Indiana’s Hidden Culinary Gems: Our Top Nine Places to Try from Carrie Steinweg’s Book Unique Eats and Eateries Around Indiana

Indiana’s food scene is vibrant with diversity and storied traditions. Carrie Steinweg set out on a mission across the state to uncover restaurants that go beyond the ordinary. 

Unique Eats and Eateries of Indiana spotlights some of her favorite discoveries on her search for Indiana’s most treasured eats and eateries. Some you may know. Some you may not.  But, thanks to Steinweg, we know this– Indiana is brimming with variety, story and downright delicious eats. Here is our top list to visit in 2025. 

Workingman’s Friend: Indianapolis, IN 

A Father’s legacy lives on through this well-loved joint. Originally named Belmont Lunch, 19-year-old immigrant Louis Stamatkin established The Workingman’s Friend in 1922, catering to local railroad workers, even allowing lenient payments during the historic strike at the time. This adults-only establishment is cash-only and boasts a simple food menu, continuing the eatery’s roots as an everyman’s diner. Rumor has it, it’s one of the best burgers you’ll eat.

The Prewitt Restaurant and Lounge: Plainfield, IN 

The Prewitt Restaurant and Lounge, a  locally-owned “New Americana” restaurant, serves up curated dishes and craft cocktails in a renovated 1920s movie theater. From green eggs and ham to shrimp avocado toast, this upscale lounge’s unique menu is paired with live entertainment, themed movie nights, and rooftop igloo rentals through the winter. 

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy: Indianapolis, IN 

Looking for authentic Italian food with a rich history? Iozzo’s Garden of Italy meets, and goes beyond, those expectations. Opened in 2009 by Fred Iozzo’s granddaughter the restaurant continues a legacy of food dating back to the 1900s. With awards such as “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Italian Restaurant in Indianapolis” awarded by local publications, their famous meatballs are a must-try along with their homemade desserts. Every dish is crafted in love and years of tradition. 

John’s Famous Stew: Indianapolis, IN 

Dating back to the 1800s, Dapa Strangeff cooked stew in iron kettles to feed her nine children in Macedonia. Later, in 1911, two of her sons went on to settle in Indianapolis and created John’s Famous Stew. Using their mother’s recipe, the famous stew is a dish of beef chunks in a beef broth with potatoes and carrots. While the stew recipe put this place on the map, there is a variety of comfort food to fill you up, including tenderloin sandwiches, meatloaf, chicken fried steak, and carrot cake. 

Mayberry Cafe: Danville, IN 

Inspired by the beloved Andy Griffith show and lined with flowery wallpaper and TVs that play the show on a loop, this charming cafe’s concept has drawn in both nostalgic customers and local attention. The menu features characters’ names and items influenced by characters including  one of the most popular items, Aunt Bee’s Fried Chicken. Desserts include a variety of cakes, apple pies, and brownies.

Catello’s Italian Art Cuisine: Pendleton, IN 

This chef-owned restaurant serves up authentic flavors of Italy. The owner, Catello Avagnale came to the U.S. and opened the eatery in 2016. Mozzarella and Burrata are made in-house and a table side pasta wheel prepares fresh entrees for guests. Don’t be surprised if you hear locals call it the best Italian restaurant in Indiana.

Joseph Decuis: Roanoke, IN 

Dedicated to serving customers great local food and keeping the culture of fine dining alive, this Four-Diamond rated restaurant serves all their food “farm-to-fork.” Their popular Wagyu beef, renowned as some of the finest wagyu outside of Japan, is raised on their own farms just a few miles from the restaurant and not sold anywhere else. Opened since 2000, the restaurant has expanded into an emporium dedicated to Joseph Decius, a market, and cafe. 

Ballard’s in The Atrium: West Baden Springs, IN 

In the center of the West Baden Springs Hotel sits Ballard’s in The Atrium, originally dubbed the eighth Wonder of the World due to its massive free standing dome (the world’s largest at the time). Part of a high renovation in 2006, the modern eatery includes casual dining items such as pizza and salad, but also offers more upscale options as well. Seafood and steak can be enjoyed as you view the huge dome and beautiful statues and balconies.   

Das Dutchman Essenhaus: Middlebury, IN 

Founded in 1970 in the heart of Amish country, couple Bob and Sue Miller gave a much needed makeover to a 24-hour truck stop turning it into a go to place to get a warm Amish meal. The restaurant to both a gift shop and bakery making it the largest restaurant in the state. Homestyle foods like creamy mashed potatoes and 30 different varieties of pies create a warm environment and an experience like one you’d find in a nearby Amish home.

Grab your own copy of Carrie’s book wherever books are sold and take a look at the full list of unique eats and eateries in Indiana. Your culinary adventure starts here.