“Eat” listings
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Naisa Pan-Asian Café
The key to this simple café is that everything is made from scratch, and every entrée has a twist, like the wasabi mayo for the tempura shrimp and the tangerine chicken dish. The food and modern décor is complemented by original art created by Herron School of Art students. $$ (09/2011)
1025 Virginia Ave
317-602-3708
naisacafe.com -
Bonge’s Tavern
This no-frills tavern, open since 1934, is worth the drive to Perkinsville. Now a popular 21+ restaurant, be prepared to wait as this place doesn’t take reservations. Drive up, get your name on the list and tailgate in the parking lot with the rest of the crowds before enjoying albacore tuna, elk medallions or delectable applewood smoked prime rib. $$$ (09/2011)
9830 W 280 N, Perkinsville
765-734- 1625
bongestavern.com -
Locally Grown Gardens
It may look like a sketchy gas station, but the smell of smoked pork and freshly baked bread proves otherwise. CIAtrained chef/owner Ron Harris roasts pork daily and crafts it into the perfect pulled-pork sandwich. $$ (08/2011)
1050 E 54 St
317-255-8555
locallygrowngardens.com -
Matteo’s Italian Ristorante
Watch out that you don’t fill up on the hot, crusty bread that’s served with herb-infused olive oil. Save room for never-fail fresh pastas and specials like osso buco in this homey Italian joint where every meal is a memorable feast. $$$ (07/2011)
40 N Ninth St, Noblesville
317-774- 9771
matteosindy.com -
SANTORINI GREEK KITCHEN
This popular family-owned restaurant in historic Fountain Square specializes in Greek cuisine. It does lunch and dinner standards right, and also features tableside belly dancing on weekend nights. $$ (01/2011)
1417 E Prospect St
317-917-1117
greekkitchen.dine.com -
MESH
Mike Cunningham’s latest restaurant venture on busy Mass Ave sees a steady stream of patrons all day for lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the two-buck bar menu that includes short rib sliders, fi sh tacos and grilled fl atbreads. $$$ (01/2011)
725 Massachusetts Ave
317-955-9600
meshonmass.com -
NAPOLESE
This latest eatery in restaurateur Martha Hoover’s empire, located in the Meridian Kessler neighborhood, lives up to the classic pizzeria motto: Never trust the perfectly round pizza. Choose from imaginative topping combos and add to the meal with soup and bruschetta. $$$ (11/2010)
114 E 49 St
317-925-0765
cafepatachou.com -
SZECHWAN GARDEN
Authentic Szechwan recipe lovers will be in heaven at this no-frills eatery. There are no photos on the menu, so you need to know your stuff or ask for advice. Start out with the hot and sour tofu, then try the cheng du double-cooked pork. $ (10/2010)
3649 Lafayette Rd
317-328-2888 -
JOCKAMO UPPER CRUST PIZZA
This family-run pizza joint makes its own salad dressings and features inventive pizza. Slaughterhouse Five, an homage to Hoosier Kurt Vonnegut, includes pepperoni, bacon, ham, sausage and Italian beef. $$ (09/2010)
5646 E Washington St
317-356-6612
jockamopizza.com -
MO’S A PLACE FOR STEAKS
This downtown shrine to beef is known for— you guessed it—steaks; try its signature, a massive, 20-ounce bone-in ribeye. $$$$ (09/2010)
47 S Pennsylvania St
317-624-0720
mosaplacefo...ks.com/indy -
MAXINE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES
Indulgent Southern food and homemade sides like candied yams and grits are served at this family-operated restaurant in downtown Indianapolis. There are few frills, just crispyon- the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken served with fluffy waffles. $ (07/2010)
132 N East St
317-423-3300
maxineschicken.com -
MEDITERRANO CAFÉ
This popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eatery is known for its smoky baba ghanoush and kabob buffet. $ (05/2010)
5941 E 86 St
317-595-0399