Restaurants in and around Marion and Hamilton Counties that have been approved by an 8 year old, a 9 year old and the two adults. :)
Map
Sections
6
Desserts!
Breweries
Dinner
Lunch/Dinner
Coffee
Brunch
Desserts!
Good variety of flavors and toppings. So fun to watch the staff make your order from scratch! I also love that 1832 Brew is affiliated with this location so I can grab a coffee while my kids enjoy an ice cream!
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
Delicious! Generously portioned cookies that you can have individually or served as an ice cream sandwich. As the name foretells, Insomnia Cookies stays open late. Enjoy ;)
Insomnia Cookies
Breweries
Delicious food and large selection of beer. I love the Courtside collaboration with the Indiana Pacers! The beer tastes even better with our hometown team attached to it. :)
They have 2 locations in Carmel: 116th St and Clay Terrace. Beautiful priva...
Upland Carmel Tap House
Obsessed! It’s a brewery and food hall that overlooks Midtown Plaza. I’m not a big drinker but I love me some Cream Ale (if we’re chilling out) or a Pachangarita (if we’re partying)! My kids love Queenies Pizza upstairs while I usually grab food from...
Sun King Carmel
Cool brewery and restaurant in a former church. Find a favorite beer (mine is Testament), order a glass at the bar and then a growler to have at home!
Saint Joseph Brewery & Public House | Brewpub in Historic Church ...
Dinner
Being originally from New Haven, CT, my family and I are a little selective about our pizza. King Dough is a pie that we do enjoy. We go to the Carmel location because it’s close to home, but there are several King Dough locations. Bonus: they sell r...
King Dough
I’m pretty selective about Italian food, and while I haven’t found many places in the area that I love, I do enjoy this one. They had something for everyone in our party, including two picky young ones. :-)
Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine
This is one of two Italian restaurants that I can recommend in the area. It is located in the heart of downtown Noblesville. The veal piccata was delicious as was the calamari!
Matteo's Ristorante Italiano
Some good Mexican food! Very kid friendly.
Mi Hacienda Mexican Restaurant: Mexican Restaurant Carmel In
We have only done takeout at this location, but the lettuce wraps were wonderful! I feel like it’s tough to find these wraps on other menus. My daughter and I ordered the chicken pad Thai and the tofu pad Thai, both were very good.
Pad Thai Restaurant
Lunch/Dinner
A family favorite! We love pairing or meal with miniature golf, but you can do one or the other, if you prefer.
Kids eat free on Tuesdays. I live for the Memphis Hot Chicken sandwich and the chicken with rice plays!
There is a little snack bar at t...
Birdies
Good food, not far from city center. Dog friendly on the outdoor patio!
Flight Burger
Cute restaurant in the heart of downtown Carmel! Have seen families, couples and solo diners enjoying a delicious meal here. Very healthy portions so arrive with a good appetite!
Juniper on Main
One of our go-to’s for Mexican food! Beautiful decor and a great meal. I like that they have a semi-private room if you’re there with a larger party!
Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Spent several occasions here. Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Catch myself daydreaming of the fettuccine bolognese!
Savor Restaurant
We just tried this place tonight (10/16/25) on a whim. Minimal wait time, very sweet staff, kid-friendly. Outdoor patio overlooks the water and heated lamps keep you warm on the chillier nights. The special tonight - blackened chicken quesadilla - wa...
Flatwater Restaurant - Indianapolis
Coffee
Best staff! They take amazing care of my dogs with their pup cups! Iced coffee is consistently (not burned). Recently renovated. Recommend this location highly!
Dunkin'
Great cafe! Classic and seasonal drink options, and delicious food if you’re looking for breakfast or lunch. Order ahead if you’re in a rush or sit down and enjoy some board games if you have some time.
Just Love Coffee Cafe - Carmel, IN
Brunch
Pro Tip: order a cinnamon roll to share with the table as an app! Also, get there early on weekends to avoid the inevitable lines. You’re usually good prior to 9:30am!
Rosie's Place
I dined here the first day they opened, and it is a joy to see them established and thriving now! Delicious brunch food and charming space. Very sweet and capable staff, too!
Sunny Day Cafe
Wild eggs did a wonderful job hosting our party of 11 when my family was in town visiting. They really listen to questions and concerns to make sure that everyone’s meal was enjoyable. Sarah was our waitress at the time of our visit. I recommend them...