When planning the perfect date night in Indianapolis, the right restaurant sets the perfect mood. Whether it’s your first dinner together or your fiftieth anniversary, finding the best romantic spot in Indy can make all the difference. You want a place that feels elevated yet not stiff, indulgent yet not intimidating —a space that lets you slow down and simply enjoy each other’s company.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Eddie Merlot’s, one of the truly best Indianapolis romantic restaurants. With an elegant ambiance, exceptional service, and a menu built around fine wine, handcrafted cocktails, and USDA Prime Steaks, it’s the kind of dining experience that lingers long after dessert is finished.
If you’ve been on the search for a refined Indy spot near key attractions and the center of town, at a price and range that match the occasion, your plan starts here.
An Elegant Ambiance Made for Romance
Eddie Merlot’s isn’t just another restaurant in Indianapolis, it’s an escape. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a space that blends old-school sophistication with modern warmth. Soft lighting casts a glow across the dining room, cozy booths invite conversation, and every detail, from polished wood to flickering candlelight. feels intentionally designed to create a lovely atmosphere.
It’s perfect for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day dinners, or spontaneous date nights near downtown Indianapolis and Keystone at the Crossing. For couples comparing best places around Indy, from artsy Bluebeard in Fletcher Place to timeless Italian spots serving homemade pizza, Eddie Merlot’s brings a steakhouse’s polished romance to the table.
Here’s why Eddie Merlot’s works for a romantic evening:
- Intimate booths & refined décor that feel special from the first glance.
- Quiet sophistication—conversation stays center stage.
- Attentive service that anticipates needs without interrupting the moment.
- A thoughtful price range of wines and entrées to match your celebration.
It’s no wonder locals call it one of the best romantic restaurants in Indy, a perfect spot for those who want a memorable evening without leaving the city.
Prefer a breath of fresh air before or after dinner? Stroll a nearby trail, enjoy a skyline view, or grab a nightcap on a neighborhood patio when the weather cooperates.
Start the Night with a Toast
Begin your evening in the lounge, where the energy hums with quiet luxury. Order a handcrafted cocktail, a glass of champagne, or choose from an award-winning wine selection that pairs beautifully with the courses to come. Whether it’s a classic martini, a smooth bourbon, or something sparkling and celebratory, the bartenders set the tone with precision and style.
Coming in from Broad Ripple, Speedway, or Fishers? Eddie Merlot’s makes it easy to plan your date night around other things to do in Indianapolis; catch a show, visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, or simply wander through Indy’s most charming neighborhoods before dinner.
A Dinner Menu Worth Savoring Together
Dinner at Eddie Merlot’s Indianapolis is an experience made for two, where each course feels like a moment to slow down, connect, and savor the evening. With USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and indulgent sides, the menu offers something for every palate while setting the perfect stage for a romantic date night.
Begin with a shared appetizer, a small plate that starts the conversation. Try the Filet Mignon Potstickers, filled with tender steak and wrapped in crispy wontons with just a hint of Asian spice. Or go classic with the Crab Cakes, golden and generous, served with Cajun remoulade and a bright corn relish. For something indulgent, the Oysters Rockefeller bring a luxurious touch, baked with creamed spinach, bacon, and parmesan—perfect for sharing a bite across the table.
When it’s time for the main course, you’ll find no shortage of showstoppers:
- Prime Ribeye (16 oz.) – rich, marbled, and grilled to your exact preference.
- Filet Del Mar – a petite filet topped with crab and shrimp, finished in creamy Dijonnaise sauce.
- Chilean Sea Bass – sweet and flaky, paired with maple-apple cider vinaigrette and a balsamic glaze.
Every dish in the dinner menu is expertly cooked and beautifully presented, featuring only the highest-quality ingredients. Round out the evening with sides meant to share, like Parmesan Truffle Fries, Creamed Spinach with Bacon, or the decadent Macaroni & Cheese with Lobster. Don’t forget about dessert! The Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, served warm with caramel and vanilla ice cream, is the sweet ending every romantic dinner deserves.
For guests looking to explore beyond dinner, Eddie Merlot’s menu also offers dedicated lunch, dessert, lounge, and private dining menus. Each one delivers the same hospitality, attention to detail, and love for good food that make this one of the best date night restaurants in Indianapolis.
Perfect Pairings for Every Bite
At Eddie Merlot’s Indianapolis, the wine list and cocktail program are tailored to elevate every bite. Think velvety Cabernets with a Prime Ribeye or a crisp Chardonnay with Chilean Sea Bass. Not sure where to start? Ask your server for a pairing from the curated selection.
A few standouts from the cocktail menu includes:
- Burnt Orange Manhattan — Single Barrel Bourbon, bitters, and a fragrant burnt-orange twist.
- Spicy Pineapple Margarita — Flecha Azul Blanco, pineapple, lime, and jalapeño heat.
- French 75 — Gin, St-Germain, and Prosecco for a celebratory sparkle.
Prefer something custom? The team can accommodate your tastes — dry, citrusy, spirit-forward — so you can simply indulge and enjoy the night.
Your Romantic Night Out, Close to Home
Conveniently near Keystone at the Crossing (with easy access to south and north side routes), Eddie Merlot’s steakhouse in Indianapolis lets you craft an evening around the city’s best attractions and neighborhoods. Before or after dinner, take in a gallery, enjoy a riverwalk view, or simply savor the glow of Indy’s skyline. For couples who love a little adventure, you can boat the nearby waterways in season, explore a cultural center, or keep it simple with a moonlit drive.
Whether you prefer casual conversation at the lounge or a more formal pace in the dining room, the experience is the same: unhurried, welcoming, and quietly unforgettable, one of the best romantic restaurants in Indianapolis for a reason.
Make Your Date Night Special at Eddie Merlot’s Indianapolis
Every great love story deserves a night like this, one filled with delicious food, glowing ambiance, and moments that linger long after the last toast. Explore the Eddie Merlot’s menu to pick your courses, or browse other Eddie Merlot’s locations if your travels take you beyond Indy. Ready to set the date? Book a reservation and let the team tailor an evening to your plan, preferences, and price expectations.
For couples searching the best Indianapolis romantic restaurants, this is your sign: choose the restaurant that turns a simple dinner into an unforgettable night out.
