Foodies, listen up! There’s no shortage of places to eat in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and beyond. But where should you start your culinary adventures? Where are the best places to eat north of Indianapolis?
We teamed up with our friends at Yelp Indy to discover the top places to eat in Hamilton County, Indiana. See the list below and don’t forget to leave love via review about your favorite businesses on the list, or others!
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the restaurants in Hamilton County according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category that are not part of a national chain, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews.
1. 9th Street Bistro
Noblesville, Indiana
If you’re looking for a cozy spot for a nice meal, you must try 9th Street Bistro in Noblesville. This restaurant serves globally-inspired comfort food.
Known for:
Steak and frites, focaccia, chicken pot pie.
Open for:
4:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday. Closed Sunday-Tuesday.
Yelp Insight:
“OH MY GOODNESS. What a gem. I can't believe we ~just~ found Chef Samir's Bistro. Everything about this restaurant is fantastic--service, vibe, cocktails, food. The food was so well done; complex flavors made with simple, local ingredients, thoughtful balance, beautiful presentation. What else could one want for a date night???” - Yelper Colette D.
2. Ali'i Poke
Fishers, Indiana
This place made Yelp's national list of the 100 Best Places to Eat in the U.S. in 2019. The accolades speak for themselves.
Known for:
Poke - think of it as a sushi burrito bowl. Pick your base of rice or greens and add your choice of proteins, toppings and sauces, or select from the Signature Bowls.
Open for:
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Yelp Insight:
"Two words. Simply amazzzzzzing! Great quality sushi leaving me to wonder if I'm in Hawaii! Don't get me started on their staff's excellent service and great attitude." - Yelper Myungho K.
3. Ben's BBQ Shack
Westfield, Indiana
Authentic BBQ comes from a lot of regions in America. Ben's BBQ Shack is mostly rooted in West Kentucky, Texas and West Tennessee. Each piece is smoked the old-fashioned way, just like they do down south.
Known for:
Ribs, pulled pork, brisket and bourbon buttermilk pie.
Open for:
12 p.m. until sold out (or 3 p.m.) Friday-Sunday.
Yelp Insight:
“5 stars! If you pre-order, you skip the line. Ben is the friendliest out there in the BBQ game and the food is so good. If you don't pre-order, get there early and get in line. And don't skip on the bourbon buttermilk pie." - Yelper Matthew S.
4. No Label At The Table
Carmel, Indiana
No Label At The Table is a gluten and dairy-free food company in Carmel. They employ people on the autistic spectrum and provide job training skills.
Known for:
Nutter butter cookies, cookie dough cake, mini pies.
Open for:
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. 10 a.m.-4p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday-Monday.
Yelp Insight:
“I've been here plenty of times and everything I've gotten here is so amazing!! I've yet to get something I didn't love. plus all the staff is so friendly. It's hard to choose my favorite thing because everything has been so tasty and I can't wait to try more stuff here :) it's so nice having an-allergy friendly place to go with soooo many options.” - Yelper Emma W.
5. Bica Café
Noblesville, Indiana
Want a taste of European cuisine? Well, be transported to Bica Café, a European inspired scratch kitchen specializing in Portuguese and Italian goods. You can find sweet and savory baked goods, lunch, coffee, and small plates.
Known for:
Portuguese soup, Piri Piri chicken salad, and Pasteis De Nata.
Open for:
7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Yelp Insight:
“We were here for a few weeks visiting family and saw this café and wanted to try it and it’s absolutely amazing! Cute place!! There are many breakfast choices and coffees and teas. I got the spring edition matcha latte with cherry blossom cold foam, with skim milk, So delicious! The ham & cheese everything croissant and avocado toast was both delicious. The girls were all amazing and very nice and awesome at helping us. On top of all of that the prices are great. Highly recommend!” – Yelper Amber L.
6. I Tre Mori
Fishers, Indiana
I Tre Mori is built with passion and serves unique, authentic Italian Napolitan pizza. The owners worked in the culinary industry in Europe before opening an authentic wood-fired pizzeria in Fishers. The top-notch wood oven comes from Italy.
Known for:
Pizza, bruschetta and tiramisu.
Open for:
Lunch and dinner Tuesday - Sunday. Closed Monday.
Yelp Insight:
“The absolute best pizza in town. A true Italian pizza, just like they do it in Italy. Great atmosphere with the giant pizza oven when you walk in. On a nice day we like to sit out on the patio, enjoy a pizza and a glass of wine. Not to mention the pastas and desserts are to die for!” - Yelper Miles M.
7. Rivet Coffee Bar & Roastery
Westfield, Indiana
Rivet offers a variety of drinks for coffee and non-coffee drinkers as well as a unique menu of breakfast and lunch items. Rivet operates out of a house that was renovated into a café, meaning there’s plenty of cozy spots to sit inside or outside on the patio.
Known for:
Matcha, avocado toast, and egg and pesto bagel sandwich.
Open for:
7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Yelp Insight:
“This is the best coffee shop/brunch spot north of Sunday. Love all the food, great coffee, amazing service.” - Yelper Erin D.
8. Joe's Next Door
Carmel, Indiana
The deli section of Joe's Butcher Shop offers fresh, made-to-order sandwiches.
Known for:
IPA braised beef sandwich, flank steak sandwich, Italian next door, debris po boy and BLT.
Open for:
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Yelp Insight:
“Evan's IPA braised beef sandwich is the reason to go to Joe's Next Door, which is the deli/sandwich counter on the east end of Joe's Butcher Shop.
I'm not even a person who eats sandwiches. But this is worth it, and everyone in my family agrees it's the best sandwich they have ever had." - Yelper Julie K.
9. Yat's
Carmel, Indiana
A local New Orleans-style joint specializing in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Known for:
Drunken chicken, maque choux, étouffée, jambalaya and gumbo.
Open for:
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
Yelp Insight:
“LOVE THIS PLACE!! Garlic bread and crawfish etoufee are my go to dishes. The vibe of this place is very cool, I like the outdoor seating in the summer time." - Yelper Caroline C.
10. Siam Star Asian Express Thai Authentic
Carmel, Indiana
Known for:
Pad Thai, crusty crab & chive dumplings, pad ki mao and orange chicken.
Open for:
11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 4:30-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Yelp Insight:
This family-run Thai restaurant deserves its 5 star rating. The recipes are family recipes of this husband/wife team.” - Yelper Katherine A.
Use the map below for guidance as you eat your way through this list of restaurants. For even more dining options in Hamilton County, visit our restaurants page and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
