Although it has been quite a few years since I have visited Shula's Steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis, I will never forget the experiences, nor the food, that I enjoyed there.  The first time I walked into Shula's, probably around the age of eight years old, I clearly remember trying to decide in my head whether it was some type of sports bar or fine dining restaurant, but never really figuring out which.  It isn't until right now that I have realized that it cannot be placed into some type of category as I had been trying to do, because it is a very interesting mixture of restaurants.  Not only is it a fine dining restaurant that serves probably the best steaks in Indianapolis, but it is also an elegant sports bar (the menus are actually footballs!), as one would expect coming from the coach of the Miami Dolphins' perfect season Don Shula.  In fact, Shula's Steakhouse could be included in many other categories in my opinion, because it is not so fine that children aren't completely welcome, making it an incredible family restaurant, but it is elegant enough to take a date on a special occasion or to hold a very professional meeting.  Shula's is an all-in-one dining experience, bringing together sports, fine dining, families, romance, elegance, and great steaks!  So, visit Shula's Steakhouse for any occasion and see why I consider it the best restaurant in downtown Indianapolis, by far.

Shula's Steakhouse
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
50 South Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:  317-231-3900
Visit:  Shula's Steakhouse

This past Monday, my fiance and I had the privelege of dining at one of my favorite italian restaurants, Carrabba's Italian Grill.  I have not been here in years and this delightful visit made me realize what I was missing.

We were promptly seated upon arrive in a nice, quiet booth.  Although the food was amazing, one of the best parts about dinner was the service.  Our waitress, Kristen, was sweet, knowledgeable, and gave us wonderful suggestions.  It was Brian's first time to Carrabba's and Kristen was able to guide us through the menu to decide what we would enjoy the most. 

Brian started off with a Sam Adams Summer lager. Kristen brought him a sample of Italian beer, since he had never had it, to see if it suited him better.  I ordered a Sauvignon Blanc which was light, crisp, and went perfect with the dinner.

After drinks were served, we received the bread and dipping sauce.  This is truly unique to Carrabba's.  The bread is always fresh and hot, and the wait staff ensures that you have plenty to eat.  Kristen went over the day's specials and informed Brian of popular dishes he might want to try as a first timer.

For dinner, Brian decided on the Pollo Rosa Maria which is a grilled chicken breast stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto.  It is topped with mushrooms and complimented with a delicious basil lemon butter sauce.  The chicken was grilled to perfection and the combination of flavors was brilliant.  I opted for the Lobster Ravioli.  Stuffed with tender Maine lobster in a white wine cream sauce with diced tomatoes, this dish was to die for. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to try any of the dessert because our meals were so filling.  In the past, I have tried the Tiramisu.  This dessert encorporates lady fingers dipped in liqueur laced espresso, layered with sweetened mascarpone, Myers’s Rum, and chocolate shavings.  There were a few others that we wished we could try as well but our stomachs would not allow.

Broad Ripple Steakhouse
929 Westfield Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46220

Genre: Steakhouse
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple Steakhouse may be a small white building on a corner in Broad Ripple, but it packs in a great amount of taste and atmosphere; I would give this restaurant a 5 on presentation alone.

The menu is a great compilation of every type of meat and seafood that can be grilled, seared, or marinated.  In my first dinner at Broad Ripple Steakhouse, I chose the Tenderloin Medallions with Cognac-Peppercorn Sauce.  This dish was absolutely amazing!  The sauce was especially delicious and a great combination with the tenderloin. 

The drink menu displays some of the finest Napa Valley and Italian wines.  I would highly recommend the Chateau Thomas, Cabernet Franc red wine.

If you are in the area, stop by Broad Ripple Steakhouse for a nice steak and fabulous glass of wine!

The Rathskeller
401 East Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 636-0396

Genre: German Restaurant, German Bar
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

The Rathskeller is a German restaurant/beer hall that offers more than schnitzel.  The establishment can accommodate banquet parties, large dinner parties, and offers a biergarten for happy hour specials. Personally, I have enjoyed the biergarten on many occasions and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a after work to pre-dinner hangout.

The dinner menu offers some of the best traditional German foods you can find.  I have been to this restaurant many different times and have tried every type of schnitzel that is offered.  Personal favorite: Jaegerschnitzel.  Though the menu offers something for everyone.  Vegetarians can enjoy dishes from the vegetarian section, seafood lovers can 'dive' into the seafood list, and chicken lovers have a poultry section to peek at. 

The beer menu is my go to list.  I could try to explain and review each beer but that would take too much time.  The menu offers the standard U.S and Europe based brewers but offers much more than that.  The German beer section is by far the best in Indianapolis; sure as heck the best i've seen in the region.  Not sure which German beer is the best? No problem.  Ask for the sampler!  The wait staff will bring out a six-sampler of beer of different colors, textures, and styles.  From there, choose which you like and enjoy!

The possibilities are endless with establishment.  Good food, good company, and good entertainment are what this place offers.  If you live in the area or will be, chalk The Rathskeller into you itinerary!

Maggiano's Little Italy
3550 East 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN, 46240-2424

Genre: Italian-American
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: North Indianapolis

"...when the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that's amore..."  Everytime I walk into this restaurant, that song plays in my head at least once.  This restaurant gives you the feel of a traditional Italian-American establishment, as if you were in little Italy.  Ive been here on many occasions (family visits, couples night, friends, etc.) and the food is just as delicious as when I ate there that time before. 

I can't really put my finger on a specific plate that I like the most because Ive enjoyed all of the meals that Ive had here.  Maggiano's features signature plates in the menu that are cooked house-style.  I would recommend eating here, at least once, and experience for yourself the taste of little Italy!

I gave this restaurant a perfect score because of the menu.  It does contain such dishes as Fettucine Alfredo and Spaghetti with Meatballs, two non-authentic Italian dishes.  We must realize, however, that Maggiano's represents a "Little Italy" style of dining, not a purely home-land Italian style.  It is this that allows Maggiano's to represent Italian-American dining.

Bonefish Grill
4501 East 82nd. Street,
Indianapolis IN 46250
(317) 863-3474

Genre: Seafood
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: North Indianapolis

Two summers ago I lived on the north-side of Indianapolis and I would always pass this restaurant on my way to work.  It looked like a pricey, extravagant, and overachieving anniversary type restaurant.  It wasn't until this past summer that I realized the true nature of the Bonefish Grill.

My girlfriend and I decided to make the most of the summer off and enjoy a relaxing night at Bonefish Grill.  To be honest, I was dreading the dinner because I had premonitions that I was going to spend an 'arm and a leg' for the meal.  Once inside, I didn't feel any better.  The interior was elegant and trendy with table displays of an expensive steak restaurant.  We sat down and I reluctantly opened the menu, fearing the numbers on the page.  My jaw almost hit the floor! The prices were well within my range and the dishes were promising.  I was so happy with the prices that I splurged and ordered an appetizer.  The one appetizer in particular that caught my eye was the Crab Cakes.   These large, delicious cakes hit the pallet just right!  I would highly recommend eating these “gifts from the sea” if you have the opportunity.  For the main course, I decided to try the Atlantic Salmon because I haven’t had this dish in a very long time.  I was very impressed with the dish.  It was what I remember Atlantic Salmon tasting like.  My compliments to the chef!

If I were in your shoes and have never tried this restaurant, I would immediately call my closest Bonefish Grill and reserve a table.  Not only do they offer spectacular ‘surf’ but also a wide variety of ‘turf’ dishes.  You can check out the menu here!

Ambrosia
915 E Westfield Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-3096

Genre: Italian
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Broad Ripple

"Ambrosia" has its roots in the Greek culture as meaning "immortality".  As a food, it was referred to, in mythology, as the "food of the gods".  Today, this restaurant adorns Broad Ripple with its elegance and intimate setting.  Unfortunately, I don't believe any Greek gods have eaten here recently.

Like many Italian restaurants I frequent, I look for certain criteria: A menu filled with CORRECT Italian dishes, an Italian themed setting, and at least one individual in the restaurant that is fluent in Italian.  Good news: Ambrosia had each one of these.  Once inside this establishment, it is clear that lighting, colors, seating arrangement, and table displays are conducive to an Italian restaurant.  Moreover, the menu is blessed with beautiful, authentic dishes.  Menu Advice: if you are at an ethnic restaurant and cannot pronounce the dish names, that is a good thing.  I am fortunate enough to have an Italian language background and constantly judge the accuracy of the menu in order to understand the owner's attention to detail.  Lastly, it wasn't hard to find the native Italian in the restaurant.  This older woman, who reminded me of my grandmother, was patrolling the restaurant ensuring all meals were accounted for.  Seeing this woman led me to believe that she was the individual preserving the Italian style dining experience within those walls.

I ordered the Spaghetti Tutto Mare, literally translated to "everything sea", because I needed to have my seafood fix for the week.  I trusted that the Italian Patrolwoman would deliver a beautiful dish of everything from the sea.  The dish was excellent!!  My food had no chance of survival once I smelled the aroma wafting from the kitchen.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the mood for an authentic Italian dinner.  The reason I gave this restaurant a perfect rating is because it met all my criteria for Italian style dining AND I didn't find Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti with Meatballs (Both American forms of Italian dining).  Make your reservation today!!

Palomino Restaurant
49 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:(317) 974-0400

Genre: American cuisine, seafood, bar
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

Palomino is a restaurant/bar establishment that sits no more than two block south of Monument Circle.  It sports a great store front with the signature jumping Palomino on a burgundy overhang.

I have eaten at this restaurant close to five times over the last four years.  Each time, however, the food seems to get better and the drinks get stronger!  The dinner menu seems to be the best choice as the selection is finer.  Naturally, I am a sucker for the Chicken Parmesan.  It tastes exactly how this dish should: chicken is not too tough and the breaded crust is just crispy.

One recommendation I will make is that you try the coffee and tea.  These two menu items are a great end-of-meal treat!!  I give this restaurant 4 stars and a thumbs up!!

 I would not call myself a sushi connoisseur by any means, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants in the country to have an opinion on which are the best.  I would have to say that out of all the sushi restaurants in this great country, my favorite would have to be one that I found in the Indianapolis Dining Guide.  It is an upscale place called Kristen's Sushi Palace.  It is a spin off of another restaurant by the name of Yummy Chopsticks.  Kristen's Sushi Palace is by far the best downtown Indianapolis restaurant there is.

    It has a unique blend of modern decor with a touch of traditional Japan.  There are many menu items to choose from.  You can order anything from chicken teriyaki to seaweed salad.   They have the most exciting selection of rolls as well.  I suggest trying either the spicy tuna roll or the volcano roll.  Everything is prepared extremely well and fresh.  Of course, lunch is lovely too, and that's when I was here. The menu is extensive, offering a la carte sushi, Korean and Japanese dishes, and sandwiches and salads with an Asian bent.

    Amazing. Just… amazing. That’s the only way I know how to describe this roll (okay, so not the only way, but definitely one of the best ways!) This has been added to my list of my favorite sushi rolls. The Srirachia sauce adds a pleasant kick, but it’s mellowed out by the mayonnaise so it’s perfect for those of us who don’t like super spicy foods. The tobiko adds a wonderful crunch to the sushi, and the green onion brightens it up a little. Overall, it’s a delicious roll!

I would not call myself a sushi connoisseur by any means, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants in the country to have an opinion on which are the best.  I would have to say that out of all the sushi restaurants in this great country, my favorite would have to be one that I found in the Indianapolis Dining Guide.  It is an upscale place called Kristen's Sushi Palace.  It is a spin off of another restaurant by the name of Yummy Chopsticks.  Kristen's Sushi Palace is by far the best downtown Indianapolis restaurant there is.
    It has a unique blend of modern decor with a touch of traditional Japan.  There are many menu items to choose from.  You can order anything from chicken teriyaki to seaweed salad.   They have the most exciting selection of rolls as well.  I suggest trying either the spicy tuna roll or the volcano roll.  Amazing. Just… amazing. That’s the only way I know how to describe this roll!  This has been added to my list of my favorite sushi rolls. The special sauce adds a pleasant kick, but it’s mellowed out by the mayonnaise so it’s perfect for those of us who don’t like super spicy foods. The tobiko adds a wonderful crunch to the sushi, and the green onion brightens it up a little. Overall, it’s a delicious roll!  Everything is prepared extremely well and extraordinarily fresh.  Of course, lunch is lovely too, and that's when I was here. The menu is extensive, offering a la carte sushi, Korean and Japanese dishes, and sandwiches and salads with an Asian bent.

As I stated before, by no means am I the expert in restaurant critiquing.  But I must say that my new favorite place to go is Indianapolis' very own Alculpolco Joe's.  Staying true to its name, it is everything the name makes it out to be.  If you like Mexican food, you will like this place.
   
There is so much to try here, your mouth will be watering once you take a look at their extensive menu.  We started off with the chicken avocado soup.  This soup is perfect for chilly winter weather when you just want to curl up next to a fireplace with a comforting, warm meal. Each bite holds a variety of textures and flavors such as chewy, shredded chicken and smooth chunks of avocado. Additional tastes of garlic and onion add flavor to this delicious soup.
   
They have green chile rellenos have a wonderful warm flavor when roasted, which is perfect for a chilly evening. They are stuffed with cheese, dipped in an egg batter and fried.  The flavors and textures blend perfectly together. Queso fresco (fresh Mexican cheese) is a traditional choice for this wonderful dish.
   
I ended the evening with the sopapillas.  It's a classic Mexican snack made with a little sugar to sweeten it. Usually "sopes" as they are sometimes called are topped with meats and veggies, but these sweet versions are topped with fruit.
   
Another fine Indianapolis Menu Guide find.  This wonderful little downtown Indianapolis restaurant is the cat's meow!
   
This commercial for Best Tex Mex says it all:

 
I would not call myself a sushi connoisseur by any means, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants in the country to have an opinion on which are the best.  I would have to say that out of all the sushi restaurants in this great country, my favorite would have to be one that I found in the Indianapolis Dining Guide.  It is an upscale place called Sushi on the Rocks.  It is a spin off of another restaurant by the name of Yummy Chopsticks.  Sushi on the Rocks is by far the best downtown Indianapolis restaurant there is.

It has a unique blend of modern decor with a touch of traditional Japan.  There are many menu items to choose from.  You can order anything from chicken teriyaki to seaweed salad.   They have the most exciting selection of rolls as well.  I suggest trying either the spicy tuna roll or the volcano roll.  They have over 40 to choose from, so there is one for everybody.  Everything is prepared extremely well and fresh.  Of course, lunch is lovely too, and that's when I was here. The menu is extensive, offering a la carte sushi, Korean and Japanese dishes, and sandwiches and salads with an Asian bento box.
      
Next time you are in the mood for sushi, try this place and enjoy!  You can find this lovely place at 235 South Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46225.

Indianapolis is known for its beautiful downtown area, nice mid-western people, and of course, the food!  This city has some of the most fantastic restaurants in all the region.  I do have to say that out of all the steak houses and rib places in the city, the best one is by far Flemings Steak House.
 
I originally found this place in the Indianapolis Menu Guide and have to say that it was worth every penny.  It is a bit on the pricey side, so if you are looking for Burger King pricing, stay away from here.  Known, for its excellent service and fine wines, Flemings Steak House was everything it was even better than I could have imagined.  My company and I arrived and were promptly greeted by one of the hostesses.  She knew that we had a reservation and seated us right away.  Once we sat down we were blown away by their wine selection.  The waiter came quickly and went over it with us in detail along with the evenings specials and appetizers.
   
I started off with a salad, and my friend began with the lobster bisque.  We Flemings Steak House followed these up by two of the most incredible steaks.  We ordered a fillet  mignon with mashed potatoes and a porter house with the vegetable medley.
   
Of course dessert was offered, and quickly accepted on our end.  We were so full after the meal that we decided to split one of these succulent desserts.  We went with a tradition cheesecake, but there was nothing traditional about it.  It was nothing short of fantastic.  It came with three different kinds of sauces that you could tell were prepared by one of the best chefs in the business.
   
So next time you are looking for steak in Indianapolis, look no further.  Stop at Flemings Steak House and you will not be disappointed.

Woodfire Grill
Plainfied Indiana
St. Rd 267 at Interstate 70
Next to Thortons Gas Station

I've not had the pleasure, but Woodfire Grill has been voted the best burger in Indianapolis.   I'm sure it's for good reason judging by the menu and the apparent ambience.   As the name implies, this Hamburger & Steak Restaurant cooks everything over an open fire.

If you find yourself in Plainfield, look up the Woodfire Grill for what's billed as the best burger in Indianapolis.

Claddagh Irish Pub
234 South Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN  46225
317-822-6274
Other Indianapolis Locations

So in spite of Claddagh being a chain, it's one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis if you are looking for an authentic pub experience.   With a great hamburger and steak as well as seafood, Claddagh is really great at the traditional Irish fare offering a full menu of some of the best food in Indianapolis.

Although this restaurant is absolutly family friendly, let's face it.....this is a Pub and it's really all about the beer.    The offer a full bar of course, but what make this really special is the great selection of terrific Pub style brews.

Are you looking for a great night in our capitol city of Indianapolis. Well St Elmo’s Steak House might be  the place for you. With a menu that tops the charts this restaurant is simply fantastic.

Although it might be a little pricey, it is definitely worth it. Located in Downtown Indianapolis on Illinois Street, their steaks can’t be beat. Started in 1902, it is the oldest steakhouse in Indianapolis.  But not only does it have great steak it also has a magnificent selection of seafood. I enjoy it very much and I highly recommend it.

Bonefish Grill
(317) 863-3474
4501 East 82nd. Street
Indianapolis IN 46250

Bonefish Grill is a chain restaurant with a theme they call “polished casual”.  As the name says, this is a Seafood Restaurant in Indianapolis.  The food is excellent as is the service.  Bonefish Grill is one of the best of the Indianapolis Seafood Restaurants in explaining what it is you are eating, which makes it a great place to take a date.   Because your servers are so proactive in explaining the menu it takes all the pressure off you.

Bonefish Grill is one of my favorite seafood restaurants in Indianapolis

But just because Chicago's isn't the best pizza restaurant in Indiana doesn't mean it's not worth the trip once in a while....

Located in small towns all over Indianapolis like Greenfield, Ellettsville, Bargersville, Terre haute, Hanover, Cloverdale Clermont, Franklin and a few others.

Ok I’ll admit it.  I love Chicago’s.  It’s perfect for a date (If you are in high school), so for grown up’s it’s fun to go and watch the high schooler’s on dates….(yes I live in a small town….we have to get our fun where we can lol)

The menu is to be expected with Excellent Pizza and what I think is the best salad bar of any Indianapolis pizza restaurant. 

Chicago’s has nothing to do with Chicago of course…they don’t sell the Chicago style pizza you would find at Edwardo’s, but it’s good, cheap, easy and fun.

Last week I tried out McCormick and Schmick's Happy Hour. It was simply amazing! Great food for such a low price! I looked over the items from the Famous $1.95 Bar Food Menu. I tried the  fried Calamari with cocktail sauce and the spinach and artichoke dip. They were both amazing. The cocktails were also great. My cosmopolitan was mixed to perfection and the bar tender was great. The service was great, the food was tasty, and the bill was amazing!!

Definitely going back! If you would like to go here: check them out at

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
110 North Illinois St.
At the Corner of Illinois & Market Streets
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 631-9500

Found this great family restaurant in Indianapolis named Bo-Mac's. It's a drive-in with a 50's theme that has a nice family area away from the street. Picnic tables, a small playground and good food make this family restaurant worth considering. On the menu you'll find most of the normal drive-in fare like hamburgers, tenderloins and chicken sandwiches. The speciality is a foot-long chili cheese dog, it actually comes with a "bib" and some hand wipes to clean up what will soon become a messy face and hands to those who choose to indulge.

Location: downtown Indianapolis
Price: low
Happy kids: Yes!