Written march 2025 | cover photo: vida
With a thriving food scene, narrowing this list down to just 25 was no easy task.
While there are countless restaurants we love in the 317, we selected our top 25 based on price, accessibility, and atmosphere. Dive into the diverse foodie universe our city has to offer with award-winning chefs, unique dishes, and the best meals you'll have in town.
Disclaimer: This is not in any order. That'd be far too challenging.
Photo: Roast Beef Sandwich by Do317 Team
Fletcher Place | 653 Virginia Ave.
This James Beard semi-finalist serves award-winning lunches and dinners daily in Fletcher Place. Here, you'll find your favorite dishes with a creative spin on them.
Photo: Pesto Tortellini by Do317 Team
SoBro | 1031 E 54th St.
Mama Carolla's transports you into a cozy villa-style eatery with a delicious and authentic experience.
Photo: Spaghetti Pomodoro by Do317 Team
Near Northside | 122 E 22nd St.
Bocca offers a slightly different take on authentic Italian dishes with a modern, upscale vibe and beautiful outdoor seating.
Photo: Vida
Lockerbie Square | 601 E New York St.
Vida is an award-winning restaurant that offers an intimate dining experience to Circle City foodies with its chef's tasting menu.
Photo: Modita
Bottleworks District | 850 Massachusetts Ave.
Modita offers a modern take on Asian cuisine, featuring expertly crafted dishes. its stylish ambiance and innovative cocktails make it a top destination for an elevated dining experience.
Photo: BODHI
Mass Ave | 922 Massachusetts Ave.
It's typical to see a line out the door when 5 o'clock strikes as they operate on a first-come-first-served basis, offering the best authentic Thai food in the city.
Photo: Duke's Indy
Southside | 2352 S West St.
This ain't your average honky tonk. Not only do they have finger-lickin' good fried chicken, but they also have a vegan menu and a gluten-free menu.
Photo: Root & Bone
SoBro | 4601 N College Ave.
Root & Bone Indy is one of three elevated southern comfort food chain locations created by 3 time James Beard Nominee Chef Jeff McInnis and Aussie-born Chef Janine Booth.
Photo: Futuro
Holy Cross | 19 Cruse St.
A fan-favorite pizza spot just outside of downtown that offers the best of Detroit-style and Chicago tavern-style pizza.
Photo: Hoagies & Hops
Butler-Tarkington | 4155 Boulevard Pl.
Hoagies & Hops brings the authentic tastes of Philly straight to Indy. Cheer on the Eagles with other die-hard fans, or grab a delicious cheesesteak you can't find anywhere else in the Midwest.
Photo: Gather 22
Near Northside | 22 E 22nd St.
Just like the name says, it's a place to Gather. Grab some brunch and get familiar with one of Indy's best patios.
Photo: Che Chori
Speedway | 3124 W 16th St.
Che Chori introduced many Hoosiers to authentic Argentinian cuisine with its variety of empanadas and bold, authentic flavors.
Photo: Do317 Team
Fountain Square | 1004 Virginia Ave.
North Indy | 4335 W 106th St.
West Coast hot chicken has made a name for itself with two locations in the city! Test your strength with their steep levels of heat.
Photo: Milktooth
Fletcher Place | 534 Virginia Ave.
Known for its delicious, sharable plates and popups, Milktooth is a foodie experience that's been in Fletcher Place for over 10 years.
Photo: Taco Salad by Do317 Team
Mass Ave | 720 N College Ave.
Noblesville | 13225 Levinson Lane.
Livery is a Cunningham Group Restaurant that brings the best of Latin flair and flavors to our city with a modern twist.
Photo: Borage
Speedway | 1609 N Lynhurst Dr.
In less than a year, Borage has become a favorite in the city with its brunch, dinner, and house-made cafe offerings.
Photo: Strange Bird
Irvington | 128 S Audubon Rd.
It's the perfect blend of a tropical rum and oyster bar and your favorite local ramen spot. Learn how to shuck your own oysters and drift into the east side hideaway.
Photo: Tinker Street
Old Northside | 402 E 16th St.
Tucked between Herron-Morton and Old Northside, Tinker Street offers a creative, seasonally inspired menu with bold flavors, all in an intimate and cozy setting.
Photo: The Workingman's Friend
Near Westside | 234 N Belmont Ave.
This iconic Indy classic has been serving the city since 1918 and is known for serving some of the best burgers in the state.
Photo: Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine
Broad Ripple | 834 E 64th St.
Mass Ave | Coming soon to 888 Massachusetts Ave.
With its vibrant atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails, and high-quality ingredients, Frenando's is a go-to spot for those craving something beyond the ordinary.
Photo: Do317 Team
Garfield Park | 2627 Shelby St.
The famous pink box full of decadent sweet and savory treats can be spotted from a mile away. Everyone wants to be part of the Saturday Pastry Club.
Photo: Beholder
Near Eastside | 1844 E 10th St.
Beholder is much more than a restaurant, it's an experience. It delivers a unique and high-quality chef-driven menu with perfectly curated dishes.
Photo: Goose The Market
Fall Creek Place | 2503 N Delaware St.
Enjoy locally butchered meat at its finest by indulging in Goose The Market's rotating sandwich menu or preordering one of their seasonal meat cuts.
Photo: Prime Rib French Dip by Do317 Team
Mass Ave | 830 Massachusetts Ave.
The Fountain Room is far from your ordinary steakhouse but still offers a prime fine dining experience on the north end of Mass Ave.
Photo: Tlaolli
Englewood | 2830 E Washington St.
This near-east-side Mexican joint is known for its variety of vegan and vegetarian options while remaining packed with flavor.
Want to be considered for a future "Best Of" list?
Hit us up at [email protected]!
