Romantic Restaurants in Indianapolis

Meridian Restaurant & Bar is a hidden romantic gem nestled in an 1880s log home between Meridian Street and the Indiana Central Canal. This historic, cozy setting pairs perfectly with refined American cuisine, flickering fireplaces, and views of the serene Alice Carter Park—ideal for date nights and special occasions.

Recommended For: Romantic dinners, small celebrations, and anyone seeking refined American dining in a uniquely historic setting.

• Dine in a beautifully restored log home with exposed beams and warm ambiance.
• Enjoy elegant American cuisine for lunch or dinner in a candlelit setting.
• Sip craft cocktails and martinis at the intimate bar.
• Reserve a private dining room for special events and celebrations.
• Relax by the fireplace or near a window for the ultimate romantic table.

Meridian Restaurant & Bar, 5694 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-466-1111

Capri Restaurant has been a beloved Indianapolis staple since 1951, bringing the soul of Italy to the city’s northside with traditional, multi-course Italian dining. From homemade pastas to expertly crafted veal and seafood entrées, Capri offers warm hospitality and classic elegance in a timeless setting perfect for romantic dinners or family celebrations.

Recommended For: Italian cuisine lovers, special occasions, and anyone looking for an authentic, upscale dining experience.

• Enjoy handcrafted Italian fare including antipasti, pastas, and house-specialty entrées.
• Dine in a warm, elegant space ideal for date nights and celebrations.
• Host private events and weddings with full-service staff and custom menus.
• Pair your meal with selections from a curated wine list designed to complement each course.
• Experience true Italian hospitality from a family-run restaurant with decades of history.

Capri Restaurant, 2602 Ruth Drive, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-259-4122

St. Elmo Steak House is an iconic Indianapolis institution that has served unforgettable meals since 1902, making it the city’s oldest steakhouse. Named after the patron saint of sailors, this historic downtown gem maintains its Chicago-style saloon roots while offering modern luxury, including private dining rooms, a wine cellar, and the elegant 1933 Lounge upstairs.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, special occasions, and anyone seeking a taste of Indy history in a timeless setting.

• Dine in a legendary space filled with early-1900s character and charm.
• Order signature steaks, chops, seafood, and the famous shrimp cocktail.
• Unwind in the 1933 Lounge with expertly crafted classic cocktails.
• Host private dinners or events in luxurious, newly renovated dining rooms.
• Experience one of the most iconic and historic restaurants in Indianapolis.

St. Elmo Steak House, 127 South Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-635-0636

Unique Restaurants

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant offers an immersive wine and dining experience just north of downtown Indianapolis. Begin with a stroll through the barrel room and sample handcrafted wines in the tasting room, then settle in for an upscale meal with expertly paired selections from a robust wine list. Craft cocktails, signature sangrias, and a dedicated wine club enhance this destination’s all-encompassing charm.

Recommended For: Wine lovers, special occasions, and anyone looking for a full-service tasting and dining experience under one roof.

• Tour the on-site barrel room and tasting bar before dining.
• Choose from handcrafted wines, sparkling selections, and bold reds.
• Explore craft cocktails, house-made sangrias, and global varietals.
• Host private events with elegant spaces and online pricing tools.
• Join the Wine Club for monthly perks and exclusive new releases.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 3815 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-574-9463

Delicia is a vibrant, upscale destination in Indianapolis offering a bold fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisines. From gooey baked cheese with chorizo to empanadas, enchiladas, and decadent desserts, this lively eatery combines creative flavor with contemporary style and handcrafted cocktails.

Recommended For: Latin food enthusiasts, date nights, and anyone seeking globally inspired dishes with flair and flavor.

• Sample inventive Latin fusion dishes like shrimp terrine, fish tacos, and empanadas.
• Indulge in house-made churros, flan, and tres leches cake.
• Sip expertly crafted rum and tequila cocktails from the in-house bar.
• Book a private event or enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch with a Latin twist.
• Experience one of the city's most flavorful and stylish dining spots.

Delicia, 5215 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-925-0677

Eddie Merlot’s Indianapolis is a premier fine-dining destination known for prime-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and luxurious ambiance. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, hosting a client dinner, or simply indulging in a special night out, Eddie Merlot’s delivers polished service, sophisticated cocktails, and elevated cuisine in an upscale setting.

Recommended For: Date nights, special celebrations, and anyone who appreciates expertly prepared steaks and seafood in a refined environment.

• Dine on premium aged steaks, king crab, and fresh seafood specialties.
• Toast with signature cocktails or a bottle from the curated wine list.
• Enjoy vegetarian-friendly dishes and attentive, first-class service.
• Join the Platinum Club for perks like birthday rewards and tastings.
• Impress a date or client in one of Indy’s top fine-dining venues.

Eddie Merlot’s Indianapolis, 3645 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-846-8303

Restaurants for a Date

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy is a family-owned downtown gem offering an old-world Italian dining experience that dates back to 1930. With exposed brick, soft lighting, and a romantic garden courtyard, this trattoria blends timeless ambiance with authentic Calabrian recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, hearty entrées, and signature Italian cocktails in one of Indy’s most charming settings.

Recommended For: Romantic dinners, intimate group gatherings, and anyone craving classic Italian fare with a historic touch.

• Dine on pizza, pasta, meat dishes, and house specialties made from time-honored family recipes.
• Relax in the cozy interior or under the stars in the garden courtyard.
• Toast with handcrafted cocktails inspired by Calabrian traditions.
• Celebrate date nights, anniversaries, or small gatherings in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
• Experience the legacy of one of Indianapolis’ oldest Italian restaurants.

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, 946 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-974-1100

Livery brings the fiery, colorful spirit of Latin America to downtown Indianapolis with bold flavors and a vibrant dining scene. Located in a stylish space featuring warm wood, rustic stone, and moody lighting, it’s ideal for date nights or festive gatherings. The menu offers an array of modern Latin dishes like ceviche, empanadas, grilled meats, and tacos, complemented by craft cocktails with tropical flair.

Recommended For: Latin cuisine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and couples or groups looking for a trendy spot with unforgettable flavor.

• Taste authentic Latin American favorites from ceviche to grilled specialties.
• Sip house margaritas and mezcal cocktails crafted with Caribbean influence.
• Share small plates like empanadas and oysters in a lively setting.
• Dine in a chic, rustic interior perfect for date night or stylish outings.
• Visit their South Bend location for a similar experience upstate.

Livery, 720 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-383-0330

Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant brings the heart of Tuscany to Indianapolis in a cozy, villa-style setting. With its warm, vintage ambiance and time-honored recipes, this beloved spot serves hearty Mediterranean and Italian fare rooted in family tradition. From house wines by the carafe to pastas, seafood, and Mama’s signature specialties, every detail exudes old-world charm and hospitality.

Recommended For: Romantic nights out, Italian food lovers, and anyone seeking an authentic, family-style dining experience.

• Experience rustic villa vibes with Mediterranean-style decor and charm.
• Dine on hearty Italian classics, seafood, and rotating house specialties.
• Toast with carafes of house wine, ideal for sharing.
• Celebrate a special night at one of Indy’s most highly rated restaurants.
• Savor an al fresco meal on the patio that feels straight out of Tuscany.

Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant, 1031 East 54th Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-259-9412