Indianapolis, Indiana is often overlooked as the capital of a “flyover state,” its most notable characteristics being its delicious Indiana sweet corn and the Indy 500. Indiana is a beautiful state once you get to know it, but few people would name it as a bucket list destination. But despite its somewhat bland reputation, this Midwestern city has far more to offer than meets the eye! And just outside city limits lie rolling hills, forested woodlands, beautiful lakes and plenty of waterfalls. All these things make Indiana worth more than flying over!

With a number of impressive museums, a large city park and a surprisingly thriving food scene, Indianapolis has no shortage of things to do and places to explore. Ever wondered what it’s like to be vegan in Indianapolis? From authentic Thai restaurants to upscale eateries, you can find any number of delicious meals. And you won’t have to search too far to find vegan options in Indianapolis!

Here’s our pick of the best vegan restaurants in Indianapolis.

Three Carrots

Price: $$

Cuisine: Classic Midwestern/comfort food

Website: https://www.threecarrotsfountainsquare.com/

Three Carrots is in the hip Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis, where you can find music venues, record stores and no shortage of highly frequented bars and restaurants.This all-vegan restaurant serves American and Midwestern food, providing comfort food like Chili Cheese Fries and salads with deliciously seasoned seitan or tofu. Playing off of popular meat-centric meals, its menu is full of things like beet burgers and seitan tenderloin, leaving vegans and non-vegans alike full and happy.

10th Street Diner

Price: $$

Cuisine: Southern, Tex-Mex

Website: https://www.facebook.com/10thStDiner/

10th-street diner is another go-to vegan restaurant in Indy, with a stylish exposed brick atmosphere and high ceilings. This family-owned restaurant serves classic diner food with a vegan twist, with dishes like Chicken Biscuit, Fried Pickles and Blueberry Pancakes. Enjoy a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich for a filling meal, or get the Huevos Rancheros for a Tex-Mex spin on your vegan breakfast. 

Black Leaf Vegan Cafe

Price: $$

Cuisine: Healthy, variety

Website: https://www.blackleafvegan.com/

This all-vegan cafe is beloved for its creative and flavorful vegan dishes, from the Jackfruit Slider to the Dragonfruit Berry Smoothie. Using quality ingredients in its wide variety of dishes, Black Leaf Vegan Cafe has dishes to satisfy any vegan craving, especially if you’re looking for a comfort food dish like Mac n Cheese or quesadillas. Not to mention, this vegan cafe has an incredible atmosphere, with welcoming, personable staff and great service.

Cul de Sac Kitchen

Price: $$

Cuisine: Burgers, hearty foods

Website: https://www.toasttab.com/cul-de-sac-kitchen-3827-mitthoeffer-rd/v3/

Located on the East side of the city in the Urbana Plaza, the Cul de Sac Kitchen serves baked goods, drinks and tasty vegan meals. Hungry vegans craving a burger can enjoy burgers like the Hoagie Burger, Jalapeno Burger, Portabella Stack Meal and so much more. Plus, a whole section of the menu is devoted to nachos! If none of these catch your eye, there are a large number of wraps and salads to choose from, ensuring that there’s something for everyone at this beloved vegan restaurant in Indy.

Plantastic Indy

Price: $$

Cuisine: Variety, international

Website: https://plantasticindy.com/

Plantastic Indy strives to provide yummy food while making responsible choices for the environment, from serving vegan food to using compostable packaging. However, this value of sustainability does nothing to prevent this cafe from serving delicious food. Enjoy a Bombay Bhaji Burger Supreme for a filling meal, or check out the Crab Cakes Tacos or Chili Fries for an indulgent snack.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Indianapolis

These restaurants may not have all-vegan menus, but they’re worked to include a number of tasty plant-based options on their menus to have something for everyone. Here are some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Indianapolis!

Tlaolli

Price: $$

Cuisine: Mexican

Website: http://tlaolli.net/

Although Indianapolis is a far cry from Mexico, you can find tasty, authentic Mexican food if you know where to look. Tlaolli is a carry-out restaurant serving fresh tamales and other classic Mexican dishes. With a focus on healthy ingredients, this restaurant is beloved among the vegan community for its vegan dishes. Try the Jackfruit taco or tofu mole taco for a delicious vegan taco experience.

Siam Square

Price: $$

Cuisine: Thai

Website: https://siamsquareindy.com/

If you’re in the mood for Thai food, Siam Square is the best place to go in Indianapolis. This Fountain Square restaurant has an inviting atmosphere and a menu full of authentic, flavorful dishes. Try the Panang Curry or Masaman Curry with tofu for a warming, spicy meal, or get the Eggplant Stir Fry for a flavorful, veggie-filled dish.

Axum Ethiopian Restaurant 

Price: $$

Cuisine: Ethiopian

Website: https://www.axumindy.com/

For a taste of Ethiopia, there’s no better place in Indy than Axum’s. Although there are a number of meat-heavy dishes, this popular restaurant has an all-vegan section of its menu, featuring must-try dishes full of authentic ingredients like red lentils, berbere sauce and turmeric. Vegans looking to try something new or take a break from veganized American dishes won’t be disappointed.

BRICS 

Price: $$

Cuisine: Ice cream

Website: https://www.bricsindy.com/

BRICS is regarded by many to be the best ice cream in Indianapolis. Set along the path of the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple, this is the perfect spot to take a break from your shopping and walking, no matter the weather. Known for its high quality ice cream and creative flavors, BRICS serves 8 vegan options. Whether you try the Chocolate, Raspberry Sorbet or Cookie Butter, your ice cream will be just as delicious as its non-vegan counterpart.

Aroma

Price: $$

Cuisine: Indian

Website: https://aromaindy.com/

With a location in South Broad Ripple and another in Fountain Square, this upscale Indian restaurant is known for its flavorful dishes and high-quality ingredients. Among the vegan community, Aroma is known for its large number of vegan options. Whether you’re in the mood for Potato Peanut Kofta, Navratan Korma or Aloo Gobi Adraki, you’ll leave blown away by the flavorful dishes served at Aroma.