Welcome to your new favorite date night spot! I’ll be your host, Sondra, and this evening’s special is “Restaurants in Indy that are almost as sexy as your date.” Restaurants that make you dig in the back of your closet for that dress you never get to wear. Restaurants that give you an excuse to wear that fancy cologne you got last Christmas. Restaurants that definitely require a reservation, so you should probably get on that (don’t say I didn’t warn you!).
If you’re looking for something a little more casual, might I recommend my list for Indy’s best burgers or great pizza spots in Central Indiana? Or if you’re more in the mood for entertainment and activity, allow me to show you a list of Indy date night ideas that are sure to get her heart racing!
And if you’re still with me for fine dining in Indianapolis, then sit back, relax as the Where Is Sondra blog proudly presents… your dinner. 😉
P.S. Tap the name of the restaurants to get a video guide to each spot.
Bocca 📍 122 E 22nd St, Indianapolis, Indiana
You might be tired of my recommending Bocca (because you know it’s in almost every one of my lists), but it truly has it all! My favorite patio in Indy (don’t tell the others) for those warm summer nights, a romantic interior with delectable Italian favorites, AND they also have a speakeasy in the basement.
1933 Lounge 📍 127 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, Indiana
You might notice that a particular Indianapolis steakhouse isn’t featured on this list (cough… St. Elmo’s… cough). No shade at all! I just prefer this Huse Culinary concept a bit more. SORRY DON’T YELL AT ME!! And the downtown location of 1933 is more of a speakeasy-style lounge above St. Elmo’s, so you can still get the classic shrimp cocktail in a romantic, intimate setting. Or, if you really want a full steak dinner at the iconic Downtown Indianapolis restaurant, just come up to 1933 Lounge after to enjoy a nightcap.
Full disclosure: The video is featuring the Carmel, Indiana location, but the Downtown Indy location is gorgeous too!
Union 50 📍 620 N East St, Indianapolis, Indiana
Funny story. I actually came to Union 50 before my junior prom with a group of friends. I’m talking full prom dresses and tuxedos, so there is really no shame in going full glam here! A few things I love about Union 50 in my adult years, however, are the proximity to Mass Ave, seasonal menu selections, and extensive cocktail and wine lists!
The Fountain Room 📍 830 Massachusetts Ave Suite 1480, Indianapolis, Indiana
Voted as one of America’s 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants, The Fountain Room in the Bottleworks District of Downtown Indy is serving up steak, seafood, and comforting classics. Plus, their cocktail menu always has something unique and strong to pair with a starter like their Brie Brulee. It truly is such a beautiful space sure to impress your date!
SALT on Mass 📍 505 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana
She wants sushi, he wants steak. She wants to drink out of a glass purse, he wants nautical-inspired decor… Okay, maybe I’m getting too deep in this. Anyway, enter SALT. The only place in Indy (that I know of) where your date can eat seafood, steak, and oysters while sipping a cocktail out of a glass Birkin. And yes, the food is just as amazing as it looks.
Full disclosure: The video is featuring the Carmel, Indiana location, but the Downtown Indy location is gorgeous too!
RH Indianapolis 📍 4501 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana
I want to say upfront that this one isn’t super generous with their portion sizes, but the views make up for it. This would be perfect for a lighter dinner, grabbing a glass of wine, and walking around the estate on a warm night. If your pookie is looking absolutely fire, got a little dressed up, and wore their uncomfortable shoes, take them here for pictures! Your date needs a new Facebook profile picture (they told me!).
Capri 📍 2602 Ruth Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana
This one isn’t in Downtown Indy, but it is definitely a place to check out if your date loves Italian food, white tablecloth service, and limoncello! I’ve eaten here several times and I’m always impressed. Plus the moody lighting, stonework details, and romantic interior make me feel like I’ve left Indiana and am now in some sort of Italian villa.
Indy Date Night Restaurants on my 2026 List!
As lucky as I am to have gone to some of the most gorgeous Indy restaurants with my date, there are a few places that I haven’t been able to try yet. Below are just a few restaurants in Indy that I haven’t personally tried, but have come highly recommended in the @whereissondra comment section that seem to have allllll the romantic vibes to impress your date!
Tinker Street 📍 402 E 16th St, Indianapolis, Indiana
Bluebeard 📍 653 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana
BOHDI 📍 922 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana
Vida 📍 601 E New York St, Indianapolis, Indiana (note that this one does come with a high price tag and a 4-6 Course Tasting menu!)
Mama Carolla’s 📍 1031 E 54th St, Indianapolis, Indiana
I hope you’ve enjoyed this ~fancy~ dinner date guide to Indianapolis! If you didn’t see your favorite Indy date night spot, let me know what I should try next by leaving a comment on this post or on my Instagram. If you have a recommendation for the sexiest restaurants in Indianapolis, I would LOVE to hear it!
Subscribe to this blog below, and don’t forget to check your junk/other folder to add me as a contact. That way, future blogs and lists like this will get delivered directly to your inbox:
Where Is Sondra 
Leave a comment