The Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Indianapolis

Thanks to its wide range of dishes, Italian restaurants are also a great choice when you need to pick a gift card for a friend or loved one.

With a virtual GiftYa card, you can choose from any of the best Italian restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana, so you'll have no trouble finding one that your recipient will love. Add a personalized message and hit send, and they'll have a gift they'll love to use in just minutes.

If you're looking for the perfect restaurant to choose from for your GiftYa card, check out these amazing Italian restaurants located in Indianapolis.

1. Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine

A classic Italian restaurant serving up fresh-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas

11529 Spring Mill Rd Suite #300 | Carmel | convivioindy.com

If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Indianapolis, Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine is the answer. With a focus on artisanal cuisine, the menu features fresh-made pasta, fresh-baked bread, wood-fired pizzas, and other classics. Their mission is to introduce visitors to Italian traditions, with foods that are authentic, but never pretentious.

A live pasta shop in each location allows guests to see how pasta noodles are made, the classic Italian way. There's also a dessert case full of decadent pastries, cakes, and other tasty treats. Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine has two locations in the Indianapolis area; one in Carmel and one in Zionsville.

"The food here is just delicious! We went here for a birthday celebration and were not disappointed. The service was incredible, our waitress was very knowledgeable about wine pairings. If you love Italian food, you have to try this place." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine.

2. Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant

Old school Italian food served up in a historic model home

1031 E 54th St | Indianapolis | mamacarollas.com

You won't find any trendy dishes filled with ingredients you've never heard of here. Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant is old school, through and through. You'll find every Italian staple you can think of, each lovingly prepared with real, hearty ingredients and just the right amount of spice.

Mama Carolla herself was inspired by the authentic Italian cooking she enjoyed growing up in Omaha, where a population of immigrants served up their native dishes in small restaurants or even out of their own home kitchens. The restaurant itself is also worth noting. It was originally built as a model home for a new style of houses being built in Indianapolis in the 1920s. It features a California Stucco design that blends Mediterranean styles with a touch of Spanish and Italian, making it the perfect setting for Mama Carolla's.

"Doesn't matter what you order it is going to be amazing! I'm gluten free but there are lots of delicious things I can still have. They have gluten free pasta and you can get many of their pasta dishes that way." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant.

3. Iaria's Italian Restaurant

A fourth-generation restaurant serving up simple, classic Italian food

317 S College Ave | Indianapolis | iariasrestaurant.com

For more than 90 years, the Iaria family has been cooking up classic Italian food on the very same corner in Indianapolis. While the view out the front door may have changed, the delicious flavors and friendly atmosphere inside certainly have not. Popular menu staples include their made-from-scratch pizza dough and sauce, hearty lasagna and spaghetti, and decadent tiramisu. You'll also find seafood pasta, spicy Italian sausages, and a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and beers. 

Make sure to check out the walls, where you'll find photos of celebrities who have dined at Iaria's, as well as the sign out front, which is the same neon red and green one that's original to the restaurant.

"The portions are generous and reasonably priced. I had the grilled chicken Caesar salad (it was huge!). My wife had the chicken piccata with antipasto side salad. It's easy to see how this place has stayed in business since 1933." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Iaria's Italian Restaurant.

4. La Trattoria Italian Restaurant & Steak House

Simple, delicious Italian favorites in a laid-back atmosphere

201 N Madison Ave | Greenwood | yelp.com/biz/la-trattoria-italian-restaurant-greenwood 

It's often the most understated neighborhood restaurants that serve up the tastiest food. While the outside of this restaurant may be unassuming, the delicious dishes it is serving up is anything but. La Trattoria Italian Restaurant & Steak House has been known for years as the place in Greenwood for filling, tasty Italian dinners at an affordable price. Pair your favorite steak with a side of Fettuccine alfredo, or sample appetizers like stuffed mushrooms and meatballs.

"Amazing mom and pop shop in old town Greenwood! It's always been a favorite between my friends and I. They are well known for their steaks and fettuccine! Great service and delicious food! " -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for La Trattoria Italian Restaurant & Steak House.

5. Kinsey's Italian Cafe

Casual Italian fares alongside subs, wings, and pizzas

6383 W Broadway | McCordsville | kinseysitaliancafe.com

While it may not be fancy enough for a date night, Kinsey's Italian Cafe is great for just about every other occasion. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a family favorite, perfect for a fun dinner or a quick, filling lunch. The menu features Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, as well as subs, sandwiches, wings, and more.

"We have pizza Monday for dinner every week and like trying different pizza places in the area, but Kinsey's is by far one of our favorites. The pizza is fantastic. We always look forward to having Kinsey's for dinner! " -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Kinsey's Italian Cafe.

6. Iozzo's Garden of Italy

Upscale dining experience

946 S Meridian St | Pogue's Run | iozzos.com 

Iozzo’s promises an upscale dining experience where you can enjoy dishes inspired by family recipes and signature cocktails inspired by their Grandfather, Dominic, one of Indianapolis’ first premiere mixologists.

Favorites include a new take on classic lasagna, fresh shrimp Florentine, hearty Italian beef, and a sweet Italian cream cake. We recommend the Sausage Stuffed Dates to start,

house sausage and guanciale with a spicy tomato sauce. Then try the Seafood Ravioli,

with seared eggplant, tomato butter, and basil, or stick with a classic dish like the Rigatoni alla Vodka served with house-made sausage, parmesan, and bread crumbs.

For drinks, we love Grandma Betty’s Aged Manhattan, Iozzo’s Private Select Journeyman Rye Whiskey, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, and bitters, barrel-aged in house for 7 weeks, and the Italian Margarita Casa Pacific Blanco Tequila, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Lazzaroni Triplo, house made sour, and fresh orange juice.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Iozzo’s Garden of Italy here!

“Make a reservation as soon as you can. It's delicious! My boyfriend offered the Alfredo and said it was the best he has ever had. I ordered the Shrimp Linguine. Italian margarita was strong, but so worth it. Highly recommend coming here.” - Yelp Review

7. Buca di Beppo

Chain serving family-style Italian fare

35 N Illinois St | Mile Square | bucadibeppo.com

This chain serves authentic, family-style Italian food in a fun and funky atmosphere. Featured menu items include Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti with Meatballs, Margherita Pizza, and Lasagna. The small serves 3 and the large serves 5, so whether your group is big or small there’s a family-style meal for you at Buca. 

They also do daily meal deals featuring a different entree each day! ​​Each meal comes with fresh bread, a choice of Caesar or mixed green salad, and their featured entrée. It’s available in 2 sizes (the small that feeds 3 and the large which feeds 5), and it’s only $10 per person!

You can purchase a GiftYa for Buca di Beppo here!

“My first time eating here and I loved the food. Our server was also very knowledgeable about the menu and was very nice. The wings were so delicious and the pizza was my favorite. A bit pricey, but it's worth it.” - Yelp Review 

8. Sangiovese Ristorante

Romantic restaurant with a waterfront patio, a fireplace, and piano music

2727 E 86th St Suite #110 | Indianapolis | sangioveseristorante.com 

Sangiovese Ristorante was founded in 1994 to bring authentic Italian to Indianapolis. Today, Sangiovese is known for letting guests sit back and enjoy a great bowl of pasta with a nice glass of vino. The restaurant has even taken on a romantic air courtesy of the waterfront patio, fireplace, and piano music, making it the perfect spot for your next date night.

On the menu, you will find all of your favorite classic Italian appetizers and dishes - from Mussels and Calamari Fritti to Spaghetti Fra Diavolo and Fettuccini Alfredo. Casa Specialties include Scaloppini Marsala (tenderized veal served with sautéed mushrooms in a traditional marsala wine sauce, also available with chicken), Pollo Alla Parmesan (tenderized chicken breast with seasoned bread crumbs and melted parmesan cheese served with spaghetti pomodoro and fresh mozzarella), and Osso Buco (large bone in veal shank slowly cooked in root vegetables with red wine, served with risotto).

Sangiovese is also kid-friendly. So bring your little one for a little bowl of pasta of your choice of bowtie, penne, linguini, or spaghetti with marinara, alfredo, butter, or bolognese.

You can purchase a GiftYa for Sangiovese Ristorante here!

“We had never been here before, and I cannot believe it because this is some amazing Italian food! It's very romantic and intimate inside. The service here is even better than the food (which is saying a lot because the food is amazing!)” - Yelp Review

9. Capri Italian Restaurant

Long-running Italian restaurant with greenery-laden patio

2602 Ruth Dr | Indianapolis | capriindianapolis.com 

Located on the Northside of Indianapolis is this long-running Italian restaurant specializing in serving delicious traditional Italian fare at a reasonable price. We love their patio laden with greenery, making the already delightful experience all the better.

They offer appetizers such as Calamari Fritti, Carpaccio, Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, and Cesar Salad. These are great for sharing with the table or curbing you and your partners’ hunger before your meal.

Entrees on the lighter end include Ravioli Aurora, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Linguine alla Vongole (fresh little neck clams, linguine, sauteéd in olive oil and garlic with your choice of white wine or fresh tomato sauce). While larger plates include Filetto Dell' Alpino (8 oz filet of beef grilled on a bed of red wine sauce with baby portobello mushrooms) and Pollo con Salsiccia (boneless breast of chicken sauteed in white wine and rosemary with cremini mushrooms and Italian sausage).

You can purchase a GiftYa for Capri Italian Restaurant here!

“Always a pleasure to dine here. Truly upscale Italian. The dining room is classy, the patio more relaxed but equally gorgeous with huge trees. Bolognese is my go-to. And it never disappoints. And for dessert? Tiramisu of course.” - Yelp Review 

10. Vito Provolone's

Family-owned restaurant on the Southside

8031 S Meridian St | Indianapolis | vitoprovolone.com 

This family-owned Italian restaurant is located on the Southside of Indianapolis. For decades, they have been serving pasta, pizza, and house favorites like the Chicken Marsala & Spicy Vodka Sauce. 

With a relaxed atmosphere, Vito Provolone’s is a great place to go when, after a long day, you just want good food and good service. 

You can purchase a GiftYa to Vito Provolone's here!

“Oh my goodness, this is possibly the best Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that I've ever eaten! The chicken is grilled and tender, the Alfredo sauce is rich. I don't like a runny, tasteless Alfredo sauce. This one is a winner!” - Yelp Review 

Whether you want something family-friendly or a restaurant more suited for a date night out, there's no shortage of delicious Italian restaurant options to choose from in Indianapolis. Let us know in the comments which of these Italian restaurants in Indianapolis you try first!