25 Essential Indianapolis Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Indianapolis.
Conner's Kitchen + Bar
Indiana
Airy, relaxed establishment with an industrial vibe supplying comfort food, cocktails, and craft beer.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Indiana
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Indiana
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Flatwater
Indianapolis, Indiana
Mellow American eatery offers a prominent, waterside patio bar & build-your-own Bloody Mary Sundays.
Magoo's California Pizza
Indianapolis, Indiana
Informal joint featuring traditional pizza, burgers & other typical grub in a no-frills setting.
Illinois Street Food Emporium
Indianapolis, Indiana
Long-running cafe serving breakfast & sandwiches in an airy, casual space with patio seating.
Ambrosia
Indianapolis, Indiana
Upmarket Italian cuisine served in a classy, contemporary restaurant with patio seating.
Tinker Street Restaurant
Indianapolis, Indiana
New American outpost with a patio serving wines, brews & seasonal fare in a warm, upbeat setting.
Mama Carolla's
Indianapolis, Indiana
Upscale Italian restaurant in a 1920s Mediterranean-style villa offering a full bar & a garden.
Vida
Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern American plates & drinks in a trendy space boasting a fireplace, bar & herb wall.
Mr. Shawarma
Indianapolis, Indiana
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Cafe Patachou
Indianapolis, Indiana
Eclectic daytime plates served with fair-trade coffees & wine or beer in bright, trendy digs.
Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern
Indianapolis, Indiana
Casual tavern chain with a sports-bar atmosphere serving comfort-food favorites & a long beer list.
Ruth's Cafe
Indianapolis, Indiana
Breakfast (including Norwegian lefse potato flatbreads) & lunch in a casual strip-mall cafe.
First Watch
Indianapolis, Indiana
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
First Watch
Indianapolis, Indiana
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
TURF Catering + Kitchen
Indianapolis, Indiana
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Shallo's Antique Restaurant & Brewhaus
Indianapolis, Indiana
Enduring hangout for American fare & a massive beer selection in a space accented with antiques.
Late Harvest Kitchen
Indianapolis, Indiana
Stately space with mod decor & roomy courtyard for upscale seasonal American food & craft cocktails.
Canal Bistro
Indianapolis, Indiana
Lavishly decorated restaurant & bar with a varied Mediterranean menu & a canalside patio.
Sahara Restaurant
Indianapolis, Indiana
Shawarma, falafel & hummus offered in a casual restaurant with warm, global-chic decor.
High Velocity
Indianapolis, Indiana
American fare & beer in a snazzy, group-friendly setting with numerous TVs for watching games.
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Indianapolis, Indiana
Steakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.
Pronta Pizzeria
Indianapolis, Indiana
Utilitarian fast-food joint doling out pasta, sandwiches & artisanal pizza in low-key surrounds.
Iaria's Italian Restaurant
Indianapolis, Indiana
Open since 1933, this extra-homey, family-run institution dishes up classic pasta dinners & pizzas.