10 Best Indiana Restaurants

Indiana is famous for breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, sugar cream pie, Hoosier-style fried chicken, and persimmon pudding. These famous foods in Indiana highlight the state’s agricultural roots and comfort-food heritage, which makes it a unique destination for food tourism. Indiana’s rich agricultural heritage, as a top producer of corn, soybeans, and hogs, drives vibrant food culture, with farm-to-table dining with fresh, high-quality ingredients like corn, pork, and dairy, often showcased in traditional comfort dishes such as pork and beans. 

Indiana’s state dish is sugar cream pie, also known as Hoosier pie. The much-loved dessert features a silky, custard-like filling made with cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. The pie originated in the 1800s from Amish and Shaker communities in Indiana, who created the pie using pantry staples during times when fresh fruit was not available for pies. Known as "desperation pie," sugar cream pie was made from ingredients that were always on hand, such as cream, flour, and sugar. The taste is a rich blend of buttery vanilla and warm spices, with a texture similar to vanilla ice cream. Mrs. Wick’s in Indiana is particularly famous for serving this iconic pie, which makes a must-try for visitors.

The average cost of a meal in Indiana depends on the type of restaurant. A single meal at a budget restaurant costs between $10 and $15. In mid-range restaurants, the cost for a single meal typically ranges from $15 to $30. A group meal at a casual dining restaurant ranges from $40 and $80, depending on the number of people and menu choices. In high-end restaurants, a meal can cost significantly more, with individual dishes ranging from $30 to $60 or more. For a complete fine dining Indiana experience, including appetizers, main courses, and drinks, a meal can easily reach $100 to $160 or higher per person. Indiana is also on the lower end for fast food costs compared to other states. According to data collected by the World Population Review, a medium pizza in Indiana typically costs around $13.99, which reflects the state's more affordable fast food prices. 

The most popular and best fast food in Indiana are listed below:

• McDonald's: Known for iconic Big Macs, McNuggets, fries, and breakfast menu.
• Pizza Hut: Famous for pan pizza, stuffed crust pizza, and pasta dishes.
• Domino's: Domino’s is synonymous with quick pizza delivery and is known for specialty pizzas and sides like chicken and breadsticks.
• Taco Bell: Famous for Mexican-inspired menu, including tacos, burritos, and the Crunchwrap Supreme.
• Papa John's: Papa John’s is known for specialty pizzas, garlic butter dipping sauce, and a variety of sides.
• Chick-fil-A: Famous for chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and milkshakes.
• Subway: Known for custom-made sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
• Chipotle: Famous for burritos, bowls, and tacos, with a focus on fresh, customizable ingredients.
• Wendy's: Wendy’s is famous for its fresh, never frozen beef burgers, spicy chicken nuggets, and Frosty desserts.
• Burger King: Famous for flame-grilled Whoppers, chicken sandwiches, and onion rings.
• Jack's Donuts: Known for freshly made donuts, including classic varieties and specialty flavors.
• Starbucks: The coffee chain is famous for specialty coffee drinks, including lattes, macchiatos, and Frappuccino.

The newest restaurants in Indiana are listed below:

• BIBIBOP Asian Grill: A fast-casual spot offering a variety of Asian fusion dishes, including customizable bowls with fresh ingredients like salad and gluten-free options. Located at 8603 South Emerson Ave. Ste 100, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Twisted Wings: Known for a variety of chicken wing flavors and a casual, fun atmosphere perfect for wing lovers. Located at 4148 Boulevard Place, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Mochinut Greenwood: A unique combination of bubble tea, donuts, and hot dogs, offering a playful twist on classic comfort foods. Located at 8545 South Emerson Ave. Ste 102, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Macizo Restaurant: A fusion of Peruvian and Mexican cuisines with a beer bar for a relaxed dining experience. Known for vibrant flavors and a wide range of beverage options. Located at 6335 Intech Commons Drive Ste C/D, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Morning Toast: A cozy spot specializing in coffee, tea, and a delicious breakfast & brunch menu, perfect for a laid-back meal or quick bite. Located at 5055 South Dearborn St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Parkside Public House: A gastropub offering an array of salads, soups, and hearty pub fare with a focus on quality ingredients and a great atmosphere. Located at 2602 Shelby St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Sahm's Tavern & Sports Bar: A friendly American bar with great food, drinks, and a lively sports atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal or gathering. Located at 5632 East Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Shadow Lounge & Restaurant: A trendy lounge offering breakfast, brunch, and delicious bites in a chic setting, perfect for casual dining and socializing. Located at 2380 East 54th St., Indianapolis, Indiana.
• The High Dive: Formerly High Street Apothecary, one of the best restaurants New Albany Indiana, is a rebranded hotspot which offers an upscale selection of beer, bourbon, wine, and cocktails, along with elevated pub fare in a vintage-meets-modern setting. Located at 141 W Main St., New Albany, IN.
• Parlor Doughnuts: Known for the Famous Layered Doughnuts and delicious coffee, Parlor Doughnuts, expanding with a new location in Jeffersonville. Located at 3060 Gottbrath Pkwy., Jeffersonville, IN.
• Bayou Butchershop: Specializing in authentic Cajun flavors, Bayou Butchershop offers premium artisanal meats, including steaks, sausages, and alligator, along with daily lunch specials. Located at 1645-2 Veterans Pkwy., Jeffersonville, IN.
• Ashley Mariah Memorial Park: Recently upgraded with an inclusive playground, Ashley Mariah Memorial Park in Georgetown provides a space for all children to enjoy outdoor activities. Located at 2011 Blossom Ln., Georgetown, IN.

Yes, Indiana has themed restaurants such as Zydeco’s, Bluebeard, St. Elmo Steak House, The Vault Indy, and Mystery Café, which many consider to be cool restaurants in Indiana. Zydeco’s brings a Mardi Gras and New Orleans vibe with Cajun food, Mardi Gras beads, and specialty drinks. Bluebeard, inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, offers New American cuisine in a trendy, cluttered dining room in a renovated 1924 warehouse. St. Elmo Steak House, a historic institution, is renowned for its upscale steaks, seafood, and celebrity atmosphere. The Vault Indy is a speakeasy with a secretive entrance, serving bourbon, whiskey, and tequila paired with artisan foods. Mystery Café features a family-friendly dinner theater where guests play roles in a murder mystery while enjoying a meal.

The best places for families to eat in Indiana are listed below:

• Yard House: A modern American gathering place, and one of the food places in Indiana offering over 100 beers on tap, signature Poke Nachos, street tacos, USDA prime burgers, seafood, and steaks. Located at 15 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
• Verde: A family-owned Mexican restaurant serving authentic, fresh Mexican dishes with homemade salsa and family recipes passed down for generations. Located at 3221 US-421, Zionsville, IN 46077.
• Shin Dig: A vibrant dining and entertainment spot offering pizzas, wings, small bites, and activities for families and adults in a fun, energetic environment. Located at 1351 Roosevelt Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202-4703.
• Alley's Alehouse: A family-friendly restaurant featuring 40 bowling lanes, a luxury arcade, and a variety of dining options, including upscale bar food. Located at 13825 Britton Park Rd, Fishers, IN 46038-3501.
• LongHorn Steakhouse: A casual steakhouse, best places to eat in Indiana offering a variety of steaks, burgers, and salads in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Granite City Food & Brewery: A family-friendly restaurant offering a wide range of hearty dishes and an inviting atmosphere for all ages.
• Bubba's 33: A casual restaurant offering pizza, burgers, and wings in a fun, family-friendly environment.
• Paula's On Main: A cozy restaurant serving a range of dishes from seafood to steaks, perfect for families looking for a comfortable dining experience.
• Meadows Original Frozen Custard: Known for desserts, this quick-bite spot offers a variety of frozen custard options. Located at 1994 Oakland Ave, Indiana, PA 15701-3380.
• Crouse's Cafe: A cozy American café offering a variety of dishes in a welcoming environment. Located at 660 Philadelphia St, Indiana, PA 15701-3930. 

Restaurants in Indiana that serve vegan food are Momma and Papa's, Antojitos Nila, 1000 Degrees, Plantastic Indy, Apna Kitchen, and Fresh Take Kitchen. Momma and Papa's in Bedford, offers American cuisine with vegan-friendly sides like baked potatoes with steamed broccoli and veggie soup. Antojitos Nila in Logansport serves Guatemalan dishes with vegan options such as taquitos de papa and pupusas de frijol. 

The 1000 Degrees in Mount Summit restaurant features a build-your-own pizza concept with vegan crust, sauces, and cheese. Plantastic Indy in Indianapolis is a fully vegan restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and vegan seafood. Apna Kitchen in Columbus provides an Indian buffet with vegan items like curries and rice. Fresh Take Kitchen, also in Columbus, offers a diverse vegan menu with options like Caribbean crunch salad and Thai vegan grain bowls.

Restaurants in Indiana that serve gluten-free food include Cafe Patachou, Baby's Indy, Harry & Izzy's, Azucar Morena, Twenty Two Juice Bar, Futuro, 3 in 1 Restaurant, Ash & Elm Cider Co. Restaurant and Cider Bar, and Siam Square. Cafe Patachou at 225 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, offers dishes like avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches. Baby's Indy at 2147 N Talbott St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, serves gluten-free burgers, fries, and bread. Harry & Izzy's at 153 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, features a variety of gluten-free options including beer, burgers, and cocktails.

Azucar Morena at 906 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, a Venezuelan restaurant, offers gluten-free acai bowls and arepas. Twenty Two Juice Bar at 906 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, provides gluten-free smoothies, granola, and acai bowls. Futuro at 19 Cruse St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, a pizza restaurant, has gluten-free deep dish pizza, regular pizza, and salads. 3 in 1 Restaurant at 1413 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260, a Mexican restaurant, serves gluten-free empanadas, tacos, and tamales. Ash & Elm Cider Co. Restaurant and Cider Bar at 1301 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201, offers gluten-free bread, burgers, and fries. Siam Square at 936 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203, a Thai restaurant, provides gluten-free desserts.

Yes, restaurants in Indiana are healthy and among the most popular ones are Seasons 52, Sweetgreen, CoreLife Eatery, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, The Healthy Food Café, Paula's On Main, Oceanaire Seafood Room, and The Garden Table. Seasons 52 focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering lighter fare like wood-grilled meats and flatbreads. Sweetgreen specializes in customizable salads and bowls made with whole, locally sourced produce. CoreLife Eatery offers handcrafted salads, grain bowls, and soups made from fresh ingredients. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse provides healthy options like grilled salmon fillet, alongside its signature steaks. The Healthy Food Café offers fresh juices, smoothies, wraps, bowls, and salads, promoting accessible, health-conscious meals. Paula's On Main serves fresh seafood in a fun atmosphere, with dishes like lobster and oysters. Oceanaire Seafood Room is known for high-quality, fresh seafood, emphasizing healthy protein-rich options. The Garden Table offers a menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. 

The food in the best restaurants in Indiana is very good, with many establishments earning praise for high-quality meals. Indy was named the most "Underrated Food City in America" by Condé Nast Traveler. Good places to eat in Indiana consistently serve tasty, well-prepared dishes, with many reviews highlighting the excellence of both food and drinks. From hearty Amish fare at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury to fresh, locally sourced ingredients at Byway Brewing in Hammond, diners can expect high-quality good food in Indiana. Creative burgers and homemade desserts made with locally sourced ingredients can be found at Octave Grill in Chesterton, while Leeds Public House in Michigan City offers a unique gastropub experience with 14 beers on tap. These restaurants highlight Indiana's diverse food culture, from comfort food to world-class fine dining.

The famous cuisines in Indiana are listed below:

• Indiana Cuisine: Known for dishes like breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, the state’s signature dish, along with fried chicken, sweet corn, and sugar cream pie, a popular dessert.
• American Midwest Cuisine: Featuring hearty, home-style dishes, this cuisine emphasizes meats like pork, beef, and chicken, often prepared in ways like frying, grilling, or roasting. Staples include mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, and pie.
• Amish Cuisine: Influenced by the Amish community in Indiana, this cuisine features simple, homemade dishes, such as fried chicken, roast meats, and hearty stews, along with baked goods like pies, breads, and cookies.
• Barbecue: Indiana has a rich barbecue culture and is known for smoked meats, particularly ribs and pulled pork, often accompanied by sides like coleslaw and cornbread.
• Farm-to-Table: Focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this cuisine celebrates Indiana’s agriculture with dishes that incorporate seasonal vegetables, meats, and dairy.
• Cajun and Creole Cuisine: Popular in areas influenced by New Orleans flavors, dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and po'boys showcase bold spices and seafood.
• Southern Cuisine: Influenced by Southern states, Indiana’s take on Southern comfort food includes fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, collard greens, and cornbread.
• Italian-American Cuisine: With Italian immigrants settling in Indiana, dishes like pizza, pasta, and meatballs are widely loved, particularly in urban areas like Indianapolis.
• German Cuisine: Reflecting Indiana's German heritage, dishes such as sausages, schnitzels, and pretzels are common in the state, along with hearty sides like potato salad and sauerkraut.

The type of food Indiana usually offers includes the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, sugar cream pie, sweet corn, pork barbecue, fried chicken, cheese, donuts, and craft beer, among others. The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is a beloved local dish, featuring a tender, breaded pork cutlet served on a bun, often with pickles and onions. Sugar cream pie, the state pie of Indiana, is a rich, creamy dessert made from a simple mixture of cream, sugar, and vanilla, baked in a flaky crust. Sweet corn, especially during summer, is served in various ways, such as on the cob or in chowders. Indiana’s pork barbecue is also well-known, often slow-cooked and served with tangy sauce. 

Fried chicken is another regional favorite, with crispy, flavorful breading. The state is also recognized for the cheese, such as the popular Colby cheese, and for delicious donuts, particularly the yeast-raised variety, as some of the best food in Indiana. Indiana also has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries like 3 Floyds Brewing offering popular beers like Zombie Dust pale ale.

Yes, Indiana has unique dishes that are well-loved by locals and tourists alike. One notable dish is chicken and noodles, often served over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans cooked with bacon. This regional favorite dish is served at two of the most unique restaurants in Indiana namely Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant and Grindstone on the Monon. Another iconic dish is sugar cream pie, also known as Hoosier pie, which originated in Indiana's Amish community. The rich, creamy dessert is made from sugar, cream, and vanilla. The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, though also popular in Iowa, is particularly well-known in Indiana, offering a giant portion of quality Midwestern pork, breaded and fried to perfection. The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich can be found at various unique places to eat in Indiana such as Indy’s Historic Steer-In Restaurant and Love Handle.