See those enlarged photographs of burly Italian men on the walls?. Those Iozzo guys have a robust, almost folklore-like story, which the Iozzo family is happy to share once you settle in. Their great grandfather Santora “Fred” Iozzo came to America in the 1910s with a vision, settled in Indy, and started a small grocery empire that grew into a restaurant in the 1920s.

Initially established in 1930 as Naples Grill and then renamed Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, the iconic Italian restaurant has set the standard for authentic Italian cuisine in Indianapolis. Tucked in the back, the restaurant's outdoor patio serves as an enchanting backdrop to decadent dishes such as their seared diver scallops and chicken piccata.

At Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, quantity and quality go hand in hand. They do not cheat customers out of a hearty meal, especially with entrées that are served with a small house salad, a side of spaghetti, and the vegetable of the day. The medium-sized brick oven pizzas are also served with a small house salad, as are the pastas.

Executive chef Alan Sternberg put his stamp on the menu, first with a nine-item lineup of desserts, including a rich chocolate budino with sea salt and vanilla cream, then with his crab tortelli and other homemade pastas. Now, after about a year and a half he’s moving on. Sternberg, a two-time James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year semifinalist, hasn’t announced his next move, so anyone who wants to guarantee an opportunity to dine on his creations in the next few weeks should make reservations before his departure at the end of May.

Hidden behind two neighboring buildings and a wooden fence, Iozzo’s Garden of Italy creates an intimate courtyard unique to Indy. The voices of Sinatra and Buble fill the air and the long strands of lights gleam to forge a little Italy right on the cusp of Meridian Street. If you’re lucky (or you check out their website), you might be able to catch a classic movie on select weekend nights in the courtyard, while chowing down on some meatball martini.

Location: 946 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225Vibe: Family-owned, cozy, and perfect for an authentic Italian meal.Just two blocks from Villa on Meridian,Iozzo’s Garden of Italy offers old-world charm with real, authentic Italian recipes. This family-owned spot has been serving delicious meals for generations, offering a menu packed with traditional Italian fare. They even have a coffee bar to pair with their house-made desserts.

Iozzo’s promises an upscale dining experience where you can enjoy dishes inspired by family recipes and signature cocktails inspired by their Grandfather, Dominic, one of Indianapolis’ first premiere mixologists. Favorites include a new take on classic lasagna, fresh shrimp Florentine, hearty Italian beef, and a sweet Italian cream cake. We recommend the Sausage Stuffed Dates to start,

Originally established in 1930, Iozzo's Garden of Italy resurfaced onto Indy's culinary scene in 2009, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy a classic Italian meal in an old-world environment. Atmosphere: The interior immerses visitors in exposed brick and historic family photos and the charming outdoor patio is one of Indy's hidden treasures

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy has a historic past that started with Fred Iozzo traveling to the United States from Calabria, Italy in 1888. After working on the Boston and Ohio Railroad and building a grocery store empire, he opened Indianapolis’ first full-service Italian restaurant. His sons soon joined the family business, but it sadly closed in 1940.

Iozzo’s Garden Of Italy is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Indianapolis with a rich history and a focus on traditional recipes. The restaurant’s strength lies in its commitment to preserving Italian culinary traditions and using high-quality ingredients. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and veal.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (349 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Seafood, Italian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 946 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225-1337- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest paying jobs in Indianapolis that require a bachelor's degree

Address: 946 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225Phone:+1 (317) 974-1100Website:iozzos.comDetails: $$, Italian restaurant. Experience the taste of authentic Italian cuisine at Iozzo’s Garden Of Italy in Indianapolis. This restaurant impresses with its fantastic food and attentive staff, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Strung lights illuminate the quaint courtyard at Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Indianapolis. The restaurant has been the site of many romantic dinners since it opened in the 1930s. Now, it’s a local staple for anniversaries, proposals, or even a simple date night with someone you love.

Why Parents Love It: A good restaurant for older kids, Iozzo’s Garden of Italy has been serving up Italian-American classics in Indy for years. Iozzo’s patio is magical around dinner time, when the twinkling lights sparkle, making the gorgeous fountain in the garden shimmer. Italian music softly playing adds to the ambiance.

Iozzo’s has a full menu of Italian delights, from crispy calamari and basil cheese garlic bread – but the real star of their show is the homemade pasta and fresh seafood. When you’re craving authentic Italian but you want to curl up on the sofa to eat it, this is one of the best places in town to get take-away food.

Meridian Street restaurant and allow yourself to be transported to an Italian villa, with cobblestone streets and romantic lighting all lined by red brick on one side and whimsical greenery on the other. Pair your pasta with a signature cocktail or wine by the glass with your friends for a buona notte!

Take a stroll through the Italian vineyards with a visit to Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis serving authentic Italian cuisine. With a storied history dating back to the 1930s, this restaurant closed for a decade before experiencing a triumphant reopening in 2009.

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy is rated one of the best Italian restaurants in Indianapolis. Specializing in traditional Italian dishes, the menu celebrates the flavors and culinary heritage of Italy. They serve an array of meals from hearty pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas, to fresh seafood and veal.

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (345 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Seafood, Italian– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 946 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225-1337– Read more on Tripadvisor. 7 / 30// Tripadvisor

Plan on snagging a table for an al fresco dinner because Iozzo’s has beautiful outdoor seating available. They have authentic, traditional options like spaghetti or chicken parmesan. Step out of your comfort zone with an osso bucco, it’s amazing.

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy offers an array of delicious Italian cuisine for dine-in and catering. They offer dishes made from recipes passed from generation to generation. Furthermore, their catering has numerous options for small to large events.

Enjoy a glass of wine, specialty cocktails and top-notch Italian restaurant in the Circle City. Take a step back to 1930 in their quaint and historic courtyard of cobblestone to create the perfect backdrop for your dining experience.

946 S Meridian StIndianapolis, IN 46225(317) 974-1100 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Since 2009, Iozzo’s Garden of Italy has served Italian classics and wine in its stylish dining room and charming courtyard.

Iozzo’s Garden of Italy: For many people, romance and fine Italian food go together. You’ll find plenty of that here as you dine under twinkling lights in one of Indy’s most well-known spots for romance.

946 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225Phone: 317-974-1100 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Iozzo’s Garden of Italy (@iozzos)

Downtown, check out Iozzo's Garden of Italy, which has earned four stars out of 418 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Italian spot at 946 S.