I love eating a steak dinner at a fine dining establishment.

Zing Restaurant
543 Indiana Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46202






The atmosphere of Zing is modern, with unique lighting which everyone in our marketing team was interested in.  Our group of 8 people was quickly seated and our server was very attentive.  She was knowledgeable of the menu and offered to customize our meals depending on what we wanted. 

This restaurant was great for sharing food with friends - although our marketing team didn't decide to share meals when we went for lunch.  Zing prides itself on the presentation of its each meal and tries to make your experience there "fun and entertaining." 

For example, I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich (original, I know).  But at Zing, I didn't just order a grilled cheese sandwich - I ordered the gourmet tex-mex grilled cheese sandwich: "toasted crusty bread on jalapeno, spiced cream cheese and mozzarella."  As a side order, I chose french fries - which were delicious!  I would highly recommend ordering them.

At Zing, you're not just eating - you're enjoying the experience.  The atmosphere was sheek and modern and a great place to go on a date or with a group of people.

Everyone in our marketing team liked the food and the atmosphere, and all said they would go back!

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 South Meridian St. #100
Indianapolis, IN 46204

If you're looking for the best seafood restaurant Indianapolis, then The Oceanaire Seafood Room is the place for you! This fine dining restaurant is located a block south of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, and sets the standard for seafood restaurants from coast-to-coast.

Being seafood lovers, my boyfriend, Justin, and I chose this restaurant for a date night on Thursday night.  From the moment we walked in the door, the service was wondering.  We were led up to our table on the second floor by a staircase that looked much like the one in Titanic leading us upstairs.  The atmosphere had a "seafood chic" feel.  People were there for all different occasions.  Mind you, this was the same night as the Indianapolis Colts preseason game.  So some people were there in their Colts jerseys, while others came from work in business suits.

Our waiter was great - friendly, professional, and a seafood connoisseur.  He suggested the Halibut Cheeks and King Salmon.  Justin went with the Salmon, I got the Halibut, and we shared a side order of mashed potatoes.  Everything was delicious!  The fish was very fresh and didn't have a "fishy" taste at all, and the mashed potatoes were great as well. 

The portion sizes were very generous - I ate leftovers for three days after we went!  Side orders are served "family style," so just make sure that everyone in your party can agree on something!  Definitely take a look at their extensive wine menu as well!

The Oceanaire is also known for its oyster bar, coining the phrase: 

So if you're lookig for an AMAZING dinner in downtown Indianapolis, definitely try The Oceanaire!

I give it two thumbs up... and would go as far as calling it: "The Oceanaire Extraordinarie!"

The Steakhouse near Conseco Fieldhouse is doing brisk business by serving the one thing the Indy crowd loves having again and again - steaks. It is a classic American steakhouse which offers fine dining.This steak restaurant delivers the best in prime steaks. They are simply juicy, delicious and hot. This is a quiet place to order the steak of your choice along with your favorite cocktail and unwind with friends and family.

Warm away the recession blues with sizzling hot steaks. Order from side dishes that vary from crunchy onion rings, crispy shoestring potatoes or creamy spinach. This downtown Indianapolis steak restaurant serves more than just steak. Prolong the steak experience with a dessert of your choice or simply coffee.

Ample parking and waiting area is available and you can always book your table in advance. Walk into this steak restaurant for a special experience while you are in Indianapolis.

Test Keyphrase
 

 The Steakhouse near Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis in Indiana is the place to haunt for your favorite food. It’s fresh, fast and fabulous.

Deemed to be the best  restaurant for prime steaks, the enticing atmosphere is all about delicious meat. They have it all…Rare…medium…overdone…grilled…thick, juicy steaks.

The smell and the smoke gets to all…young and old alike.

The cosy, but elegant atmosphere makes it a great place for fine dining. Hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of Downtown Indianapolis, this steak restaurant gives value for your money too. For $10.99, the Chef's Special comes with the Steak of your chooice, with a green salad and mashed potatoes on the side. Ample portions, relaxed atmosphere, good prices make this Downtown Indianapolis Steak restaurant a must visit if you are in Indianapolis

Champps Americana
49 W Maryland St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.951.0033




Recently my lovely girlfriend Melissa and I had a nice little date night.  After searching through the perfect selections of Indianapolis date restaurants, I landed on Champps, located in Circle Center Mall downtown.  We were both very happy with this downtown Indianapolis restaurant. 

Surprisingly, we were seated immediately at 7:30 on a Saturday evening and had very good service.  The wait staff was on top of things, and very friendly.

We were also surprised by the wide variety of selections on their menu.  This is definitely not just another restaurant in Indianapolis, Champps has pastas, burgers, wraps, ribs, pork chops and so much more!

I went with the Chicken Parmesan and could not believe how big the entree was!  I only finished less than half of it and took the rest home.  Melissa landed on the Fresca burger and was very happy with her selection as well. (Coincidentally, she asked the question "Do you put ketchup on this" which was the same question she asked on our last date night to Red Robin)

All in all, we had nothing bad to say about Champps... It was a very solid choice and definitely on the the best restaurants Indianapolis!

Today I would like to discuss Weber Grill in my Indianapolis Restaurant Review.  Weber Grill, a great restaurant in Downtown Indianapolis Restaurant features some of my favorite foods including burgers and ribs.  The video below shows some of the Weber Grill creations and how you can use their seasonings and cooking styles to create delicious meals.  If you are looking for a great dining option and steakhouse in Indianapolis I highly recommend Weber Grill!

I have always been a steak guy. Some people dowse their steak with ketchup (which always makes me cringe just thinking about) or even with a little steak sauce.. which is a little better, but for me... I have always have liked my steak plain with all its juices... cooked medium rare (is your mouth watering yet?)

Well if you are into steaks there is a great place here in Indy to try out. Moe's... A Place for Steaks is one of the best steak restaurants in Indy. It is kind of an upscale restaurant with a vast wine selection along with a lounge to enjoy a cigar and a glass of scotch (or wine and a cigar... whatever you please). If you go I would recommend the Shrimp Cocktail or the Bruschetta as your appetizer. As for the entree, you really can't go wrong with any of the steaks there. They also have alternatives such as chicken and lobster if you or anyone you are with are not a steak person. Also, make sure you save room for dessert because they have a small but delicious dessert menu that you need to check when you go!

As for the atmosphere... perfect. You can go there for almost any occasion. If you want to go out on a romantic date or a business meeting. They also have private dining available for banquets and private parties.

So if you are looking for a great steak restaurant in Indianapolis, you should check out Moe's... A Place for Steaks. It is located at 47 South Pennsylvania Street.

Hope you are getting ready for the holidays and not getting overwhelmed!  Just wanted to let you know that Carrabba's is proudly offering Mini Desserts this season.   Mini desserts are a huge trend this year, and they are a great addition to any holiday celebration that wants to sport some forward food fashion. Carrabba's "Bacino" (little kisses) are small guilt-free versions of our favorite desserts that allow guests to enjoy a few bites of something they love, or share several different flavors with friends and family. With mini portions come mini price tags - you can get any "Bacino" for only $2.25, and take home the glass for only $1 more.

Mini desserts are also great to make at home for holiday parties. If any of your readers want to make them from scratch, I've provided our Carrabba's Mini Cannoli Recipe and details on our mini desserts (including a picture) below.

Bacino - "Little Kisses"

That's just what Carrabba's mini desserts are like; sweet, bite-sized versions of our favorite desserts, made fresh daily.

We know that many guests crave a taste of something sweet at the end of their meal. When large parties dine with us, guests like to order several full-sized desserts and share with the entire table. We discovered that guests wanted that same experience even when dining in a smaller group. Our mini desserts allow guests to enjoy a few bites of something they love, or share several different flavors with friends and family.  Either way, mini desserts are a fun way for guests to end their dinning experience on a sweet note.

Examples of mini desserts featured on the Carrabba's menu are Zabaglione, Tiramisu, Mini Cannoli, Chocolate Coconut Mousse and Chocolate Espresso Mousse. Other mini desserts will be available at varying times.  If you are doing any reader contests, I'd be happy to provide you with Mini Dessert coupons so they can try out the desserts.

Visit www.carrabbas.com to find your closest Carrabba's location.

(317) 423-3154‎

Indianapolis Nightlife, Wine, fine dining?   OMG thank you for Deano's Wine Bar & Restaurant!

Located just off Fountain Square this is sincerely one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.   Just about a mile from downtown, owners Dean Wilson and Jody Bryant have created something that is truly unique.   With a motto of "Good food, good wine and good friends"  these guys have really come through in creating a great Indianapolis date restaurant.

Oh...did I mention they have music on weekends?  How's that for those of you looking for some Indianapolis Nightlife that's for adults?

The dinner menu has lots of seafood like a smoked salmon platter appetizer or a "more crab than cake" Crab Cake.  What Indianapolis fine dining restaurant review would be complete without a shrimp cocktail?  (Shrimp Cocktail is to Indianapolis Restaurants like wings are in Buffalo...available everywhere)

The appetizer menu even includes an Italian restaurant touch with four different Pizza's and a portabella & pistachio salad.    Entrees cover seafood to chicken to beef.  As an Atkins eater who is trying to eat more locally produced food, I was thrilled to see Indiana Bison Steaks on the menu...pared with a suggested Petite Sirah......perfect.

Writing this Indiana Dining Guide is makeing me hungry...

Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe
935 S East St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 974-1770‎
bosphoruscafe.com


If you are looking for great Hummus or an awesome Falafel, look no further than Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe for what I think is Indianapolis only Turkish restaurant.  

If you are looking for  great Indianapolis fine dining is a funky purple house near Fletcher Place (just outside downtown Indianapolis) this might just be your restaurant.   Named for a 20 mile long strait that joins the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, the real Bosphorus separates Europe from Asia....ok enough about the geography of the near east...let's talk about the food!

No Indianapolis menu guide would be complete without including the Hummus and Feta Chees Plate appetizers.  Better yet, start your party with the Appetizer combo that also includes stuffed grape leaves, tabouli, babaganush, borek and and eggplant salsa.

As an Indianapolis Date Restaruant why not impress him (or her) with you vast cusine knowlage by ordering the Iskender or Ispankli Tavuk?   This is a great local Indianapolis Restaurant.   It's not quite an Asian Restaruant and is kind of like an Indianapolis Greek Restaurant but ...different.   I'm really happy to add Bosphorus to my Indianapolis Dining Guide.  

Linnie's Pastry Shop and Deli
115 S. Harrison
Shelbyville IN 46176
Phone: 317.398.7525

Any blog focused on the topic of local restaurants Indianapolis has got to include some of the surrounding small town.  So hat's off to Linnie’s Pastry which won national fame during the most recent elections for a clever promotion where they scooped other Indianapolis Bakeries by creating and tracking sugar cookie sales in the shape of either democratic donkey’s or Republican Elephants.

Only a small town bakery could pull this off.   By the way, these cookies were good!  For $1.99 they had thick buttercream icing in blue and red. As of election day morning, Linnie’s Bakery and Deli had sold 740 donkeys and 659 elephants.  That’s a sweet $3,000 bump for clever owners Bill and Diane Moore.

Linnie's isn't just a great bakery, It's also belongs in the family restaurant Indianapolis category. it's got fast food, hamburgers and is a terrific delicatessen.  I think Shelby is one of the prettiest small towns near Indianapolis and it's really hard to find a good, old fashioned bakery anywhere any more.   You might wonder why I would include Linnie's as part of a Restaruant Reviews Indianapolis blog, well...there are just not enough Indianapolis bakeries to talk about any more and this one is worth the drive and deserves mention in my Indianapolis Dining blog.

Another great Nicki Laycoax's Indianapolis Restaurant Reviews.   I'm sure Nicki is working on client business with Squish Designs while she's eating all these meals...or maybe she is talking to the owners about using Squish to help them grow their business.  Who am I to not take advantage of a great reviewer...thank you Nicki!

___________________________________________________________________

Dick's Bodacious BBQ
http://www.dicksbbq.com
50 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:(317)916-9600
Fax:  (317)916-9605


What a fun title. On Monday, November 3, 2008 my partner and
I ate at Dick's Bodacious BBQ. I was really excited to eat
at the Downtown Indianapolis restaurant  location because I had eaten it before at
the Verizon Wireless Center in Noblesville, and it was SOOOO
delicious.

I didn't realize, until I started writing this blog post, that
Dicks' is not a nationwide chain, but rather a local restaurant!
They used to have locations open in Avon and at the Verizon
Wireless Center in Noblesville, but the only location that remains open is the one
at the corner of Market and Pennsylvania Streets in Downtown Indy.

The staff was so amazingly helpful, and made the decision making process almost like fast food for new patrons of the restaurant. Of course everything
sounded good, but I was encouraged to try the special of the day-Smoked
Salmon. It was the best salmon that I have had! We also had wings,
a Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich, green beans, sweet potatoes, and a
large drink. All of it was delicious!

Price for 2 meals with sides was approximately $23.

Do I recommend as part of my Indianapolis dining guide? You betcha!

Unique thing at the restaurant? BBQ sauce served in motor oil looking
bottles to top your BBQ that is served sans sauce, for your saucing
preference!

Thai Cafe In Broadripple!

Looking for a great Indianapolis Asian restaurant?  I highly suggest Thai Cafe!  Located in Broad Ripple at 1041 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 .  It is well known among Thai lovers and whether you are looking for authentic Thai dishes or a bit of comfort food in the form of yummy Pad Thai noodles, you will love this place!  The Vegetarian spring rolls also are high on my list. 

Its A 10!
Concerned about the spicy factor that some Asian and particularly Thai food can have?  Thai cafe has a great system of "rating" your spiciness 1 to 10, 10 being the hottest.  You can easily customize how hot and spicy you want your dish.  They are fast and friendly whether you are dining in or enjoying takeout.  Whether you are just looking for great Indianapolis ethnic food, a unique Indy date restaurant, or wanting to expand your Indianapolis Asian dining experience from more than sushi and Chinese takeout, I'm sure you'll love Thai cafe! 

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30AM - 9:30PM.

Once again my good friend Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs has come up with a fantastic review of another place to go under the category: best restaurant Indianapolis.

14 West Restaurant at 14 West Maryland
www.14westindy.com

14 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
Telephone: (317) 636-1414
Email:     customerservice@14westindy.com

A colleague of mine that I met as a result of blogging, treated me to a nice lunch at 14 West Restaurant. It was my first visit, but had heard great things about the restaurant and the suites that are  above this downtown Indianapolis restaurant, from multiple people.

The restaurant has a great wine list, exciting menu, and very able catering
staff. (I thought I saw a full bar, but I can't confirm from the website)
Ashley Sorenson, the very sweet and professional Hotel and
Banquet Manager made certain that our dining experience was great!

In the picture, you are looking at the Caesar Salad topped with
Seared Tuna as well as the Crab Cakes. We also had the Red Garnet
Yam Soup and the Lobster Brie Macaroni&Cheese.

This restaurant is recommended for those on a professional lunch or
dinner meeting and would also be a nice spot for a romantic Indianapolis date restaurant. At lunch, the music playing in the background was modern adult contemporary.  It was a nice change from what I normally hear in restaurants.

Summary: Food was absolutely excellent. Prices were moderate. Service was perfect.

Reserve your table now!

Buggs Temple
337 W 11th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
317.955.2389

So how do I evaluate a downtown Indianapolis restaurant? Especially for Lunch?  Ambiance, convenience and food.   To me, to get a designation as one of the best lunch restaurants in Indianapolis you have to start with how it feels.   Most of the time you want a place you can have a conversation, a restaurant that’s attractive and friendly….a place that’s cool so you glow in how cool it is to your guest.

Buggs Temple at the north end of the Downtown Indy Canal meets that criteria.  I never even heard of Buggs Temple before 11am this morning, but Kyle Saylers of Clarian Health Ventures treated me today and it was fantastic.  It’s a great old church located right on the tip of the Canal.  It was a little bit of a hike from my office on the downtown Indianapolis Circle and I saw there was plenty of parking. Inside were huge windows looking over the canal…it was a little chilly for the outside deck, but it looked beautiful.  The waiters were fantastic, fun, knew the menu and were wearing June Cleaver aprons,  Our guy knew the menu, was friendly and attentive while giving us plenty of space to have our conversation.

I've not been to this Indianapolis downtown restaurant  at night, but imagine it's a great place for a date.   Supposedly there is an upstairs that has terrific views and is one of the top spots for Indianapolis fine dining.  The menu did include Steak and Seafood along with great grilled sandwiches.  I had a Cuban, which came with a fresh mixed salad.  I'm not sure about breakfast, and their website is one of the worst I've ever seen.

Mo's A Place for Steaks
47 South Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-624-0720
Fax: 317-624-0721


What I love about this Downtown Indianapolis Steak Restaurant is the setting itself.  (I'll get to the food)  I like windows and because of Mo's location on the Corner of Pennsylvania and E. Maryland you have great windows not only in the front, but also all along the wall on the Maryland side.   I love reviewing Indianapolis restaurants, but don't often get to talk about windows...but once you have them you hate to give them up.   We are blessed with some great Steak Restaurants in Downtown Indy including Morton's, St. Elmo's, Shula's and Ruth Chris' but none has nearly the great interior of Mo's.

When you think of Indianapolis Nightlife, Mo's is well located next to Conceo Fieldhouse so it's perfect for before or after an event.   The bar is great for Pub beers and terrific Martini's or anything else you would want in a cocktail.  They do serve lunch but are much better suited as an Indianapolis Dinner Restaruant.  No entertainment so it's not a nightlife place except for the other people who keep it buzzing.

Oh the food....delicious.  Excellent Steaks including a huge Porterhouse and awesome filets.  Some seafood and of course a hamburger.   What more can I say?

I would put Mo's clearly in among the best restaurant in Indianapolis and one of my favorite Date places..... Fine Dining for sure. 

Shapiro's Delicatessen
http://www.shapiros.com
808 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
 317.631.4041

 6:45am to 8:00pm
Everyday
 


Today we are happy to post a review from guest blogger  Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs:
 
I was craving a big healthy salad for lunch today. Not certain where
to find the best salad downtown, I chose a delicatessen that I had
eaten at before-Shapiro's. Shapiro's is an ala carte dining option.
 
The line starts with desserts ranging from fresh fruit flan and cheesecake
to cakes, pies, and fresh fruit. I chose the Devil's Food Cake that had a layer of
cheesecake between two layers of cake. It was topped with shavings of
white chocolate, chocolate icing, and fudge drizzling.
 
The next option I was presented with were the salads. Though I really
wanted a salad today, I opted out of the large salad and instead, got my
fresh veggie fix by selecting the broccoli, bacon, and grape salad. (Waldorf maybe?)
 
Then it was on to the main course selection. Tuna Salad on Freshly Baked Rye
Bread... While it was the most expensive tuna salad sandwich I've purchased
in the area, $8.15, it was definitely in the top 2 best that I have had (it's a toss-up
between Jimmy John's and Shapiro's)
 
Total for lunch: $17.05=Sandwich, salad, cake, and iced water. It was quick, delicious, but on
the upper end of what I like to pay for lunch...
 
One big bonus-They use PatronPath! If downtown you can order online and have your food ready when you arrive!

In Carmel Indiana, use this link for Shapiro's Online
 
4/5 stars
 
Nicki Laycoax
Squish Designs, LLC
317.627.8860
www.squishdesigns.com <www.squishdesigns.com>
www.nickilaycoaxofsquishdesigns.blogspot.com <www.nickilaycoaxofsquishdesigns.blogspot.com>

McCormick&Schmick's Seafood Restaurant at the Corner of Illinois&Market Streets at the base of the Downtown Hilton
(317) 631-9500

As an interested party to this Indianapolis Dining Guide, I'm always on the lookout for something different.  Typically during the day downtown I eat lunch as someplace fast.   The other day however, I found myself wanting to go someplace nice with my partner Ali and our big time Lawyer (patent work).   McCormick & Schmick's was perfect.   The place has just the right mix of being busy with downtown workers (all wearing ties) yet still easy enough to get in and out of.  We took a booth in the bar which is really nice looking with big booths and a great wooden bar.   They have two TV's up high and turned down low on ESPN so you could catch some highlights out of the corner of your eye...but not be intruded on.  

Indianapolis menu guide:  they update the menu twice a day so you always know whats fresh & available.

Although McCormick & Schmick's is a great lunch spot, it's has really good seafood, terrific for dates,  but perhaps most popular among the crowd here at Compendium Blogware it's the best happy hour downtown. I wouldn't call it a place for Indianapolis nightlife,   but what is so appealing is the great bar and the terrific drinks.  Happy hour is fun and crowded partly because of the great menu.   Everything from fish tacos (for the mexican food lover) to one of the best Hamburgers in Indianapolis all for like....$1.95 each.   Great prices for great food.   All in all, a place I would highly recommend.  See the Video for a sense of the Lunchtime ambiance...

Actually, Giorgio's is not only the best pizza in Indianapolis for lunch, it's also the perfect Pizza for meetings and in office events.  If I were writing and Indianapolis dining guide, this would be at the top of my list as among the best fast food Indianapolis. 

Located just off the circle on East Market street, what you will love about Giorgio's (other than Giorgio himself who always makes you feel special) is the urban feel...unusual for and Indianapolis Restaurant.   I've tried to capture the essence in the video here, but there is a great process for ordering with all the pizza, pastas, salads&sandwiches on display.   The place is always full but never so crowded that you want to turn away.  Even if you see a line out the door, it moves fast.   Inside there is plenty of seating and a really nice din that you won't feel at any of the other Indianapolis Lunch Restaurants I frequent.  I wouldn't call this a date restaurant and not a dinner type Italian Restaurant but of restaurant's I review in Indianapolis, this is one of my favorites.