My Top Picks for Italian-Eating in Indianapolis

This article is in response to Top Italian Restaurants in Indianapolis. I would like to supplement the author’s top picks for fantastic Italian dining with some venues that cater to my own liking: Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant, BRAVO! Cucina Italiana, and Buca di Beppo’s. These three restaurants are not to be missed, and they’ve each received accolades noting them as the best in the city. 

Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant
Located on Indy’s northside, near both the Monon Trail and Broad Ripple arts district, is my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. Mama Carolla’s (1031 E 54th St.; phone: 317-259-9412) is an old stucco-sided house transformed into a quaint yet sophisticated eatery. Voted by AOL’s City Guide as the number-two best local restaurant for a first date, Carolla’s features soft background music, intimate lighting, and infinite charm that sets is apart. The place fills up with families and business professionals just the same. 

Stepping inside the building, you are greeted by a wine bar where you may linger while waiting for a table. Several rooms within the house have been transformed into interesting dining nooks, but the best seats are outside on the house’s wraparound patio. Here, skilled waiters attend to your every palatable desire, and everything is fabulous and served in large portions. Try the popular yellow-fin tuna or one of the nightly specials if you are daring. 

Tip: Mama Carolla’s is only open for dinner, and reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Make sure to call ahead. 

BRAVO! Cucina Italiana
www.bravoitalian.com
With two Indianapolis locations, BRAVO! serves delicious Italian favorites Sunday through Thursday from 11 am-10 pm (open an hour later Friday and Saturday). The restaurants are located 8651 Castle Creek Parkway East Dr. (phone: 317-577-2211) and 2658 Lake Circle Dr. (phone: 317-879-1444).