Best Restaurants 2024
IN A CITY with so many great places to dine, defining its best is a daunting task. This year’s standouts, which range from scrappy upstarts to comforting classics, all share a high standard of quality. More importantly, they all have that thrilling spark of greatness that turns a good meal into an exceptional one.
By Eve Batey & Terry Kirts; Photographs by Tony Valainis
9th Street Bistro
Seasonal innovation in Noblesville.
Amara
Innovative South Asian cuisine on the north side.
Beholder
A moody dining room and mercurial menu on the east side.
Bluebeard
Fletcher Place’s homage to Kurt Vonnegut continues to delight.
Bodhi
Excellent Thai food on a Mass Ave cul-de-sac.
Borage
Small dishes pack a big punch at this new Speedway spot.
Café Babette
A Garfield Park bakery with some of the most innovative pastries in town.
Cheeky Bastards
A delicious taste of Great Britian in the Circle City.
Commission Row
A baller dining experience just steps from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Duke’s
This southside honky-tonk fries up some great chicken.
Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine
Brazilian staples and Mexican standbys in Broad Ripple.
Gather 22
California meets Indy on 22nd Street.
Goose the Market
This market’s menu has upped Indy’s sandwich game.
His Place Eatery
James and Shawn Jones serve up soul food in style.
Julieta Taco Shop
Terrific tacos at the Stutz.
King Dough
Wood-fired pizza to carry out or enjoy in-house.
Milktooth
Fletcher Place’s cool kid spot for breakfast and lunch.
Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta
Broad Ripple lunch destination with a hard-to-secure dinner series.
Sam’s Square Pie
Self-taught pizzaiolo sticks to the basics.
St. Elmo Steak House
This chophouse is a legendary mainstay for a reason.
Shoyu Shop at Strange Bird
Classic ramen with a twist in a tropical hideaway.
Tinker Street
Fine dining with a laid-back vibe.
Vicino
Hearty Italian fare served with creative craft cocktails.
Vida
Fixed-price fine dining and unexpected wines by the glass.
Wisanggeni Pawon
Indonesian street snacks from a new northside storefront.
Best Service
Indy bars and restaurants that go above and beyond to make us feel at home.
Best Coffee
These local roasters and coffeehouses are why we get up in the morning.
Best Desserts
At these Indy restaurants, you’d be wise to save room for sweets.
Indy Food Trends
The Indy dining innovations and trends that excite us the most.