Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Indianapolis

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Indianapolis? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Courses Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (234)

$30 and under

International

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Come join us at Courses Restaurant at Ivy Tech Community College, offering a unique experience where guests dine in a gorgeous Mahogany restaurant that looks out on the beautiful Indianapolis skyline. Guests are served and have the opportunity to support Hospitality Program students while enjoying their dining experience. Our menu selections are centered around course of study for 1st 8 Wks - Specialized Cuisine and 2nd 8-Wks Classical French Cuisine. Menus items may change due to product availability/course objectives.

Due to course schedule Courses Restaurant is open Spring 2025 1st 8-Weeks (Lunch Only - Seating 11am-Noon) January 23,30, February 6,13 and 20. 2nd 8- Weeks for lunch (seating 11am-Noon) and dinner (seating 6-7pm) on 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17 (dinner only), 4/24 (lunch only), 5/1. Accepting reservations 90 days prior to dining date.

**If you have more than 4 guests in your group, please contact Indianapolis-Hospitality-Events@ivytech.edu for your reservation.

Top review

Melinda

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

We eat here several times each semester and today was probably the best main course I have had at Courses. The sauce on the Coq au Vin was fabulous with a rich flavor of various spices on the palette. The onions and ham added a nice change of texture. The smoked salmon appetizer was delicious but needed a second crostini for the amount of Brie and salmon on the plate. Wonderful flavor, though. The dessert was an interesting combo of flavors but the beets added a nice compliment to the crème brûlée. All in all, a delightful meal.

Yard House - Indianapolis

4.9

4.9 (1108)

$30 and under

American

West Indy

About the restaurant

Yard House is the modern American gathering place where beer and food lovers unite. Known for great food, classic rock, an energetic vibe and endless fleet of tap handles featuring the best craft and local beers, each Yard House location offers 100+ beers on tap along with an array of craft cocktails. Our menu features favorites such as our signature Poke Nachos, street tacos, USDA prime burgers, seafood and steaks. Founded in Long Beach, Calif; in 1996, Yard House now spans across the U.S. with over 80 locations and is open daily for lunch, dinner, happy hour and late-night dining.

Top review

Megan

Dined 4 days ago

We always enjoy Yard House because of the food and drinks. This visit we also had an outstanding server Joel. We were celebrating a birthday and Joel took great care of us. We will be back!!

Tony's of Indianapolis

4.9

4.9 (2851)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

If your preferred dining date or time is unavailable please call us directly to assist you.
(317) 638-TONY (8669)

Tony's of Indianapolis is a modern steakhouse serving huge portions of hand-cut steaks and seafood. We offer an extensive and thoughtfully selected wine list that pairs perfectly with our outstanding menu. At Tony’s, we proudly serve USDA Prime steaks and aged, all natural American beef that we cut and trim in-house. All of our prime-cut steaks are prepared with our proprietary seasoning composed of paprika and a distinct blend of sea salts and peppers. Tony’s seasoning creates a depth of flavor, giving it a deep char while sealing in the juices. Enjoy our steaks along with the freshest seafood brought in daily. This is the place where traditional steakhouse fare shares a table with innovative cuisine. When you're looking for the very best dining experience, choose Tony's of Indianapolis. We welcome you with open arms and look forward to serving you. Grazie Tony

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Food was excellent . Blake probably bided wonderful service .

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12oz Barrel Cut Filet Mignon

Commission Row

4.8

4.8 (568)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Commission Row is a dining and entertainment experience in Bicentennial Unity Plaza, located in the Wholesale District of Indianapolis where entertainment and sports intersect. Just steps from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse along with other local area attractions.

True to the area’s historical roots, the restaurant offers guests the highest quality steaks, chops and seafood artfully curated by our culinary team. The menu is created as a culinary crossroad intended to delight the palate with each and every dish. The cuisine showcases seasonal ingredients along with a wine and spirits menu expertly paired.

The Above Event Space offers seating for up to 250 and standing over 400 for corporate, private dining, and weddings. The team will work with you to customize your experience and your menu.

The Speakeasy below Commission Row is known as Mel's and is a place to grab drinks before or after an event along with light appetizers.

Overall, Commission Row is an experience like no other.

Top review

Lori

Dined 5 days ago

Superb food and extraordinary service. A wonderful evening.

Verde - Flavors of Mexico - Carmel

4.8

4.8 (370)

$30 and under

Mexican

Carmel / Westfield

About the restaurant

VERDE, Flavors of Mexico, is a family-owned, authentic Mexican restaurant serving delicious, authentic Mexican food. We use only the freshest ingredients, all prepared daily by our chefs. Our diverse menu features Mexican family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Our delicious salsa is made fresh every day!

Top review

Anita

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

It was a nice evening. Good was hot and tasted good. Drinks were ok, feel that there are more margarita selections at other Mexican restaurants. It’s fine though.

Nesso Italian Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (563)

$50 and over

Italian

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite journey to the heart of Italy at Nesso Italian Kitchen, where every dish highlights the rich flavors and traditions of Italian cuisine. Named for the picturesque town on Lake Como, Nesso offers an authentic Italian experience in a casually elegant atmosphere. Indulge in house-made pastas, fresh seafood, locally sourced meats and Mediterranean flavors that will warm your soul. To enhance your dining experience, Nesso also features one of the most extensive Italian wine lists in all of Indiana. From refreshing whites to bold-full bodied reds, Nesso’s Italian-focused list ensures that any bottle curated for your dining experience will be the perfect pairing! This little slice of Italy is located next to The Alexander Hotel, with parking available through the hotel’s valet at a reduced price. Visit Nesso today. Buon Appetito!

Top review

Petra

Dined 6 days ago

Always good value for money. Very nice location and friendly staff. I’d highly recommend any pasta dish, especially the linguini Nero

RIZE Fishers

4.6

4.6 (150)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Fishers / Geist

About the restaurant

Rize offers a selection of sustainably founded dine-in, breakfast and lunch options to celebrate the day. Enjoy farm features and hydroponically grown produce from CRG Grow greenhouse. Top off the Rize experience with a freshly squeezed juice, house-blended smoothie, or house-made ginger or berry kombucha. Rize takes pride in the technique and preparation used to put good-for-you food on the table. Our Chefs understand the physical need for fuel food, the good-for-your-body and mind food to get the most out of your day.

Top review

Jeremiah

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Always a treat to dine at Rize! The Egg Tart is like consuming art work! So yummy, but also so beautiful!

LouVino - Mass Ave

4.5

4.5 (1048)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

LouVino redefines southern fusion with an innovative, chef-driven, southern-inspired menu. LouVino's bar program focuses on an Indianapolis-best 50+ glass pours of wine, craft beer, cocktails and bourbon. LouVino’s award winning concept has been featured in Southern Living and was selected as one of Buzzfeed & Yelp’s top wine bars in the state. The restaurant is as casual as it is chic with a neighborhood feel for friends and a destination dining spot for travelers, with a little bite of the South for everyone’s palates. Our menu is ever-changing based on seasonal ingredients available. This LouVino location also boasts two private dining rooms for rehearsal dinners, business meetings, client events or any other special occasion. Both dining rooms look out over the bustling Mass Ave neighborhood. Join us for a unique, unforgettable dining experience!

Top review

Rose

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

The aesthetics were very nice, the food was amazing and our waitress Raizel was outstanding. I had the Pancake Tacos and my daughter had the Brie Stuffed French Toast. The pancake was amazing and fluffy, not dense and heavy. It was filled with egg, crumbled sausage, bacon and a little cheese…delicious! My daughter had the Brie Stuffed French Toast with Berries which was a nice mixture of sweet with savory of the Brie! Also quite delicious! Our waitress was friendly and professional, she was attentive without being overbearing. Will definitely be going back and asking specifically for Raizel!

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Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar - Downtown INDY

4.2

4.2 (759)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Please Call 317-560-4848 for reservations

The freshest seafood and American cuisine in Downtown Indianapolis located just steps away from all Downtown has to offer

Top review

Terril

Dined on Dec 19, 2024

Super nice and reasonable prices, great seafood and drink specials. Anika is the Best Server, very nice, always smiling and very knowledgeable of the menu. She’s Awesome!!! We Love eating here!

Spoke & Steele

3.8

3.8 (1030)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

Downtown Indy

About the restaurant

Spoke & Steele is a modern perspective on downtown dining. We offer a distinctly Midwestern take on French and European classics. From first sip to the last bite, local ingredient-driven dishes and unique craft spirits deliver authentic flavors and textures that ignite the Indy dining scene.

Top review

StephanieVIP

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Excellent food and atmosphere. Went for a family brunch before the colts game. Had great burgers and a buffalo chicken wrap. Great service. Would definitely return.

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Experience

Petit Plates at Spoke & Steele

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