19 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Indianapolis & Suburbs

Rosie’s Place, with locations in Noblesville, Zionsville, and Carmel, Indiana, is a family-owned restaurant known for its all-day breakfast, hearty brunch, and fresh lunch options. Guests can enjoy indulgent French toast, savory omelets, and handcrafted brunch cocktails in a warm, inviting setting. Lunch features high-quality sandwiches, soups, and salads.

The menu at Bru Burger Bar features chef‑crafted burgers made from a signature grind of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, alongside classic and specialty options, plus sides like fries, onion rings, and hand‑dipped milkshakes. They also offer a well‑stocked bar with local craft beers, cocktails, and an atmosphere that leans casual yet lively, making it a good spot for both family outings and nights out. 

The Journey in Indianapolis is a buffet-style restaurant blending Japanese, Chinese, seafood, and American offerings. 

The Roost is a breakfast and lunch-focused restaurant with locations in Nora and Fishers, IN, offering scratch‑made dishes like pancakes, omelettes, biscuits & gravy, soups, salads, and signature sandwiches. It’s known locally for its cozy, neighborhood atmosphere and use of fresh, local ingredients.

Dawn Denning said:  A favorite in Fishers, the Roost offers breakfast all day, brunch and a lunch menu at a reasonable price. This is a local diner that caters to families and allows your kids to be noisy while enjoying great food! The skillets are delicious and the pancakes and omelets are my kids' favorites. Also be sure to try their homemade bread and coffee cake because they are both a true crowd favorite!

“Meet You at Arni’s” is the slogan of Arni’s Restaurant, a beloved Indiana pizza chain that started in Lafayette in 1965. Arni’s is known for its thin‑crust pizzas, subs, sandwiches, salads, and classic family‑friendly dining. 

Dawn Denning said:  Arni's is famous for their pizzas, but my kiddos love it for their wings and breadsticks! The restaurant has a fun atmosphere that allows your kids to be kids and a great menu to satisfy their hunger.

Napolese Pizzeria is an artisanal, stone‑hearth pizza restaurant offering seasonal pizzas, salads, starters, and a well‑curated wine & cocktail list. They use high‑quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Mellow Mushroom is a stone‑baked pizza chain known for its creative pies, funky décor, and eclectic vibe. They offer more than just pizza — the menu includes calzones, hoagies, appetizers, salads, and an extensive beer list, along with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options.

Greek Tony’s Pizza & Sub Shop is a family‑owned pizza and sub restaurant serving the Carmel, Indiana area, operating since 1984. They bake their dough fresh every morning and are famed locally for their garlic butter‑covered breadsticks and made‑to‑order slices.

Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream is a Central Indiana burger joint known for its “Big Ugly” one‑pound burger and flame‑grilled, fresh (never frozen) patties. Their menu also includes house‑made buns, hand‑dipped milkshakes, and a few alternative items like elk burgers, Mahi Mahi sandwiches, and Portobello options.

Hollyhock Hill is a historic family‑style restaurant, in operation since 1928, best known for its Indiana “county‑style” comfort food and its iconic skillet‑fried chicken dinner. The menu features generous homestyle sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and fresh biscuits, all served in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

Byrne’s Grilled Pizza is a family‑run neighborhood spot in the Meridian‑Kessler area of Indianapolis that started as a food truck and now operates in a brick‑and‑mortar location. Their specialty is thin, crisp “grilled” pizzas made with fresh, never‑frozen ingredients, along with salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and rotating cocktails and wine options.

For nearly 50 years, Mug N Bun Drive-in has been serving fine food on Indy’s West side. From their huge tenderloins to their hand-dipped onion rings, to their secret coney sauce, the ‘Bun has something for everyone!

Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana, is a family‑owned organic dairy farm, artisan creamery, and farm‑to‑table restaurant. The property also includes historic barns, a farm store, a dairy bar, and self‑guided or guided tours so visitors can connect with the land and see where their food is made.

Squealers Barbeque Grill in Mooresville is a well-established, award-winning BBQ joint known for its smoked meats, signature sauces, and generous portions. They offer a full bar, banquet rooms for large gatherings, and a casual, family‑friendly dining environment. Their menu favorites include pulled pork, brisket, ribs, BBQ sandwiches, and sides like Brunswick stew and fried biscuits.

Oasis Diner in Plainfield, Indiana, is a lovingly restored 1954 Mountain View diner that now operates as a nostalgic, all‑day breakfast and American comfort food spot. The menu highlights include their famous hand‑breaded tenderloin sandwich, scratch‑made pies, and handcrafted sodas with no high fructose corn syrup. Patrons enjoy the vintage ambiance—with décor featuring lunch boxes, license plates, and retro design—and friendly service in a community‑favorite setting.