Rachel SmithPlanning a romantic evening out takes more than picking a restaurant at random.
I spent plenty of nights exploring the local food scene, and the best date night restaurants in Indianapolis always strike the right balance between atmosphere, service, and genuinely memorable food.
You want a place where the lighting feels warm, the plates are worth sharing, and the setting gives you room to actually enjoy each other’s company.
Whether you’re celebrating a big anniversary or just trying to make a Tuesday feel a little more special, these are the spots I would keep in mind.
How much does date night dining cost in Indianapolis?
Couples usually spend around $80 to $160 for a full meal at a mid-range restaurant in Indianapolis, while a high-end fine dining night can easily reach $250+.
| Date Night Type | Average Cost |
| Budget-Friendly | Under $50 |
| Mid-Range | $80 – $160 |
| High-End Fine Dining | $250+ |
1. Harry & Izzy’s
Website: https://www.harryandizzys.com/
Address: 4050 East 82nd Street
Contact: (317) 915-8045
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Stepping into Harry & Izzy’s feels upscale without becoming stuffy. As the more relaxed companion to St. Elmo Steak House, it gives you access to dry-aged steaks and that famous spicy shrimp cocktail in a setting that feels easier to settle into for date night.
I came here for my own anniversary, and the ribeye absolutely delivered. I was also impressed by how easy it was to find a quieter corner, order a bold red, and actually hold a conversation without feeling rushed.
The menu has enough range to keep things flexible, from chops to thin-crust pizzas. If you want something polished but not overly formal, this one hits a nice middle ground. Sharing a dessert at the end feels like the right move here.
The private dining options are a nice touch if you’re planning something a little bigger.
The tradeoff is the price, because this is still very much a steakhouse night out.
Customer Reviews
Great ambiance for our anniversary
Date night! He’s never been, so I decided we’d go for our anniversary! There was a great ambiance! Nice waiter named Ben, and the food was awesome ! Pricey, in his opinion. He was expecting to pay more,but about $75 per person, he was happy with the bill!
- Shortyred | Google Review
A perfect dinner to close our date weekend
A PERFECT dinner to close our date weekend. Our waiter Matthew C. was very thorough and informative. A great server. I had the bone in ribeye medium rare/rare. It was cooked to PERFECTION! The sides to the drinks to the fresh made bread pudding… EVERYTHING was DELICIOUS! Thank you so much for such a delightful dinning experience 🥰
- Bonnie Licklider | Google Review
2. St. Elmo Steak House
Website: https://www.stelmos.com
Address: 127 S Illinois St
Contact: (317) 635-0636
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
History buffs and steak lovers alike tend to gravitate toward St. Elmo Steak House, and it’s easy to see why.
This landmark has been serving dry-aged steaks and its famous spicy shrimp cocktail since 1902. The kitchen clearly knows how to deliver a serious cut of beef.
When I think about the city’s standout fine dining restaurants in Indianapolis, this is one of the first names that comes to mind.
The 1933 Lounge upstairs is especially good for easing into the night with a martini before dinner. And their wine cellar adds another layer of occasion-worthy appeal.
The downside is that the menu stays very traditional, so diners hoping for something lighter or more modern may find fewer options than expected.
Still, if your idea of romance leans timeless instead of trendy, this place is hard to ignore.
Customer Reviews
The classic, upscale atmosphere made the evening feel special
Had a wonderful dinner at St. Elmo Steak House! I ordered the chicken, it was flavorful and perfectly prepared. My husband had the steak and said it was one of the best he’s had. The service was excellent, and the classic, upscale atmosphere made the evening feel special. A great spot for a date night or celebration in Indianapolis.
- Juana Saldana | Google Review
Absolutely blown away by the amazing food
We went here for a date night and were absolutely blown away by the amazing food, the lovely old historical place, and our server was amazing! He was one of those people you could tell he was a career waiter and it really just takes everything to a whole other level. we got the shrimp cocktail, (it’s spicy but so good) the king crab Mac and cheese, the seafood pasta, and the steak. Everything was cooked perfectly and came out at exactly the right time. Definitely splurge though and get the lobster bisque. It’s worth the up charge.
- Robert Clark | Google Review
3. Livery
Website: https://www.livery-restaurant.com/
Address: 720 N College Ave
Contact: (317) 383-0330
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Livery brings a lively energy that feels a little different from the usual steakhouse date night. Set inside a restored 1890s building that once worked as a horse stable, the historic brick setting gives the place plenty of character.
When it comes to the food, the restaurant serves Latin-inspired plates like ceviche and empanadas that are naturally made for sharing.
That kind of menu makes the whole evening feel more interactive, because you can order a few things for the table and keep the conversation moving.
A close friend of mine celebrated her engagement here and could not stop talking about the rooftop patio and mezcal cocktails. The tequila and mezcal program is a real draw, too.
The tradeoff is that it can get loud, especially when the room fills up, so it’s not the easiest pick if you want a hushed, extra-quiet dinner.
Even so, I think the energy works in its favor for couples who want something stylish and social.
Customer Reviews
A small anniversary dessert made it special
We picked Livery for our Anniversary date & they dint disappoint. Drinks spot on, food was great. Yuca fries were great, so was Mahi tacos and Chorizo empanadas. Our server, feeling bad now for forgetting her name, was polite, professional and also got us a small anniversary dessert. Check it out if you are in Indy downtown.
- dinesh reddy | Google Review
Our first experience was truly memorable
Chloe our server was so kind and took excellent care of us. Her smile and help with understanding of flavors exceeded our expectations. Highy recommend trying this place. Their tequila bar was so smoothe and flavorful. Absolutely highly recommend, especially since my husband ate red snapper which he never eats fish. Try this place once and u will not regret. Great for date night or just a family meal thats superb. Thankya Chloe for making our first experience at this restaurant truly memorable.
- Crystal Gruenert | Google Review
4. Petite Chou Bistro & Champagne Bar
Website: https://www.petitechoubistro.com/
Address: 823 Westfield Blvd
Contact: (317) 259-0765
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Petite Chou Bistro & Champagne Bar is the kind of place I would pick when the goal is a cozy evening with a little old-world charm.
The French neighborhood bistro feel comes through right away. I’m especially fond of the patio, which feels inviting once the weather cooperates.
The food lands firmly in comfort territory, with rich sauces, buttery flavors, and desserts that are easy to split. Dishes like steak frites make it easy to lean into that romantic mood, and the champagne selection also adds to the experience.
I think the Broad Ripple location works well if you want to stretch the night out with a walk afterward.
The main drawback is the schedule. Because it’s closed for dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s out of the running for some early-week plans. That said, when it is open for evening service, it feels warm, relaxed, and easy to enjoy.
Customer Reviews
Very cozy dim lights
We went there for a romantic bday dinner. Very cozy dim lights. No TV or loud music. The waitress Missy was friendly amd attentive as wer the rest of the staff. The steak was a perfect medium rare. The mussels were yummy as was the cheese board. Wednesday we found out was half price wine and champagne. Cream Brule and chocolate pots were excellent. Definitely going back.
- SideWinder | Google Review
Very cozy and romantic
Petit Chou is one of our favorite places in Indy. The food is stellar and the setting is very cozy and romantic. Can’t recommend it highly enough. And the mushroom appetizer is out of this world good!!
- Kent Hiller | Google Review
5. The Eagle Mass Ave
Website: https://www.eaglerestaurant.com
Address: 310 Massachusetts Ave
Contact: (317) 929-1799
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The Eagle Mass Ave works best for couples who want date night to feel relaxed instead of overly polished. The rustic room, Southern food, and blues-heavy soundtrack create an easygoing setting where you can focus more on having fun than on dressing up.
The menu is built around hearty plates and rich sides, so sharing biscuits, mac and cheese, or a half chicken feels natural here.
Their fried chicken is the clear star. It earns its place among the city’s top fried chicken spots in Indianapolis if that happens to be your shared comfort-food lane.
Plus, the patio along Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave) makes it a strong pick if you enjoy a busier neighborhood vibe.
The downside is that diners looking for lighter options don’t get nearly as much range, especially if fried food isn’t what they’re in the mood for.
Customer Reviews
A go-to for my partner and me on date nights
This restaurant has a special place in my heart as a go-to for my partner and I on date nights. Today, we had the BBQ burnt ends to start, mac and cheese, and a 1/2 chicken. All easily 5/5 stars delicious. I also tried a great cider from the Happy Hour options. Our server was Seton today, and she was awesome!
- Milo Polley | Google Review
I had my first date here with my girlfriend
The Eagle has awesome Chicken sandwiches! The atmosphere puts you in an upbeat mood. The servers are excellent and the prices are fair. I like to sit at the bar outside or on the outdoor patio. I had my first date here with my girlfriend and we would love to come back.
- Kaden Fitzgerald | Google Review
