When it comes to old-fashioned Italian food, there’s just something magical about Indiana. Somehow, we got lucky enough to be the hub of some of the best Italian restaurants in the Midwest, and we have lots of amazing mom-and-pop stops to choose from. Don’t bother with a chain when you can experience something unique at one of the restaurants that serve up the most amazing Italian food in Indiana, like Mama Carolla’s, in Indianapolis. This little restaurant is easily one of the best places to eat in Indiana, and the best part is it’s as visually beautiful as the food is delicious. Come hungry, leave stuffed. We don’t make the rules.

Mama Carolla's is a stunning little eatery that's built into a repurposed old house.
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant Indianapolis/Facebook
It was established in 1997 and, in the last two decades, it's become a local staple for food that flavorful, aromatic, and delicious, as well as service that really does feel like family.
There is quite literally nothing on the menu that's ever sub-par.
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant Indianapolis/Facebook
Mama's meatballs are amazing. The pasta is cooked to perfection every single time, and even the seafood-based dishes are to die for. There is nothing out-of-place on the menu at all; it is the best of the best, and though you can't go wrong, we do have one favorite dish that seems to beat out the rest.
The chicken parmesan. Is. INCREDIBLE.
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant Indianapolis/Facebook
Seriously, if you've never been to Mama Carolla's, this is the dish you need to order first. If you've been there and you haven't had the chicken parm yet, drop everything you're doing right now and go get some.

Related Stories

Here Are The 6 Most-Recommended Pizza Places In Indiana, According To Our Readers

Here Are The 6 Most-Recommended Pizza Places In Indiana, According To Our Readers

 You'd Never Guess Some Of The Best Italian Food In Indiana Is Hiding In This Strip Mall

You'd Never Guess Some Of The Best Italian Food In Indiana Is Hiding In This Strip Mall

 Open Since 1955, Bruno's Has Been Serving Pizza In West Lafayette, Indiana Longer Than Any Other Restaurant

Open Since 1955, Bruno's Has Been Serving Pizza In West Lafayette, Indiana Longer Than Any Other Restaurant
Yes, every dish is heavenly and you cannot possibly make the "wrong" choice.
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant Indianapolis/Facebook
...though if you don't order the chicken parmesan at some point, that might be the closest to the "wrong" choices you'll ever make here.
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant Indianapolis/Facebook
If you're still not convinced (you feeling okay?), check out the reviews for this little Indianapolis eatery. You'll find rave review after rave review, and honestly, we're entirely unsurprised.
For some of the most amazing Italian food in Indiana, Mama Carolla's is where you want to be.
Mama Carollas Old Italian Restaurant Indianapolis/Facebook

For a full menu, the most up-to-date hours, and other info, be sure to visit the official Mama Carolla’s website for everything you’ll need.

What are your favorite Italian restaurants in Indiana? Tell us about them by filling out this form! We love learning about your favorite places.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Indiana

Featured Addresses
Mama Carolla's, 1031 E 54th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA