Top Restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis, known as the “Racing Capital of the World,” offers more than just high-speed thrills. The city boasts a surprisingly diverse dining scene that combines Hoosier hospitality with innovative culinary techniques. From classic steakhouses to farm-to-table establishments, Indy’s restaurants cater to every palate. Here’s a curated list of 10 must-visit restaurants that showcase the best of Indianapolis’s gastronomic landscape.

1. St. Elmo Steak House

St. Elmo Steak House stands as the most revered dining establishment in Indianapolis. Famous for its dry-aged steaks, tuxedo-clad waitstaff, and vast wine cellar, St. Elmo has been a city landmark since 1902. The restaurant’s walls, lined with photos of celebrity guests, tell the story of its enduring popularity. Every meal begins with a classic starter of navy bean soup or tomato juice, but the real showstopper is the legendary horseradish-laced shrimp cocktail. For the full experience, pair your steak with an Elmo Cola – a mini bottle of Coke served alongside vanilla and Luxardo cherry-infused Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Yelp Profile: St. Elmo Steak House

2. Café Patachou

Café Patachou, fondly dubbed a “student union for adults,” has been setting the standard for locally sourced, farm-to-table dining in Indianapolis for over three decades. Owner Martha Hoover’s forward-thinking approach has resulted in a menu that combines comfort and innovation. Signature dishes include thick slices of brioche cinnamon toast and playfully named omelets like the “Hippie with a Benz,” featuring spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and feta. With multiple locations across the city, Café Patachou has become an integral part of Indy’s breakfast and brunch scene.

Yelp Profile: Café Patachou

3. The Rathskeller

For a taste of old-world Bavaria in the heart of Indianapolis, look no further than The Rathskeller. Housed in the historic Athenaeum building on Mass Ave, this sprawling restaurant and beer hall offers an authentic German dining experience. The menu features traditional favorites like schnitzel and sauerbraten, complemented by an extensive selection of German beers. The Kellerbar and outdoor biergarten are particularly popular during summer months, offering live entertainment and a festive atmosphere that transports diners straight to Munich.

Yelp Profile: The Rathskeller

4. Coat Check Coffee

Coat Check Coffee, cleverly repurposing the Athenaeum theater’s former coat check room, has quickly become one of Indy’s favorite coffee spots. This cozy café emphasizes quality in every aspect, from their house-made syrups to locally sourced milk. The star of the menu is their signature butterscotch latte, available hot or cold. Pair it with one of their freshly baked croissants or a bowl of house-made granola for a perfect start to your day. The café’s attention to detail and commitment to supporting local producers make it a standout in Indianapolis’s thriving coffee scene.

Yelp Profile: Coat Check Coffee

5. Julieta Taco Shop

Don’t let the small size or simplicity of Mañana Cantina in The Stutz fool you—this taco shop from Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo offers an unforgettable experience. Opened in late July, the taqueria pays homage to their ancestral recipes, including those from Sañudo’s grandmother, while giving the traditional taco a modern twist. The slightly thicker blue corn tortillas, with their perfectly crisped edges, set the stage for slow-braised, griddle-finished fillings like tender pollo asada and melt-in-your-mouth carnitas. Purists will appreciate the tacos al pastor, with pork sliced right from the spit and a beautifully browned crust. The standout, however, might be the rich and earthy suadero, offering a brisket-like texture and flavor that’s a rarity even in authentic Mexican spots. Plus, enjoy your tacos with a cocktail from Eddie Sahm’s Turner’s Bar next door for the ultimate dining experience.

Yelp Profile: Julieta Taco Shop

6. Vicino

The arrival of Vicino, Mass Ave’s first full-service Italian restaurant in over a decade, gave local diners plenty to celebrate. Revitalizing the bright and airy space formerly home to Hedge Row, which had been closed since early in the pandemic, Vicino brings innovative Mediterranean flair to the area. Owners Chris Burton and Gus Vazquez, known for their expertise in cocktail culture at nearby The Oakmont, have gone beyond typical red sauce and pasta dishes, offering standout plates like mushroom-studded arancini, pan-fried gnocchi with chicken and kale pesto, and perfectly seared branzino with zucchini and eggplant. Their bar impresses with a classic Negroni, a fun twist on the Aperol spritz, and the creative “Caspian Tea” featuring rum, iced tea, and Grand Marnier. A playful tiramisu topped with spiced rum and coffee “caviar” rounds out a meal full of smartly executed and flavorful dishes.

Yelp Profile: Vicino

7. International Marketplace

The International Marketplace, located near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is a testament to the city’s growing cultural diversity. This area boasts an eclectic collection of restaurants representing cuisines from around the globe. Here, you can embark on a culinary world tour, sampling dishes from Peru, Japan, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cuba, Mexico, and beyond. The marketplace also features specialty food shops and markets, allowing visitors to take a piece of their international dining experience home with them.

Yelp Profile: International Marketplace

8. Milktooth

Milktooth, housed in a reimagined auto repair shop, has been at the forefront of Indianapolis’s culinary renaissance since opening in 2014. Chef-owner Jonathan Brooks, a James Beard Award nominee, has created a brunch menu that pushes boundaries and delights palates. The ever-changing offerings might include Dutch baby pancakes with local fruit, inventive takes on avocado toast, or hearty grain bowls. Milktooth’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers shines through in every dish, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Yelp Profile: Milktooth

9. Chicken Scratch

The original Keystone Avenue location of Chicken Scratch may be small, but it has everything you need to get your hands on some of the best chicken wings in town. Since opening in 2021, this spot has earned a loyal following thanks to its simple, streamlined ordering process and incredibly flavorful offerings. Start by choosing between traditional bone-in wings or hand-cut boneless, then decide if you want your chicken naked or fried, with the option to drizzle, drench, or drown it in one of their standout sauces like honey hot or mango habanero. Don’t miss the loaded fries, which come topped with everything from truffle oil and Parmesan to chipotle-spiced sirloin for an extra burst of flavor. This year, Chicken Scratch will expand its roost with a new downtown location on West Maryland Street, offering on-site seating and even more space to enjoy these crave-worthy wings.

Yelp Profile: Chicken Scratch

10. Root & Bone

In just three years, Janine Booth, Jeff McInnis, and executive chef Kellen Prough have turned Root & Bone into a SoBro staple, serving up what they call “honest Southern food.” McInnis, who grew up on a farm perfecting comfort food staples, brings his expertise in frying, pickling, and preserving to the forefront of the menu. Despite their Florida and Australian roots, McInnis and Booth clearly understand how much Hoosiers love fried chicken. Their signature pressure-fried Miller’s Amish Chicken, brined in sweet tea for two days and served with hot honey, offers an irresistible crackle. Southern sides like gooey pimento cheese grits, real-deal sweet corn soufflé, and a tangy Watermelon & Pickle Jar complement the dishes, all served on classic Blue Willow china. The Smoky Bacon Board, a so-called small plate, is a hearty spread of pork belly, cheese curds, and pickles topped with crispy fried pork rinds. If you manage to save room for dessert, the peach cobbler, crowned with fresh fruit and a sugary angel food cake, is a must-try indulgence.

Yelp Profile: Root & Bone