Indianapolis used to be famous mostly for one thing — the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, a quintessential Hoosier creation — and for St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail. The scene now is much broader: serious independent restaurants on Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple; one of the best Burmese communities in the country (Chin food on the south side); and a strong craft brewery scene.
Try at least one pork tenderloin sandwich while in town — they hang off the plate. For the upmarket version of Indiana steakhouse tradition, St. Elmo is the institution. For something quieter, the Italian, Vietnamese, and farm-to-table options have all improved sharply in the last decade.