Most people don’t realize it, but Indianapolis, IN, features many restaurants, breweries, and other dining establishments. Learn why the Circle City is considered an up-and-coming destination for foodies on vacation.
Some cities have well-established reputations among gourmet diners. Others are hidden gems, just waiting to be discovered. Indianapolis falls under the latter category. Food & Wine named it one of the next great food cities, and the cuisine is far more diverse than you might expect.
Celebrating the World Food Championship and Feeding the Hungry
In November 2024, Indianapolis hosted the World Food Championships. With top chefs and food competitors battling it out across 12 different categories, there was something for everyone.
The Circle City welcomed foodies from across the globe with Hoosier Hospitality and over 300 restaurants. Though the 2024 WFC is over, Indianapolis has held onto a little extra cultural sway in the foodie community.
What’s great about the scene in Indy is how much people care about each other. A percentage of the proceeds from the WFC went to the Gleaners Community Food Bank. Local food halls also support the community by helping minority-owned business owners get started.
Can’t-Miss Menu Items for Indianapolis Visitors
According to Food & Wine, pastries are the first can’t-miss item on the menu for foodies visiting Indianapolis. From elaborate sweets like Brûlée Trillium to simpler fare such as homemade bread and cinnamon rolls, there’s something for every lover of baked goods at Gallery Pastry Bar and Amelia’s Bread.
Visitors should expect more casual fare than fine dining in the Circle City. To get the whole experience, try out one of the city’s food halls. The Garage Food Hall once housed the Coca-Cola bottling plant. It’s now home to restaurants and distilleries.
Other Indianapolis classics include the Pizza All Quattro Formaggio at Bazbeaux, the farm-fresh omelets at Cafe Patachou, and the World Famous Shrimp Cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House.
Everyone Gets to Enjoy Delicious Meals in Indy
Indianapolis, IN, doesn’t just have American staples. The city is home to diverse cultures and restaurants, so foodies with a more international taste will not be disappointed. They’ll find Thai bistros like Bodhi, Jamaican food at the Yaso Jamaican Grill, and New Latin cuisine at Delicia.
Axum Ethiopian Restaurant is another up-and-coming establishment known for its traditional Ethiopian fare and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
If you’re more concerned about accommodating dietary restrictions than preferences, you’ll be happy to know there are also multiple vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Black Leaf Vegan is known for salads, burgers, and seafood dishes. 10th Street Diner features an entirely vegan menu.
Start Planning Your Next Trip to Indianapolis
Are you ready to start taking advantage of all Indianapolis has to offer? You’ll have hundreds of choices in downtown Indy alone. Don’t be afraid to branch out and enjoy different eateries across the city.
If you’re planning on fine dining, start making those reservations now. Though the Circle City’s foodie culture is more accessible than most, you’ll still have trouble getting seats at 5-star establishments like the Blankus Luxury Lounge or Vida, the city’s only restaurant to earn AAA’s Four Diamond Designation.
