Big Hoffa's BBQ
Westfield, IN

This place has come a long way.  When I first visit several years ago it was a quaint little BBQ joint which was attached to an antique mall.  First of all, I love BBQ and any opportunity I get to try a new place, I'm there!  I fell in love with their sweet sassafras tea and the authentic BBQ and fixins'.  They've grown though and have taken over part of the antique mall and have an amazing dining room as well as take-out.  They can be found at bighoffas.com.

Ezra's Enlightened Cafe
Indianapolis, IN

If you're looking for a place to go gluten free, diary free, non-gmo, and locally sourced (from their own farm) food, with a big splash of charm then you have to get to Ezra's.  It's the real deal and afterward your body will thank you for giving it mother nature's best.  Find Ezra's at ezrasenlightenedcafe.com.  

Clara's Pizza King
Richmond, IN

Have you ever wanted to sit on a double decker bus from England and eat amazing pizza in Indiana?  You can!  I grew up in Richmond and Clara's was the place where I hung out as a teenager and have a lot of great memories.  I remember playing my favorite song, "Crimson and Clover" by Joan Jett on the old style jukebox and sometimes also (if we got lucky) sitting in a booth that had a porch swing as a seat or on the bus.  Pizza King is known for their unique style of pizza with but they also have pasta and other dishes.  Go by yourself, take a friend or the kids, and experience Clara's.  Find all of their locations as well as this one on NW 5th Street in Richmond at pizzaking.com. 

Rosie's Place
Carmel/Noblesville/Zionsville, IN

Okay, so Rosie's is technically a cafe but I've included it here because they have some of the most mouth-watering desserts I've ever tasted including the famous "gooey butter cookie".  I'll put a plug in for their food too because I just can't get enough of that either.  Find Rosie's at rosiesplace.net.

Kobayashi Sushi
Noblesville, IN

My sister turned me on to Kobayashi last year and told me that I just had to try this place right off of 37 North in Noblesville.  I love sushi and I've been to quite a few sushi restaurants so I was skeptical at first because I've always had my favorites however I'm so glad I didn't let my judgement get in the way of trying out Kobayashi.  Their rolls are delicious and compete with my all time favorite rolls from a restaurant in Bloomington. Their menu has a variety of sushi and also some Chinese dishes that have a bit of a Thai flare to me which are amazingly yummy.  It is locally owned and managed which is of course a huge plus and they have a drive-thru!  Check them out at kobayashisushi.com.

Shalimar (Indian Food)
Indianapolis, IN (Broad Ripple)

I LOVE Indian food, especially northern Indian which Shalimar is known for.  It's my go-to for the best Vegetarian Thali (assortment of vegetarian dishes with naan bread, samosa, and kheer rice dessert).  It has a lovely spacious yet intimate dining area and a very friendly staff.  I usually start with the chai masala tea (a milk tea with spices) and enjoy hours of conversation with friends in their laid back atmosphere.  They also accommodate large groups and I often see families and friends celebrating there as well.  You can find them at shalimarindianapolis.com.  

Indy Tacos
Indianapolis, IN (South Broad Ripple)

Taco lovers will go crazy for this authentic taco restaurant on 54th Street just west of Keystone Avenue.  It's in a small strip mall next to a skate shop.  It may seem inconspicuous but let me tell you, this place is one of my favorite all time taco joints because of the pure authenticity of the food.  They use both flour and corn tortillas (depending on the order) and wrap each taco up with slices of lime and cucumber.  My favorites are the jalapeno chicken taco (sweet sauce) and the mole chicken taco.  They have other mexican dishes too and have specials such as seafood queso.  The prices are great and it's well worth the stop in whenever you're craving authentic mexican food for dine in or to go.  Find them on yelp at INDYTACOS.