If you’re planning a trip to Indianapolis with your friends and family, there are several landmarks and attractions you should visit during your stay.
I love visiting the Indianapolis Zoo, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
However, you’ll need plenty of energy throughout the day to enjoy everything the city offers, so why not consider stopping by its local eateries for a hearty breakfast?
Many places offer classic dishes, like waffles or eggs, while others feature specialties with regional twists.
I compiled this list of the top restaurants serving the best breakfast in Indianapolis to simplify your search for the most delicious food to start your morning right.
Café Patachou
Multiple locations
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The first entry on this list that I recommend checking out for the best breakfast in Indianapolis is Café Patachou, located near the Meridian-Kessler, Downtown, and Driftwood Hills neighborhoods.
This cozy restaurant has a contemporary atmosphere for enjoying scratch-made dishes crafted with local and organic ingredients to ensure quality flavors.
When I stopped by for a hearty breakfast, I ordered their croissant French toast.
It was an interesting mix, one that was delightfully sweet without being so decadent that it was too much for the time of day.
If you order their ora king smoked salmon bagel, I recommend pairing it with either fresh fruit or bacon.
For drinks, you’re spoiled for choice, but I needed a pick-me-up, so opted for a double espresso.
Lincoln Square Pancake House
Multiple locations
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The next destination offering the best breakfast in Indianapolis is Lincoln Square Pancake House.
You can find this lively, casual eatery in the Upper Canal, Meridian Highland, St. Vincent-Greenbriar, and Kessler Commons neighborhoods.
It’s a great place to take your family for breakfast if they crave quality pancakes.
I started with some breakfast nachos (though I was tempted by the yummy-looking brown sugar cinnamon poppers).
While that felt like a meal in itself, I was eager to indulge myself, so I had to try their banana bread French toast.
It was beyond delicious, and I wish I could’ve had more but my stomach wouldn’t allow it!
You can also customize an omelette with two fillings of your choice.
Don’t forget to order your breakfast with a side of turkey bacon, hashbrowns, or sausage gravy.
Milktooth
534 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: 317-986-5131
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Milktooth is a hip, modern breakfast restaurant in the North Square neighborhood.
Outdoor seating is available on a spacious patio and popular brunch dishes are served throughout the week.
They also have plenty of refreshing libations and specialty coffee to pair with any dish.
During my last few visits to Indianapolis, I’ve had the cinnamon sugar waffle and the pad Thai Dutch baby pancake, which was one of the most unusual breakfast dishes I’ve ever sampled.
My go-to sides were strip bacon and cheddar grits with scallions.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with hot hibiscus herbal tea, white sangria, or pineapple green iced tea (the latter is particularly exquisite).
Garden Table
Multiple locations
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With locations in the Downtown and Broad Ripple neighborhoods, Garden Table is your best breakfast option if you prefer health-conscious menu options.
It has a chic yet casual atmosphere ideal for starting your morning with inventive, fresh farm-to-table flavors.
Garden Table also offers carry-out, delivery, and catering services.
They offer brunch from 9 AM to 3 PM. I was able to snag a table, and sampled their sweet potato hash bowl and garden benedict.
Sure, they were hearty when combined, but when you have the chance to eat delicious food, you take it! Consider pairing it with a yogurt parfait or black pepper bacon.
Don’t overlook their drinks, as they have a cold-pressed Neon Nectar orange juice mixed with other fruits packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Good Morning Mama’s Cafe
1001 E 54th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: 317-255-3800
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Another lively restaurant offering the best breakfast in Indianapolis is Good Morning Mama’s Cafe, located near the Canterbury neighborhood.
It has a warm, cheery atmosphere, emphasized by its bright exterior and 1950s aesthetic.
I consider it a great option for anyone looking for somewhere with an all-day breakfast menu.
Their Papa’s special has two eggs served on top of fresh corned beef hash with toast.
While that’s what I had (with a perfectly southern side of cheesy grits), my friends were equally impressed with their Java French toast and Pasta Mama.
They have a few kid’s menu options for kids ten or under, including vanilla yogurt with cinnamon sugar toast.
Le Peep Indy
301 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-237-3447
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Suppose you’re looking for something to eat in the Downtown District.
In that case, Le Peep Indy offers a tasty selection of breakfast dishes and coffee options you can indulge in before going to the city’s most popular museums.
Their full-service coffee and juice bar has lots of refreshing flavors, including orange juice and a delightful iced caramel macchiato.
My standout dish was their Monday Blues pancakes, which were anything but gloomy!
I paired it with a side order of sweet potato waffle fries, and felt like I was ready to take on a whole week!
Metro Diner
Multiple locations
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You can find Metro Diner in the Southgate Farms neighborhood and the Clearwater Crossing Business Center.
This diner has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that many visitors and locals love immersing themselves in before starting their day.
Their culinary team serves tasty breakfast options with a Southern twist.
They serve the best blueberry lemon bread pudding in the neighborhood, and their avocado toast was simple but wonderful.
They also have a gluten-free menu if you have specific dietary preferences.
Enjoy any of these dishes with freshly ground coffee or flavored iced tea and home fries or biscuits on the side.
Wild Eggs
314 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-744-8283
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One of the most popular restaurants in the Downtown area serving the best breakfast in Indianapolis is Wild Eggs, located a few blocks east of University Park.
Expect to see a warm, contemporary vibe, ideal for brunch entrees with your friends or family.
I ordered their Southwest steak & cheese omelette but found enough room for some fabulous strawberry tall cakes.
Their fresh-squeezed lemonade, orange juice, and chocolate milk are all refreshing.
Wild Eggs has a gluten-free and kid’s menu for guests who have dietary concerns.
Biscuits Cafe
1035 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: 317-202-0410
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Don’t know where to find breakfast entrees with bold Mexican flavors? Then, consider stopping by Biscuits Cafe for the perfect morning pick-me-up.
You can find it inside the Broad Ripple Shopping Mall near the White River.
It has a modest yet warm ambiance for people to unwind.
Biscuits Cafe’s menu has lots of traditional breakfast dishes and Mexican specialties.
Their Veracruz omelette was a delight, and I wish I could’ve taken the recipe home with me.
I paired it with some hash browns and had an energizing iced coffee to go with it. They also have several breakfast combos for children ages 12 and under.
English Ivy’s
944 Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-822-5070
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Up next is English Ivy’s, a downtown favorite of mine. This gay-friendly eatery and pub serves up brunch, lunch, dinner, and good vibes.
English Ivy’s has incredible seared ahi tuna to get you started and tons of delicious entrees to bring it home. Don’t forget to ask about their specials, too!
Check out English Ivy’s off of Alabama Street in Downtown Indy, so there are plenty of interesting things to do nearby after you eat.
Burger Theory at Holiday Inn Indianapolis Airport
8555 Stansted Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Phone: 317-455-2451
Burger Theory at Holiday Inn Indianapolis Airport is a bright and contemporary restaurant near Wallace F. Holladay Nature Preserve.
Although they primarily serve absolutely delicious Angus beef burgers, they have plenty of breakfast options.
They also have a spacious patio with outdoor seating.
If you’re interested in trying their tailor-made three-egg omelette, order it with bacon, cheddar cheese, onions, and spinach for the perfect blend of meat, cheese, and veggies.
You won’t be disappointed—I certainly wasn’t.
I recommend ordering a Sunrise Sandwich or Veggie Skillet with fruit, yogurt, or toast on the side.
Be sure to ask your server about their daily coffee, tea, and juice options to complement your meal.
First Watch
Multiple locations
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You can find First Watch in Miles Square’s Market Tower, the Willow West Lake Shopping Center near the Westchester Estates neighborhood, and the Keystone Shoppes.
This casual breakfast restaurant prioritizes crafting healthier dishes with flavors inspired by the sun.
First Watch’s menu offers rotating seasonal delicacies anyone can enjoy.
I only had the chance to have a quick meal, but instantly fell in love with their chickichanga and BLT Benedict.
These were paired with fresh seasonal fruit and some gluten-free toast.
If you’re looking for something refreshing to wash down your hearty meal, consider their grapefruit juice, cold brew coffee, orange juice, or hot chocolate.
Long’s Bakery
1453 N Tremont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: 317-632-3741
If you’re craving something sweet for breakfast, Long’s Bakery might be for you. You can find this eatery near the West Side and Emrichsville neighborhoods.
It has a laid-back atmosphere and sleek interior design.
Their donuts and pastries have so many flavors, so be prepared to spend a couple of minutes deciding which is for you!
I’m definitely a donut fan, so I just had to try out as many options as possible.
I recommend their applesauce, powdered varieties, along with some scrumptious cinnamon fries.
If you prefer ordering something else, their strudel, cookies, and brownies looked tantalizing.
Market Table Restaurant at The Alexander Hotel
333 Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-624-8222
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Located minutes from the Wholesale District, Market Table Restaurant at The Alexander Hotel is your best dining option if you’re partial to breakfast buffets.
It has a casual, contemporary atmosphere, perfect for enjoying hearty food with your friends and family.
Their culinary team crafts sumptuous dishes made with the freshest produce and meat from local suppliers.
This eatery’s menu options rotate seasonally. If you prefer something classic and familiar, indulge in their waffles, French toast, or an omelette.
I adored their waffles, which had the kind of fluffiness you want for a breakfast staple. If you’re extra hungry, add a muffin or croissant to your plate.
Don’t forget their drinks, as they have plenty of creative coffee and juice options.
OP Italian
10 S West St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-860-5800
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Nestled inside the JW Marriott Indianapolis Hotel, OP Italian offers delicious breakfast options and Italian dinner entrees for anyone passing through Downtown Indianapolis.
This stylish and elegant restaurant has an open kitchen and an extensive bar for sampling refreshing cocktails throughout the day.
Don’t miss out on their egg white frittata, smoked salmon bruschetta, lemon ricotta pancakes, or steel-cut oatmeal.
The latter was my standout, as it had a wonderful homely feel with biscuits & sausage gravy, skillet potatoes, and fresh seasonal fruit on the side.
I was peckish on my visit, so couldn’t resist their omelette with bacon, spinach, and muenster cheese (and was thankful I gave into my impulses).
If you’re in the mood for a morning cocktail, ask your server for a blood orange margarita. You won’t regret it!
RIZE Ironworks
2721 E 86th St Suite 120, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: 317-843-6101
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Last but not least on my list of the top restaurants offering the best breakfast in Indianapolis is RIZE Ironworks, located inside the Ironworks Hotel Indy.
It has a hip, laid-back vibe and offers guests farm-to-table dishes with healthy, fresh ingredients.
There are several gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on their menu.
My favorite dish was the chia seed pudding bowl, which was a delightful way to start the day.
I had the chance to visit a second time, and on that occasion ordered a tasty Miller Farm chicken hash and a lovely garden frittata.
Don’t miss out on their refreshing smoothies, coffee, and breakfast cocktails.
I gave my morning a flavorful kick with their invigorating RIZE kombucha mimosa and French press coffee, but I only heard good things about their super greens smoothie.
We love English Ivy’s! Great local place on Alabama downtown.
Always great service and the brunch is fabulous