As the NBA All-Star Weekend approaches, anticipation fills the air in Indianapolis. Beyond the court-side buzz, this bustling city has a vibrant culinary scene. Indianapolis offers an array of top-rated restaurants, from Black-owned cafes to Middle Eastern mom-and-pop shops.
Indianapolis is a Midwestern state with southern charm. Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast or a food lover, these 16 top-rated restaurants to try in Indianapolis are a must.
Top-Rated Restaurants for Breakfast
Yolk – City Way
Yolk – City Way is a charming breakfast and brunch destination in the heart of Indianapolis. Offering a diverse menu featuring creative twists on breakfast classics, Yolk pushes the envelope with new ideas daily. Guests can order signature dishes like the Iron Man Omelet or indulgent red velvet French toast. From its friendly staff to its menu, Yolk-City Way embodies breakfast with a twist.
Good Morning Mama’s
Good Morning Mama’s is breakfast with a vintage fair. A husband and wife duo opened it in the 70s, and it offers a nostalgic dining experience reminiscent of a cozy Italian-American kitchen.
Good Morning Mama’s specializes in hearty breakfast and lunch fare. From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to savory omelets and indulgent pasta dishes, the menu caters to a variety of tastes and cravings. Also known for their generous portions and homestyle cooking, Good Morning Mama’s has earned a reputation for delivering satisfying meals.
Long’s Bakery
This bakery is an iconic Indianapolis staple known for its highly-rated donuts and pastries. Long’s Bakery is committed to tradition and consistency, and for decades they’ve been a family-owned and run business. They consistently sell out of classic favorites such as glazed donuts, cinnamon twists, and oatmeal creme pies. Whether you’re grabbing a dozen for breakfast or treating yourself before the All-Star game, Long’s Bakery provides good eats.
Soul Shine Vegan Cafe
Soul Shine Vegan Cafe’s vibrant plant-based cuisine caters to vegans and non-vegans alike. Their cozy and eclectic space creates a relaxed dining experience. Soul Shine’s breakfast menu is highly regarded as one of the best, as they are known for dishes that showcase the flavors and versatility of plant-based food.
At Soul Shine, the menu offers nourishing and flavorful vegan fare. Their options range from a “bacon, egg, and chz bagel” to a tofu scramble and cinnamon rolls. They also offer drinks like lattes and horchatas served with plant-based ingredients. All in all, Soul Shine Vegan Cafe offers a diverse selection of dishes with a commitment to sustainability and delicious plant-based cuisine.
Cafe Patachou
Cafe Patachou is an award-winning restaurant in Indianapolis known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can expect an elevated breakfast from this cafe located in the heart of the city. With the slogan “a student union for adults,” this wholesome cafe serves up made-from-scratch dishes and hosts important forums on social, political, and agricultural issues. Many of their events also raise money for the Patachou Foundation to fight childhood hunger.
Cafe Patachou specializes in breakfast and brunch cuisine and offers a diverse array of options to suit every palate. From make-your-own omelet options to breakfast sandwiches and specialty orders. The cafe commits to sustainability and community and has a reputation as a beloved restaurant in Indianapolis.
Top-Rated Restaurants for Lunch
Don Juan Taqueria
Don Juan Taqueria is a popular Mexican eatery in Indianapolis. The restaurant welcomes guests with colorful decor and a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is family-owned, specifically by a husband and wife duo who brought the rich culinary traditions of Mexico to Indianapolis.
Don Juan Taqueria offers a menu specializing in traditional tacos, burritos, and other street food favorites. This is where you should go when you want generous portions at affordable prices.
Subito Soups
Subito Soups specializes in gourmet soups made from scratch. Tucked away in a charming corner of the city, the restaurant offers a daily rotating soup menu and sandwich specials. Guests rave about the service from the kind and attentive staff.
The menu boasts classic favorites like creamy tomato bisque and gumbo to cultural flavors like Thai-style shrimp soup. Alongside its signature soups, the restaurant also offers a selection of artisanal bread and salads, providing a well-rounded dining experience for guests seeking a delicious yet satisfying meal.
Culdesac Kitchen
Culdesackitchen is a must-try during a visit to Indianapolis, offering a hearty vegan dining menu. Their menu features southern-style foods, healthy smoothies, and milkshakes. This restaurant is Black-owned and inspired by classic comfort foods with a creative twist.
Avoiding processed vegan substitutes, Culdesackitchen’s ingredients are nearly all natural. From their spiritually inspired Chakra shakes to collard greens, fried chicken, and sweet potato dinners, the restaurant caters to those seeking a taste of familiar favorites. Culdesackitchen is a local go-to spot for vegan meals that taste great.
Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe
Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe is an Indianapolis favorite for Turkish cuisine, taking inspiration from the vibrant culture of Istanbul. They specialize in traditional Turkish dishes and offer a menu filled with flavorful savory kebabs and fresh seafood to mouthwatering mezes and hearty stews. Each dish is prepared with care and authenticity, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes.
With its commitment to providing an authentic taste of Istanbul, Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe is a beloved destination for food lovers in the city. They are only one of two Turkish restaurants in Indianapolis.
Ripple Bagel & Deli
Ripple Bagel & Deli is a dining spot in Indianapolis known for its freshly baked bagels and classic deli fare. Situated in the vibrant Ripple neighborhood, the restaurant has a casual and inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the timeless traditions of a New York-style deli.
Specializing in authentic New York-style bagels, Ripple Bagel & Deli offers a wide variety of freshly baked options, from classic plain and everything bagels to specialty flavors like sriracha and asiago cheese. In addition to bagels, the restaurant serves up a selection of deli sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items, all made and prepared to order. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, Ripple Bagel & Deli has become a go-to destination for local bagel lovers in Indianapolis.
R&R Extreme Wings
R&R Extreme Wings is a popular Black-owned wing restaurant with flavorful and creative wing dishes. Given that, guests can expect a relaxed dining experience that revolves around the star of the menu: wings.
As the name suggests, R&R Extreme Wings is known for its extensive selection of wing flavors, ranging from classic options like buffalo and barbecue to more adventurous choices such as mango habanero and garlic parmesan. In addition to wings, the restaurant also offers a variety of other comfort food favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. Similarly, their southern-inspired sides include coleslaw, hushpuppies, and fried biscuits. And if you’re a seafood lover, they offer a fried fish dinner.
Top-Rated Restaurants for Dinner
Amara Indy
Amara Indy is a favorite stop for contemporary Indian cuisine. In essence, it mixes traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques and uplifts both Indo-Chinese and South Indian cuisines.
Amara Indy offers a diverse menu, from aromatic curries and tandoori to small plates and sharing platters. Each dish is made using traditional cooking methods. The restaurant’s ambiance makes it a great date night choice. Amara Indy is one of the few Indian dining spots in Indianapolis.
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy is rated one of the best Italian restaurants in Indianapolis. Specializing in traditional Italian dishes, the menu celebrates the flavors and culinary heritage of Italy. They serve an array of meals from hearty pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas, to fresh seafood and veal. Additionally, they have an extensive wine list for those who partake.
Bluebeard
Bluebeard is a prominent dining destination in Indianapolis, celebrated for its seasonal American cuisine and cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Located in the historic Holy Rosary neighborhood, the restaurant occupies a renovated warehouse space, featuring exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and an eclectic mix of vintage and modern decor. Patrons can expect a vibrant and welcoming ambiance that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, Bluebeard offers a menu that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. From inventive small plates to hearty entrees, each dish is expertly crafted to highlight the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and quality extends to its beverage program, which features an impressive selection of wines, craft cocktails, and local beers. With its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine, Bluebeard has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Indianapolis.
St. Elmo Steak House
St. Elmo Steak House is an iconic staple in Indianapolis, renowned for its classic American steakhouse cuisine and timeless ambiance. Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the restaurant occupies a historic building.
St. Elmo specializes in prime steaks and seafood and offers a menu that showcases the finest cuts of beef from the signature filet mignon to the ribeye. Each steak is hand-cut and cooked to order. In addition to its steaks, the restaurant also offers an array of fresh seafood options, including shrimp cocktail and lobster tail. Not to mention, a Black Executive Chef leads the kitchen. This steak house lives up to its reputation and if you’re looking for a fancy night out you should check it out for yourself.
Bohdi
Bodhi is not only a vibrant dining spot in Indianapolis, but it also boasts a charming outdoor patio space. Situated in the bustling downtown area, the restaurant is both trendy and relaxed.
Bodhi specializes in Asian fusion cuisine and offers a diverse menu that showcases a blend of traditional flavors and innovative twists. The menu includes sushi rolls and small plates as well as noodle bowls and rice dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its extensive cocktail menu, featuring refreshing drinks that complement the food. It’s no wonder that Bodhi earned a spot as one of the top places to eat in Indianapolis, as ranked by Yelp.
