Sure, you could spend every dining experience in a boring chain restaurant or at a fast-food joint, but why would you when you live in one of the best food cities in the country? If you’re looking for an evening of fun and adventure (and also food), check out these unique restaurants in Indianapolis! If you’ve ever wondered about some of the most wonderful dining experiences in IN, you are certainly in the right place. Check them out!
- Abyssinia
Howard L./Yelp
Holly G./Yelp You won’t find many traditional Ethiopian restaurants in Indianapolis, but Abyssinia is a highlight of the city’s ever-expanding food scene. Stop here for a vegetarian-friendly meal in the restaurant’s lovely dining hall. If you’ve never been introduced to Ethiopian cuisine, this is an amazingly good place to start. 5352 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254, USA
- The Loft at Trader’s Point
Jemmie W./Yelp
Lina B./Yelp Sometimes, restaurants claim to be farm-to-table when they’re really not. Well, The Loft is a literal farm-to-table spot located at Trader’s Point Creamery. Near the farm, you’ll enjoy your meal in a beautiful 19th century dairy barn, which is significantly more elegant than it sounds like it would be. This is one of those places you’ll find yourself daydreaming about later. 9101 Moore Rd, Zionsville, IN 46077, USA
- Heidelberg Haus
Brittany L./Yelp
Norm O./Yelp This quaint German cafe and bakery is home to delicious, authentic meals and pastries. You can enjoy freshly ground Colombian coffee, as well as German rye breads and pretzels. Before you leave, take a look through the gift shop, which features porcelain beer steins and wall plates. Anyone looking for the downright best German food in Indiana ought to look here first. Mmmmmm, brats. 7625 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA
- John’s Famous Stew
living-a-little/TripAdvisor
living-a-little/TripAdvisor Established over 100 years ago, John’s Famous Stew is a staple in the Indianapolis community. In this cozy spot, you’ll find tasty stews, pork tenderloins, and a peach cobbler that can’t be beat. The real challenge here is finding anyone who doesn’t like stew; it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s a crowd pleaser no matter what. 1146 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221, USA
- Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse
Matt H./Yelp
Chrissy C./Yelp In this pirate-themed BBQ joint, you’ll get some of Indy’s best ribs and brisket. There’s no shortage of delicious meals to choose from. Recently, Big Hoffa’s began serving beer and wine, so you can knock back a few with friends while you enjoy some ribs. Craving the best BBQ in Indy? Check out Big Hoffa’s. You will not be disappointed (nor will you leave hungry). 800 E Main St, Westfield, IN 46074, USA
- Workingman’s Friend
Danny R./Yelp
Vivian T./Yelp This old-school bar and diner features a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, and some fantastic chili — all at very reasonable prices. You’ll also find a good beer and whiskey selection! This is an excellent option for anyone who appreciates delicious Indiana comfort food. Mmmm, steakburgers. You’ll never regret a trip to Workingman’s, we promise. 234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
- Santorini Greek Kitchen
Smythe G./Yelp
Ziyun D./Yelp Known as Indy’s best restaurant for authentic Greek food, Santorini has delicious dishes, friendly staff, and offers weekend entertainment from belly dancers. For a fun evening, take the opportunity to have one of the restaurant’s famous wine dinners. Its makes for an excellent self-care opportunity… or a delightful first date. 1417 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
- Bar One Fourteen
Naz C./Yelp
Jeanine L./Yelp One of the newer spots on our list, this Meridian-Kessler “speakeasy” has a fantastic atmosphere featuring small tables, handcrafted cocktails, and seasonally-inspired foods made by chef David Hoover. This is fine dining in Indiana to the core. Dress nicely for this one. 114 E 49th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, USA
- Delicia
Ildo S./TripAdvisor
Ian B./Yelp This hip, Meridian-Kessler restaurant features Latin American dishes as well a very popular brunch menu. Whether you’re in the mood for Jicama crab cakes, calamari, or a chorizo omelette, you’ll find it all at Delicia. 5215 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA
What’s your favorite unique dining experience in Indianapolis? Have you checked out any of these on our list? Let us know in the comments – we love hearing from you.
Howard L./Yelp
Holly G./Yelp
You won’t find many traditional Ethiopian restaurants in Indianapolis, but Abyssinia is a highlight of the city’s ever-expanding food scene. Stop here for a vegetarian-friendly meal in the restaurant’s lovely dining hall. If you’ve never been introduced to Ethiopian cuisine, this is an amazingly good place to start.
5352 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254, USA
Jemmie W./Yelp
Lina B./Yelp
Sometimes, restaurants claim to be farm-to-table when they’re really not. Well, The Loft is a literal farm-to-table spot located at Trader’s Point Creamery. Near the farm, you’ll enjoy your meal in a beautiful 19th century dairy barn, which is significantly more elegant than it sounds like it would be. This is one of those places you’ll find yourself daydreaming about later.
9101 Moore Rd, Zionsville, IN 46077, USA
Brittany L./Yelp
Norm O./Yelp
This quaint German cafe and bakery is home to delicious, authentic meals and pastries. You can enjoy freshly ground Colombian coffee, as well as German rye breads and pretzels. Before you leave, take a look through the gift shop, which features porcelain beer steins and wall plates. Anyone looking for the downright best German food in Indiana ought to look here first. Mmmmmm, brats.
7625 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA
living-a-little/TripAdvisor
Established over 100 years ago, John’s Famous Stew is a staple in the Indianapolis community. In this cozy spot, you’ll find tasty stews, pork tenderloins, and a peach cobbler that can’t be beat. The real challenge here is finding anyone who doesn’t like stew; it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s a crowd pleaser no matter what.
1146 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221, USA
Matt H./Yelp
Chrissy C./Yelp
In this pirate-themed BBQ joint, you’ll get some of Indy’s best ribs and brisket. There’s no shortage of delicious meals to choose from. Recently, Big Hoffa’s began serving beer and wine, so you can knock back a few with friends while you enjoy some ribs. Craving the best BBQ in Indy? Check out Big Hoffa’s. You will not be disappointed (nor will you leave hungry).
800 E Main St, Westfield, IN 46074, USA
Danny R./Yelp
Vivian T./Yelp
This old-school bar and diner features a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, and some fantastic chili — all at very reasonable prices. You’ll also find a good beer and whiskey selection! This is an excellent option for anyone who appreciates delicious Indiana comfort food. Mmmm, steakburgers. You’ll never regret a trip to Workingman’s, we promise.
234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
Smythe G./Yelp
Ziyun D./Yelp
Known as Indy’s best restaurant for authentic Greek food, Santorini has delicious dishes, friendly staff, and offers weekend entertainment from belly dancers. For a fun evening, take the opportunity to have one of the restaurant’s famous wine dinners. Its makes for an excellent self-care opportunity… or a delightful first date.
1417 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
Naz C./Yelp
Jeanine L./Yelp
One of the newer spots on our list, this Meridian-Kessler “speakeasy” has a fantastic atmosphere featuring small tables, handcrafted cocktails, and seasonally-inspired foods made by chef David Hoover. This is fine dining in Indiana to the core. Dress nicely for this one.
114 E 49th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, USA
Ildo S./TripAdvisor
Ian B./Yelp
This hip, Meridian-Kessler restaurant features Latin American dishes as well a very popular brunch menu. Whether you’re in the mood for Jicama crab cakes, calamari, or a chorizo omelette, you’ll find it all at Delicia.
5215 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA
If you can’t get enough of all the amazing restaurants and places to eat in Indiana, you might just love these absolutely surreal lakeside restaurants in IN.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Restaurants in Indianapolis January 20, 2023 Tori Jane
What are some wonderful unique places to eat in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis is an amazing city for foodies and lovers of all kinds of cuisine; no matter what you’re into, you’ll find something to love in this city! Some of the most unique places to eat in Indianapolis are:
The Loft at Trader’s Point Creamery The Heidelberg Haus Joseph Decuis
2. What are some of the best restaurants in IN? Indiana’s overall restaurant scene is a good one, too, even outside the big city. Some of the best restaurants in the state of Indiana are places like:
The Overlook Das Dutchman Essenhaus Mountain Jack’s Steakhouse
3. Where can I find the best restaurants in Indianapolis? Need something a little closer to the city? No worries. The best restaurants in Indianapolis are places including:
Milktooth Mann’s Grille St. Elmo Steakhouse
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Restaurants in Indianapolis
January 20, 2023
Tori Jane
What are some wonderful unique places to eat in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis is an amazing city for foodies and lovers of all kinds of cuisine; no matter what you’re into, you’ll find something to love in this city! Some of the most unique places to eat in Indianapolis are:
The Loft at Trader’s Point Creamery The Heidelberg Haus Joseph Decuis
2. What are some of the best restaurants in IN? Indiana’s overall restaurant scene is a good one, too, even outside the big city. Some of the best restaurants in the state of Indiana are places like:
The Overlook Das Dutchman Essenhaus Mountain Jack’s Steakhouse
3. Where can I find the best restaurants in Indianapolis? Need something a little closer to the city? No worries. The best restaurants in Indianapolis are places including:
Milktooth Mann’s Grille St. Elmo Steakhouse
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Indianapolis is an amazing city for foodies and lovers of all kinds of cuisine; no matter what you’re into, you’ll find something to love in this city! Some of the most unique places to eat in Indianapolis are:
- The Loft at Trader’s Point Creamery
- The Heidelberg Haus
- Joseph Decuis
- What are some of the best restaurants in IN?
Indiana’s overall restaurant scene is a good one, too, even outside the big city. Some of the best restaurants in the state of Indiana are places like:
- The Overlook
- Das Dutchman Essenhaus
- Mountain Jack’s Steakhouse
- Where can I find the best restaurants in Indianapolis?
Need something a little closer to the city? No worries. The best restaurants in Indianapolis are places including:
- Milktooth
- Mann’s Grille
- St. Elmo Steakhouse
