Indianapolis’ restaurant scene has grown into one of the Midwest’s most interesting. These nine local restaurants appear on recent critics’ lists and cover a wide range of cuisines and neighborhoods.
- St. Elmo Steak House (Downtown): the city’s classic steakhouse, famous for its fiery shrimp cocktail.
- Bluebeard (Fletcher Place): a farm-to-table restaurant with a Hoosier-inspired menu and national recognition.
- Bodhi (Mass Ave): Thai-inspired dishes and creative cocktails.
- Wisanggeni Pawon (Northeast): Indonesian and pan-Asian cooking.
- Strange Bird (Irvington): a tiki bar and restaurant with tropical drinks and ramen.
- Beholder (Near Eastside): a chef-driven restaurant with a rotating menu.
- Vida (Lockerbie Square): upscale, seasonal dining.
- Tinker Street (Near Northside): a neighborhood favorite for creative American plates.
- Borage (Speedway): a newer favorite on recent best-restaurant lists.
Looking for iconic local dishes? Read what food Indianapolis is famous for.
Picks are based on Indianapolis Monthly’s 2026 restaurant coverage and recent reviews. Menus and hours change, so check before you go.
