Indiana Restaurant Tips by pabertra Top 5 Page for this destination

Shelbi Street Cafe: Shelbi Street Cafe---Great View, Horrible Food!

The Shelbi Street Cafe boasts a wonderful rooftop garden on top of the old Fountain Square Theatre Building. The highlight of this place is the nice view of the Indianapolis skyline and all the charm and history of the area. Unfortunately I'd recommend stopping here for a few rounds of drinks and skipping dinner as the food is horrible! Perhaps some of the worst I've had in Indy!

Favorite Dish: I tried:

Pesto Fettuccine-- $14.00
tossed with chicken, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomato, asiago cheese & pine nuts

My company tried:

Filet of Beef -- $20.00
filet of beef with sauteed ***ake mushrooms and bernaise sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes & vegetable du jour

Address: 1105 Prospect St

Comparison: about average

Phone: (317)-687-4857

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 1

Theme: Eclectic/International

The Oceanaire--The City's Freshest Seafood!

Swanky and sophisticated this upscale seafood chain is nothing less than amazing. Fresh cuts of fish are flown in daily and the menus are printed only 30 minutes before they open to reflect the catch of the day. The Oceanaire is known just as much for its stainless steel oyster bar, where people come to sample over 12 different kinds of oysters. Whether you are looking for a traditional fish like Alaskan Halibut, or want to try something seasonal like fresh Copper River Salmon, or something unique like true Dover Sole, the Oceanaire has got you covered! Reservations are highly recommended if you want to guarantee that you get to eat here.

Favorite Dish: Costa Rican Dayboat Mahi-Mahi Specialty.

A somewhat mild fish with an excellent falling off your fork preparation. Outstanding!

Address: 30 South Meridian Street

Comparison: most expensive

Phone: (317)-955-2277

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

SI Lounge: SI Lounge-----New & Improved

The restaurant has a great modern ambience with all new decor (this used to be the Scholar's Inn, but was revamped and reopened as the lovely SI lounge). They offer a lot of healthy selections, but the food tastes spectacular. There are lots of options from the duck breast that my date tried to the infamous meatloaf, all of their dishes are incredibly innovative. The SI lounge is well known for its bread. It is located in the Arts District on Massachussets Avenue, so it is the perfect stop after visiting the local shops or a coffee house. Also, do not miss out on their fabulous wine bar which has a great selection.

Favorite Dish: Pine-Nut Crusted Salmon $24
Lemon basil aioli, balsamic glaze, broccolini,
smashed Yukons & sun-dried tomato coulis

Address: 725 Massachussets Avenue

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting

ZING!: Zing! ---Innovative Small Portions To Share

Zing offers small plate portions of American innovative dishes that are meant to be shared in a chic and modern environment. When one of its dishes graced the cover of Indianapolis Monthly magazine I knew I had to get there! As far as ambience Zing has lots of halo and glass blown pendant lighting, a small, but trendy bar area, and in warmer weather sidewalk dining. Maybe we didn't order enough, but unlike the rival small plate restaurant, we left kind of hungry, but I'll be coming back for those fish tacos!

Favorite Dish: ZING's dishes are mostly HIT with only an occasional miss!

My favorite by far is:

Grilled mahi mahi tacos with avocado cream, jicama slaw, cilantro pesto---$9
YUMM! The mahi mahi has absolutely no fish taste, but rather tastes like the yummy marinade it has been cooked in, accented by the crunchy shell and creamy cilantro pesto...WOW! This is a destination dish for sure

Asian meatballs with cellphane noodles cilantro lime sauce---$7
Great flavor again! I'm getting impressed at this point!

French fried fingerling potatoaes with italian sausage feta vinagrette---$8
The first miss of the night....the chunky sausage with the feta isn't a great combination

Pizza-ette 7 inch sausage, mozzarella, tomato sauce---$7
My poor date was starving and devoured this dish in its entirety, it is on an ultra thin crust...think wafer pizza...I didn't get to try it...it was his favorite of the night though!

Address: 543 Indiana Ave

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 317-636-7775

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Website: http://www.zingrestaurant.com

Harry & Izzy's: Harry & Izzy's---Steaks & Seafood Without the Wait

Harry & Izzy's shares the same owners as Indy's infamous St. Elmo's, offers the same St. Elmo's Fire for all of the fiery shrimp cocktail lovers, and has an ultra-cool round bar that completely steals the show! I've been here again and again, because in addition to steak and seafood they also have a variety of appetizers and a bar menu that are great when you just want a small bite to eat!

Favorite Dish: I've tried a lot of their menu, so here it goes:

Toasted Ravioli---$8
This is a dish worth driving for...It is way better than any toasted ravioli I've ever had in St. Louis...A MUST ORDER!

Red Pepper Meatballs---$8
Nothing I'd order again, spicy,, but no WOW factor, just plain meatballs in a spicy sauce

Shrimp Cocktail---$14.95
St. Elmo's Fire, for the unfamiliar....colossal shrimp in a bed of nose burning horseradish laden cocktail sauce....AN INDY ORIGINAL!

Chopped Iceberg---$8
Bland, boring, and don't bother ordering!

To be continued....

Address: 153 S Illinois St.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 317-635-9594

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.harryandizzys.com

Santorini Greek Kitchen: Santorini's--The Best Greek in Indy!

This place is consistently listed amongst the Best of Indy restaurants in Indianapolis Monthly. The low key Greek decor, complete with murals straight from the iconic images of the real Greek Isle will transport you right across the pond. Belly dancers entertain in the evenings and add to the atmosphere. The real attraction here is the food. The pita bread will literally melt in your mouth, the saganaki is truly outstanding, and the gyro meat and side items are to die for!

Remember I am not a Greek food lover, but this restaurant was AWESOME!

Favorite Dish: My date and I had:

Saganaki--
Melt in your mouth pita bread and the infamous flaming cheese

Chicken Souvlaka---
Greece's version of kebab grilled with vegetables, we didn't like the spices on this dish at all, sort of had a bitter taste

Chicken Gyro---
YUMMM! I could eat this daily, ultra tender chicken cut in thin strips, onions, tomatoes, tziziki sauce, in one of those melt in your mouth pitas!

Each entree comes with potatoes, green beans (soaked in tomato sauce, delicious!), rice, side salad, and bread....

Lots of food and the tab for two (including 2 beers and glass of wine) was around $60.

Address: Prospect St

Comparison: about average

Directions: Fountain Square Cultural District

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Strongbow Inn: Strongbow Inn--Valparaiso, IN

This cafeteria/banquet facility started out many years ago as a small turkey stand. Although the facilities have expanded greatly, the main attraction here is still the delicious turkey, which keeps the gray haired folks flocking to this northern Indiana locale for fabulous home cooking. The Inn like many Indiana cafeterias also has a bakery that sells cookies, homemade breads, and pies.

The main dining room is your typical cafeteria style dining place, but for a different experience opt to eat in the adult only Wild Blue Yonder Lounge where you'll be reminded of the simple pleasure of flying. Model airplanes are suspended from the ceiling, hot air balloons are painted on the walls, and even the light fixtures are made from old model airplane wings.

I'm not a fan of cafeterias, but the turkey really is worth a stop if you find yourself here around lunchtime.

Favorite Dish: Turkey is the whole reason this place is so well known locally!

Address: 2405 E US 30

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: (219)-462-5121

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: American

Website: http://www.strongbowinn.com

Athens on 86th: Athens on 86th---You'll Leave Saying Opa!

Everything Greek in a neighborhood type restaurant, from the flaming saganaki to baklava...the atmosphere leaves something to be desired, but gives a cheesy take on Greece with white columns and watercolor paintings...the one major plus it has is outdoor dining, although you'll be staring at a parking lot. The restaurant specializes in authentic Greek cuisine, the restaurant features such dishes as octopus, tender lamb and a variety of innovative pastas. You'll also find an impressive lineup of appetizers, dinner salads, traditional casseroles, grilled chops and even vegetarian entrees at reasonable prices. Opa!

Favorite Dish: My date and I tried:

Saganaki...
Flaming cheese served with warm pita bread

The Sampler...
Too many things to mention from a Greek type lasagna with eggplant, to beef and rice wrapped in grape leaves, to gyro meat.

I'm not a big Greek food fanatic, but I would eat here again~!

Address: 2284 W 86th St

Comparison: about average

Directions: Located in a strip mall at the corner of 86th and Towne

Phone: 317-879-8644

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International

Ambrosia Ristorante: Ambrosia--Basic Broadripple Italian

Enjoy authentic Italian in the casual comforts of this busy Broad Ripple eatery. This family-owned-and-operated restaurant has been dishing out secret family recipes for more than 25 years. House specialties include ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese and tender beef tenderloin drenched in creamy portobello-chianti sauce. Seating is plentiful and the well decorated private room is perfect for smaller intimate gatherings.

If you're celebrating a special occasion, Ambrosia prides itself in its wine selection, offering a variety of unusual and pricey Italian vintages.

Favorite Dish: Pollo Alla Chiantigiana--$15.95
Baked chicken breast, topped with sundried tomato pesto, fresh mozzarella & basil.

Fettuccine Alla Bolognese--$13.95
Fettuccine tossed with a traditional bolognese meat sauce.

Address: 915 E Westfield Blvd

Comparison: about average

Phone: (317)-955-2306

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.ambrosiaitalian.com

Cafe Patachou: Cafe Patachou--Best Breakfast in INDY!

ONE OF MY TOP 10 FAVORITE INDY ORIGINAL RESTAURANTS!

Café Patachou, now entering it's thirteenth year of operation in the Indianapolis area, has been honored in the 2002 Bon Appetit Magazine Neighborhood Restaurants issue. Named in the "Ten Favorite Places to Eat Breakfast" story, the magazine raves about the Café's breakfast specials -- omlettes, cinnamon toast, granola, and the Sunday special, Croissant French Toast -- and the fact that children get the same high quality offerings sized down for them.

The Cafés use only the highest quality ingredients to make their fresh offerings of soups, sandwiches, omlettes, salads, specialty coffees and espresso drinks, "real" smoothies, housemade pastries, meats and desserts. The Cafés also feature a Sunday brunch menu and will be introducing a gourmet tea menu. Café Patachou has recently been awarded the "Best Breakfast in Indianapolis" (for the eleventh consecutive year) and "Best Wait Staff" by Indianapolis Monthly. Past awards from local publications
include: "Best Place to have Sunday AM Bedhead," "Best Place to Meet Singles," "Best Salad" and "Best Soup."

Favorite Dish: Ummm what's not to love??? EVERYTHING is delicious!

I usually order breakfast try:

Omelette of the Day--$8.95
Three fresh jumbo free-range eggs from local farms loaded with 3 special ingredients that change daily, served with a cup of fresh fruit and your choice of mild sourdough, whole wheat or cinnamon toast

Fresh Waffle--$6.50
Housemade served with powdered sugar and toasted nuts, a side of fresh fruit
and maple syrup

Extra Goodies:

Iced Green Tea--$2.50
Not from a powder or mix, our Iced Green tea is brewed fresh
daily from Revolution Green Tea

Comparison: about average

Directions: Patachou on the Park
225 W Washington Street 317.632.0765

Petite Chou
823 Westfield Blvd

Café Patachou
4911 N Pennsylvania St 317.925.2823

8691 River Crossing Blvd 317.815.0765

4733 126th St, Carmel, Indiana 46032 317.569.0965

Phone: see above

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Breakfast

Website: http://www.cafepatachou.com