In early May of 2008, myself and around eleven or thirteen other teenagers were trying to decide what type of restaurant downtown we were going to eat at right before we went over to the Children's Museum for prom.  We thought of plenty of places that we considered fine dining, but most of them were far out of our price range as seniors in high school.  Then, we tried to decide what type of food we wanted, and most of the girls in the group decided they either wanted Italian cuisine or a steak restaurant that had ample room for such a large group and that had a pleasant atmosphere.  So, we looked and looked, and finally we found the place:  Palomino Restaurant and Bar.  Not only is Palomino a great lunch and dinner restaurant, but on top of that, it was decently priced, has a pleasant atmosphere and bar area, and is an excellent place to take a date, just as we did before prom that night.  Every single one of us there absolutely loved the food, with myself and my date splitting the Fettuccine Alfredo, and some other people in our group got excellent looking seafood dishes like their calamari or some very delicious steaks.  In my opinion, the second most important part of a restaurant besides the taste and presentation of its food is certainly its atmosphere, and Palomino seems to have mastered blending fine dining with an upscale bar perfectly!  Afterward, we all enjoyed the dance, but the restaurant certainly brought our night up considerably, and I would suggest visiting Palomino to everyone I know:  friends, family, business colleagues, and everyone!  By the way, while our prom group is too young to experience it, the night life of the restaurant is said to be quite outstanding as well!


Palomino
49 W Maryland Street, #189
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:  317-974-0400
Visit:  Palomino

While most of the restaurants I will include in my Indianapolis dining guide actually are located in downtown Indianapolis, sometimes a restaurant just grabs my attention enough that I feel the need to include it in my guide, even if it is located all the way out on Geist Reservoir.  Most people have heard of Geist if they are from Indianapolis, as it is a mere half-hour drive east on I-70 and north on Olio Road, but most probably haven't heard of a pretty good restaurant located on its shores, known as Eddy's Bar and Eatery.  I first heard about Eddy's through one of my friends that I went to high school with, and after the couple of times I have gone there for dinner, I sure am glad she told me about it.  Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Grill is an indoor-outdoor sports bar, and delicious eatery that serves everything from great steaks to Italian cuisine, to local seafood, all at a very reasonable price for its prime location with a view of Geist Reservoir.  In my opinion, Eddy's is an anytime restaurant, in that one could have lunch or dinner there with colleagues, friends, relatives, business partners, families, or just about anyone else, because it has an atmosphere of what I would consider a seafood restaurant with an upscale twist.  The combination, however, makes for a delicious lunch and dinner restaurant, with a great view, and anyone who goes there is bound to have a great and memorable experience.  So, take the drive out to Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Eatery--it is certainly worth it!

Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Eatery
11693 Fall Creek Road
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone:  317-849-0925
Visit:  Eddy's Neighborhood Bar and Eatery

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!

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.

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!!

Corner Wine Bar
6331 Guilford Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-5159

Genre: Bar/Restaurant
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Broad Ripple

The Corner Wine Bar (CWB) situated on the corner next to Broad Ripple Qdoba is a perfect place for couples and old friends to meet.  On top of that, CWB features weekly events and specials that will bring out the 'wine-o' in you.

I enjoyed CWB this past Sunday with my girlfriend around lunch time.  The restaurant was empty when we got there because it was pretty early in the afternoon but it slowly began to fill in after an hour.  The interior was very intimate, even in the early afternoon, and the atmosphere was promising.  To begin, we ordered the Cheese Crock.  Now I was a little hesitant to order this dish because I am not a fan of sourdough bowls.  To my surprise this appetizer was phenomenal! It was a fondue for two.  Needless to say, I ate the majority of it.  For my main course, I ordered the Prosciutto Panini.  Originally, I wasn't aware of the exact makings of this Italian sandwich but knew that I loved prosciutto.  The meal came and I was pleasantly surprised.  It was a mixture of asparagus, prosciutto and chevre cheese.  The chevre was a great compliment to the prosciutto.

I have no real complaints about this restaurant.  I hope to frequent CWB at a later date to enjoy the wine tastings and other events.  Overall, I recommend this place to everyone!

14 West Restaurant
14 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 636 - 1414

Genre: Mixed (French, Asian, Italian)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

I was fortunate enough to muster up enough cash to enjoy this restaurant last summer.  I chose this restaurant with the mind-set that I wanted a urbanite feel while also maintaining the integrity of my wallet.

I was impressed from the get-go.  I ordered the 14 West Crab Cake and found myself in a complete trance.  The crab cakes were phenomenal!  Just the perfect size for two people.  The butter sauce was a great compliment to the cakes.

For the main dish, I ordered the Lobster Ravioli.  I was impressed by the presentation of the dish and the timeliness of the service.  The ravioli was a pleasant compliment to the Jack Daniels and Coke I was enjoying.  The lobster filling was the perfect consistency and the confit sauce was delicious.  

The reason for my rating is that I thought that it was a little pricey for the food and drinks.  One of my biggest peeves is ordering a drink and getting a splash of liquor.  Other than that, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an intimate feel and amazing crab cakes in Indianapolis!

Complimentary Bread with a nice thick Italian crust is served, and is accompanied by a wonderful Garlic Pesto Butter. The parmesan on the table seemed to be of good quality as well. Many  items have small or large portions to choose between. The small portions are anything but, and the large portions are enormous. Larger portions also include your choice of fresh tossed salad, Caesar salad, or homemade soup.

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano
1351 West 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 253 - 4034

Genre: Italian
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: Northwest Indianapolis


Having spent the second semester of my junior year in Italy, I had the chance to distinguish between the American and authentic versions of Italian foods.   This restaurants embodies everything that an authentic Italian restaurant needs: Intimate seating arrangements, knowledgeable waiters, and a Neapolitan chef.

One of my main reasons for rating this restaurant a 5 out of 5 is that I am very particular about my wine.  No, I'm not too particular about the taste (though very important) but more particular about how it is presented and opened.  In Italy, waiters and waitresses are graded on how they open the wine bottle; unacceptable is usually determined on how the individual cuts the top seal, where they cut it, and how it looks (frayed? torn?) after.  Failed attempts result in expulsion from the training.  The waitress for my girlfriend and I opened the bottle the most accurate way that a restaurant has since Ive been frequenting restaurants as an adult.  This means that this restaurant pays attention to detail, even to the presentation of wine, which is very important.

For my meal, I chose the Scaloppine Di Vitello Al Marsala.  This dish includes veal with marsala wine sauce and Crimini mushrooms.  This dish was fantastic!  The veal was so tender that I used barely any energy to chew it.  The sauce was a perfect fit for the mushrooms.  To top off the whole meal, I ordered the cheesecake.  I figured that I ought to test out the Cheesecake Factory monopoly reputation.  From the first bite I knew that this was the real deal.  It was the perfect texture that one would expect from an Italian cheesecake.

After staying in the restaurant for 2 hours, enjoying Valentines Day with my girlfriend , we decided to call it a night.  On the way out, I noticed an Italian chef noticing my Mediterranean features.  Find out that this is the head chef who is from Napoli.  After conversing in Italian for 20 minutes, I realized this guy was the real deal. 

All in all, I would highly recommend Amalfi to anyone who is looking for an authentic Italian meal that will knock your socks off. 

Stefano’s Ristorante and Pizzeria   
11680 Commercial Dr
Fishers, IN  46038  (across from Super Target)
317-577-9800
Map

Ok, I know I talked about Bazbeaux because of it’s Seafood and other new age Pizza’s.  I like the neighborhood vibe of the restaurants etc….

But y’know…sometimes (most of the time) you just long for an old fashioned taste of Brooklyn.   Now I’m on a mission to find that pizzia here in Indianapolis, and we have a contender with STEFANO’S Ristorante.

To begin, Stefano’s is owned by a guy actually named Stefano,  so there is some legitimate street cred right from the start.  Indy Men’s Magazine named Cio’s Indianapolis’ Best Pizza in 2003 and Stefano’s has that recepie.  The focus is on the traditional toppings including a terrific Italian Sausage and all the Pizza’s are available by the slice…as a true pizzeria should do.  Stefano’s also offers excellent Itialian fare including Spaghetti, Lasagna, Ravioli and a restaurant favorite Baked Ziti.

Carmella…How’s that sound?

Bazbeaux Pizza
Broad Ripple
811 E. Westfield Blvd.
317-255-5711

Downtown
334 Mass Ave
317-636-7662

I think for location, ambiance and a hang loose vibe, Bazbeaux’s is the best pizza restaurant in Indianapolis.   The whole thing has a college feel that is decidedly un-chain…something that is getting very hard to find in Indianapolis Restaurants.

For an old fashioned Italian Pizza, this might not be the best restaurant…although they do make great traditional pizza.  What Bazbeaux’s is known for however are their unusual Gourmet Pizza.  They have a great Seafood Pizza with Shrimp & Crab and a Barbeque Chicken Pizza that features owner Deb Berman’s own recipe barbeque sauce.  For those with a more Mexican taste,  there is the Tchoupitoulas pizza who’s toppings include Cajun shrimp, a ridiculous andouille sausage (kind of Mexican/French I guess) and roasted red peppers.  There is even a vegetarian Pizza that will thrill the most ardent PETA supporter.

If you are looking for the Best Pizza Restaurant in Indianapolis, Bazbeaux might make an excellent choice.

Palomino
49 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, In 46204
317-974-0400

Every time I think of the best restaurant in Indianapolis for a date, Palomino enters my mind. This restaurant is the essence of a tasteful yet cool downtown restaurant.

The key to a successful date here is to try the custom mixed margaritas served Martini Style. The other key is to avoid a regular table and sit in the bar. As you know, a big part of a successful date is seeing and being seen. Getting a table in the bar is worth waiting for and if you can score a window seat, well let’s just say you have really scored…

You won't find Pizza slices or breakfast, but you will find great seafood, steak, Italian dining in an excellent environment. Take my advice and take your date downtown to one of my favorite and best restaurants in Indianapolis…Palomino.

Recently, I went to Bucca Di Beppo's to celebrate a birthday dinner with a group of about ten friends and I was blown away with how smoothly it went. The servers were knowledgable and friendly and seemed to have much experience dealing with large groups. Usually it can be somewhat difficult to take a large group out but with the family style dining, we were able to order a few different items that everyone would enjoy. The spaghetti is a must and the chicken marsala was to-die-for. It was a great, authentic Italian meal. The menu price was a little steep, but the ambience and the service made it well worth it.They had a large variety of Italian food and the deserts are off the charts (I especially recommend the tiramisu). I have and will continue to recommend it to people taking large groups of friends out for a great meal.

5 Reasons why Mama Carrolla's Italian Dining is the best Italian restaurant in Indianapolis.

1. Great and authentic Italian food

2. Friendly waitstaff

3. Warm and cozy atmosphere

4. Affordable menu price