Indianapolis Monthly

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.