Since 1933, Iaria's Italian Restaurant has been serving up authentic, homemade cuisine to patrons in downtown Indianapolis. Although unassuming on the outside, the eatery's interior is classically decorated, warm and welcoming. The menu is full of traditional dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, homemade minestrone soup, ravioli and eggplant Parmesan. The restaurant even offers a selection of pizzas and desserts, including homemade tiramisu, cannoli and sorbet.
Hungry downtown diners often head to the city's first Moroccan restaurant, Saffron Cafe, to enjoy something a bit out of the ordinary. Elegant Moroccan decor and an authentic menu filled with Moroccan specialties like kabbabs, gyros, paella and tajines (Moroccan stews) make Saffron a terrific choice for discerning and adventurous diners. Even the restaurant's wine is imported from Morocco, and the chef's family tiramisu recipe is, quite simply, out-of-this-world.
You'll find one of Indy's most popular Italian restaurants in the heart of downtown. Originally established in 1930, Iozzo's Garden of Italy offers an upscale dining experience and some of the most authentic food around. The menu is a mix of traditional and contemporary, with dishes like spaghetti with meatballs, veal marsala, salmon piccata and lobster ravioli. An extensive wine selection ensures patrons the perfect pairing for every meal.
A downtown Indianapolis landmark, St. Elmo Steak House has been at its original location since 1902, making it the city's oldest steakhouse. This establishment serves possibly the best chops in Indy, with cuts like New York strip, bone-in filet and ribeye. The spicy St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, as is the decadent King Crab Mac 'n Cheese. The restaurant also offers an expansive wine list and a Pacers Pre-Game Menu for sports fans.
