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
"I always take out of town visitors to Yats - it's approachable, delicious, and there's something for everyone! It's always a hit!"
Jingo M. De La Rosa, Indy Artist
Indy Classics
Bazbeaux Pizza
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
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
The Jazz Kitchen is a to stop for national touring musicians Phierce Proto
The Jazz Kitchen opened its doors in 1994 as Indy’s premier destination for jazz and beyond.
Known For: Cozy lounge foods like crab cakes, starters, and shareables.
Drink Menu: Full bar and craft cocktails
Atmosphere: Get ready for live music at The Jazz Kitchen! You can count on performances to keep you entertained while you dine at this SoBro favorite.
Open For: Dinner
Bazbeaux Pizza
cafe patachou
Huse St. Elmo ROS
Yats
The Jazz Kitchen is a to stop for national touring musicians Phierce Proto
Pack Your Passport
"We enjoyed Yaso Jamaican Grill. The music, the vibe, and the food, of course!"
Stephanie Big Eagle, Studio Owner
Global Flavors
Bodhi
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
Yaso Jamaican Grill
Yaso Jamaican Grill is family owned and operated, with the owners coming to Indianapolis from the beautiful seaside of Belmont Westmoreland, Jamaica.
Known For: Richly flavored curry goat or jerk BBQ chicken
Drink Menu: Soft drinks
Atmosphere: A colorful addition to the Fountain Square neighborhood, Yaso embodies Jamaican charm with vibrant decor and a cozy, relaxed vibe.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner
The Chatham Tap is a favorite sports bar for soccer fans Visit Indy
Chatham Tap opened its doors on Mass Ave in 2007 with the goal of bringing a pub in the tradition of the English “local” to the Chatham-Arch neighborhood of Indianapolis.
Known For: Fish & Chips (with all the malted vinegar you'd want), and Soccer Breakfast open during Premier League soccer weekends.
Drink Menu: A full bar, featuring beers on tap.
Atmosphere: An English sports pub, complete with soccer memorabilia and English decor.
Open For: Breakfast (during Premier League soccer weekends), Lunch, & Dinner
Bodhi
Delicia
Fans of Italian cuisine are fans of Iozzo's Garden of Italy
Yaso Jamaican Grill
The Chatham Tap is a favorite sports bar for soccer fans Visit Indy
Pick You Up at 7
"Whenever we have people visit Indy, we take them to Bluebeard. It’s one of our very favorite places because no matter what, you can order anything on the menu and it will be fantastic. Close your eyes and point, and every dish that comes will be a delight. We’ve spent so many summer evenings out under the roped lights on the patio with friends from New York or LA who have told us 'this is the best meal of my life!'"
Mab Graves, Graphic Designer
Spots for Date Night
Foodies flock to Bluebeard
Indy’s oldest neighborhood is home to a daily rotating menu 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
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
Dining at Vida Cliff 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
Strange Bird
Experience landlocked seaside bliss at this tiki bar serving rum, cocktails, and a phenomenal food menu.
Known For: Scrumptious ramen dishes packed with flavor, wings, and dumplings.
Drink Menu: Tiki drinks and craft cocktails.
Atmosphere: A moody and tiki-themed interior adds intrigue to this Irvington stape.
Open For: Dinner & Drinks
Beholder
Beholder provides a fun, energetic dining experience highlighting an excitement for modern world cuisine.
Known For: Locally sourced and rotating food with vegetarian options such as mushroom étouffée and pasta options
Drink Menu: An emphasis on smaller new and old-world wineries with food-friendly wines by the glass and an extensive wine list
Atmosphere: Large plates encourage sharing dinner with friends, making Beholder an intimate dining experience
Open For: Dinner
Foodies flock to Bluebeard
A Taste of Tinker Street
Dining at Vida Cliff Ritchey Photography
Strange Bird
Beholder
Sunny Side Up
"I had a guest DJ in last month from Vegas to play the 12 Year Anniversary of Real Talk! at White Rabbit. The next day I took him to Milktooth for Brunch and they had a pastrami on special, he said it was 'best one he'd had in at least a decade!'"
Ben "Action" Jackson, Local DJ
Brunch & Breakfast
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
Sidedoor Bagel
Dubbed the Best Bagels in the Country (Outside NYC) via Bon Appetit, Sidedoor Bagel has quickly become an Indy favorite since they opened a few years ago.
Known For: You guessed it: bagels. Hand rolled sourdough bagels in a variety of flavors. Or, made it a sammie with eggs, lox, turkey, and more
Drink Menu: Coffee, soft drinks, and kombucha
Atmosphere: Plan to join the queue, order at the counter, and enjoy your bagels on an outdoor picnic table or during a Saturday morning walk of the Windsor Park neighborhood
Open For: Breakfast & Lunch
Gallery Pastry Shop
Closed
Gallery Pastry Bar + Bistro'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 Bar + Bistro 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 + Bistro (open for dinner!) and Gallery on 16th
Open For: Brunch, lunch, and dinner
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
Milktooth
Sidedoor Bagel
Gallery Pastry Shop
Good Morning Mamas
Keepin' It Simple
"Occasional visitors assume you can't get or shouldn't order certain things in the Midwest. How wrong they are! Indianapolis offers the best in farm to table, seafood, global delicacies, and, well, everything. In Indy, we love our music of all genres, and many venues feature live music. Indy often receives high ratings and awards for our food scene. Whatever you are craving, you will find it here."
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
Upland FSQ Cliff Ritchey Photography
Craft-brewed Upland beers are an ingredient in many dishes here, including wheat beer macaroni and cheese, ale soaked bratwurst, the soused turkey club and chocolate stout cake.
Known For: Tasty sandwiches, soft pretzels, and comfort foods.
Drink Menu: Brews designed by Upland's master brewers.
Atmosphere: The Fountain Square location boasts an expansive patio and ample indoor seating.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner
Baby's
Serving burgers and shakes in a family-friendly retro atmosphere with a little glitter and sparkle here and there.
Known For: Cheeseburgers, shakes, and tasty french-fry plates
Drink Menu: Soft drinks and a full bar featuring boozy milkshakes
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 & Dinner
half liter
Half Liter is a Texas-style BBQ joint located just south of Broad Ripple along the Monon Trail.
Known For: Juicy pork, chicken, brisket, and more are smoked on site in a big wood-fueled smoker
Drink Menu: Beer and soft drinks
Atmosphere: In spring, summer, and autumn bring your pets and wave at passing bikers while enjoying live music, games, and fire pits in the spacious beer garden.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner
The Batali sandwich at Goose the Market has been called one of the best deli sandwiches in the world
Broad Ripple Public Greens
Upland FSQ Cliff Ritchey Photography
Baby's
half liter
Veggie-Friendly
"Surprisingly, Indy has a lot of hidden gems. Sure, they may be off the beaten path, but that’s part of the fun: discovering something new and delicious."
Sam Cronk, Drag Performer and Hair Stylist
Vegan & Vegetarian
Black Leaf Vegan
Located alongside the Central Canal downtown, Black Leaf Vegan is a family-owned establishment offering a full vegan menu.
Known For: 100% vegan fare featuring salads, burgers, and seafood dishes
Drink Menu: Soft drinks and smoothies
Atmosphere: A quaint, open-air bistro with comfortable seating and relaxing ambience
Open For: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Twenty Tap
A well-loved gastropub in the SoBro neighborhood on the city's north side.
Known For: The daily changing menu features a variety of innovative pub favorites.
Drink Menu: You'll always find at least twenty local and regional craft beers on tap here.
Atmosphere: A neighborhood pub-feel with high top tables, booths, and outdoor seating.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner
10th Street Diner
A relaxed and welcoming family owned eatery that serves 100% vegan fare.
Known For: Completely vegan menu that includes veggie lasagna, chicken pot pie, reuben, burgers, arugula salad, and fried brussels
Drink Menu: Beer and Wine
Atmosphere: A casual dining experience with exposed brick and comfortable seating
Open For: Lunch and diner
The Garden Table on Mass Ave is a popular spot for vegetarian cuisine Garden 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
Axum
Axum Ethiopian Restaurant is a traditional and authentic Ethiopian restaurant which serves delicious dishes cooked with fresh ingredients.
Known For: Traditional Ethiopian fare with authentic bread. Many dishes are vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Drink Menu: Soft drinks
Atmosphere: Draping curtains juxtaposed with colorful wooden prints of Ethiopia make this restaurant sing with authenticity.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner
Black Leaf Vegan
Twenty Tap
10th Street Diner
The Garden Table on Mass Ave is a popular spot for vegetarian cuisine Garden Table
Axum
Celebrating Diverse Entrepreneurs
"I always recommend my seafood loving friends to try out Chef Oya's The TRAP. Its delicious and well seasoned food with a mom & pop brick and mortar style. It reminds me of my childhood in so many ways, of grabbing good food on the go by locals. The Trap never disappoints and all the friends I've recommended to try it have enjoyed it."
Januarie York, Spoken Word Artist
Black-Owned Restaurants
gordons milkshake bar
Gourmet milkshakes loaded with treats, paired with low-key hot dogs, makes this Mass Ave favorite the perfect place for a sweet treat or quick meal.
Known For: Handcrafted milkshakes, desserts, and hot dogs. Featuring dairy-free and vegan options.
Drink Menu: Canned sodas and other soft drinks
Atmosphere: Along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail by the Bottleworks District, Gordon's Milkshakes is a popular post-dinner haunt for Mass Ave diners. Counter-ordering and casual seating options mean you can enjoy your dessert at the counter or a picnic table, or take it to go as you stroll the trail.
Open For: Lunch and 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
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
The Flatiron on Penn
Right in the Historic St. Joseph Neighborhood lies this vintage American restaurant and bar in a premium casual setting.
Known For: Decadent pork chops, flavorful risotto, and mouthwatering steaks prepared by an award winning chef whose cuisine ranks with the best in Indy and the midwest.
Drink Menu: Several wine and local beer options
Atmosphere: Vintage grandeur meets the cozy atmosphere that neighborhood favorite calls for.
Open For: Lunch and dinner
gordons milkshake bar
tea's me
Chef Oya's The Trap
Kountry Kitchen
The Flatiron on Penn
"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.
"First time eating at Modita was special. It had just opened and we saw lots of friends and colleagues all enjoying their experience. We all eat connected to one another and the city."
Jeff Kuhn, IndyPride Festival Director
Local's Choice
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
The Oakmont
Since 1986, Bazbeaux has served dozens of signature pizzas with traditional and exotic toppings on handcrafted crusts alongside salads and sandwiches.
Known For: Their signature fried deviled eggs, chicken sandwiches, and truffle fries.
Drink Menu: Several wine and local beer options, and a craft cocktail list
Atmosphere: Moody and plush
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Workingman's Friend
Consistently voted one of Indy's best burgers, Workingman's Friend recently won Yelp's search for the best cheeseburger spot in the state as well as Food & Wine Magazine's contest for the best burger in Indiana.
Known For: Charbroiled smash burgers and crisp onion rings that bring the nostalgic diner tastes back to life.
Drink Menu: Canned sodas, beer, and mixed drinks
Atmosphere: This cash-only, casual eatery is known for its unmatched burgers and relaxed setting
Open For: Lunch
Modita
Located in the historic Bottleworks Hotel and District of Mass Ave, Modita is an urban casual and Asian-inspired restaurant.
Known For: The menu highlights fresh and unique ingredients with an inspired, unique spin featuring bao buns, kimchi fried rice, and lumpia egg rolls.
Drink Menu: Wine, craft cocktails, sakè and Japanese whiskey
Atmosphere: A sprawling interior located right in the Bottleworks Hotel offers ample seating, including banquettes, high-tops, and rounds.
Open For: Dinner
Blankus Luxury Lounge
BlankUS Luxury Lounge is a 5-star, adult-only restaurant and luxury lounge bar.
Known For: Grilled salmon, greens and macaroni & cheese, and fine dining staples like ribeye steaks and decadent pastas.
Drink Menu: Craft cocktails and wines.
Atmosphere: An elevated dining experience with a luxury cocktail lounge.
Open For: Dinner
Thai Spice
The Oakmont
Workingman's Friend
Modita
Blankus Luxury Lounge
If you gave one piece of advice to those looking to dine in Indy, what would it be?
"I would tell them that Indy has a really intimate restaurant and food community -- everybody knows everybody, and that's part of what makes it all so special. You can get to know the owners as you sit at that local restaurant, you'll see neighbors and friends almost everywhere you go, and the food is better than most big cities you may venture to. Our local chefs aren't afraid to get creative with their food, but they're going to still make it approachable and delicious!"
