I don’t think of myself as a food critic—but I know what I like, and I know people are missing out on some of the best international food in Indianapolis.

For me, food is culture. My career took me from country to country, and coming to Indy left me missing both my family and the food from home. Growing up in the Mediterranean let me build a rich palate of North African and Southern European cuisine, and I was searching for those flavors here.   

People assume we don’t have anything like that in Indy. But I’m here to prove that they’re wrong. In fact, Indianapolis is so rich in culture that it’s hiding in plain sight.

These international restaurants are rarely mentioned in lists of Indy’s “top dining destinations.” That’s why my friends and I created Epicurean Indy—a festival that elevates and celebrates the people who bring the sounds, flavors, and traditions of their culture to our city. But many of the chefs we feature are open for business all year long.

I have many favorite restaurants across the city, but I’m not here to just highlight my favorites. Instead, let me introduce you to the best international restaurants from five different continents—all found right here in the heart of Indianapolis.

The Best Asian Restaurants in Indianapolis

Starting with Asia, Indianapolis is packed with family-run restaurants and hidden gems where you can savor each nation’s unique cuisine. To start, did you know that Indiana has one of the largest Burmese populations in the United States? If you’re craving Southeast Asian food, Chin Brothers is a staple of the Perry Township community.

For Indonesian food, Wisanggeni Pawon is a vibrant local restaurant run by mom and dad, Aji and Putri. They have a large menu full of experience and culture, and I highly recommend visiting their monthly prasmanan all-you-can-eat buffet dinner.

For Japanese, Asaka is truly unmatched—in sushi, curry, ramen, and beyond. Asaka is owned and operated by an amazing family, and you feel the soul in every bite. But don’t forget to make a reservation before you go, as they have a line out the door basically every day.

For Indian, The Little India Restaurant is my first choice almost every time because Chef Neeti’s chicken tikka masala is to die for. Neeti and her sister Bhavna run the business with really smart leadership and a passion for community engagement. In the first year of the Epicurean Festival, they were easily one of the crowd favorites.

Downtown residents may not realize that we also have an abundance of Middle Eastern restaurants—and we’re talking authentic food here. You can find plenty of options up north in Fishers or near the Global Village Welcome Center on the west side. 

And for Thai food, Baan Thai and Bodhi are the best spots in town. Speaking of…

Bodhi is a beautiful, upscale Thai cocktail bar and bistro.

At the north end of Mass Ave, Bodhi brings meaning to the term “cultural district.” Here in Indy, we can have a stunning, swanky Thai restaurant immediately adjacent to the sports bars and dives that locals know and love. And even then, there’s always a line out the door at Bodhi. 

To understand Bodhi’s success, you have to focus on the people behind the restaurant. Bodhi represents three generations of Thai women who are passionate about hospitality and working together to represent and celebrate their culture through food.

They’re not alone in that, but they are an outlier. Many restaurants across Indy are family-run and community-oriented, but the attention and loyalty of Bodhi’s team only comes from their creativity and commitment to their culture.

The Best European Restaurants in Indianapolis

Indianapolis was largely settled by European immigrants, and that legacy is still alive and well in the region’s cuisine. The first example that comes to mind is the strong Italian influence on Indy’s food scene. Down in Fletcher Place, Iaria’s is a prime example, owned and operated by the fourth generation of their Italian family.

Indy’s premier handmade pasta maker, Nicole Taylor’s legacy lives on with new owners and a new name: Corridor. Their restaurant now embraces a wide range of Mediterranean cuisine, while their market continues to sell only the best pastas, cheeses, and sauces to take home and cook with yourself. 

If you’re looking for a good deli, Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been proudly serving kosher corned beef since 1940 and standing up for the Jewish heritage in Indiana since the turn of the 20th century. You can also check out Babushka’s Deli on the north side of Indianapolis, which serves traditional Russian & Eastern European carry-out. Both locations also have small markets where you can shop for meats and groceries. 

Another major influence on Indy’s culture is its strong German ancestry. In downtown Indianapolis, you’ll find the historic 19th century Athenaeum Building, where you’ll find the Rathskeller biergarten and themed events throughout the year. And if you love German food, Heidelberg Haus on Pendleton Pike is the most immersive German dining experience in town. Not just a restaurant, Heidelberg is also a prolific bakery, a candy store, and an antique store of Germanic decor. 

The Best African Restaurants in Indianapolis

In my opinion, the continent of Africa is the richest in culture and cuisine. Throughout African cuisines, you can enjoy robust flavors built through layers upon layers of spices and herbs. On top of that, Africa’s history of colonization results in almost every culture being represented within the local cuisine. 

Southern African food tends to be heavier on meats and more influenced by barbecue traditions, while North Africa—and specifically Morocco where I grew up—is full-blown Mediterranean. For a taste of my home, I recommend the Marrakesh Moroccan bar and restaurant that opened in Meridian-Kessler. 

In comparison, Western African cuisines are typically heavy on seafood. But one of my favorite Indy Influencers recently put me on to a local Nigerian restaurant that offers a full fine-dining experience. Kabarna’s Grill is still new but already rich and flavorful—with plans for live music every other Friday. 

Eastern African cuisine is often influenced by Portuguese culture, while still practicing the long-held traditions of the region. One of my favorite African dining experiences here in Indianapolis has been Lete’s Injera & Cafe. No silverware, just clean hands and chewy tangy injera with stewed meat and vegetarian toppings from the kindest Eritrean woman you’ll meet: Lete herself. 

Alongside her family, she took my order, prepared my food, roasted fresh coffee beans, and still found time to settle in with me at my table to tell me about her food and her story over traditional coffee service and a basket of popped corn.

The Best South American Restaurants in Indianapolis

And that brings us back to the Americas. From the tip of Chile to Nunavut, the Americas are so rich in cultural diversity. Of course, Indianapolis has its fair share of Mexican restaurants—and really good ones, not just the national chains. But we also have places like Che Chori, an Argentinian drive-thru known for empanadas that is now expanding into a full service restaurant.

For Mexican recommendations, I have to mention the people’s favorite: Julieta Tacos at the Stutz Building. They serve some of the best vegetarian tacos in town, as well as masterfully handled carnitas, al-pastor, and asada meats. The tortillas are all made fresh in house, and they do it all “con todo.”

Indy also has some fun new “blended origin” spots that I hesitate to call true fusions. With locations in Broad Ripple and Mass Ave across from Bodhi, Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine presents dishes from both cultures with equal authenticity and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Macizo represents both Mexico and Peru with beautiful plates, cocktails, and baked goods. My advice is to always try the specials! 

Indianapolis is home to a rich international culinary scene. 

The common thread through all these diverse cuisines and their various flavors is this: people. These passionate and talented families care so much about their heritage that they’re willing to take the (extremely difficult) chance of starting a restaurant to bring their flavors and traditions to Indianapolis’ food scene.

My mission in life is now to highlight these incredible, authentic culinary talents across Indy. Because I know they are here. Because I know who they are, and because I have heard the same local restaurants get recommended again and again over the past ten years that I’ve lived here. 

These international restaurants are worth the same recognition and recommendation. Whether you’re a lifelong local or an immigrant yourself, I encourage you to give these places a try, discover the diverse flavors and cultures of Indy, and embrace them with the same warm welcome they bring to our city.