Brian Nagele
Sometimes it can be challenging to find vegan or vegetarian dining options. Fortunately, people who adhere to a plant-based diet have many choices in Indianapolis.
This bustling city is full of vegan-friendly dining where fruits and vegetables are more than just an afterthought; they’re the main stars.
Plus, plenty of the best vegan restaurants in Indianapolis are gluten-free and offer plenty of meat alternatives like soy and tofu and intelligent and nutritious substitutions like jackfruit.
So no matter where you are in the city, there’s bound to be a terrific cruelty-free dining option near you. Check out my list of the best vegan restaurants in Indianapolis below!
Three Carrots Fountain Square
920 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: 463-221-3669
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Reasonably close to Idle Park, you’ll come across Three Carrots Fountain Square, a great place to get all sorts of vegan and vegetarian fare that’s anything but bland.
The ambiance is lovely, the staff is knowledgeable, and they can offer helpful menu substitutions, which is why it’s one of the best vegan restaurants in Indianapolis for sure.
The only problem is that this restaurant is relatively small, so you might have to wait a bit if you arrive during dinner rushes or on the weekends.
However, once you’re seated, expect your food promptly and professionally. I love their avocado toasts and waffles with sweet orange syrup.
10th Street Diner
3301 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Phone: 463-221-1255
10th Street Diner is a mere few blocks away from Brookside Community Church. If you’re looking for a welcoming, hospitable vibe and great atmosphere, it’s tough to find a better spot.
Even non-vegans will enjoy meat-free delights like vegan lasagna and hearty roasted vegetable sandwiches.
If you get a sandwich, keep in mind that they’re huge and plan to share unless you’re ravenous. I must say, I’m preferential to the desserts, though, especially their cookies and carrot cake.
The 10th Street Diner is a great place to spend the afternoon, so grab a vegan cup of coffee and stay a while.
3 Sisters Café
6223 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: 317-257-5556
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Fairly close to White River, 3 Sisters Cafe offers incredible breakfasts and brunches that will satisfy any craving and keep you feeling full well into the day.
Not only do they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, but you can also get great gluten-free fare at 3 Sisters Cafe.
Some of my personal favorite dishes include the tofu scramble and toast with vegan butter. The coffee is next level too, and you can choose from various soy and nut kinds of milk to go along with it.
With excellent service, a comprehensive menu of cruelty-free favorites, and a good atmosphere, 3 Sisters Cafe is a winner in anyone’s book.
Public Greens
902 E 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: 317-964-0865
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Just a short drive from Opti-Park Indianapolis, Public Greens uses local ingredients, self-grown herbs, and vegetables to concoct incredible vegan and vegetarian dishes.
You can taste the love in every bite, as cheesy as it might sound. I love the soups at Public Greens. They’re hearty, full of flavor, and will keep you satisfied for several hours.
Their spicy lentil soup is the best. Additionally, thanks to a cafeteria-style dining setup, you can mix and match your vegetables.
Plus, it’s cost-effective. What’s not to love? This centrally-located eatery certainly seems to have it all.
Axum Ethiopian Restaurant
825 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-964-0580
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You don’t know what you’re missing if you’re a vegetarian or vegan who’s never tried Ethiopian food.
Ethiopian cuisine tends to be very heavy on vegetables while balancing everything off with a nice amount of spice and texture.
Plus, Axum Ethiopian Restaurant is just one block from American Legion Mall, so you can easily get there.
The vegan platter is enough for two people, and I love it because you can get an overview of Ethiopian flavors without committing to one specific dish.
Add in a few pieces of injera or Ethiopian bread, and you have a genuinely complex and hearty meal.
Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe
935 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: 317-974-1770
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Walk about a block down from Edna Balz Lacy Family Park, and you’ll stumble right across Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe, a charming vegetarian and vegan restaurant with authentic Turkish food.
The service is outstanding, and the waitstaff will give you recommendations on or explain the menu in detail.
I always order the tabouli with lemon and tomatoes. It’s a fresh, light dish that works perfectly for a mid-day snack or a light lunch.
Paired with cold tea or water, it’s a refreshing meal. To round it off, you can also get roasted or slow-cooked vegetables with sauce and fresh, delicious bread.
Broad Ripple Brewpub
842 E 65th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: 317-253-2739
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Broad Ripple Brewpub is a short drive from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and offers a vast selection of tasty local beers plus plenty of vegan dishes.
One thing that Broad Ripple Brewpub does exceptionally well is provide cruelty-free pub grub, like meatless Reubens.
The meatless variety tastes almost like the real thing, and I’d argue that it’s better because you know it’s entirely plant-based. Made with seitan, the Reubens are hearty and rich without being overly filling.
Also, the waitstaff at Broad Ripple Brewpub can make beer pairing suggestions based on your orders and can make any substitutions as needed.
Café Patachou
Multiple locations
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You’ll find Cafe Patachous all over Indianapolis, and this celebrated food chain has even been featured in major publications and top 10 lists.
There are a few reasons I never pass up the opportunity to stop by a Cafe Patachou, but above all it’s their quality and consistency that keep me coming back.
The food is always on point, and I know exactly what to expect when I order avocado toast with a touch of lemon and pepper.
The coffee is always tasty, too; nice and strong with a minimal bitter aftertaste. Cafe Patachou has an upscale vibe but is welcoming to all, which is part of its charm.
Mesh
725 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-955-9600
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Mesh is right off the 70 at College and Massachusetts Ave, a contemporary, artistic place with fantastic customer service and a rotating menu of favorites.
Although you can stop in any time of the day, they tend to do a booming dinner service and are a great place to visit for a romantic date or a special occasion with friends.
My absolute favorite meal at Mesh is their signature salad. With lightly-dressed mixed greens, plenty of crunchy quinoa, walnuts, and beets, it’s a true star.
Mesh is super popular, so make sure that you make reservations well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during their busy hours or on the weekends.
Brewer Bakes – Vegan Specialty Cookies
2442 Central Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone: 317-643-0330
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Brewer Bakes is Indianapolis’ best vegan bakery and easily one of the best vegan restaurants in Indianapolis.
If you’ve sworn off sweet food after going vegan, you’ll be happy to learn that you can still indulge your sweet tooth while remaining cruelty-free.
Brewer Bakes is very close to Ivy Tech Community College and offers cruelty-free baked goods like giant soft vegan cookies and flaky pastries.
Everything is dairy, egg, and meat-free too. Even omnivores will want to try out the good stuff at Brewer Bakes because their baked goods taste so authentic.
Tlaolli
2830 Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Phone: 317-410-9507
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Down the street from Purdue Polytechnic High School, you’ll find Tlaolli, an excellent vegan restaurant serving renditions of your favorite foods made with soy and jackfruit.
Jackfruit is incredible because it can mimic the texture of different meats and works wonders in things like tacos.
The chips and salsa at Tlaolli are lovely too, and they even have good rice dishes to round out your meal properly.
One thing that I love about Tlaolli is that the vegan dishes aren’t an afterthought. All of their “meat” products are fully seasoned and cooked to absolute perfection.
Cul De Sac Kitchen
3827 N Mitthoefer Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46235
Phone: 317-744-9622
Near Rock of Faith Missionary, Cul De Sac Kitchen serves vegan comfort food that tastes so delicious that even omnivores will want to sample it.
This restaurant specializes in hearty flavors and classic combinations, just made without the traditional meat, egg, or dairy products.
One of the foods that I had to swear off when I became vegan was nachos. Fortunately, Cul De Sac Kitchen has a beautiful vegan nacho dish that tastes even better than I remember traditional nachos.
Their smoothies are also delicious, with bold fruit flavors and a nice texture. So if you’re a vegan that has been missing comfort food, get to Cul De Sac Kitchen.
Tinker Street Restaurant
402 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-925-5000
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Take a short walk down a few blocks from Martin Luther King Memorial Park, and you’ll come across Tinker Street Restaurant.
This eatery specializes in classic American cuisine with a vegan twist on many of its menu items. Although they do offer dairy and meat dishes, they have a robust selection of vegan fare that’s very clearly marked on the menu.
Also, the waitstaff is patient and will happily suggest substitutions as needed. The spiced celery root and pumpkin gnocchi are two of my favorites.
If you like wine, you’re in luck at Tinker Street Restaurant. They have a fabulous selection of different wines, including sparkling ones.
