — and ending with some homemade pound cake and ice cream.
— B.H.
Madurai Virundhu
4150 Lafayette Road, (317) 297-3050, maduraivirundhuindy.com, $$
Madurai Virundhu’s biggest draw is likely its weekend lunch buffet. However, as strange as it may sound, you don’t actually have to rapidly consume three full plates in a curry-doused fugue state to enjoy some good South Indian food. Western-familiar staples like biryani and meats cooked in a tandoor join regional specialties like the savory crepe dosa or the crackly flatbread paratha served with a variety of meats and veggies. Still, the buffet never hurts from an options standpoint.
Mama Carolla’s
1031 E. 54th St., (317) 259-9412, mamacarollas.com, $$$
I am endlessly charmed by the ability of Italian restaurants to feel like the peak of luxury while posing the same risks to your shirt as a sloppy Joe. Arguably no eatery strikes that balance of service, ambience and generously sauced food quite like Mama Carolla’s in SoBro. Snugly squeezed into the halls and alcoves of a 1920s California Stucco house, Mama Carolla’s delights with hefty pastas, well-treated vegetables and classic desserts in an intimate yet festive setting. The extensive wine list doesn’t hurt, either.
— B.H.
Magdalena
1127 Shelby St., (317) 691-8021, magdalena.bar, $$$
Cloistered in a chic, brick-walled venue in Fountain Square, this Cajun-inspired cocktail and oyster bar serves a well-rounded drink lineup alongside the salty, soul-soothing flavors of the French Quarter. If you aren’t prepared to drop $40-plus on, say, pigeon pie, you can’t go wrong with a cocktail and a few small plates to share. As a quick guideline: get some oysters if it’s “two-buck-shuck” Tuesday, order any dish with fried green tomatoes in it if possible and, perhaps most importantly, never doubt the Cajun instinct where spiced sausage is concerned.
— B.H.
Milktooth
534 Virginia Ave., (317) 986-5131, milktoothindy.com, $$
Seemingly everyone has a take on Milktooth (including the comfort level of its chairs, if you consult my neighbor) which I suppose is what happens to the restaurants that have put Indy’s food scene in the national spotlight. For my part, the food at this envelope-pushing Fletcher Place brunch spot is well worth a visit, particularly the ever-changing Dutch baby pancakes whose toppings range from brisket to a full huevos rancheros. It’s not cheap, but — and I say this with love for both establishments — that’s what Denny’s is for.
— B.H.
Movable Feast
5143 E. 65th St., (317) 577-9901, feast317.com, $$
The mantra of Movable Feast is best surmised with the Anthony Bourdain quote, “Your body is not a temple; it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” This scratch kitchen delight not only serves up the best smash burger, steak salad and cajun chicken grinder, but its oh-so-reasonably-priced menu includes gluten-free, organic, vegetarian and vegan options. Buy a cup or quart of an array of soups from golden curried lentil to creamy potato to red bean chili. Try one of the daily specials, such as the roasted turkey breast and cheddar cheese served hot on a croissant with chipotle mayo. And you can feel good about dining at this Indy gem, which was founded in 1997. It is a community gathering place and often puts on fundraisers and donates to local charities.
— Dana Benbow
Oakleys Bistro
1464 W. 86th St., (317) 824-1231, oakleysbistro.com, $$ lunch, $$$ dinner
Acclaimed chef-owner Steven Oakley has kept his northwest-side bistro running at a full creative sprint since 2002. I could write volumes about the cylinder of fried spiralized potato that functions as a risotto reservoir alongside Oakleys’ rainbow trout “al pastor” or the skillet-charred edges of sweet, acidic braised pork belly that you scoop up with triangles of grassy scallion flatbread as an appetizer. Plenty of restaurants marry technique with artistry, but very few make it look as easy — or as fun — as Oakleys.
— B.H.
One World Market
8466 Castleton Corner Drive, (317) 842-3442, oneworldindy.com, $ lunch, $$ dinner
Onigiri is heaven on earth, but in Indianapolis the crunchy, fishy rice balls are few and far between. Enter One World Market. It’s only of the only places that I’ve found nearby that sells onigiri and they are delicious. Lots of mayo, crisp nori, free soy sauce — and you can get kimchi in the back!
— Sophie Hartley
Pearl Street Pizzeria
65 E. Pearl St., (317) 638-3110 and 10462 Olio Road, Fishers, (317) 366-8703, pearlstreetpizzeria.com, $$
Duck in here on a busy downtown night to enjoy the cozy, unpretentious vibe of a restaurant that’s already proven itself. Whatever you do, don’t sleep on the calzones — they house just the right ratio of cheese and toppings inside flavorful dough. You can multiply your carbs and protein with pizza, sandwiches and baked pasta. Or you can give fiber a (probably much-needed) nod with salads that sprinkle in feta, candied walnuts, fresh mozzarella or apples.
— Domenica Bongiovanni
Pho Saigon
Pho Saigon, 4760 W. 38th St., (317) 927-7270, phosaigonindianapolis.com, $$
This west-side Vietnamese spot is named for the country’s famed rice noodle soup, but there’s so much more on the menu at Pho Saigon, including a solid bánh mì and a standout rendition of the beloved vermicelli noodle salad bun thit nuong cha gio. All the best parts of Vietnamese cuisine are on display here, from bitey pickles to unreal char-grilled pork and a funky-fresh fish sauce so beloved that there’s a whole museum dedicated to it in the city of Phan Thiet. Smithsonian, eat your heart out.
— B.H.
Rathskeller
401 E. Michigan St., (317) 636-0396, rathskeller.com, $$ lunch, $$$ dinner
There are historic restaurants, and then there’s the Rathskeller. In 1894 the basement eatery became the first tenant of the Athenaeum, offering Bavarian fare to the city’s growing German population. Though the Rathskeller is nowadays known as much for its outdoor biergarten and concert stage as its warmly spiced sauerbraten and crisp Wiener schnitzel, the old-fashioned dining room and brick kellerbar haven’t lost their charm. I often joke that German food is mostly just different flavors of beige, but I always clean my plate here.
— B.H.
Sakura
7201 N Keystone Ave., (317) 259-4171, indysakuraexpress.com, $$
My colleague swears by the chilled soba noodles. My kid loves the shumai dumplings. I keep meaning to try both but whenever we eat food from Sakura, I do not deviate from the fresh, delicious sushi. The restaurant does not take reservations and can be both slow and packed on weekend nights but this is sushi worth the wait. Each time I try a new roll, I have a new favorite. Still working my way to those soba noodles and shumai, though.
— S.R.
Sam’s Square Pie
2829 E. 10th St., order.toasttab.com/samssquarepie, $$
I’ve scarfed down untold slices of mediocre pizza over the years, never complaining because, I mean, it’s still pizza. But there’s no settling at Sam’s Square Pie, the Near Eastside establishment whose rectangular Detroit-style pan pizzas are pleasantly dense, thoughtfully topped and framed in a crackly border of fried cheese. These pies come at a premium ($20-plus to feed two), but step away from the “$14 with Crazy Bread” genus of pizza and you’ll rediscover how great it can be.
— B.H.
Savor
211 W. Main St., Carmel, (317) 564-4126, savorcarmel.com, $$
New owner Josh Peters has taken the reins at this downtown Carmel destination opened in 2020 by veteran Indy restaurateur and multi-time Indy Burger Battle champ Henri Najem, who combined his affinity for the grill with his Lebanese and Italian upbringing to open this expansive pan-Mediterranean dinner party of a restaurant. The pastas are pleasantly heavy, the seafood well-executed and the whole menu a testament to what can be accomplished with a little bit of char.
— B.H.
Shapiro’s Delicatessen
808 S. Meridian St., (317) 631-4041, shapiros.com, $$
No one in Indianapolis has been stacking deli meat as long as Shapiro’s, which was founded as a grocery store in 1905 by a Jewish couple that fled persecution in Russian-controlled Ukraine. Superb corned beef and Reuben sandwiches join soups, classic entrées and a strong variety of desserts at this downtown lunch counter. Expect big lines, but trust that your patience will be rewarded with an equally massive, very good sandwich.
— B.H.
Shoyu Shop at Strange Bird
128 S. Audobon Road, (317) 550-4115, strangebirdindy.com, $$
I sometimes wonder if the advent of mass-market ramen, with its Eisenhower-era prices and Talmud-length ingredient lists, has lessened our appreciation of the craft that goes into the Japanese noodle. Fortunately, we have chef Kyle Humphreys and the staff of Strange Bird’s Shoyu Shop in Irvington to remind us with piping-hot, deeply savory bowlfuls as soothing as they are pungent. That ramen joins pillowy bao, twice-fried chicken wings and a multicolor medley of fun (and rum)-forward cocktails amid bamboo walls and thatched ceilings, making for a simultaneously silly and swanky, maybe a bit sloshy, evening.
— B.H.
St. Elmo
127 S. Illinois St., (317) 635-0636, stelmos.com, $$$$
Indy’s iconic downtown steakhouse is the rare example of a seemingly over-hyped thing that you finally experience and realize, “Oh — that’s why.” The key at St. Elmo is to not get too cute. Get the shrimp cocktail, in all its skull-rattling glory. Get a steak however you like it. And make sure you save some cocktail sauce to mix in your bean soup, a secret that my waiter definitely only shared with me and none of the other thousands of people he serves every week.
— B.H.
Subito
34 N. Delaware St., (317) 220-8211, subitosoups.com, $
Though I recognize the societal importance of those fast-casual chains where one can receive a bowl piled with a homogenous mass of food vaguely tied to a specific cuisine, I am very glad to work within walking distance of a solid sandwich shop. What began with owner Chuck Brezina’s quest to bake his ideal bread has spawned a favorite lunch spot of many downtowners, a reliable source of ever-changing soups and thoughtfully crafted sandwiches.
— B.H.
Tacos 46
3089 N. High School Road, (317) 728-1303, tacos46.com, $$
Whenever I feel homesick for California, I always find myself at Taco 46. I always gravitate to a table by the window as I wait for the Lengua torta I ordered. I listen to the cooks and workers of the restaurant making jokes with one another. It’s a vibe that reminds me of the restaurants I ate at as a child and teenager. But perhaps the best part about the Taco 46 is the food, because it tastes homemade, which is rare for me to find in Indiana.
— N.P.
Tinker Street
402 E. 16th St., (317) 925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com, $$$$
A go-to recommendation for friends celebrating a special occasion or just friends with a smidge more disposable income, Tinker Street is a quintessential fine-dining experience. Each dinner begins with a complimentary flute of champagne dubbed the “Tinker toast,” followed by an ambitious menu whose offerings have included ultra-crispy Korean fried mushrooms and smoked pork belly with bourbon-glazed apples. The menu changes often but almost always elicits at least one wistful oh, man, as you peruse it.
— B.H.
Tlaolli
2830 E. Washington St., (317) 410-9507, tlaolli.org, $
“Vegan-friendly” isn’t the first term that comes to mind when I envision the beautiful lard-laced world of Mexican food, but Tlaolli on the Near Eastside makes the dishes that owner Carlos Hutchinson grew up with in the state of Monterrey accessible for nearly everyone. Crediting his chemical engineering background (and some cooking lessons from his daughter Carla), Hutchinson developed menu staples like jackfruit tacos and tamales made with olive oil. Traces of his family abound in the charming restaurant, from the pastel-pink walls that his daughters Jennifer and Samantha helped design to the smiley-faced sculpture of a tamal hanging above the silverware, courtesy of Hutchinson’s granddaughters.
— B.H.
Union 50
620 N. East St., (317) 610-0234, union-50.com, $$$
Before Vida emerged as a fine-dining destination or BRU Burger Bar began its grill-marked conquest of the Midwest, Union 50 was the Cunningham Restaurant Group’s foray into the world of high-end eating. Now guided by chef Roman Sandoval Tapia, the restaurant flexes its 11 years of fine-tuning in expertly paired ingredients like meatloaf with kimchi and Thai ketchup and swordfish over dirty rice and sweet corn. The moody yet convivial atmosphere of a former bricklayers union hall tends to coax out all the intoxicating feelings you look for in a special dinner.
— B.H.
Vida
601 E. New York St., (317) 420-2323, vida-restaurant.com, $$$$
At the Cunningham Group’s acclaimed Lockerbie Square kitchen, servers and sommeliers guide you through a pre-fixed lineup of some of the most aesthetically beautiful dishes you’ll find around town. Head chef Thomas Melvin and his team make the most of those small plates, pairing butter-soft meats with seasonal produce and garnishes plucked from Vida’s garden. Dinner is a true fine-dining experience that might leave first timers feeling a bit like Nick Carraway at one of Jay Gatsby’s exorbitantly lush parties, but, hey, those parties always sounded pretty fun to me.
— B.H.
Wisanggeni Pawon
2450 E. 71st St., (317) 756-9477, wpawon.com, $$
This northside Indonesian spot remains my go-to recommendation for any friend who comes to me with the beautiful phrase, “I’d like to eat something new.” From their small kitchen, or pawon, owners Aji and Putri Wisanggeni meticulously source and craft dishes like slow-simmered (as in, eight-plus hours) beef rendang, stir-fried noodles and glassy fried chicken that offer hints of familiarity while standing apart from other South Asian cuisines. Invite a curious friend, order something you’ve never heard of and don’t be shy about the cups of lip-blistering sambal.
— B.H.
Workingman’s Friend
234 N. Belmont Ave., (317) 636-2067
There’s a strong case that the Workingman’s Friend is the defining Indianapolis restaurant, the life’s work of a Macedonian immigrant who fed other blue-collar immigrants working on the railroads that for decades sliced through Indiana. The really good, really big cheeseburgers don’t hurt that case, either. A lot has changed since Louis Stamatkin opened the original Belmont Lunch in 1918, but the Workingman’s Friend remains an institution where just about anyone (21+, that is) can tuck in for a burger and beer — here, arterial plaque knows no tax bracket.
— B.H.
Yak and Yeti Himalayan Cuisine
11561 Geist Pavilion Drive, (317) 827-6981, yakandyetihimalayan.com, $$
If you’re up near Geist and want a really satisfying meal that’s a bit off the beaten path, consider a stop at this Nepali and Tibetan restaurant. I actually think the best dishes at Yak and Yeti are its chicken, lamb and goat curries, most of which will be pleasantly familiar to fans of Indian cuisine. And yet, I still haven’t managed to visit without ordering the yak dumplings, so take that for what you will.
— B.H.
Yaso Jamaican Grill
1501 Prospect St., (317) 744-0011, yasogrill.com, $$
Dozens of cultures have shaped Jamaican cuisine, from native Taíno to Spanish and Indian. Yaso distills that complex culinary tradition into a menu that ranges from hyper-casual to meticulously fine-tuned. Whereas the turmeric-spiced goat curry is a hefty, wholesome dish that demands to be eaten at a table with friends, Yaso’s flaky, empanada-like beef patties are seemingly engineered to scarf down with one hand in the driver’s seat of a moving car — not that I would ever do that. I just understand the temptation, is all.
— B.H.
Yats
Multiple Indy-area locations, yatscajuncreole.com, $
Yats never misses. It’s the epitome of comfort food for our family: delicious, affordable, rustic and hearty. My favorite entree is drunken chicken, a spicy stew of shredded chicken, with rosemary, garlic, crushed red pepper, beer and bread crumbs, served over the most delicious and comforting rice. Every entree I’ve tried from their rotating chalkboard of classics has been high-quality. They have a variety of vegetarian and dairy-free options, making it a crowd-pleaser for feeding people with diverse dietary needs. The low price point is also something to admire. Extra Cajun toast, please!
— H.C.
Yazsh
1705 E. Michigan St., (317) 955-9702, yazshindy.com, $$ for breakfast/lunch, $$$ for dinner
As Yazsh head chef Trevor Hall points out, there are many similarities between Bulgarian and Midwestern tastes — namely, a love of large portions, winter foods and “big hunks of meat.” You can find all of the above at this charming Woodruff Place bistro, the longtime dream of the late Macedonian immigrant Dmitri “Jimmy” Popov made real by his daughter, Lora. With messy, warmly spiced meats, excellent salads and a great deal of cheese, Yazsh is a familiar-feeling spot that will nonetheless introduce you to something completely new.
— B.H.
Yujo
9431 N. Meridian St., (317) 669-0315, yujoindy.com, $$
Flavorfully spicy broth and refreshingly sweet milk tea aren’t the only reasons I find myself coming back to Yujo. What started as a tradition in college is now a habit I can’t kick. To celebrate the end of finals week, my friends and I would make the short drive to Yujo at the end of each grueling semester. Spending hours at a small table with our noodles and drinks to mark the beginning of break made us feel better about the exams we had just taken; no one cares about letter grades when you have ramen this good. And with a variety of ramen options on the menu, in addition to noodle and rice bowls, it’s hard to not find something to love at Yujo.
— Sadia Khatri
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: The IndyStar dining guide: our favorite restaurants around Indy
Reporting by Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
