These 9 Little Known Restaurants In Indiana Are Hard To Find But Worth The Search (2024)

Most people pass by this building every day without ever realizing there’s a fantastic eatery inside! Gallery 115 is an amazing lunch spot for fresh soups, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere is also quite original, since this restaurant is nestled within an art gallery. Visit it at: 115 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250.

Tucked away in this historic building in Elkhart, many Hoosiers remain unaware of the delicious food that lies inside. While locals all know how great The Vine is, most visitors leave without ever even noticing it. From their stunning plating to their hand selected wines, you’ll feel like you’re part of an exclusive club when you dine here. Try it at: 214 S Main St, Elkhart, IN 46516.

Slightly off of North State Road is the Beef House Restaurant, which claims to have the best beef in all of Indiana. This local legend’s reputation is spread mostly through word of mouth and is easy to pass by if you don’t know to look for it. Take a stab at their steaks to see if they live up to their name. Enjoy at: 16501 N State Rd 63, Covington, IN 47932.

Bonge’s Tavern embraces their location in the middle of nowhere, with their restaurant locator reading "Where the hell is Perkinsville?" But once you find them, you’ll remember this town, fondly. This American restaurant and pub is a Hoosier’s dream, with charm and nostalgic décor. The Hargers duck, Perkinsville pork, and sugar cream pie are phenomenal! Plus, you can also tailgate in their parking lot. Check them out at: 9830 W 280 N, Perkinsville, IN 46011.

Located within an old bank building in Roanoke, Joseph Decuis is a restaurant you have to know about to find. This upscale dining experience is almost unparalleled and will leave you wondering why you haven’t visited sooner. This is a beautiful place to go for anniversaries or for a truly romantic date night. Give them a taste at: 191 N Main St, Roanoke, IN 46783.

This fantastic Italian restaurant is located on Highway 30 and doesn’t particularly stick out, making it very easy to drive by. But you shouldn’t. This Italian restaurant has some of the best Italian beef, sandwiches, and burgers in the Hoosier state. Don’t be fooled by their dim exterior. Inside, it’s an entirely different story. Grab a bite at: 1200 W St, Valparaiso, IN 46385.

Some of the best food in the state can be found in this quietly tucked away restaurant. Pete’s Duck Inn barely resembles a restaurant from the outside and will require a bit of navigation to find. But the trip is so worth it! Their renowned tenderloin sandwich is worth the trip alone, as are their stuffed mushrooms and burgers. For great bar food done well, you have to visit Pete’s. You’ll find them at: 721 W Walnut St, Albany, IN 47320.

It doesn’t get more hole-in-the-wall than this Brookville staple, which is just perfect if you love no frills dining. Known as Brookville’s best kept secret is this great dive restaurant. The food is excellent with locals raving about their fried chicken, in particular. It’s a little off the main path, but you’ll be glad you stopped by. Find them at: 412 Court St, Brookville, IN 47012.

This amazing restaurant would be otherwise unknown if not for word-of-mouth. The building looks abandoned, has no signage, and would be difficult to notice unless you knew to search for it. However, it’s arguably the most unique restaurant in the entire state. There’s no menu and no set hours. Just drive by and see if the light is on. If it is, go inside and eat. The chef will be around to get a feel for what your party likes and what you’ll get in return is one of the most creative and delicious meals you’ve ever had in your life. Drive by if you live close or book a reservation to secure a spot! Check them out at: 1440 S 25th St, Terre Haute, IN 47803.