Best Restaurants in Downtown Indianapolis

It may seem elementary to seek out good restaurants in downtown Indianapolis. But it can be hard to weed through all the offerings. Here are some of our favorites in the city center:

• Napolese Pizzeria: seasonal artisanal pizzas crafted by hand and bountiful salads
• Milktooth: locally sourced “modern” diner fare for breakfast and lunch, plus coffee and specialty cocktails
• Punch Burger: burgers made with grass-fed beef from local Fischer Farms paired with local craft beers
• Vida: greens hydroponically grown in house, local ingredients, Coravin wine extraction, seasonal modern fare
• Osteria Pronto: housemade bolognese, brick-oven pizza, and other northern Italian cuisine created in an open kitchen

Spotlight on St. Elmo Steakhouse

On the wall of fame, visitors can admire photographs of the luminaries that have broken bread in this stalwart of Indianapolis. St. Elmo Steakhouse has remained in this location since it opened in 1902 as a humble tavern with a simple buffet. As it grew over the years, it retained its turn-of-the-century charm, pairing its long, dark wood bar with modern add-ons such as an open kitchen and wine cellar. Servers and customers have remained loyal for decades, bonding over thick-cut steaks and the signature cocktail Elmo Cola, Coca-Cola infused with Maker’s Mark, Italian maraschino cherries and madagascar vanilla.

What to Try: The Three-Course Sunday Dinner

Diners can become overwhelmed by the menu of prime steak cuts, chops, and seafood. To ameliorate this, the Indianapolis staple offers prix fixe dinners before each Colts and Pacers game—and every Sunday. The menu for Sunday dinner includes the following:

• World Famous Shrimp Cocktail: jumbo shrimp paired with housemade sauce
• Filet Mignon: plus redskin mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans
• Dessert: chocolate cake, creme brulee, or cheesecake, but not all three!

Best Mass Ave Restaurants in Indianapolis

Short for Massachusetts Avenue, this five-block stretch encompasses some of the city’s most hip and up-and-coming spots.

• Ball & Biscuit: seasonal cocktails devised and crafted in house served alongside shareable small plates made from local ingredients
• The Garden Table: cold-pressed juice and healthy, balanced dishes crafted with ingredients from super-local purveyors
• ThaiTanium: authentic traditional Thai dishes, plus modern fare inspired by culinary trends from Thailand
• Bakersfield: inventive Mexican street fare, such as tortas and tostadas, and a selection of more than 100 tequilas and whiskeys

Spotlight: Mimi Blue Meatballs

The namesake of this establishment, Mildred “Mimi” Bluestein Kosene was an Indy native and mother of three sons. Her culinary prowess inspired them to create this menu of comfort foods to share her love with her hometown. Here diners can choose from several iterations of her specialty meatballs, smothered in flavorful sauces:

• The meats: While beef is a standby, diners can try buffalo turkey or vegan options that include black beans and quinoa or the plant-based “wonderball.”
• Sauces: Opt for classic marinara, spike them with bourbon barbecue, get a kick with honey sriracha, or find comfort in mushroom gravy.
• Other formats: Try your meatballs in a sandwich or slider.

Best Mexican Restaurants in Indianapolis

• The Tamale Place: From the masa crafted in house, this eatery creates its own tamales, tortillas, and tortilla chips.
• Guerrero’s: Find traditional, dependable Mexican fare for lunch and dinner.
• La Margarita: Since 1984, this spot has been serving artisan beer, traditional dishes, with an extensive agave liquor selection.
• Luciana’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina: Order authentic cuisine such as fajitas and arroz con pollo served alongside generous, frozen margaritas.

Spotlight on Nada

The brightly lit eatery features high ceilings, crimson banquets, and walls lined in warm wood. With curved lines and warm colors, the restaurant is both modern and welcoming, a good compliment to a menu of house-crafted cocktails and inventive tacos. Here are a few things you must try while you’re here.

To Eat:

• Fried avocado topped with pickled red onion and cabbage, chipotle bean puree, and pepitas
• Crispy pork belly with guajillo diablo salsa, pickled veggies, and guacamole
• Shrimp verde with arugula, radish, queso fresco, and green goddess dressing

To Sip:

• Aqua de rosa: El Jimado tequila and St. Elder liqueur mixed with blackberries, raspberries, and hibiscus tea
• Brazilian mule: cachaça (a sugar cane–based spirit) plus housemade ginger soda and fresh-squeezed lemon juice