Culinary Trails
Central Indiana
The Indiana Foodways Alliance recommends the following restaurants for visitors who wish to sample the local fare in the counties located in central Indiana. Call to verify hours.
Pricing is averaged and may be subject to change.
$ = Sandwiches are under $5, entrees under $10
$$ = Sandwiches are under $9, entrees under $18
$$$ = Lunches $10 and up, dinners $18 and up
Kokomo
Kokomo is known as the city of firsts, including the first canned tomato juice. It is also known as a test market for chain restaurants, maybe because the citizenry has the culinary experience to deliver strong opinions about food and the way it is prepared. But Kokomo has also fostered excitement for local food establishments and offers some fine choices to visitors for real Hoosier food. The city is also home to one of the Midwest's top manufacturers of fresh and frozen pies - Moore's Pie Shop, Inc. The local culinary trail through Kokomo offers up a wide array of real Indiana food for an authentic Kokomo experience.
Sondy's Sycamore Grille
115 West Sycamore 765-457-2220
Kokomo, IN 46902
Sondy Chism has created an inviting atmosphere for fine dining in two adjoining 1800's storefronts in downtown Kokomo. Life-sized Blues Brothers greet you at the entrance and the high ceilings and gleaming woodwork compliment the local antiques, stained glass and ornate bar. Patio seating and a dance floor add options that make Sondy's popular with the late night crowd, but the fine ingredients and attention to detail in the lunch and dinner menus make this a popular spot any time. Sondy's is known for fine Certified Angus Beef steaks, prime rib, seafood, pork medallions and award-winning ribs on the dinner menu, and some great lighter fare, served anytime such as Sycamore Shrimp (bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with pepper jack cheese and the beloved Hot Fried Chicken Salad (incredibly tender chicken strips in a honey mustard sauce served with fruit, lettuce and nut bread). The gleaming oak bar offers a full drink list as well as 170 martini choices. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-11 pm, Fri. 11 am-midnight or later, Sat. 4 pm-late. Age 21 and over, cover charge for late night entertainment. $$
Half Moon Brewery
4051 S. LaFountain 765-455-2739
Kokomo, IN 46901 http://www.halfmoonbrewery.com
The Half Moon is located on the west side of SR 31, on the south end of town; an easy stop for travelers. Chris Roegner is a Kokomo native who returned to his hometown to open an artisan brewery, and decided that a state of the art smoker would add another authentic touch to his venture. He was right: the smokehouse brisket, ribs, chicken and pulled pork, served with 3 barbeque sauces, all go great with the brews, but so do the steaks and freshly ground burgers. Lots of the big booths at the Half Moon face the glass walled brewery, where Memphis brew master John Templet creates golden lagers, red, amber and brown ales, a black porter (called Cole Porter, with permission) and an light unfiltered Wildcat Wheat that is especially popular. The entrée salads and meals are served with fresh-baked brewer's rolls and cinnamon pecan butter, and the porter is featured on the dessert menu, where it shows up in Porter Puddin' and Chocolate Porter Cake. Open Sun.-Thu. 11 am-10 pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-11 pm. $$
Pastariffic
3001 S. Webster St. 765-455-1312
Kokomo, IN 46902 http://www.pastariffic.com
Chef Cynthia Yazdani is a local celebrity with a Kokomo radio spot focused on Pastariffic's cuisine. Her menu features classic Mediterranean and innovative California-inspired seafoods, pastas, chicken and chops. A nice selection of wines, available by the glass, reflects those regions, as does the warm décor of the spacious restaurant. The whole fish entrees, lasagnas and cooked to order side dishes like Grandad's Sweet Potato Casserole, steamed broccoli and Maggie's Kreamed Korn are standouts and Chef Jack's Seafood Pot Pie in puff pastry is a signature dish. Local favorites include the scratch-made pizzas and bread sticks with dipping sauces, and the silky crème brulees. Pastariffic has been a family business for Cynthia and her husband Mehrdad, since 1990. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-9 pm, Fri. 11 am-10 pm, Sat. noon-10 pm, Sun. 11 am-4 pm. Reservations accepted. $$
Jamie's Soda Fountain
3320 S. Lafountain St. 765-459-5888
Kokomo, IN 46901
The red and white interior of Jamie's sports Coca-Cola curtains and decorations, since proprietor Jim Whitehead says the company has been a great supplier through 23 years. The classic soda fountain serves black raspberry Cokes (very Hoosier) and uses Glovers Ice Cream from Frankfort to make the cones, sodas, floats, shakes and sundaes Jamie's has always been known for in Kokomo. The Cokes and fountain drinks are hand-pumped using original 1950's machines. Some of the servers have worked here for 18 years, and Jim says over 200 local kids have had their first jobs here. He named the place for his grandchildren, Jason and Michelle. Jamie's serves daily specials like beef and noodles and ham and beans, and a regular menu of appetizers, sandwiches, soups and salads. The #1 selling basket is the breaded pork tenderloin, made with pork from White's Meat Market and Hoyt's. The signature sandwich is an old-fashioned grilled ham salad, served with homemade macaroni or combination salad. This is a great place to sample some tried and true Indiana favorite foods. Open Mon.-Sat. 7 am-8 pm, Sun. 11 am-6 pm. $
Louie's Conie Island
17th & Hoffar 765-459-9649
Kokomo, IN 46902
Louie's father, Gus Volikas, and his Uncle John came to Kokomo from Greece over 60 years ago and opened a Coney Island restaurant that has been the family business ever since. Granddaughter Toula credits her dad, Louie, with the "one of a kind" recipes that have made their coney sauce and "bakes" a town tradition. Louie's is a cute little building across from J. C. Penny's, serving breakfast, lunch or an early dinner to a crowd appreciative of ham and eggs, Greek salads, gyros, and sandwiches. The famous "bake" is a hamburger rolled up the size of a hot dog, baked and served on a hot dog roll with the secret recipe coney sauce - a true Kokomo original! Locals like their coney dogs served with lots of cheese and chopped onions, maybe with a bowl of Louie's chili, and those cream pies in the case are always tempting. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 am-7 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm. $
J. Edwards Fine Chocolates, Cakes & Gifts
2106 W. Sycamore St. 765-626-0142
Kokomo, IN 46901
This little shop across from the hospital is full of beautiful gifts and dense homemade candies, and a case filled with tempting cakes that are available by the piece, or whole. The carrot cake is special enough for fans to drive 30 miles for, and the seasonal cakes, like the three layer Triple Berry Compote, are works of art. Hummingbird, Red Velvet, Maple Walnut and Mandarin Orange are just a few of the tempting flavors you may find in Ryan Conwell's and James Glaub's cake case. They recommend giving 48 hours notice for a particular cake order, more during the holidays. We can also recommend the cheesecake, caramel apples, chocolate covered strawberries, or potato chips when available, and the giant milk chocolate and caramel sea turtles. Kat Tails and Kitty Kat Tails are the names of the addictive caramel and chocolate dipped pretzels in glass jars on the counter. Open Tues.-Fri. 10 am-5 pm, Sat. 10 am-1 pm. $$
The Brass Monkey Brew Pub at the Market Place
115 E Sycamore 765-457-4659
Kokomo, IN 46901 http://www.sycamoremarketplace.com
Mike Schenbre is a young entrepreneur whose mission is to make his part of downtown Kokomo a family friendly gathering place for local food, beverages, art and music. The Market Place houses a coffee bar, restaurant, brew pub with stage and an outdoor dining area in the enclosed alley between the historic 1880's Draper building and its neighbor. A changing display of works by local artists cover the exposed brick walls inside. Prince Edward Island blue mussels, catfish, crawfish or chicken baskets are menu favorites, along with hand-cut fries in the Belgian manner that go so well with the European-style artisan ales brewed on the premises. In a nod to Indiana, the menu also offers sweet corn nuggets, fired green beans and hand-cut tenderloins. Local live entertainment every weekend, and special events like beer dinners and open mike nights, are part of the fun. Open Mon. Wed. 8 am-8 pm, Thu.-Sat. 8 am-midnight. $
The Crystal Tea Room
502 W. Jefferson St. 765-854-1440
Kokomo, IN 46901
Lunch and tea are served in style in this beautiful turreted 1903 brick Victorian house on a corner lot. There is outdoor seating on the wrap-around porch, or in the gazebo, or enjoy your meal in the antique-filled rooms on the first floor. Sandwiches and salads are on the menu, as well as seasonal quiches and homemade soups like corn bisque and strawberry gazpacho. Crepes, cobblers, cakes, bread pudding and tortes are a few of the dessert choices, along scones and sweet bread served for tea. Open Tues.-Fri. 11 am-4 pm, Saturday, Sunday and evenings by reservation only. High Tea served 2-4 pm by reservation only. $$
Muncie
Burkie's
1515 W. Jackson St. 765-282-4355
Muncie, IN 47303
Burkies is an old-fashioned drive-up and eat-in-your-car spot with bell-hops in attendance. Their fresh hand-cut fries have won awards, and they go well with the burgers, tenderloins, steak and cheese, chicken, barbeque and coneys on the tray in your window. Cherry Cokes, milkshakes and sugar cream pie make the little brown and white striped building in a residential area a nostalgia feast, and the neon sign with the arrow is the icing on the cake. Open year round, Mon.-Sat. 11 am-9 pm. $
Eva's Pancake House
4008 W. Bethel Ave. 765-288-9650
Muncie, IN 47304 http://www.evaspancakehouse.com
A cool green stucco exterior with a glass block column and an umbrella patio leads into the garden atmosphere at Eva's. The friendly staff serve up strawberry stuffed French toast, Belgium waffles, omelets and shredded hash browns to a big crowd, but the secret recipe buttermilk pancakes are the feature: they are light, but with perfect texture, slightly sweet and served with butter and confectioners sugar. Many of us don't even need syrup to enjoy these excellent pancakes. There's a full lunch menu as well, and fresh ground Kona coffee, but Eva's closes after lunchtime. The restaurant's local success has led proprietor Eva Angelopoulos to open additional pancake houses in Anderson and Pendleton. Open seven days a week, 6 am-3 pm. $$
Vera Mae's Bistro
207-209 S. Walnut St. 765-747-4941
Muncie, IN 47305 http://www.veramaes.com
Right next to Dave's Alley, with the orange mailbox where you can post your letters to Letterman, is a wonderful old brick building with green awnings – Vera Mae's Bistro, one of IFA's culinary stars. Glowing with jewel-like walls, skylights and polished wood floors, it is a perfect setting for the signature crab cakes and French onion soup, chicken brie raspberry and Bombay rack of lamb served for dinner. Desserts include a house-made pecan pie that is exceptional. Vera Mae's bleu chicken salad, pizza margherita, dill crusted cod sandwich and half-pound hamburger are a few of the reasonably priced lunch items offered with a gourmet twist. Local art is featured on the walls and an extensive wine list and imported beers make this a special occasion. Free parking in lot behind building.
Open for lunch Mon.-Fri. 11 am-2 pm, for dinner Mon.-Thu. 5-9 pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-10 pm Pianist Thu.-Sat. evenings. $$
Concannon's Pastry Shop
620 N. Walnut St. 765-288-8551
Muncie, IN 47305
Pies, cakes, cookies and pastries …did we mention pies? Mike Concannon's glittering bakery across from Muncie Central High School is filled with temptation from the signature chocolate crème filled cake to turnovers and carmel corn. Fresh bread and doughnuts, cookies, lemon streusel cake and sugar cream pies, oh, my! Concannon's has been family-owned since 1959 and is a sweet Muncie tradition. Open Mon.-Fri. 5:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat. 5:30 am-5 pm.
Lowery's Candies
6255 W. Kilgore Ave. (IN 32) 800-541-3340
Muncie, IN 47304 http://loweryscandies.com
Lowery's fine chocolates are hand-dipped with no fillers. Vickie Good's family opened the seasonal candy business downtown in 1941, moved to Rt. 32 in 1964, and Hoosiers have been enjoying nut rolls (vanilla creams rolled in black walnuts), real butter toffee with pecans and those silky wonders, the "Dark Secrets" ever since. The little beige house with brown trim is full of seasonal favorites as well as the tiger paws, creams, nuts, cherries, chews, and pastels they are famous for. Chocolate Easter eggs and Colt's footballs filled with candies are especially popular. Say hello to the dedicated staff while you are there – their artistry makes Lowery's a special place. Open Labor Day to Mother's Day, Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5 :30 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm.
Bird's Smokehouse BBQ
9008 S. Walnut St. 765-378-1900
Daleville, IN 47334 http://www.birdssmokehousebbq.com
Slow-cooked hickory smoked meats are featured in this friendly log cabin just blocks from the highway. Linda & Reba Strange built their restaurant as a tribute to "Bird" Strange, who ran the family Southern barbeque business from the caravan that still sits out back. Tender pulled pork, ribs, chicken and beef brisket all get smokey on site, and then join signature giant spuds and traditional sides such as green beans and macaroni and cheese on platters and with sandwiches. There is even a piglet sandwich for small appetites for only $3.75 with a side and drink. Real brewed sweet tea and seasonal fruit cobbler round out the menu.
Open Mon.-Sat. 11 am-9 pm, Sun. 11 am-6 pm. $
Pete's Duck Inn
721 W. Walnut St. 765-789-8488
Albany, IN 47320
Traveling along Route 67, you'll see a gray roadside building with a smiling duckling on an elevated sign - that's Pete's Duck Inn, a fine example of traditional Hoosier cuisine. If its Thursday, Greg will be slow grilling ribs out back for the daily special, and on Wednesdays all-you-can eat frog legs are featured. Pull right in and find a seat in the dining room or on the bar side, which allows smoking. Phil (Pete) and Carol Peterson have run the Duck since 1987, and it’s a friendly casual place where good food is taken seriously. The extensive menu says they specialize in pan-fried chicken, charbroiled steaks and chops, but the stuffed shrimp, gizzards & livers, Cajun catfish and salads are worth the trip as well. Pete's Duck Inn is also known for its hefty breaded or grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches. Pete says he doesn't pound them thin because his customers like the predominant taste the premium pork he uses. Open Mon - Fri. 8 am - midnight, Sat. 9 am - 2 am, Sun. noon to 8 pm. $$
Minnetrista
1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy 800-428-5887
Muncie, IN 47303 www.minnetrista.net
Minnetrista includes 40 acres of beautiful gardens, a farmers market and a museum along the historic White River in downtown Muncie. This non-profit was founded by the Ball Brothers, and one exhibit details the history of the
Ball Jar. The seasonal farmer's market is open from June through October, and Minnetrista hosts many regional culinary events throughout the year, including cooking demonstrations and a February chocolate celebration.
Farmers Market open Saturdays,8 am to noon and Wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm.
Thai Smile
2401 N. Tillotson Ave. 765-289-8989
Muncie, IN 47320
Atin Jiamjerarat opened Thai Smile in the stone restaurant near Ball State in 2000, bringing a wide array of Thai cuisine to Muncie. From hot to mild, residents have especially taken to his curry puffs, filled with chicken ad sweet potatoes, the pineapple-tangerine chicken, Mongolian barbeque, and the three-flavored chicken. Spicier fare includes Basil - a dish made with your choice of meat, or the pad kee-mao, one of Atin's favorites. A selection of beers and wines is available, but no mixed drinks. Open Mon. - Fri. 11 am - 2 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm, Sat. 4:30 - 9 pm. $$
Anderson
Lemon Drop Restaurant
1701 Mounds Road (Rt. 32) 765-644-9055
Anderson, IN 46016
The 52-year-old Lemon Drop, founded in 1955, is the oldest restaurant in Anderson. The Lemon Drop’s French fries have been voted best fries in Anderson in the Herald Bulletin’s “Best of Anderson” contest and the tenderloin sandwich is tender and flavorful. Also known for burgers, malts and shakes, the little Lemon Drop seats 29 in a 1950s atmosphere, complete with Rockola juke box, a toy train that runs around the ceiling border, and a basket of lemon drops on the counter. The friendly staff is mostly college students, with Bill Pitts, the Drop’s proprietor usually manning the grill. Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30 am to 9 pm; hours may vary seasonally. Located just a few blocks south of Scatterfield Road (Rt. 9). $
Gene’s Root Beer Drive-In
640 S. Scatterfield Road 765-642-5768
Anderson, IN 46012
Gene’s root beer is a secret recipe and it’s only available at your car window at this nostalgic drive-in on Route 9 in Anderson. Drive up under the sign announcing “Home of the Spanish Hot Dog” with a dachshund wearing a sombrero, or sit at the picnic tables along side for the vanilla-scented root beer in frosted mugs with free refills. The Spanish hot dog is Gene’s version of the coney – the meat sauce has a little heat in it. Andy Moorman’s family has owned Gene’s since 1964, and its got all the menu items you remember from the 60s: hot dogs with lots of topping choices, Polish sausage, fish and chicken, fries, onion rings, mushrooms and of course, pork tenderloin. Floats, shakes, cones and sundaes round out the menu. Open March-October, 10:30 am-10 pm daily.
Good's Candy Shop
1423 W. 53rd St. 765-642-7247
Anderson, IN 46013 http://www.goodscandyshop.com
Randy Good carries on a family business founded in 1940 by his great-aunt, whose 13 original recipes have expanded to over 100. Most of the candy is made on the premises, and include silky truffles, chocolate covered toffee, peanut brittle, almond bark and premium chocolate creams. Good's Candy Shop is housed in a gingerbread house building just outside of town, with tables out front where you can enjoy Good's latest recipes for their new super-premium ice creams in flavors like peach, lemon and pistachio. Open Mon. 10 am-6 pm, Tues.-Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun. 1-9 pm Free daytime tours.
Real Hacienda
1320 Meridian St. 765-622-1779
Anderson, IN 46016
Real Hacienda is the first restaurant that located in the newly renovated downtown
Anderson. Housed in a former bank, the adaptation has a Southwest fortress-look, with a spacious and pleasant interior and an outside patio. Authentic Mexican cuisine shares the menu with Tex Mex at reasonable prices. The salsa and chips are worth a trip to Anderson. Live Mariachi band every Thursday evening. Open daily 11 am-10 pm. $$
Hamilton County
Lisa's Pie Shop
5995 U.S. Highway 31 317-758-6944
Atlanta, IN 46031
Lisa bakes her award-winning handmade pies daily in the little tan shop beside the highway. She makes a great sugar creme pie from a secret recipe, but her rhubarb and fruit pies are favorites, too. Pick up a "Pie in a Jar" for gift-giving, or for opening after your fresh pie has been gobbled up. You'll need to take these pies home, since there is no dining area at Lisa's, and you may want to visit early in the day for best selection. Open Tues.10 am-6 pm, Wed.-Fri. 8 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am- 5 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. $$
Cicero Coffee Company
150 S. Peru St. 317-984-2739
Cicero, IN 46034
The owner of this cozy coffee shop is a renowned Native American flute maker who displays his art on the shop's walls and is a wealth of information on Native American music. Specialty coffees, teas and local baked treats are served amid the unique art displays. $
The Red Onion
3901 W. State Route 47 317-758-0424
Sheridan, IN 46069
The story is all about the local Hoosier food at the Red Onion, which is located in a non-descript strip mall. The giant breaded pork tenderloins on delicious handmade 7" buns are incredibly tender and flavorful – so is the Reuben, on its own locally baked marble rye. Kielbasa corn soup, flavorful salad dressings and all kinds of sandwiches and entrees are made in the scratch kitchen behind the pleasant open dining rooms and bar. The Banks family usually has a crowd for dinner, so there may be a wait, but foodies make this a stop on their way to Chicago and other cities, and find it is worth the wait. Open Mon.-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun. 11 am-9 pm. $$
Barley Island Brewing Company
639 Conner St. 317-770-5280
Noblesville, IN 46060
Located in a renovated warehouse just off the Square, this owner-operated pub features a wide array of international brews, as well as lagers and ales brewed on site. Jeff Eaton''s award-winning Majic Java Stout, along with Blind Tiger Pale Ale, Sheet Metal Blonde and Brass Knuckles Oatmeal Stout are offered at the traditional bar. The family dining room offers fish and chips, a Cuban pork sandwich and a fair number of vegetarian items. Live entertainment on weekends.
Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-1 am, Fri.-Sat. noon-midnight. $$
Matteo's Ristorante Italiano
40 N. 9th St. 317-774-9771
Noblesville, IN 46060
A restored historic storefront on Noblesville Square houses Matteo's, where traditional Northern Italian fare is made with fresh ingredients and a passion for serving authentic food in a warm atmosphere. Crusty breads, fresh sauces with pastas, lasagna and anything chocolate are the local's recommendations. Or try a more adventurous entrée like mostaccioli Bolognese or beef scallopine sautéed in gorgonzola cream. Owned and operated by Emily Herner and Matteo DiRosa, who grew up in Salerno, Italy. Open Mon.-Fri. 5-10:30 pm Sunday 4-9 pm. $$
The Ruby Pear
1095 East Conner St. 317-770-8322
Noblesville, IN 46060 http://www.therubypear.com
The Ruby Pear is a vintage Tea Parlor on the first floor of a grand Victorian house – this particular "painted lady" is teal blue with a turret. Tea sandwiches, scones, jelly cream hearts, and fat rascal cookies are a few of the homemade offerings, served with fresh fruit and a very good lemon curd. If you still need dessert, chocolate covered strawberries, cream puffs and petit fours will fill the bill.
Open Wed.-Sat. 10:30 am-5:30 pm. Reservations accepted. $$
Kelties
110 S. Union St. 317-867-3525
Westfield, IN 46074 http://www.Kelties.com
Named as one of central Indiana's finest restaurants, Keltie's is known for its fresh, beautifully presented traditional food with a contemporary nuance. Owner Keltie Domina's homemade dressings make salads sparkle, and a comforting chicken pot pie is a menu regular. Favorites include the pecan-crusted chicken salad and crab-stuffed salmon. The seasonal lunch menu is also renowned for its soups and beggar's purse puff pastry. Open Tues.-Fri. 11 am-2 pm Sunday brunch 9 am-2 pm. $$
Bub's Burgers and Ice Cream
210 W. Main St. 317-706-2827
Carmel, IN 46033 http://bubsburgersandicecream.com
The burgers may be called Big Uglies, but the milkshakes are handsome at Bub’s.
The little yellow house next to the Monon Trail in downtown Carmel is a busy place with friendly service, and the walls are covered with photos of every patron who has conquered the 1 pound burger. The well-seasoned quarter pounder works too, with a side of sloppy fries, maybe with one of the wide selection of bottled beers or iced tea, but you really should try a chocolate milkshake. It has just the right blend of quality ingredients to bring back that soda shop feel from the '60s.
The burgers are cooked to order and served on grilled buttered bakery buns. The grilled red onions served on the side retained their crunch, as did the waffle fries served with cheese sauce, sour cream and really good bacon. Portions of other sandwiches and sides are big enough for most people to split, as is the shake.
Open seasonal hours. Winter: Sun.-Thu. 11 am-8 pm Fri.-Sat. 11 am-9 pm. $
Helios Gifts and Tea Room
220 E. Main St. 317-844-4606
Carmel, IN 46032
A charming small tea room on Main Street, Helios is known for its homemade soups and croissants. Ashby of London teas are served in fat little teapots, and signature chicken, tuna and seafood salads are menu staples. An extensive dessert menu includes seasonal favorites like pumpkin crunch in the fall and lemon cake in the spring. Owner, Kathy Kraft has filled the little white house near the high school with a unique selection of gifts as well as tea treasures, and the view of the rock garden outside the tea room pleasing. Open for lunch only, Mon.-Sat. 11 am to 2 pm. Reservations accepted. $$
Nickle Plate Bar & Grill
8654 E. 116th St.
Fishers, IN 46038 317-841-2888
Located along the Nickle Plate railroad tracks in an historic house with train memorabilia and a lively local atmosphere, the Nickel Plate is a Fishers landmark just a few blocks from I-69. Friendly staff members offer comfort food and sandwiches on a glass porch or a warm wood paneled dining room and bar. The pork tenderloin, big burgers and fish sandwiches are favorites, along with homemade soups and salads. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-11 pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-midnight, Sun. 11 am-10 pm. $$
Sahm's
11590 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038 317-842-1577
Family owned and operated since 1986, Sahm's is a warm and inviting casual restaurant with a big stone fireplace in the entryway. The extensive menu offers a variety of sandwiches and salads along with traditional Hoosier entrees, including steaks, chops, stir fry, ribs and seafood as well as their signature fried chicken. Sahm's is famous for their homemade breads and coffeecake, and has a well-balanced children's menu. Open Mon.-Thu. 11 am-10:30 pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-11:30 pm, Sun. 11 am-9 pm. $$
Gelato Da Vinci
14390 Clay Terrace 317-816-9100
Carmel, IN 46032
The Colvin family traveled to Italy to learn the art of making the authentic gelato they serve at their Clay Terrace eatery in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Stop by and sample the wonderful flavors like refreshing green apple, intense chocolate, cake spectacular or decadent Irish cream gelato, best enjoyed in the pleasant dining area dominated by a Tuscan mural, or at the umbrella tables out front under the blue awnings. Ben Colvin says the secret to premium gelato comes from the art of folding, not whipping, so no air is incorporated into the carefully frozen confection. Gelato Da Vinci also prepares real fruit sorbets, such as fresh strawberry, and serves Brilliant Ice Cream. They serve fresh pastries and desserts as well as European and Asian inspired sandwiches, soups and salads. Open Mon. - Thurs. 7 am - 10 pm, Fri. 7 am - 11 pm, Sat. 8 am - 11 pm, Sun. 10 am - 11 pm. $$
