25 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis

list updated for 2026 | cover photo: kouuntry kitchen

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: Daisy Bar by @rare.wav

Daisy Bar

Factory Arts District | 1011 Massachusetts Ave.

From the creators of La Margarita, Daisy Bar offers a unique menu and a bright space in the Factory Arts District. Dine is for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this new spot.




Photo: Commission Row

Commission Row 

Downtown | 110 S Delaware St.

Luxury dining and a secret speakeasy have found their footing just steps away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with a menu ranging from Caviar Service to a variety of steaks. 




Photo: 9th Street Bistro

9th Street Bistro 

Noblesville | 56 S 9th St. 

While 9th Street Bistro isn't technically in Indy, we make the rules, and it makes the list. Reservations are recommended to dine in at their little Bistro on the square, but you can also order from their occasional Supper Club.




Photo: Piedra Mexican Steakhouse

Piedra Mexican Steakhouse 

Bottleworks District | 820 Massachusetts Ave. 

Piedra brought new flavors to Indy in 2025 with a menu that elevates your favorite Mexican dishes to steakhouse standards. Might we add how much we love seeing Fried Ice Cream on this menu?




Photo: Kountry Kitchen

Kountry Kitchen 

Kennedy King | 1831 N College Ave.

It's been said again and again, Kountry Kitchen is the best soul food spot in Indy, and there's no denying it. Get your soul food fix with anything from collard greens to fried catfish.




Photo by Do317 Team

Ripple Bagel & Deli 

Broad Ripple | 850 Broad Ripple Ave.

Serving the best steamed bagels for over 20 years, Ripple Bagel and Deli is a crowd-favorite across the city. Ripple Bagel & Deli is based on the original Bagel & Deli located at Miami University in Oxford, OH. 




Photo: Gather 22

Gather 22 

Near Northside | 22 E 22nd St. 

Gather 22 has become a community staple between offering delicious bites and hosting a variety of pop-ups and events for the community. 




Photo: Shapiro's

Shapiro's Delicatessen 

Old Southside | 808 S Meridian St.

The Shapiro family has been in the delicatessen business for over 225 years; that's a lot of sandwiches. There's truly something for everyone on the menu at this local staple.




Photo: Love Handle

Love Handle 

Mass Ave | 877 Massachusetts Ave.

Serving unique and delicious brunch and lunch fare, Love Handle is a staple for true foodies in the city. The menu changes frequently, so stop by and see what's available; you'll surely find something you love.




Photo: Roast Beef Sandwich by Do317 Team

Bluebeard 

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 in their rotating menu. 




Photo: Pesto Tortellini by Do317 Team

Mama Carolla's 

SoBro | 1031 E 54th St. 

Mama Carolla's transports you to a cozy, villa-style eatery offering a delicious and authentic experience packed with flavor.




Photo: Vida

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

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

BODHI 

Mass Ave | 922 Massachusetts Ave.

BODHI is renowned for serving the finest authentic Thai cuisine in the city. Prior to them accepting reservations, it was no surprise to see a line wrapped along the block at 5 o'clock.




Photo: Futuro

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: Che Chori

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

World Famous HotBoys 

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: Borage

Borage 

Speedway | 1609 N Lynhurst Dr.

Borage has quickly become a favorite in the city, offering brunch, dinner, and house-made cafe options. It's not a weekend in Indy without a stop at Borage.




Photo: Strange Bird

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

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

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. No frills, just good burgers. 




Photo: Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine

Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine

Broad Ripple | 834 E 64th St. 

Mass Ave | 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

Cafe Babette 

Garfield Park | 2627 Shelby St.

The famous pink box full of decadent sweet and savory treats can be spotted from a mile away. Order online for a weekend pickup and join the Saturday Pastry Club.




Photo: Beholder

Beholder 

Near Eastside | 1844 E 10th St.

Beholder is much more than a restaurant; it's an experience. It offers a unique and high-quality, chef-driven menu featuring perfectly curated dishes. 




Photo: Goose The Market

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. 




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