Indianapolis is having a moment with food. There are more restaurants in Indy than ever before. Some of the country’s hottest new eateries have laid roots here, meanwhile the classics have never been better. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything to eat in our bourgeoning metropolitan city and its surrounding counties. So just for fun, we’ve put together a list of notable hotspots around Indiana from A-Z.
A is for Asian Grill
Through an exotic variety of Pan-Asian cuisines like Cambodian and Indian, Asian Grill in Noblesville will make their Chicken Pad Thai as spicy as you like.
B is for Bonge’s Tavern
Located in Anderson, Bonge’s is the spot for tailgating in Madison County. Don’t skip on Chef Tony’s world famous Tomato Soup either.
C is for Coney Island
Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island delivers everything you’d expect from an establishment with such as name. Delectable hot dogs, burgers chili and homemade pie.
D is for Dapper Pig
Evansville is home to the artisan food haven of Dapper Pig, a place down south where one can indulge in farm-to-table eats like handmade pastries and craft beer.
E is for Egg Roll #1
As one of the classic Chinese food restaurants in Indianapolis, Egg Roll #1 also serves up a traditional Vietnamese menu rife with fresh flavors.
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F is for Forty-Five Degrees
Mass Ave is home to a lot of restaurants, but one of the staples is Forty-Five Degrees, a modern sushi hot spot specializing in Japanese plates.
G is for Gray Brothers Cafeteria
Gray Brothers Cafeteria in Mooresville is a genuine Hoosier institution. Nothing but good ol’, down-home Indiana cooking here by way of apple pie, fresh carved roast beef and country style green beans.
H is for Hoppy Gnome
Fort Wayne’s premier gastropub is The Hoppy Gnome, a casual contemporary foodie spot serving up “scratch” kitchen dishes like Smoked Gouda & Chorizo Mac N’ Cheese and Barramundi Gumbo.
I is for Iron Skillet
Continuing the tradition of homestyle Indiana cooking, The Iron Skillet Restaurant encourages family-style eating. Skillet Fried Chicken, just like your grandma taught you.
J is for Jazz Kitchen
The Jazz Kitchen, like the Red Key Tavern, is a true SoBro foundation. Here, the focus is on local jazz music in a cozy, red-lit lounge. Classic dishes such as Pomme Frites and Crab Cakes are the go-to here.
K is for Kabuto Japanese Steak House
Though one of the many Japanese steak houses in Indiana, Kabuto stands out with their first-rate sushi menu and talented hibachi chefs.
L is for LA Café
Located in Whitestown, LA Café is a motorcycle-themed restaurant pushing the boundaries of casual eating with world-class wines amongst stuffed mushrooms and fresh oysters.
M is for Milktooth
Fountain Square’s hottest new foodie destination is without a doubt Milktooth. Brunch is the move here, but be sure to show up early, have a cappuccino at their coffee bar and wait for service to begin.
N is for Nada
Nada is another one of the city’s hot new restaurants. Located in the heart of downtown, Nada has modernized classic Mexican cuisine via Chili-Glazed Potatoes and Chicken Al Carbon tacos.
O is for Ocean Prime
In the Keystone Fashion Mall area, Ocean Prime specializes in the freshest seafood Indiana could possibly get. Pricey? Sure, which is what makes Ocean Prime all the better for that special occasion.
P is for Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub
Tucked away in an alley off Pennsylvania downtown, Pearl Street is known for stellar handmade pizza and an even better selection of craft brews.
Q is for Quirky Feather Confectionary
Up on the North side, you’ll find a quaint café called Quirky Feather. Here, one can relax on a sofa, indulge in a pastry and latte and get some work done.
R is for Rick’s Café Boatyard
Don’t let the off-the-cuff name fool you, Rick’s Café is more than just a café. Enjoy fried calamari on the sunshine laden deck during the day and live jazz on the white table clothed dining room at night.
S is for Sauced
This romantic Italian restaurant is becoming the perfect date spot for Evansvillians. Ask for an order of linguine and a chocolate martini and relax in their dimly-lit atmosphere.
T is for Triple XXX
Lafayette’s old school, family style restaurant has been serving up burgers and root beer since the 1920’s. Family-owned and family serviced.
U is for Union Jack
Another old-school haunt, Union Jack in Broad Ripple is famous for their soccer viewing parties and award-winning deep dish pizzas.
V is for Vera Mae’s Bistro
Follow Interstate 69 up to Muncie for Vera Mae’s Bistro, an upscale fusion restaurant serving the cuisines of Europe and Asia in a quaint, but modern environment.
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W is for Willard
The Willard in Franklin is, as they say, “where friends meet”. This casual pub dates back to the mid-1800’s with a focus on traditional bar food.
X is for Xtrordinary Pizza
On the South East side of Indianapolis, you’ll find Xtrordinary Pizza, a local pizza joint where the toppings are piled so high you may forget there’s flaky crust and delicious tomato sauce beneath it.
Y is for Yats
There’s simply no better place for casual Cajun food in Indianapolis than Yats. While still a chain, Yats maintains a sense of home-style creole cooking by using fresh ingredients on a seasonal menu.
Z if for Zydeco’s
Zydeco’s may have something to say about the aforementioned claim, but this Cajun restaurant in Mooresville is now famous after having been visited by celebrity chef Guy Fieri including features on Food Network, CNN and Fox News.
