Indianapolis Eateries To Someone Who Is Not An Indiana Native

[Xpat]

I was in Indy a few years ago and found mostly chain restaurants. That said, I did find a gem of a bistro on 71st street in the northwest side called the Movable Feast. From the outside, it does not look like much but the people inside are truly original chefs. I'd classify it as a gourmet bistro (they also do catering). It was only open for lunch but I found myself going back there a few times during my trip. If I lived in Indy, I would be a regular at that place.

[TNNative]

We make our travel plans just right to hit MAX and ERMA's around meal time.

[BU191433]

I've noticed, no one has mentioned any Chinese places. My favorite is just a carryout place at 79th and Fall Creek - near the Geist area. I do think PF Changs is good and a fun atmosphere (but a chain) The place across the street from PF is really expensive for Chinese food, but really doesn't warrant the expense.

Mama Corollas is my favorite Italian

[Naptowner]

That would be Shanghai Lil's.

Chinese restaurants here have been hit hard by the increased popularity of the Chinese buffet. Most Chinese places are either buffets or very modest carry-out. This is quite different from when I was a child and going out for Chinese was a big deal. I think Yen Ching at 9100 Michigan is pretty good, so is Mandarin House just north of 116th and Range Line in Carmel. Mark Pi's is a chain but is usually good.

I still do not understand the appeal of Mama Carolla's. It's okay, but I've never had a great meal there. Bravo! is a chain and doesn't have the ambience, but the food is better and more authentic. Same for Maggiano's. Go up a notch or two in the price range and you have Salvatore's or Sangiovese. Many like Ambrosia in Broad Ripple, but it's not my favorite.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Naptowner

I still do not understand the appeal of Mama Carolla's. It's okay, but I've never had a great meal there. Bravo! is a chain and doesn't have the ambience, but the food is better and more authentic. Same for Maggiano's. Go up a notch or two in the price range and you have Salvatore's or Sangiovese. Many like Ambrosia in Broad Ripple, but it's not my favorite.

For southern Italian/Sicilian fare, my favorite, hands down, is Iaria's.

[BU191433]

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano on west 86th street is really good. I think we have plenty of really good Italian restaurants in the Indy area - so many that I have not been able to try them all yet