Where to Eat in Indianapolis

Most people have a better reason to visit Indinapolis than to learn more about Kurt Vonnegut novels. When I was trying to figure out where to eat in Indianapolis, I took a chance. On a not-so-unusual 80°F October day, I find myself staring at an empty plate where a meatball sandwich used to be. I’m a little embarrassed when the waitress at Bluebeard comes back to refill my water glass.

Eating my Way Through Indianapolis Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut Novels

I didn’t anticipate that I would find a gamut of impressive restaurants in Indianapolis. I didn’t think it would be very difficult to figure out where to eat in Indianapolis. As a Chicagoan, I’m used to visiting places with far inferior eatery options. I usually plan for disappointment and try to keep my menu choices to burgers and any beet based salad with goat cheese. These are simple dishes and are consistently pleasing from coast to coast. Lucky for me, Indianapolis is different. For a city that has been perennially shut out by the James Beard Foundation, the food in Indianapolis pleasantly surprised me. There are plenty of foodie friendly places where one can eat in Indianapolis.

Farm to Table in Indianapolis

“I wish we had come up with the ‘farm-to-table’ designation, ” Christine Zetzl of Visit Indy says over an artisanal tea latte. “In a 50 mile radius, home upon home is a working farm. Most of the ingredients in restaurants are ‘superlocally’ sourced —it’d be irresponsible if they weren’t.” We talk further and I learn that the Indianapolis of the ’90s was one overrun by chain restaurants and fast food. Only in the past 5 years has it, “started to get that local celebrity chef feel.”

Where to Eat in Indy? Locally Grown Gardens’ Sugar Pie is delicious

The celebrity chef is a phenomenon often predicated by cult-like followings. People will wait upwards of two hours for tables without expectation or complaint. Over the two trips I’ve made to Indy in the past quarter, long waits at The Eagle and Milktooth steered me elsewhere, confirming that the chef following is here.

So what does this Chicagoan have to say about dining in Indianapolis? While there aren’t 50 different AMAZING sushi places scattered throughout the city, there is a presence of reliably delectable restaurants. Trendy atmospheres, classics with a twist, and even innovative dishes aren’t tough to find, and for that reason, the Indianapolis food scene ought not to be overlooked. Below I’ve listed three restaurants that I recommend when staying in Indianapolis.

Where to Eat in Indianapolis

Amelia’s and Bluebeard

653 Virginia Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46203

House-made bread, pickled vegetables, a range of game meat and seafood pepper the constantly rotating seasonal menu. Sectioned off as Amelia’s bakery for counter service and Bluebeard for sit-down meals, the two are joined by a positively charming outdoor patio. A wall mural and hanging chandelier are highlights, while 15 individual tables and a very long communal bench are thoughtful touches for those wanting to enjoy the fresh air. As a bonus, these restaurants pay homage to Indianapolis’ great son, Kurt Vonnegut. Why not name your restaurant after one of a number of Kurt Vonnegut novels? One drawback though: the frosted glass doors on the restrooms don’t seem to provide enough privacy. At night time, this is probably not an issue but in the light of day, shadowy figures are easily seen.

Locally Grown Gardens

1050 East 54th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46262

A delightfully bohemian concept without pretension, this gas station turned market-and-restaurant is one-of-a-kind in the midwest. With eclectic decor and reggae music, the space is at once whimsical and welcoming. Chalkboards highlight each month’s seasonal produce along with the state of origin. With only four different main dishes, the menu is small but portion size is not. Order the citrus grilled salmon and receive two large filets of fish along with your choice of coleslaw or greens. Even for the hungriest diner, it is enough for two meals.

While you wait, tables of reasonably priced home goods beg you to peruse for a purchase. Reclaimed silverware and dishware sit between bushels of apples and berries. The selection is plentiful and personal touches are everywhere. Long park benches with decorative centerpieces surround the structure. Adirondak chairs and fire pits welcome those looking to sit and stay for a while. While alcohol is not on the menu, replace your buzz with a sugar rush. LGG serves an unforgettably smooth Indiana delicacy known as sugar cream pie. Other seasonal pie selections are available, but for an outsider, this state pie can’t be beat. No matter where to eat in Indianapolis, make sure at least one restaurant has great pie.

Rook

501 Virginia Ave, Suite 101

Indianapolis, IN 46203

If you are looking for an asian place where to eat in Indianapolis, look no further than Rook. Pan-asian food is tricky. Restaurants run the risk of being too broad when taking on more than one or two flavor profiles. Luckily, Rook consistently excels across a rotating menu of Asian cuisines. Filipino lumpia, Thai style pigface hash, and Vietnamese banh mi come in mid-size portions with a delicate balance of spice, tang, and umami. The helpful waitstaff provides guidance with the menu, and the pricing is on par with that of any large U.S. city. While lunch is relatively calm and quiet, the drink list lends itself to a trendy atmosphere at dinner. Sitting at the bar allows interaction with the chefs and if you’re lucky, you may just end up with a bonus dish.