Despite the fact that I have only visited Journey's seafood and buffet twice, and on special occasions, I have already found it to be one of the best buffet-style restaurants I have ever been to!  Simply put, Journey is an Asian seafood, steak, pizza, and dessert buffet, along with just about 100 other types of food from all across the globe.  For example, I recently visited Journey for my girlfriend's birthday, and ended up with pizza, green beans, steak, crab legs, and dessert all on one plate!  While it is somewhat of an unusual combination, it makes for a restaurant where a whole family can visit on a special occasion or just about any time and every person can eat (even if they are very picky).  Although I have only mentioned visiting Journey on special occasions, I would have to say that it would make a good location for a business lunch, a date with that special someone, or just a nice dinner with the family or friends.  Journey is a great place for everyone because it has all types of food and a very modern atmosphere, making for an amazing and memorable experience.  I tend to stay away from buffet-style restaurants, but after visiting Journey, I had to include it in my dining guide as one of the best buffet restaurants in Indianapolis by far!  By the way, don't miss the chocolate fountains near the buffet, as they are very good!  Enjoy!




The Journey
7155 E. 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone:  317-578-9933
Visit:  The Journey

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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.

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

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.

Webber Grill
10 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis IN 46204

Contact Info
Tel: 317-636-7600

What could be better than to take your date out to some terrific grilled meat? I’m not talking barbeque, but actual home grilled dinner…just like if you were doing it in your backyard…only better.

The Webber Grill is a great date restaurant in Indianapolis. In fact it is the best grill restaurant in Indianapolis. It’s fun, there is lot’s going on to talk about…the environment is kind of like Benihana’s without all the pressure.

If you are going on a first date and not sure what you will be talking about, this is the place for you. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in Indianapolis serving steaks, seafood and of course great burgers.

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

Throughout some of my posts I will identify a new Sushi restuarant for each week.

For those of you who have never tried sushi, I will try here to tempt your palate into craving some great sushi.  For those of you who have, I will try and give you a broad range of various sushi restaurants  in the Indianapolis area serving up some great sushi.

Sushi in Japanese Cuisine is a food made of rice and is usually combined with other ingredients such as Fish. There are various types of sushi: makizushi, nigirizushi, inarizushi, chirashi-zushi.

The first restaurant in the Indy area that I tried was SAKURA. After being seating shortly after I was there at the sushi bar, I took in the decor. It was a bit outdated and the paper dividers of the rooms were starting to fall apart and fairly flimsy. But over all a good atmosphere. There were alot of people there at the 7:00pm dining hours. 

I ordered from the bar and had California rolls, spicy tuna rolls,  and some warm sake.  I watched as the chef behind the counter hand rolled my suhi and it was great. The sushi was magnificently rolled to perfection.  And the service was wonderful.

The prices were average and well worth it for the great tasting food. I definatly recommend this sushi restaurant to other.

The Japanese Sakura Restuarant is located at 7201 N. Keystone Avenue. 317.259.4171

 

I love good jazz music... almost as much as I love to eat!  The Jazz Kitchen serves up the best of both worlds.  Not only does the Jazz Kitchen have some of the best food around but guests are able to listen to some of the best local, regional, and national jazz musicians live, my favorite is the Frank Glover Quartet.  I highly recommend the Paella, which is a delicate blend of shrimp, scallops, calamari, fish, mussels, pork & chicken in a savory saffron rice.  It serves two and is one of my favorite seafood dishes of all time.  It is a great place to bring a date.  The Jazz Kitchen is located off of N College Ave in Indy, very close to Butler University.