A guide to the best local restaurants in indianapolis

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

The following list of restaurants includes long-time and recent favorites of Indianapolis diners. There is a variety to suit every palate and pocketbook.

Aesops Tables, 600 Massachusetts Avenue, (317) 631-0055

This bright little Greek restaurant with Mediterranean dcor can claim perhaps the best variety of vegetarian dishes in the city. The Greek salad is refreshing and deliciously simple and the classic gyro makes you wonder why youve settled for gyros anywhere else. Open for lunch and dinner.

Eagles Nest, 1 S. Capitol Ave (317) 231-7566

This is the place you take someone you want to impressa date, future in-laws etcThe revolving restaurant with a 360 degree view of downtown Indianapolis is located above the 21st floor of the Hyatt. Dine under the stars, or at least a reasonable facsimile--the star-studded ceiling is designed to resemble a night sky. The Eagles Nest is famous for its striking presentation; the duck breast is a clock face with rice in the middle and stalks of asparagus for hands. You might spy a Pac Man on your cheesecake. The prices are bit high, but this elegant dining experience is well worth it.

The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Avenue, (317) 253-4900

Want to work off your dinner with a fox trot? This restaurant with small tables and a spacious dance floor is a favorite haunt of jazz legends as they pass through town. The food is cajun and eclectic, with a variety of blackened dishes and many levels of spiciness. Come on Tuesday for classic swing or on Thursday for Latin rhythm.

Keystone Grill, 8650 Keystone at the crossing (317) 848-5202

This unassuming yet beautiful restaurant with a red tile roof and stucco walls is the place in Indy to enjoy the best variety of seafood (although the steaks are also great). Each room has a different theme; there is the fireplace room, the Indy 500 room, and several times a week, live jazz. Start with the beefsteak tomato salad; the tomato slices huge and dripping with bold flavor. The seafood is fresh with striking features, such as Indiana bluegill. Try the portabello mushroom fries, or a steak roasted over a cherry wood.

Rathskellerr, 401 Michigan St. (317) 636-0396

This restaurant was originally a social club for German residents in the 1800s and remains the best German restaurant in Indianapolis. Start with a selection from the long list of German beers, and follow with generous portions of bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut with a side of spaetzle noodles in brown gravy or potato pancakes. Finish with apple streudel and coffee and hopefully after this delicious food spree you will be able to walk to your car!

Acapulco Joes, 365 N. Illinois (317) 637-5160

This classic Mexican restaurant has been an Indy fixture for decades. Come at noontime for patriotic sing-alongs and enjoy Mexican classics smothered with cheese and chili, or hold the toppings if you prefer. Experiment with mild dishes or piping hot chili enchiladas.

Milano Inn, 231 S. College Avenue (317) 267-3585

Indys favorite Italian restaurant since 1934, this family-owned and operated restaurant serves family-sized portions at affordable prices. The spectacular mural is also a feast for the eyes. The menu features traditional favorites such as manicotti, ravioli, lasagna and pizzas. Or try classic spaghetti and meatballs with a selection of sauces.

Bazbeaux Pizza, 334 Massachusetts Avenue (317) 636-7662

Bazbeaux opened its doors in 1986, and specializes in elegant pizza variations. Known for serving up pizza with exotic flavors and ingredients, this was the first pizza place in Indy to feature the homemade whole wheat crust. Try the garden pizza with artichoke hearts, avocado, spinach, green pepper, olives and ricotta cheese. There is a pizza to suit every palate as well as a good selection of antipastos and salads.

Old Spaghetti Factory, 210 Meridian St. (317) 635-6325

This Seattle-based companys theory of using only the freshest ingredients and serving a generous meal, including salad, bread, entre, spaghetti, beverage and dessert, for under $10 has won a loyal following. The restaurant has a casual and attractive atmosphere, and the rooms are decorated with unusual antiques.

Shapiros, 8085 Meridian (317) 631-4041

This delicatessen has been an Indy fixture for 96 years and serves traditional deli fare including corned beef, pastrami and turkey sandwiches on rye bread with a huge pickle. Other favorites are stuffed cabbage, ribs and matzo ball soup with a dizzying array of desserts. Or pick up a genuine New York style bagel.

Le Peep, 301 Illinois (317) 237-3447

Le Peep has one specialty, breakfast, and serves breakfast until 2:30 every day. Come in for a late and lazy Sunday morning brunch of pancakes (if you can decide from the huge variety, including granola, berry and wheat germ), waffles, omelets, freshly squeezed juices and a bottomless cup of coffee.

P.F Changs, 8601 Keystone and the crossing (317) 815-8773

This busy and beautiful restaurant is decorated with striking designs from the Tang Dynasty. Make your own Dim Sum feast from the appetizer menu which includes such fresh selections as chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves and vegetable dumplings. The fiery eggplant explodes with flavor and the rice noodles with vegetables are everyones favorite. These classic Chinese dishes are from the provinces of Canton, Shanghai, Szechwan and Hunan, and the menu also features taste treasures from Mongolia.