As a travel blogger who’s explored over 65 countries, I’ve come across some incredible food scenes, and I have to say, Indianapolis is one of the most underrated. This city is full of surprises, offering everything from chic rooftop bars to historic, industrial buildings turned into trendy dining spots. Whether you’re enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy neighborhood bistro or indulging in craft cocktails at a stylish speakeasy, Indy’s food scene is a blend of creativity and local charm.
What makes Indianapolis stand out? It’s the perfect blend of classic Midwest comfort food and bold, experimental flavors. The city’s rustic BBQ joints know how to do it right, and its many brunch cafes really keep it cool and casual. If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s fun, unique, and full of personality, here are 22 of the best restaurants in Indy that you need to check out!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this pedal pub experience in Indianapolis. It brings you to the best spots in town for local drinks and also some fun stops along the way for photos and group games! This tour is an absolute must-do on an Indy itinerary in my opinion, especially for groups.
Unique Restaurants in Indianapolis
Ready to check out the coolest restaurants in Indy? This city is packed with spots you won’t find anywhere else.
Want to feel like you’ve stepped into the tropics? How about grabbing a burger at an old-school diner? From gourmet vegan dishes to rooftop meals with killer views, Indy’s restaurant scene has something special for every taste and budget.
Here’s your guide to the most unique restaurants in Indianapolis.
1. Bluebeard
- 📍 Location: Fountain Square
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary American / Farm-to-Table
- 🔥 Standout Features: Literary theme (Kurt Vonnegut), focus on local ingredients, Amelia’s bread, craft cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies/book lovers, farm-to-table fans, casual dates, craft cocktails, and Fountain Square hangs.
Named after a Kurt Vonnegut novel, Bluebeard in Fountain Square offers contemporary American cuisine with a strong focus on local Indiana ingredients. The vibe is literary-cool and comfortable, perfect for enjoying their ever-changing seasonal menu.
Their charcuterie board, featuring house-cured meats and Amelia’s bread, is a must-try. Inventive seasonal vegetable small plates, like roasted carrots with yogurt, or their perfectly cooked pork chop with seasonal accompaniments, also receive high praise.
2. Beholder
This modern spot feels like something straight out of a design magazine, with edgy artwork, minimalist decor, and an ever-changing menu that keeps Indianapolis foodies buzzing. Chef Jonathan Brooks gets playfully experimental here, so you might see unexpected pairings like smoked whitefish toast or duck with quince. The bone marrow is next-level rich, and the cocktails are dialed-in to match the unique vibe. Lighting is moody but not too dark, and sitting at the swanky bar gives you prime people-watching. It’s tucked into the trendy Windsor Park area – a quick stroll from Kan-Kan Cinema. If you want a memorable night with a “I’ve never tasted this before” feeling, this is it. I was seriously impressed by the flavors and boldness on every plate.
3. Abyssinia
- 📍 Location: Near Westside / International Marketplace Area
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ethiopian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Ethiopian stews (wots), spongy injera bread, veggie/vegan options, traditional coffee ceremony.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ethiopian food lovers, communal/sharing meals, vegetarians/vegans, trying injera, and cultural dining.
Get ready to eat with your hands at Abyssinia, Indy’s go-to for authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Located near the International Marketplace, this spot serves traditional dishes centered around flavorful stews (wots) served atop tangy injera bread, your utensil!
Their vegetarian combination platter, brimming with colorful lentil and vegetable stews like misir wot (red lentils) and gomen (collard greens), is fantastic. The savory doro wat (spicy chicken stew) or tender beef tibs are also excellent choices.
4. Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar
Part indie movie theater, part restaurant and bar, Kan-Kan is one of Indy’s most creative hangouts. The menu is full of clever spins on classics – popcorn chicken with addictive hot honey, and a gigantic gourmet soft pretzel that’s perfect for snacking during a flick. The main dining room is artsy, with mismatched vintage seating, dramatic murals, and lots of natural light, while the bar area feels more loungey and intimate. Check the event calendar; post-movie discussions and trivia nights are frequent. Windsor Park’s murals are close by, so arrive early for a stroll. The whole cinema-dining mashup is just plain fun – I left wanting to come back for dinner AND a show.
5. The Loft at Trader’s Point
- 📍 Location: Zionsville (Northwest of Indianapolis)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Table American / Dairy Focus
- 🔥 Standout Features: Located on an organic dairy farm, true farm-to-table dining, rustic loft setting, seasonal menu.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Farm-to-table fans, scenic dining, family outings, brunch/lunch escapes, and supporting local farms.
Escape to The Loft Restaurant, on the grounds of Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville. Housed in a restored rustic barn loft overlooking the organic dairy farm, the restaurant deeply reflects the seasons, featuring ingredients sourced directly from the farm.
Expect elevated American comfort food. Dishes utilizing their own dairy, like creamy mac and cheese made with farmstead cheeses, are a highlight. Their grass-fed burgers or seasonal salads with fresh produce also showcase the farm’s freshness.
6. Livery
Livery nails modern Latin flavor in a sleek, bi-level space with exposed brick, glowing lanterns, and a breezy rooftop terrace that’s a hot ticket on warm nights. This place is big on bold South American dishes – the empanadas and street corn are musts, washed down with a killer margarita or their mezcal old fashioned if you’re feeling spicy. The open kitchen lets you glimpse the action, and upstairs tables give you a peek at Indy’s skyline. It’s right off Mass Ave, so you can bar-hop or grab a show nearby at Old National Centre. The rooftop is especially romantic but still fun for groups. I still dream about those chimichurri-drizzled skewers.
7. Heidelberg Haus
- 📍 Location: Northeast Indianapolis (Near Lawrence)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Cafe/Bakery focus)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German Bakery & Cafe / Konditorei
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic German bakery/pastries, imported German goods/gifts, cozy cafe, old-world charm.
- 🎯 Perfect For: German pastry lovers, European cafe vibes, finding German imports, casual coffee/cake, and nostalgic treats.
Step into a little piece of Germany at Heidelberg Haus. This long-standing establishment is part authentic German bakery (Konditorei), part cafe, and part import shop, radiating old-world charm. It smells amazing with traditional German pastries and cakes.
Trying a slice of their classic Bee Sting cake (Bienenstich) or a rich Black Forest cake is essential. Fresh pretzels, various German breads, or seasonal treats like Stollen are also fantastic. Grab a coffee and enjoy the cozy cafe.
8. Tinker Street Restaurant
Tinker Street is the epitome of “it’s small, but mighty.” Nestled in a cozy, converted house just north of downtown, the intimate vibe and string lights out front feel instantly welcoming. Their seasonal American menu is hyper-local and always creative – the carrot tartare and buttermilk fried chicken are true standouts. Vegetarian? You’ll have plenty to love here. Inside, indie tunes set the mood, and the communal tables mean you might leave with a few new foodie friends. Easily walkable to the Harrison Center and lots of neighborhood murals worth exploring after dinner. I was blown away by how every dish tasted so thoughtfully balanced.
9. Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
- 📍 Location: Westfield (North Suburb)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Barbecue / Smokehouse
- 🔥 Standout Features: Award-winning BBQ, huge portions, creative dishes (Hoffanator!), pirate/funky theme, popular spot.
- 🎯 Perfect For: BBQ fanatics, huge appetites, casual fun meals, trying creative BBQ, and family-friendly eats.
Get ready for epic barbecue portions at Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse in Westfield. This place is legendary for its award-winning smoked meats and creative, sometimes over-the-top dishes. The vibe is fun, casual, often with a quirky pirate theme.
The Hoffanator, a massive bowl layered with pulled pork, mac & cheese, fries, and baked beans, is their most famous creation. Excellent classic brisket, tender ribs, or juicy pulled pork are also must-tries. Come hungry!
10. The Garage Food Hall
Near Bottleworks District, The Garage is where a group can feast and never argue over cuisine! This modern food hall brings dozens of unique local vendors under one roof, from lobster rolls at J’s Lobster to photogenic boba at Poke Guru. The neon signage and industrial-cool decor make it endlessly Instagrammable, and there’s plenty of communal seating plus a few cozy booths. They host regular live music, so grab a craft beer at Hard Truth bar and lean into the festive energy. Explore the murals and shops at Bottleworks just steps away. My top tip: go hungry so you can sample EVERYTHING. It’s such a fun, social dining experience.
11. John’s Famous Stew
- 📍 Location: Near Westside / Downtown Edge
- 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Stew Specialist
- 🔥 Standout Features: Indy institution (since 1911!), focuses almost solely on stew, old-school counter service, no-frills classic.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Experiencing Indy history, stew lovers, cheap eats, quick lunch, and no-frills dining.
Talk about an Indianapolis original! John’s Famous Stew has been ladling out its signature dish since 1911. Forget a big menu; they focus almost exclusively on their famous beef stew – a hearty, comforting concoction served simply with bread and crackers.
It’s a classic, no-frills, counter-service joint that feels frozen in time. You come here for one thing. Grabbing a bowl of John’s famous stew, perhaps with an extra side of bread for dipping, is like tasting Indy history – warm and satisfying.
12. Sidedoor Bagel
If you spot the snaking line outside, you know you’ve found Sidedoor. These bagels are a cult favorite for good reason – they’re chewy, crusty, and loaded up with creative schmears. Don’t skip their signature bagel sandwich, piled high with za’atar eggs and crunchy veggies. The little shop is bright and cheery, with playful checkered floors and sun streaming through big windows. There’s limited seating, but it’s cozy enough to chat with regulars over coffee. It’s steps from the Kennedy-King neighborhood’s pocket parks if you want a picnic. I can honestly say I’ve never had a better bagel outside NYC.
13. Eagle’s Nest Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Downtown (Hyatt Regency Top Floor)
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Revolving rooftop restaurant, panoramic city views, romantic atmosphere, upscale hotel dining.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, romantic dinners, impressing visitors, city views, and fine dining splurges.
For dinner with a spectacular, ever-changing view, head to the Eagle’s Nest, the revolving rooftop restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency. As it slowly rotates, you get stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Indianapolis skyline – particularly magical at night.
Expect upscale American fine dining. Well-prepared steaks, like a filet mignon, are a popular choice. Fresh seafood dishes, such as pan-seared salmon or scallops, or elegant pasta creations, also fit the special occasion setting.
14. Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar
Maialina feels like you’ve stepped into a rustic-chic trattoria, with exposed beams, twinkling string lights, and charming mismatched plates. They specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with blistered crusts – the Maialina pizza with spicy pork is a must-try. Their housemade pastas and limoncello cocktails are perfect for a cozy date or gathering with friends. It’s nestled near Broad Ripple, so make plans for a dessert stroll on the Monon Trail after dinner. Don’t sleep on their Sunday brunch – the ricotta pancakes are fluffy perfection. I was genuinely impressed at how the flavors feel both authentic and playful.
15. Bar One Fourteen
- 📍 Location: Broad Ripple (Associated with Patachou Inc.)
- 💲 Price range: $$$$ (High-end cocktails & bites focus)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Luxury Small Bites / Caviar / High-End Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Intimate high-fidelity listening room bar, focus on luxury (caviar/wagyu), premium cocktails/spirits, exclusive vibe.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Audiophiles, luxury seekers, unique intimate dates, caviar/wagyu fans, and high-end cocktail experiences.
Step into a world of curated sound at Bar One Fourteen in Broad Ripple. This isn’t your average bar; it’s an intimate, high-fidelity listening room experience designed for appreciating music on a top-tier sound system. The vibe is exclusive and sophisticated.
Complementing the audiophile focus is a menu centered on luxurious small bites. Think premium caviar service with all the accoutrements. Small portions of A5 Wagyu beef or delicate oysters are also featured, paired with meticulously crafted high-end cocktails.
16. Nesso
Nesso brings coastal Italian flair to downtown Indy with breezy Riviera-inspired interiors, bright blue tiles, and classy marble tables. Their seafood pastas are the stars – especially the squid ink spaghetti and the lobster bucatini. Everything tastes ultra-fresh and beautifully plated. Big windows create an airy, upscale vibe, and they serve up a killer martini to match. It’s inside the Alexander Hotel, so you can bar-hop to Plat 99 nearby or check out the lobby’s jaw-dropping art installations. My top tip: grab a window seat at sunset for max ambiance. This is easily one of my favorite spots for a special occasion or celebratory night out.
17. Workingman’s Friend
- 📍 Location: Westside
- 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Dive Bar / Smash Burgers
- 🔥 Standout Features: Historic dive bar (since 1918!), famous thin smash burgers, cash only, no-frills atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Dive bar lovers, smash burger purists, experiencing Indy history, cheap eats, and classic beer joints.
Another legendary Indy institution, Workingman’s Friend on the west side has been serving simple perfection since 1918. This is a true, no-frills dive bar known far and wide for one thing: its incredible smash burgers. Thin patties are smashed onto the griddle.
Don’t expect fancy decor. It’s all about the burgers – get a double cheeseburger with grilled onions. Cheap beer and the authentic, unchanging atmosphere are part of the charm. Be prepared: it’s cash only. For a classic smash burger, this is essential.
18. Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a vibrant blend of modern, playful decor and killer creative sushi rolls. Think neon pops of color, high-energy tunes, and a menu packed with vegan sushi options that actually taste amazing (the V.L.T. roll is a sleeper hit). Sushi purists will love the traditional nigiri, but don’t sleep on their photo-worthy specialty rolls like the “Crunchy Blue.” The expansive sake list guarantees something new to sip, and their Happy Hour is legendary. Right by Monument Circle, you can walk to some of downtown Indy’s coolest sights afterward. I was wowed by how fun and approachable upscale sushi could feel here.
19. Mug-n-Bun
- 📍 Location: 5211 W 10th St, Speedway
- 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American / Drive-in Diner
- 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic 1950s-style drive-in experience, homemade root beer, famous pork tenderloin sandwiches, crispy onion rings, vintage carhop service.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Retro dining experiences, casual dates, budget-friendly meals, families, nostalgic American classics.
Step back in time at Mug-n-Bun, Indy’s beloved drive-in diner serving timeless comfort food since 1960. Pull into a spot and flip on your headlights—carhops will soon appear to take your order, giving you the full classic diner vibe.
Their legendary pork tenderloin sandwich is crispy, oversized, and consistently delicious, but the real star here is their frosty homemade root beer served in chilled mugs. Pair it with some golden onion rings or crispy fries, and you’ve got an authentic slice of Americana.
20. Yats
- 📍 Location: Multiple Locations (Broad Ripple, Downtown, Mass Ave, etc.)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cajun & Creole / Fast-Casual
- 🔥 Standout Features: Casual Cajun/Creole dishes, rotating daily menu, flavorful étouffée/gumbo, served over rice, quick service.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Cajun/Creole cravings, quick flavorful meals, budget eats, casual lunches, and trying étouffée.
When you need a quick, flavorful blast of New Orleans, Yats is the Indy go-to. With multiple casual locations, they specialize in serving hearty Cajun and Creole classics fast-casual style. The menu features a rotating selection of rich, savory dishes.
Their chili cheese étouffée with crawfish is a fan favorite. Other popular choices include a classic gumbo with chicken and sausage, or a flavorful jambalaya, all served generously over rice. Don’t forget the side of garlic bread!
21. Vida
- 📍 Location: Downtown (Lockerbie Square Area)
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $140+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary American / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Upscale dining, seasonal tasting menus/a la carte, hydroponic wall garden, sleek modern decor, craft cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, fine dining experiences, impressing guests, seasonal food lovers, and modern ambiance fans.
Located near historic Lockerbie Square, Vida offers a sophisticated fine-dining experience in a sleek, modern setting. Known for its commitment to seasonal ingredients, the restaurant even features an impressive hydroponic wall garden. The ambiance is upscale and contemporary.
Vida offers tasting menus and refined à la carte selections. Expect creative Modern American cuisine like pan-seared scallops with seasonal puree. Dishes featuring Wagyu beef or delicate sashimi preparations also showcase beautiful plating and precise technique.
22. The Inferno Room
- 📍 Location: Virginia Ave.
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Drinks focus)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Tropical Cocktails / Small Bites
- 🔥 Standout Features: Elaborate authentic tiki decor, exotic rum cocktails, flaming drinks, immersive escapist vibe.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki drink lovers, escapist bar experiences, fun date nights, themed hangs, and strong rum cocktails.
Escape to a tropical paradise at The Inferno Room in Fountain Square. This bar fully commits to the classic tiki aesthetic, boasting incredible, immersive decor filled with carved masks, bamboo, and pufferfish lights. It feels like a lost island movie set.
The focus is on expertly crafted, potent, rum-based tiki cocktails. Try a classic Mai Tai or a “Zombie.” The “Painkiller” or their signature flaming “Inferno Bowl” (for sharing) are also popular. They offer some island-inspired small bites too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Indianapolis
Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Indianapolis? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Indianapolis’s most unusual restaurants.
Is Indianapolis a foodie city?
Yes, Indy is a foodie city. With a diverse range of dining options, from unique restaurants in Indianapolis to bustling food markets, the city offers a culinary experience that caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Midwestern fare, international cuisines, or innovative fusion dishes, Indy has it all!
What food is Indianapolis known for?
Indianapolis boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its Midwestern roots. Here are some iconic dishes and foods that Indy is known for:
- Tenderloin Sandwich: A Hoosier classic, this breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is a must-try for anyone visiting. Typically served with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, it’s one of the best foods in Indianapolis, IN.
- Sugar Cream Pie: Also known as the Hoosier Pie, this dessert is a creamy, custard-like treat that’s sweet and delectable.
- Popcorn: Indiana is one of the top popcorn-producing states. And Indy has its share of gourmet popcorn shops offering a variety of flavors.
- Fried Biscuits with Apple Butter: A staple in many local diners and breakfast spots, these biscuits are fluffy, golden, and best enjoyed with a generous spread of apple butter.
What is the name of the restaurant in Indianapolis that rotates as you eat?
The restaurant you’re referring to is the Eagle’s Nest. It’s one of the most unique places to eat in Indianapolis. This is becauase it offers a rotating panoramic view of the city skyline. Located atop the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, diners can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city while savoring their meal. It’s a sought-after spot for both locals and tourists.
Are there any themed restaurants in Indianapolis worth visiting?
Yes, Indianapolis is home to several themed restaurants that offer unique dining experiences. One notable mention is The Inferno Room, a tiki bar and restaurant adorned with artifacts from Papua New Guinea. Another popular spot is Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse, where you can enjoy BBQ in a pirate-themed setting. These establishments not only serve delicious food but also provide an immersive atmosphere.
Where can I find the best vegan options in the city?
Indianapolis has embraced the vegan movement with open arms, and there are numerous establishments catering to plant-based diets. While many restaurants offer vegan options, dedicated vegan eateries have also garnered rave reviews.. Places like Three Carrots and Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe stand out as some of the best vegan restaurants in Indianapolis, offering a range of dishes that even non-vegans would love.
Are there any hidden gem restaurants in Indianapolis that locals love?
Absolutely! Indy is filled with lesser-known spots that locals swear by. Places like Bluebeard, set in a renovated 1920s warehouse, or Milktooth, a cozy diner with a modern twist, are just a couple of examples. These establishments might not always make the tourist guides, but they’re hidden gem in Indianapolis that offer fantastic food and a genuine local experience.
