Indianapolis Trip Ideas for Foodies

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. 

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. 

• Join the World Food Championships (WFC) this November in Indianapolis, where top chefs and food competitors will battle it out in 12 exciting categories for food, fame, and fortune.
• Experience the dynamic culinary scene of Indy, with over 300 restaurants and 50 attractions, including the state-of-the-art Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, the venue for this year's WFC Main Event.
• Enjoy Hoosier Hospitality as you cheer on global food champs, while also exploring Indiana’s vibrant agricultural industry and award-winning local chefs.

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

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.

OUTDOOR DINING IN INDY

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. 

Meal decisions are easy with these three Indy food halls.

• The Garage at Bottleworks
• the AMP at 16 Tech Innovation District 

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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.”

• 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. 

• 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.