8 splurge places in Indianapolis, editor-picked. Tasting menus and the full big-night-out treatment in Indianapolis. All Indianapolis food.
8 places
Order Five jumbo shrimp around the eye-watering horseradish cocktail sauce, then the filet mignon.
St. Elmo Steak House on South Illinois Street has anchored Indianapolis steakhouse dining since 1902. The eye-watering shrimp cocktail is the city's icon.
Beholder is Jonathan Brooks' East 10th Street room in Indianapolis. The constantly-changing a la carte makes it the most-watched dining experience.
Order The six-course tasting at 150 dollars per person, or the chef's tasting at 235 with the standard pairings.
Vida is Thomas Melvin's tasting-menu room in Indianapolis since 2016. The six-course menu changes weekly and is the city's most ambitious kitchen.
Bluebeard on Virginia Avenue in Indianapolis is a James Beard semifinalist room with in-house Amelia's bakery. The Fletcher Place anchor of the city.
Late Harvest Kitchen in Indianapolis is Ryan Nelson's farm-to-table room near Keystone at the Crossing. The menu changes daily with a Hoosier-ingredient lean.
Tinker Street in Indianapolis runs seasonal small plates on East 16th. A serious wine list and 2026 James Beard Foundation recognition for Tom Main.
Convivio in Carmel runs an open kitchen with a live pasta shop. Artisan Italian pasta and pizza, the most-talked Italian room in the Indianapolis suburbs.
Petite Chou by Patachou in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis is Martha Hoover's French bistro and champagne bar since 2007. A reliable Indianapolis pick.
Nothing matches.