Best New Restaurants to Visit in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the bustling capital of Indiana, is not just known for its iconic motor speedway, but also for its vibrant food scene. The city's culinary landscape is constantly evolving, with new restaurants popping up, offering a wide array of cuisines to satisfy every palate. Whether you're a local foodie looking to explore new dining spots or a tourist seeking to experience the city's gastronomic delights, this article will guide you through the best new restaurants in Indianapolis. From upscale dining establishments to cozy neighborhood eateries, these places are sure to provide a memorable dining experience.
Bluebeard
4.6
(1735)
Trendy New American kitchen serving sharing plates & craft cocktails in a renovated 1924 warehouse.
Reviews:
I was really excited to check this place out as so many people have recommended it. Service was okay, our server was pretty nice but felt like she was annoyed by us being there. The atmosphere is pretty chill definitely better if you sit outside, the inside is a bit cramped. Tried some of their drinks first and it was surprisingly good. The painkiller was good and the watermelon/cucumber drink was refreshing. Started off with some chips and dips and they were okay. I had the ribeye and it was decent. The meat was well seasoned and the sauce that came with it was decent. The corn and mashed potatoes were a bit of a miss, they just kinda blended together and tasted like regular mashed potato with corn in it. We also tried the pork belly. It was completely inedible. There was literally no flavor, I don't know how they manage to make pretty fairly fatty pork belly and cook it so dry. We apologized to the waitress and had it replaced with the pasta dish but that one was also a disappointment. Overall it was a pretty underwhelming experience and it could be I just had such high expectations but for the price it's just not worth it.
David Cartagenas
This has to be one of my favorite restaurants in Indy! The menu is constantly revolving with new creative dishes, so there's always something new and exciting to try. The best piece of advice I could give is to TRUST the menu. Some of the dishes might sound odd, or have ingredients that you don't normally like, but the chefs at Bluebeard find ways to complement every flavor. The bar has excellent cocktails and the bartenders were kind enough to make me one of the best mocktails I'd ever had while pregnant back in February. Definitely an excellent birthday or anniversary option!
Hannah Marley
Came in for a late lunch on Tuesday around 2 pm. Plenty of seating and street parking at that time. Outside seating is very nice. We got charcuterie board which was really good. I got the green river ginger beer which was good. Wife got the chop salad which she thought was good. Only nit pick if your health conscious is to put dressing on the side. I got the Grinder sandwich was very good and would get again. Overall great experience.
Kevin Vershay
Bluebeard is a culinary treasure that never fails to impress. The moment you step through its doors, you're greeted with an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere that sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. The menu is a culinary journey, showcasing the chef's creativity and commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully plated and bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. From delicate seafood creations to perfectly cooked steaks, Bluebeard caters to all taste preferences with finesse. The impeccable service adds to the overall charm, ensuring a memorable evening that will leave you longing to return.
Kaiser Brodie
Was super nervous when I saw a small menu with most things I wasn't interested in eating. I tried the chips and dip as an app and it was amazing! Shared a small chopped salad with the house dressing. Was astonished at how good a salad could taste so good. My meal was the ribeye with potatoes, spicy corn, and sprouts. All I can say is mind-blowing! I tried the pork chop and it had to be the best I've ever tasted. For dessert, I got the cake and also tasted the peach thing I can't recall the names I do apologize. This place is a must-eat on my list when I'm in town. I suggest others give it a try.
Jason Harris
653 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
Late harvest kitchen
4.6
(422)
Stately space with mod decor & roomy courtyard for upscale seasonal American food & craft cocktails.
Reviews:
On a whim, although my fiance and I never celebrate Valentine's Day, we decided to just go out for dinner. We didn't have a reservation and they were completely booked, but they made room for two more (of which we're most grateful). Our server was Kate... I think. She was pleasant and attentive and made our dining experience warm. The food service was fast and that made our tummies warm. The food was great! We ordered several starters to enjoy. We had the foie gras and blueberry pancakes - interesting combination but surprisingly works well together. So tasty. We also had the caviar pie, deviled eggs, and fish dumplings. For our main course, we shared the whole rainbow trout with a medley of vegetables. Everything was delicious. It was an amazing impromptu Valentine's meal.
Tasha Elle
The service and ambience in the restaurant is amazing. The servers are all very friendly. House made bread is available upon request. They are all delicious. The Sunflower Crunch salad is delicious. Unfortunately there aren't too many vegetarian starters. The North African Tajine is good too. The portion sizes were a bit small for the price and the Tajine could do with some vegetarian protein and some sauce or gravy for the couscous to soak in some flavors.
Prasad Nair
Ate here 5 years ago, loved it, just hadn't been back. Ate here last Friday with the Gaza's, food and service was excellent! Waiter Kris fantastic, including patient and good sense of humor. Everyone pleased with their food--Mahi Mahi, Pork Chop, Ramp Pasta. Also great drink selection---wines and Cocktails. One of our fav restaurants in the Indy area!!
Martin Shelly
Wonderful Restaurant with great tasting food, very clean and the service staff was solid!
Jared Slibeck
Simply the best restaurant in Indianapolis! Passport cocktail is amazing, a fresh and enjoyable drink anytime of year. The general tso’s pork belly appetizer is a perfect mixture of salty, sweet, and melt in your mouth goodness. Every entree is worth describing and ordering. No meal is complete without the best French press coffee in town and the sticky toffee pudding. The garden seating area is a hidden gem and a wonderful way to spend an evening!
Kirby Purciful
8605 River Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA
Milktooth
4.4
(1819)
Hip, modern diner with a patio for inventive breakfast & brunch items, plus espresso & cocktails.
Reviews:
We really enjoyed our visit to Milktooth! The food was delicious and vibe of the restaurant was great. We did arrive 10 minutes before they opened on the weekend which was good because a line was already forming so be ready for a possible wait if you come at peak times but in my opinion the food was worth it! The highlights of what we ordered was the sourdough waffle, the bacon, the oysters and the latke were our favorites!!
Raegan Garnett
We've been wanting to go to Milktooth for years and it did not disappoint. We got there as it opened and had to wait over an hour, but we didn't mind once we started getting our specialty drinks and food. Will definitely be returning!
Sarah Irwin
I'm going to be really honest about this. As soon as I arrived, the wait time was 45 minutes to 1 h. ok, fine. They told me I could get a coffee while I waited. Perfect, no problem. I ordered my 18$ 2 coffees.... the coffees never arrived After 45+min, they called me, and I said my coffee had never arrived.. As you may imagine, with this long wait and the prices I saw in the menu, I was expecting THE FOOD and THE coffee... The coffee was great! But I mean 45+min for a good coffee is not a "while you wait" and it is not worth it. Later the food arrived, I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, the sweet Dutch pancake and the beignets. It was just OK. So I paid $84 for all, the 20% gratitude was included (for nothing because no one actually take care of us, the feeling was more like you were lucky enough to be there). So no, I don't recommend this place: it was not worth it the wait or the price
Johanna Mendez
We had waffle ( only one option) and crab cakes. We went for brunch, the vibe was perfect, taste was perfect and ambience is great but there are not many options for vegetarians. So if you are a veg please check the latest menu with them. Other than that everything is awesome. They have fixed gratuity rate of 20% and tax so in all count extra 25% in your bill.
kshitija sulakhe
I think 4 1/2 stars 🌟 is the perfect rating for Milktooth. Delicious food, made with love. Modest selection. Reasonable prices. Good service. Clean. Modern/Hypster vibes. Will I return? Definitely!
Jerry Foltz
534 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
Tinker street restaurant
4.7
(846)
New American outpost with a patio serving wines, brews & seasonal fare in a warm, upbeat setting.
Reviews:
First of all, service was great no problem, quick response and informative. Sadly our food was bit too salty, soup was fine tho. We were surprised to see the size of oysters, they're small and don't taste fresh, they soak it in lime juice (normally everywhere it'll be just a tiny squeeze) so it was purely taste of lime instead of oyster. Duck meat taste so salty, honestly it was too much usage of hoisin sauce for my liking. The cocktails were amazing, no problem. Definitely a bit too overpriced
Soleil
Tinker Street in Indianapolis exceeded all expectations! The pork chops were tender and packed with flavor, perfectly cooked. The addition of peaches with seasonal vegetables added a nice sweetness to the savory dish. The warm ambiance and friendly staff made the dining experience even more enjoyable. 🍽️😍🌟
Cha'vette Ware
Went to celebrate our 18th anniversary, and do our tradition of trying something new. First off, the food was amazing and our waitress was very spot on with recommendations. However, their moto shouldn't be "make your special evening one to remember at Tinker Street" or claim "we are the perfect spot for a romantic date night", as it is certainly more corner bar meets bistro. Not my ideal spot to try and feel romantic. For the price of admission, so to speak, I would much rather have something like Union 50 or Vida. The food can certainly hold up to the cost. However I am going for the total experience, and this just wasn't it. We had: -Korean Fried Mushrooms -Cheese & Charcuterie Board -The Duck w/duck egg -Pork Belly Pastor -Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake -Matcha Cake w/espresso ice cream -Four Roses Biscof Old Fashioned -Bone Chiller
Keith F
The service was ok. The server friendly but asked if we wanted refills instead of just topping off an empty iced tea. The fish was slightly undercooked for our taste, but was an overall nice place to dine. The new persimmon desert was terrific. I would go back for that desert again. The atmosphere was a closed in patio to keep warm. This would be much more enjoyable/festive on a warmer day.
Tom Sorrell
Great restaurant for a special occasion! Wonderful wine and cocktail list, and a sommelier to help make decisions. Miso oysters are excellent, and many vegan/vegetarian options. Highly, highly recommend!
Claire Larson
402 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Harry & izzy's
4.7
(3357)
Upscale steakhouse with a notable wine selection & a contemporary spin on chops, seafood & pizza.
Reviews:
My husband and I were in last night celebrating my husband's birthday! There was a birthday card on the table! Marley was our server. She was an Absolute Delight! Marley was very Knowledgeable on the menu and the Specials, she totally sold my husband on the Kansas City Strip. She was super attentive our entire visit. Patrick was our server assistant and he was super friendly and very attentive as well. We started out with the Famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, I warned my husband about the Sinus Searing Sauce, but the first bite was still overwhelming for him. Our meal was wonderful at every turn. Marley even brought out a Creme Brulee with a Birthday candle to finish the evening. I had the Liquid Snickers which was Amazing! I work music venues and I recommend Harry and Izzy's all the time.
ANGELA ONEAL
Great place for steak and more. Was here for a business conference and came here for a happy hour, a dinner with colleagues and lunch with work partners. Needless to say, I was here three times in a 3-day span. 😅 The service was impeccable. The waiters and waitresses were super tentative and friendly. The food was excellent especially the steaks. I also ordered side Brussels sprouts salads which was delicious also. Highly recommend!
Harry
Excellent dining experience to say the least. Service was impeccable and quick, started with the shrimp cocktail which has amazing flavor and a strong burn from the horseradish, love it when it makes you cry. The Caeser salad was delicious and decent sized. The steak was cooked to perfection and was medium rare as requested. The mashed potatoes were creamy and full of flavor. The beer was served cold as well. Highly recommend this restaurant and the price is worth the elevated dining experience.
Jozef Watson
I had a great dining experience at Harry & Izzy's in Indianapolis. The food was outstanding, every dish bursting with flavor. The cocktails were equally impressive, adding the perfect touch to the meal. The wait staff was attentive and friendly, making our evening even more enjoyable.
Jonathan Richards
Amazing steak spot in Indianapolis! 🥩 Above all, the staff who worked here were incredibly attentive and extremely professional, especially for having to have handled such a large party! The steak here was cooked perfectly to my preference, and the classic side options that went along with it were just as good! The wine menu was great and the vibes were immaculate all around. Definitely a local favorite and worth your stop if you’re in the area looking for a fine meal!
Arin Sarkissian
153 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
Vida
4.8
(811)
Modern American plates & drinks in a trendy space boasting a fireplace, bar & herb wall.
Reviews:
Wonderful dinner (4-course variant) Nice selection of choices within each of the four courses Preparation/execution was top-notch. Aromas vibrant and distinctive on every course. Quite generous portions Tartare was flavorful and tender Fried chicken thigh was crispy and juicy Ribeye slices were tender, wonderfully seasoned and perfectly cooked Doughnuts were light, fluffy and wonderfully sauced Bottled wine selection is extensive but pricey - hard to find bottles under $120. Wines by the glass, however, are very nice and much more affordable. The seasonal cocktail specials were outstanding Server was friendly, efficient and informed. Lovely atmosphere Overall, an outstanding experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chris Friedemann
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed dining at Vida for my birthday dinner. Not a single thing we didn’t like. Our waiter, Tim, was super personable, took his time explaining the menu items to us, and even shared little stories about his life and the restaurant itself. It is a great spot for special occasions. Expect to spend a pretty penny, but the food and cocktails are to die for and the ambiance is stellar. No deafening noise or music drowning out conversations. The four course option was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. One of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.
Kenda M
Our first time dining here and it was amazing. We tried both the fixed menu with wine pairing and the 4 course menu, so we got to try just about everything. Food and service were impeccable. Highly recommend!
Richard Scalesse
Celebrated an anniversary here and it was also my first time dining here. The detail was amazing and the service was impeccable. The cauliflower dish was so delicious and the desserts were amazing. Will visit again! Also the drinks were delicious!
Kim Gutierrez
Had a great time meeting a long time friend there for my birthday. Tim, our server, was knowledgeable, and easy going. The food was amazing to say the least. If you're willing to try the foie gras, the husk cherries are divine. In general the staff are extremely personable, and honestly, Vida would be my first suggestion for anyone looking for a nice restaurant downtown.
David Lindsey
601 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Mesh - indianapolis
4.4
(1407)
Trendy gathering place with a patio for contemporary fare, drinks & happy-hour specials.
Reviews:
Atmosphere was really nice and the service was great. Went there for seafood and they were out due to cooler issue. Wanted to order the halibut and salmon. Got the chicken instead it was ok. They gave us desserts and that was nice. The deviled eggs are really good. The bread appetizer was just ok.
S Anton
Went there with a group, and every meal served was perfectly prepared. Complements to the chef and his staff. Our service staff made sure that we were all well taken care of. I would highly recommend this place
Diana Lettkeman
I used to really love the food here. Service was great as always today. My southern mother is in town for Mother’s Day, so I made reservations for Sunday brunch (mainly for the biscuit board). On the website it said that there was a prix fixe menu available (not that was the only one available). My fault, I should have called to double check. Anyway, the first course was bland (the taste of lard/crisco could be tasted in the biscuits, the bacon was not candied, and the deviled eggs were bland). Half the table doesn’t even bacon and the other half did not eat deviled eggs which were not tasty at all. In a normal world we would have never ordered deviled eggs. The second courses (chicken and waffle, lamb shoulder, and omelette) were all good, not great, just average. The desserts (which again we would have not ordered as there were sugar conscious diners with us due to health reasons) were dry and bland for the ones that chose to try them. The strawberry shortcake was far from being considered a strawberry shortcake. It would have been nice to know there was only one menu available. Had it just been my mother and I I would have left before being seated. For the $40/pp price tag the food should have been much better. I think after my last experience plus this one my time going there is over. The 1 star is for the service.
Jodi Leverett
Excellent food and ambiance. The mesh salad was very flavorful and the halibut was fantastic. The ribeye might have been the best dish of the night as it was super flavorful with a coffee rub char finish.
Matt Maynard
We came for brunch. The atmosphere was classy and elegant. Service was quick and efficient. The food was great, like at all of the Cunningham restaurants from my experience. We got deviled eggs, smoked salmon bagels (picture included) and the fried chicken & waffles. We loved everything. The portions were perfect. Will definitely come back.
Sarah Salahuddin
725 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA