Indianapolis Trip Ideas for Foodies

Things Every Foodie Should Do in Indy

When you travel your day always begins and ends with a good meal. You value the authentic experience a meal provides - the process, the artistry, the connection to a place and a culture.

Your dinner plate is the stage and the kitchen provides the drama. You’re a foodie. Follow along as we share the best of Indy’s culinary happenings.

Pictured: Bodhi

1. Indy's Best Restaurants

As Voted on By Indy Locals

We know every memorable trip begins and ends with a great meal. That's why we asked Indy Like a Locals - Indy advocates coming from a diverse background of artists, entrepreneurs, educators, city leaders, and more - to lend their voices to showcase Indy's Best Restaurants.

Read on to explore 40 locally owned restaurants across eight categories that best represent Indianapolis.

2. Brunch in Indy

A Tasty Start to Any Day

From locally roasted coffee, to red velvet pancakes, to boozy breakfast cocktails, we know brunch is an important part of every quality weekend. Follow along as we share our favorite spots – including some knock-your-socks-off cinnamon toast.

3. Hear from Markiss Stone

Because If You Know, You Know

@TravelingFoodieGuyde, AKA Markiss Stone, is a local food influencer with a contagious smile and voracious appetite.

4. Patio Dining

Enjoy Fresh Air As You Eat

Long days, warm nights, and fresh food from the garden: patio season is here. From the hidden courtyard at Iozzo's Garden Of Italy to lakeside views at Rick's Cafe Boatyard, here's our round-up of must-try spots for outdoor dining.

5. Going Buzz-Free in Indy

Our Recommendations for Mocktails and Alcohol-Free Drinks

Welcome to the vibrant world of mocktails in Indianapolis, where the city's burgeoning mocktail culture combines creativity and flavor to offer refreshing alternatives for those seeking a non-alcoholic beverage experience.

6. Indy's Food Halls

Adding Variety to Local Culture

Meal decisions are easy with these three Indy food halls.

7. Indy Coffee Shops

Find Your Daily Grind

Get your caffeine buzz at one of our local coffeehouses. Sitting down over a cup of java at Calvin Fletcher's, Provider, or Bovaconti is an ideal way to discover neighborhoods and intersect with local culture.

8. James Beard Food Scene

Thomas Melvin, Vida, Recognized in 2024

Thomas Melvin of Vida has now been recognized twice as Best Chef: Great Lakes category from his leadership as executive chef at Vida.
Vida is the only Indianapolis restaurant to earn AAA's Four Diamond Designation.
Chef Thomas maintains a seasonal a la carte menu and a rotating, six-course meal.

9. Breweries & Distilleries

Local Flavors, Please.

Taste your way through Indy's best beers, spirits, and wines while earning rewards with the Indy Craft Pass.
Each check in earns you points to cash in for Indy-centric prizes.
Over 50 breweries and distilleries are located on the Indy Crafty Pass.

10. St. Elmo Steak House

Indy's Iconic Dining Establishment

Travel Channel named the shrimp cocktail “the world’s spiciest dish,” and the restaurant was named "An American Classic" by the James Beard Foundation.
The 1933 Lounge is great for cocktails, and Harry & Izzy's offers comparable cuisine in a laid back atmosphere.

11. Ethnic Eats

Indy's International Marketplace

A thriving immigrant community has proudly brought their authentic cuisines to Indy’s near northwest side.
Discover the flavors, spices, and unique dishes of Ethiopia, India, the Middle East, Peru, Japan, and many more.
The New York Times declared that it’s “Where the World Comes to Eat.”

Pictured: Modita

12. Dining at Modita

"The Pleasure to Delight Others."

Modita takes meaning from its name, "the pleasure to delight others."
This Asian-inspired fine eatery, located in Bottleworks Hotel delves into Asian dining culture and the pageantry of celebrating food with others.
See Executive Chef Arianne Holsapple in action here

Credit: Kelley Jordon

13. Boozy Brunch

Weekends Are For Brunching.

Brunch without booze is just breakfast.
Here are 18 spots that serve up the best in brunch – from beignets and Bloody Marys, to meatballs and mimosas.