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Restaurant news: country singer opens downtown bar, Mass Ave loses wine bar in September

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 7:15 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indianapolis Dining Scene Thrives in September: New Kitchens, Closing Doors, and Neighborhood Revivals

September marked a bustling period for Indianapolis’ culinary community. With a blend of fresh concepts and the inevitable sunset of beloved establishments, the city’s restaurants offered diners a new palette of flavors while honoring long‑time favorites that are now closing their doors. The story—pulled from the Indy Star’s comprehensive “September Restaurant Openings & Closings” roundup—highlights the dynamic growth of downtown and nearby suburbs like Carmel, alongside a few surprising pivots in the city’s food culture.

The Fresh Wave of Openings

1. Basil – A New Italian Paradigm in Downtown

Basil opened its doors at 1200 Market Street, a repurposed warehouse that now offers a bright, airy menu inspired by Rome’s street food and modern farm‑to‑table techniques. The menu features signature dishes such as truffle‑infused risotto, a “Bistro‑style” pizza with a rosemary‑salt crust, and a seasonal “soup of the month” rotating every four weeks. Owner‑Chef Marco Rizzo, who previously helmed the acclaimed Italian restaurant La Tavola in Fishers, talks about Basil’s focus on “local, sustainable ingredients and a communal dining experience.” The restaurant’s website, www.basilindy.com, provides a full menu and an RSVP system for private events.

2. Lumi – Japanese Fusion Meets Midwestern Roots

At 312 North Washington, Lumi’s sleek interior showcases a minimalist aesthetic and a bar that serves meticulously crafted sakes. Chef Yuki Tanaka brings her Tokyo experience to Indiana, creating a menu that blends traditional Japanese techniques with ingredients like corn, black pepper, and smoked trout. A crowd favorite is the “Pork Belly Don” topped with a caramelized citrus glaze. Lumi’s website (www.lumiindy.com) offers a behind‑the‑scenes video of the chef’s process, which the Indy Star featured as part of the article’s visual companion.

3. The Velvet Room – A Downtown Speakeasy Revival

The Velvet Room, located on East 11th Street, offers a nostalgic, jazz‑infused atmosphere. The bar is a speakeasy that has revived the 1920s vibe with modern cocktails such as the “Earl Grey Old Fashioned.” While not a full restaurant, its small‑plate menu includes smoked salmon, foie gras, and vegan options—making it a standout spot for both locals and visitors. The Velvet Room’s official Instagram (instagram.com/velvetroomindy) showcases its ever‑evolving menu and live jazz nights.

4. Carmel’s New Vegan Haven – “Green Table”

In the growing Carmel area, the Green Table opened with an entirely plant‑based menu that emphasizes seasonal produce. The restaurant’s founder, Sarah Lee, formerly a pastry chef at St. Charles Café, wanted to create a dining experience that is both environmentally conscious and indulgently tasty. Highlights include a “Cauliflower Steak” and a “Sweet Potato Curry” that pair beautifully with their house‑made kombucha. Visitors can learn about the sourcing of ingredients at www.greentablecarmel.com, where the restaurant also runs a community garden program.

5. Munchies – Casual Comfort Food with a Twist

Munchies opened in the former location of the historic “O’Reilly’s” on North Jefferson. The new owners, a duo of foodie siblings from Bloomington, have reimagined the space into a casual, kid‑friendly dining destination that keeps classic comfort food while incorporating international flavors. Think Mexican‑style tacos with a “Sriracha‑Korean BBQ” twist and American‑style mac and cheese infused with truffle oil. Their menu can be viewed on their new website, www.munchiesindy.com.

Doors Closing

While new concepts are making their debut, a few long‑time establishments have announced their final nights in September. The Indy Star article lists two significant closings that have stirred a wave of nostalgia.

1. Gastro Bistro – A Fine‑Dining Staple

Gastro Bistro, located on South Illinois, was a pillar of downtown fine dining for 18 years. The restaurant announced that September 30th will be its last night. Founder-owner, Linda Martinez, described the closure as a personal decision to “retire and focus on her family.” The Bistro’s classic French menu—be it the Coq au Vin or the Crème Brûlée—has earned it two Michelin stars over the years. The Indy Star quoted Martinez: “It’s a bittersweet moment, but I’m grateful for the community that supported us for nearly two decades.”

2. Café Nova – A Cozy Neighborhood Coffee Spot

In the heart of Downtown, Café Nova has been a go‑to spot for coffee lovers since 2013. Its closure is attributed to the owners’ desire to “pursue new ventures in the culinary space.” The café’s signature blend, “Midnight Espresso,” and its homemade croissants have become staples for early‑morning commuters. The owners’ final post on Instagram (instagram.com/cafenoavibes) thanked patrons for their support and announced a “farewell brunch” on September 21st.

A City in Flux – The Bigger Picture

The article contextualizes the September openings and closings within the broader trends that are reshaping Indianapolis’ culinary landscape. Some key observations include:

• Sustainability is a major driver. Restaurants like Green Table and Basil emphasize local sourcing and zero‑waste practices. The Indy Star linked to a City‑wide Sustainability Initiative that offers grants to restaurants committed to green practices.

• The downtown corridor is evolving. With the new opening of Lumi and The Velvet Room, the city’s downtown has become an evening destination, not just a lunch spot. The article includes a link to the Downtown Indianapolis Association’s 2025 dining guide, which highlights the area’s new food‑and‑drink policy.

• Carmel’s growth as a culinary hub. Carmel, often seen as a residential suburb, has become a culinary beacon thanks to new vegan options and casual diners. The Indy Star notes that the city’s economic development department has recently announced a “Carmel Food Corridor” project, which will further encourage restaurant development.

• The rise of “hybrid” concepts. Restaurants that blend dining with entertainment—such as the speakeasy atmosphere of The Velvet Room and the music‑filled evenings at Lumi—are drawing crowds. The Indy Star provided a link to an article on the intersection of culinary arts and nightlife in the region.

Conclusion

September was a month of change for Indianapolis’ dining scene: new concepts introduced fresh flavors and atmospheres, while long‑time favorites bid farewell. Whether you’re a resident craving a taste of Basil’s Italian ingenuity or a traveler eager to experience the modern fusion at Lumi, the city’s culinary map is in motion. The Indy Star’s roundup not only chronicles openings and closings but also invites readers to look at the bigger story—one of sustainability, neighborhood evolution, and the ever‑evolving palate of the Hoosier State. If you haven’t already, it’s worth a trip to the new spots or a nostalgic visit to the closing doors, because each meal tells a story about the city’s past, present, and future.