A Local’s Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Indianapolis
Since I have lived in Indianapolis my whole life, I thought it was only necessary to dedicate a blog post to my favorite places to eat in Indianapolis.
In this blog post, I’m excited to share the best places to eat in Indianapolis, from breakfast spots to lunch and dinner restaurants, and even some great dessert stops.
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The Best Places to Eat in Indianapolis
Here are my top places to eat in Indianapolis that I have personally been to more than a handful of times as an Indianapolis local and have stood the test of time.
Therefore, you can be sure to trust my recommendations!
Breakfast Places in Indianapolis
Long’s Bakery
When it comes to the best donuts in Indianapolis, Long’s Bakery is the #1 choice for most Indianapolis residents…myself included!
The glazed yeast donuts are a must-try, but you can’t go wrong with what you choose!
Please note that they only accept cash, no credit cards.
Long’s Donuts has two locations:
- 1453 N Tremont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
- 2301 E Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Parlor Donuts
Parlor Donuts is a newer donut shop in Indianapolis, and it has been a big hit!
They offer a wide variety of specialty flavored donuts such as churro, smores, turtle cheesecake, and more!
Gallery Pastry Shop
Gallery Pastry Shop offers a yummy and unique brunch menu, specialty coffee drinks, and assorted pastries. Make sure to try the almond croissant!
It is a great place for brunch in Indianapolis and has two locations:
- 110 S Pennsylvania St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204 – located across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- 4573 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205 – close to Broad Ripple area and near Butler University
Broad Ripple Bagel Deli
Broad Ripple Bagel Deli serves up some of the best bagels in Indianapolis.
There are so many options of bagel sandwiches to choose from so you are bound to find one you like!
My personal favorites are The Morning Mess and The Smokin Joe.
Twenty Two Juicery
In my opinion, the best acai bowls in Indianapolis are at Twenty Two Juicery which has two locations in Indianapolis – (1) The City Market and (2) Garage Food Hall.
They offer acai bowls, smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices. It is a perfect place for a quick breakfast or mid day snack!
My favorites are the original acai bowl and the Duchess smoothie.
Side Door Bagel
Side Door Bagel Co is relatively new and is serving up some of the best bagels in Indianapolis!
There tends to be a line out of the door for a good reason…the bagels are so good!
I highly recommend the BECCY – bacon, egg, & cream cheese!
Beware that there is not much seating – there is some bar height seating on the inside and a couple picnic tables outside.
It is always easy to grab to go as well if there is no seating available.
Please note they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Check out how I would spend a weekend in Indianapolis full of my favorite things to do in the city to add to your itinerary!
Yolk
Yolk is a great breakfast spot in Indianapolis!
I recommend the Cheesy Egg Sandwich and the Nutella Crepes if you are looking for something sweet.
Milktooth
Milktooth is a unique spot for brunch in Indianapolis located in the Fountain Square neighborhood.
Their hours are quite limited, as they’re open exclusively from Monday to Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Due to its popularity, I have often noticed that a line starts to form outside before they open at 10:00 a.m.
They offer some great specialty coffee drinks to choose from as well as unique and delicious breakfast options.
Wild Eggs
Wild Eggs has to be my favorite place for breakfast in Indianapolis!
The Potato Head Casserole is seriously amazing – you have to try it!
Looking for a Hotel?
Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!
Need a Rental Car?
For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!
Guided Tours/Activities
When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!
Lunch/Dinner Restaurants in Indianapolis
The Eagle
The Eagle is one of my favorite restaurants in Indianapolis!
Their menu centers around fried chicken but there are other options as well.
I highly recommend the following:
- their grilled cheese (my favorite grilled cheese ever! – you can also add fried chicken to it)
- the fried chicken sandwich, the southern chopped salad (one of the best salads I have had)
- mac and cheese topped with fried chicken
- the fries served with a side of aioli
Baby’s
Baby’s serves up one of the best burgers in Indianapolis!
Their build your own smash burgers and talbott street fries are my go-to choices on the menu.
Loco Mexican Restaurant
In my opinion, the best Mexican restaurant in Indianapolis has to be Loco.
When my husband lived in Fountain Square, we frequented Loco almost every Friday night – it was that good!
The arroz con pollo is delicious!
Siam Square
Siam Square serves up the best Thai food in Indianapolis hands down!
It is located in the Fountain Square area.
I highly recommend the crab rangoons, pot stickers, and the beef drunken noodles.
Futuro
If you go anywhere to eat in Indianapolis, it needs to be Futuro especially if you are a pizza lover.
This place serves up the best pizza in Indianapolis!
My personal favorite is the Tavern Style Bacon & Basil pizza.
St Elmo’s
If you are looking for a fancy restaurant in Indianapolis, I recommend going to St. Elmo’s.
It is a great restaurant to celebrate special occasions.
They are famous for their shrimp cocktail accompanied by their signature spicy horseradish sauce (which is no joke!!) and their selection of exceptional steak.
FortyFive Degrees
FortyFive Degrees is my favorite sushi restaurant in Indianapolis!
The Black Widow specialty sushi roll is my go to order.
Garage Food Hall
Garage Food Hall is a great place to eat in Indianapolis as they have a diverse array of food vendors which makes it a great place to eat with a large group.
My personal favorites are:
- Lobster rolls from J’s Lobster & Fish Market
- Cheeseburger from Clancy’s Hamburgers
- Acai bowls from Twenty Two Juicery
- Grilled beef chimichurri fries from Gaucho’s Fire
Mama Carolla’s
Mama Carolla’s is a well-known Italian restaurant in Indianapolis and serves up some great Italian food.
It is highly recommended to make a reservation weeks in advance!
If you only have a short amount of time in Indy, check out my blog post where I detail how I would spend one day in Indianapolis!
Best Dessert in Indianapolis
Square Scoop
One of the best ice cream shops in Indianapolis has to be Square Scoop located in the Fountain Square neighborhood.
We used to come here weekly when my husband lived in Fountain Square. It is a great local ice cream shop and has the friendliest staff.
I usually opt to get a milkshake and my favorite flavors are strawberry and graham central station!
The Cake Bake Shop
If you are looking for dessert in Indianapolis, consider checking out The Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple.
This beautifully decorated cake shop is worth the visit to enjoy a slice of cake, pie, cheesecake, or various other desserts.
I highly recommend the Red Velvet Cake and the Carrot Cake.
Conclusion
As we reach the end of my list, my hope is that whether you’re traveling to Indianapolis or are a local you are able to discover some of the best places to eat in Indianapolis.
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