21 restaurants that define Indianapolis' food scene

It’s a good time to eat in Indianapolis.

The area continues to attract entrepreneurs and chefs from vastly different backgrounds. As favorite neighborhood spots entrench themselves in their communities, others spring up serving cuisines that locals may have never tasted before.

In just over two years writing about restaurants for IndyStar, I’ve had the joy to eat at several of these places. Here, I’ve compiled a list of those that best define Indy’s dining scene today. This is not a list of the best restaurants per se but rather the restaurants I feel capture the most complete view of Indy’s food offerings. The lineup features 21 restaurants as a nod to Indianapolis’ founding year of 1821. Also, at a certain point you’ve just got to pick a number.