One of the things I love most about traveling is sampling the local cuisine. When I return home, I’m always on the lookout for restaurants that offer some of the same dishes I enjoyed while abroad. When I’m in New York, that’s no problem. You can find just about every type of food on one city block. But back home in Indy, it can be a bit more challenging. Or so I thought.
Turns out, there are quite a few establishments right here in the Circle City where you can sample the flavors of the world without having to hop on a plane to do it! Here’s my list the best international restaurants in Indianapolis.
BELGIAN:
Brugge Brasserie | Open Daily | 1011 E Westfield Blvd | (317) 255-0978 | website
For a taste of Belgium, make your way to Broad Ripple and grab a table at Brugge. This brewery and brasserie serves up a smorgasbord of yummy options that will make you feel like you’re in a local Belgian cafe.
Enjoy their famous mussels and frites, which pair perfectly with a wide array of their in house brews. My favorite is the Pooka, brewed with boysenberry, which most closely resembles Belgium’s Kriek beer. Fruity, tart, delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
CHINESE:
Lucky Lou’s | Closed Wednesdays | 3623 Commercial Dr | (317) 293-8888 | website
Like most cities, Indy has no shortage of Chinese buffets. Don’t get me wrong, I love a box of greasy fried rice and egg rolls just as much as the next gal. But if you really want a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, forget the fortune cookies and check out Lucky Lou’s. It’s the only place I’ve found in Indy whose dishes even come close to the food I enjoyed in Beijing.
Just be sure to ask for the “real” menu. It’s written in Chinese with some English descriptions and pictures to help you out. They even have a whole page dedicated to dim sum. And if you’re feeling brave, order hot pot or a Peking duck for the table!
ETHIOPIAN:
Abyssinia | Closed Mondays | 5352 West 38th Street | (317) 299-0608 | website
There are few things I love more than a platter of injera bread paired with perfectly seasoned doro wett. The best Ethiopian I’ve had was prepared by my friend’s family, but there is local restaurant that gives them a run for their money. Abyssinia, an Ethiopian restaurant near downtown Indy not only has delicious food, but a fun ambiance and delightful staff. I’ve sampled a number of their dishes over the years and keep going back for more!
FRENCH:
Petite Chou | Open daily | 823 Westfield Blvd | (317) 259-0765 | website
Looking for some French fare right here in Indy? Lucky for you, there’s Petite Chou. This cozy bistro and champagne bar in the heart of Broad Ripple offers an elegant array of menu items inspired by cozy French cafes.
If you’ve spent any time in Indy, you’ve probably dined at Cafe Patachou…more than once. Both Patachou and Petite Chou (as well as Napolese, Crispy Bird, Bar One Fourteen and Public Greens) are owned by Martha Hoover, a local attorney turned restaurateur who basically took the Indy food scene by storm and never looked backed. Just in case you needed another excuse to eat delicious French food and sip on some bubbly, you’re supporting a locally owned, female run business when you do!
GREEK:
Hellas Café | Closed Sundays | 8501 Westfield Blvd | (317) 257-6211 | website
If I was forced to choose one type of food to eat the rest of my life, it would probably be Mediterranean. I practically live on hummus alone. My favorite Greek restaurant here in Indy is Hella’s Cafe. The family owned restaurant has been in business since 1986 and with good reason. Their mouthwatering mousaka and gooey baklava are a thing of beauty. And the belly dancing on weekends just adds to the fun!
GERMAN:
Rathskeller | Open daily | 401 E Michigan St | (317) 636-0396 | website
If you have a hankering for schnitzel and beer, you don’t have to travel all the way to Bavaria to get it. Instead, head downtown to the Rathskeller and enjoy some traditional German goodness, live music and a selection of over 50 beers from Germany, Europe, the UK and the States.
INDIAN:
India Palace | Open daily | 4213 Lafayette Rd | (317) 298-0773 | website
For great Northern Indian food in Indy, check out India Palace and sample a wide variety of Indian classics. It’s not fancy, but it is darn good food!
For a grab and go option, check out Spice Box at their downtown location or track down their food truck!
ITALIAN:
Mama Carollas | Closed Sunday & Monday | 1031 E 54th St. | (317) 259-9412 | website
If you’re in the mood for Italian, there are plenty of chain options in Indy. But if you prefer a more upscale dining experience in an intimate setting, reserve a table at Mama Corollas. Their authentic Italian dishes are all made to order and pair beautifully with their extensive wine selection.
JAPANESE:
Ginza | Closed Monday | 5380 West 38th Street | (317) 298-3838 | website
Mikado | Open daily | 148 Illinois St | (317) 972-4180 | website
Indy has its fair share of Japanese joints, but there are two spots that have been around for as long as I can remember and offer some yummy options. Ginza, which has been in business since 1987, is a traditional Japanese steakhouse with entertaining hibachi chefs as well as a full sushi menu. Mikado is a more traditional sushi house and offers a wide array of entrees. It’s also a great lunch option if you’re in the downtown area!
LATIN:
Delicia | Open daily | 5215 N College Ave | (317) 925-0677 | website
The next time you have a craving for tacos and margaritas, resist the urge to rush to your nearest Mexican chain. Instead treat yourself to locally owned Delicia. The stylish eatery gives off Tulum vibes and fuses flavors from the Americas, the Carribbean and Spain to create innovative and mouthwatering dishes. Their Sunday brunch and creative cocktails are also not to be missed!
NIGERIAN:
Eko | Open daily | 3748 Lafayette Rd | (317) 602-8513 | website
Kalakutah Grill | Open daily | 4718 Century Plaza Rd | (317) 295-1019 | website
No one makes Nigerian food quite like my grandmother, but I have to shout out a couple paces here in Indy that come close. Both Eko and Kalakutah Grill serve up all the Nigerian staples like jollof rice, egusi stew, fried plantains and more. They both cater too!
PERUVIAN:
Machu Picchu | Open daily | 5356 38th St. | (317) 388-8696
After our trip to Peru, we were desperate to find a local spot that served traditional Peruvian cuisine. We were thrilled to discover Machu Picchu, not the ancient civilization, the restaurant! Their ceviche rivals what we had in Lima and is much easier to get to!
RUSSIAN:
Gregory’s Russian Restaurant | Closed Sunday & Monday | 6066 E 82nd St |
(317) 693-9123 | website
After 8 years of dating my Russian, I have learned to love many of his country’s traditional dishes. Borsch and blinchiki are two of my favorites. If you’d like to try these for yourself, visit Gregory’s on Indy’s Northside. Enjoy live jazz and classical music and vodka, of course, while you dine!
If you’re interested in sampling some traditional Russian delicacies, you can also find them at the two Russian markets in town. Both Babushka Deli on the Northside and Mini-Mart in Carmel carry traditional Russian and Eastern European meats, salads, breads, drinks and sweet treats.
THAI:
Siam Square | Open daily | 936 Virginia Ave | (317) 636-8424 | website
Thai Café | Closed Tuesday | 1041 Broad Ripple Ave | (317) 722-1008 | website
Sawasdee | Open daily | 1222 W 86th St. | (317) 844-9451 | website
There are a ton of Thai restaurants in Indy, but a few of them stand out for different reasons. For a casual dining experience, head to Siam Square in Indy’s Fountain Square neighborhood. They have all the classic Thai dishes we love, plus a few unique menu items as well as solid selection of wines and craft beers. For a quick bite or take out, my go-to is Thai cafe in Broad Ripple. And for more traditional dining experience, book a table at Sawasdee on the Northside.
VIETNAMESE:
Saigon | Closed Tuesday | 4760 38th St. | (317) 927-7270 | website
A few years back, my Russian introduced me to Saigon. Not the former Vietnamese city, the restaurant on Indy’s Westside! Saigon serves up some of the best pho in town! It’s seriously so good and the fact that it’s a family owned business makes it even better.
As you can see it’s easier than you think to taste the flavors of the world without ever leaving Indy! Writing this post has me starrrving so I need to go figure out which one of these places I’m going to eat at tonight!
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Have any of you fellow Hoosiers tried these spots? What would you add to the list? Drop it the comments below!
Not from Indy? Which one sounds good to you?
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