Seventy nine percent. According to research from Civic Economics, an institute dedicated to economic analysis and development, this statistic represents the amount of revenue locally-owned restaurants return to their communities. However, many Americans opt for big-name chains that serve familiar flavors instead of indulging in new and unique dishes at a smaller local establishment, despite the fact that compared to local eateries, chain restaurants only return thirty percent of their revenue. If you’re having trouble stepping out of your comfort zone, then look no further—five of Hamilton County’s best restaurants are serving authentic cuisine from various cultures across the globe.
Pho VN Cuisine:
Tightly squeezed into the heart of Fishers is Pho VN Cuisine, a restaurant that serves a vast array of Vietnamese dishes. A warm light hangs above the small family owned restaurant, giving a welcoming feeling to those who enter, and plants line the empty spaces of the restaurant as the smell of ground spices fills the air. The food provides its customers with thrilling flavors and colorful veggies. Pho VN Cuisine is guaranteed to leave you satisfied by the time you walk out.
Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano:
Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano is a family-owned restaurant located in downtown Noblesville. Known for their tortellini, Penne Norcia, and Chicken Parmigiana, Matteo’s combines the tastes of both Italian and American cuisine. The restaurant offers an extravagant variety of dishes, such as their seafood ravioli, a recipe not traditionally found in Italy. Pictures of famous Italian icons line the burnt orange walls, offering a sense of simplicity. Matteo’s is the perfect place to go for exceptional service and great Italian dishes.
Papa Fattoush:
With a reputation for tasty Greek cuisine, Papa Fattoush takes its inspiration from the best of the Black Sea. This Carmel-based restaurant specializes in authentic Greek food and allows its guests to fully experience traditional Mediterranean dishes by combining meals from various cultures—such as Lebanese and Turkish—into one comprehensive menu. Papa Fattoush’s featured dishes include gyros, Greek wraps commonly filled with dark meat, hummus, and tzatziki sauce, and grape leaves, a Middle Eastern delicacy with a light, citrusy tang. This restaurant’s variety can satisfy anyone with a craving for Mediterranean cuisine, and by the end of your meal, you’ll be longing for a vacation on Santorini.
Bae Latin Food:
If you’re in the mood for an explosion of flavor, Bae Latin has you covered. Located on the outskirts of Carmel, Bae Latin serves traditional Latin American food, specializing in Venezuelan, Colombian, Argentina, and Peruvian cuisine. Their featured dishes include arepas, Colombian cornmeal cakes typically stuffed with spiced meat and beans, and fried yuca, a Brazilian favorite that tastes similar to potatoes. Bae Latin offers a variety of flavor-packed bowls, allowing customers to sample multiple traditional dishes at once, and has plenty of options for the meat-lovers and vegans alike.
Cheeky Bastards:
Nestled near the docks of Geist Reservoir, Cheeky Bastards takes its visitors back to medieval Europe with its authentic English cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on serving traditional British dishes, such as a full English breakfast and hand-breaded fish and chips. Cheeky Bastards also offers afternoon tea for those who make a reservation in advance, an experience that leaves its guests feeling like British royalty. Although beans on toast may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Cheeky Bastards presents many other delicious options, such as shepherd’s pie and a Birmingham cheesesteak.
