Wanderlust World Wanderlust World In Indianapolis, West 86th Street begins at Interstate 65 in the Walden Trace northwestern suburbs of the city and travels eastward through north Indianapolis, ending at North Meridian Street. The street serves as home to shopping areas like College Park Plaza Shopping Center and the city's St. Vincent Hospital. Visitors to the area can find a variety of eating place along West 86th Street, including upscale international, Thai and Italian restaurants.
Oakleys Bistro is on West 86th Street near Ditch Road. The restaurant's chef and owner, Steven Oakley, has national notoriety, having received a nomination for the prestigious James Beard culinary award. The bistro has also received awards for being among the best restaurants in the city from both "Indianapolis Monthly" magazine and the website Where the Locals Eat.
The menu incorporates elements from many culinary traditions, such as Asian, Italian, French and classic American. Entrees include meatloaf with chili-pepper jam and whipped potatoes, Hawaiian pork spring rolls and fettuccine with veal meatballs. The wine list includes 60 selections, and the restaurant features a complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday evening.
Oakleys Bistro serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are highly recommended. When busy, the restaurant has the potential to become noisy; dine during off-peak hours if looking for an intimate meal with quiet conversation. Alternately, ask for seating on the outdoor patio during nice weather. Business casual attire is appropriate. The restaurant has its own free parking lot on site.
Oakleys Bistro
1464 W. 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46260
317-824-1231
oakleysbistro.com
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant is inside of the Old Town Shoppes strip mall along West 86th Street, between Old Town Lane and Ditch Road. The family-owned and operated restaurant serves more than 48 classic Thai dishes. A specialty of the house, the poh taek soup consists of shrimp, squid, mussels, fish meatballs, crab, lime juice, lemongrass, mushrooms, tomatoes and herbs like basil and cilantro. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but offer drinks like Thai iced tea and soft drinks to accompany the meal.
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant serves lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner nightly. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings to avoid a long wait. Casual attire is acceptable. Free parking is available in the strip mall lot.
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant
1222 W. 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46260
317-844-9451
sawasdeeindy.com
Amalfi Ristorante Italiano is located across from the Old Town Shoppes along West 86th Street. "Indianapolis Monthly" magazine has named the establishment one of the "25 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis." AOL Citysearch has also awarded the restaurant with titles like "Most Romantic Restaurant" and "Best Italian Food" in Indianapolis.
A signature entree is the tortellini Michelangelo, stuffed with cheese and accompanied by bacon, crimini mushrooms and onions in a tomato-cream sauce. The veal parmigiana is another house specialty, but featured irregularly as a special of the day. The wine list features more than 25 selections.
Amalfi Ristorante Italiano serves lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday. The restaurant closes every Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended. The quiet atmosphere of the restaurant is not appropriate for small children. Business casual attire is the norm. Parking is available in the on-site lot.
Amalfi Ristorante Italiano
1351 W. 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46260
317-253-4034
amalfiristoranteitaliano.com