We may be in the middle of Indiana, surrounded by farmland, but you can transport your senses to Italy with a visit to any of these fine family-friendly establishments. Here are our top 15 places to get pasta in the Indy area.
Mama Carolla’s
1031 E 54th Street, Indianapolis 46220
The atmosphere, the staff, the sounds and smells at Mama Carolla’s all exude Italy. Grab a table outside and watch people on the Monon Trail or snag a more secluded alcove upstairs. Known for being a romantic hot spot it’s definitely a date night stop. The rosemary chicken lasagna is top notch. They never slow down from open to close so expect a wait. It’s worth it.
Iaria’s Italian Restaurant
317 S College Avenue, Indianapolis 46202
Iaria’s has been around for over 90 years. In that time they have perfected their sweet Sicilian sauce over pasta (the tortellini is amazing). The staff provides excellent service. You can really tell the owners pride themselves on everything from fresh ingredients to attentive staffing.
Capri Italian Restaurant
2602 Ruth Drive, Indianapolis 46225
This dinner spot is such a cozy, romantic place. Known for their large portions you won’t go home hungry. Check out the “chef’s feature” or try the Orecchiette all’ Arrabiatta; a house made pasta with sausage, broccoli raab and mildly spicy Sorgetti tomato sauce.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
210 S Meridian Street, Indianapolis 46225
This classic, well known establishment definitely lives up to its name. The OSF offers HUGE portions. Top your choice of pasta with the “manager’s favorite”, Mizithra cheese on half and sauce on half. Their grown up version of mac-n-cheese is a delicious, creamy cheese sauce served on ditalini pasta and it’s fantastic.
Maialina Italian Kitchen & Bar
1103 Prospect Street, Indianapolis 46203
While they may only be a couple years old this Italian kitchen has perfected their lasagna with a meat sauce and a white sauce. Check out these other Fountain Square things to do before or after your dinner.
Ambrosia
5903 N College Avenue, Indianapolis 46220
Ambrosia offers fresh house made pasta and classic Italian dishes. The gnocchi linguine with white wine sauce is enough as an entrée on it’s own or to share beforehand.
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy
946 S Meridian Street, Indianapolis 46225
Plan on snagging a table for an al fresco dinner because Iozzo’s has beautiful outdoor seating available. They have authentic, traditional options like spaghetti or chicken parmesan. Step out of your comfort zone with an osso bucco, it’s amazing.
Cortona’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar
209 S Main Street, Fortville 46040
Huge portions and a create-your-own pasta bowl are sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Pair your meal with a vino from their great wine selection. See what else you can do while you’re in Fortville too.
Amore! Italian Kitchen
9757 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis 46256
Don’t let the strip mall storefront fool you. This little hole in the wall kitchen scratch makes their Italian food. It’s full of flavor and great tasting. Set in a charming atmosphere reminiscent of an Italian courtyard. Bon Appetit.
Kinsey’s Italian Cafe
6383 W Broadway, McCordsville 46055
Head to Kinsey’s for dinner and you’ll find large portions enough to share or save for leftovers the next day. Go early for their lunch specials; smaller but still filling portions. Try the lasagna with a side of the garlic knots and you won’t be disappointed.
Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano
40 N. 9th Street, Noblesville 46060
A top 25 restaurant in INDIANA for four years in a row Matteo’s has the best veal picatta in the Indy area. Don’t pass up their fresh baked bread with amazing olive oil dip. This family owned and husband and wife chef duo pride themselves on quality ingredients and it shows. This beautiful restaurant also has live music on Wednesdays.
Savor
211 W. Main Street, Carmel 46032
Grab an outdoor seating option or request a table next to the open windows and enjoy perfectly seared scallops with risotto. Try a different take on jumbo prawns when served with artichokes and tomatoes with a white wine sauce over capellini, it’s so flavorful.
Napoli Villa
758 Main Street, Beech Grove 46107
Whether you’re heading out for a family dinner or a date night Napoli Villa is a fantastic option. This rustic, Italian restaurant has been family run around since 1962. Their Alfredo sauce is amazing over any pasta or choose your own ravioli stuffing and sauce combo.
Sangiovese
9708 District North Drive, Suite 910, Fishers 46037
2727 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis 46240
The Scallopini Marsala is amazing and the portions are large. Their food served fresh and HOT. You’ll need a reservation because they are busy but you will feel very well taken care of as the staff is incredible.
Tour of Italy Café
5 American Legion Place, Greenfield 46140
You’ll want to make reservations for this Greenfield gem. Their baked lasagna is amazing (along with the garlic knots) and the mix-and-match ravioli is sure to fill your belly. Outdoor (heated) seating is plentiful and they have a great kids menu as well!
Of course all these restaurants have fantastic salads, soups and bread options as well so if pasta isn’t on your dinner plate they will still satisfy you. What is your favorite place to dine on pasta? I would love to check it out.
