By S. Herlihy
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the largest city in the state. Visitors will discover a thriving downtown area with many shops and restaurants. They will also find a city with six cultural districts and attractions that include Madame Walker Theatre Center and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum. If you're hungry for a
romantic dining experience in an elegant restaurant, you have many options from which to choose right in the heart of the city.
R Bistro
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, R Bistro offers diners updated and contemporary food in a pleasant setting. Diners can go there for lunch or dinner five days a week. Chef Regina Mehallick has traveled to many countries. She uses her travels as inspiration for dishes that incorporate ingredients from all over the globe. A typical appetizer may utilize potato gnocchi in a tomato cream sauce or a salad formed from locally grown baby lettuces. Main courses are also often multicultural. Try the thyme scented pork roast with braised red cabbage, black cod with shrimp or beef and bean chili with cornbread. Finish your meal with a banana beignet or doughnut topped with butterscotch sauce. Reservations are recommended but not required.
R Bistro
888 Massachusetts Ave.
Indianapolis, IN
46204-1633
(317) 423-0312
rbistro.com
Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe
The Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe is housed in a renovated historic building dating from the 1890s. Today, visitors will find creative menus in a warm and inviting setting. The Inn serves dinner six days a week and brunch on Sundays. You might start off with an order of escargot topped with caramelized fennel and cinnamon bacon jam or cured calamari with ginger. A soup of the day is also offered as well as salad with ingredients such as arugula and candied pecans. Main courses include filet mignon with a pomegranate demi glace sauce and duck breast with smoked gouda polenta. A vegetarian option is available as well as a selection of desserts and a wine list.
Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe
725 Massachusetts Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1608
(317) 536-0707
scholarsinn.com/IndyLounge/index.html
Eagle's Nest Restaurant
The Eagle's Nest Restaurant is located in the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Diners can sample contemporary American cuisine seven days a week while enjoying the view from the revolving restaurant. Begin your meal with braised pork belly with bacon jam or crab cakes topped with peppadew aioli. Try a cup of lobster bisque or roasted beet salad. Entrees include seared scallops with white asparagus and corn soup and fall vegetable gnocchi with brown butter. Desserts include creme brulee and cheesecake. Have a glass of chilled wine from the large wine cellar and relax as the sun sets.
Eagle's Nest Restaurant
1 South Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3400
(317) 616-6170
indianapolis.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp
Resources
About the Author:
S. Herlihy has been a freelance writer since 2001. Her work has appeared in many publications, including "USA Today," "The Women’s Independent Press," "Big Apple Parent" and "ComputorEdge Magazine." Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York.
