We got the chicken, burrata, salads, pasta, and fish, and it was all incredible. They also have my favorite cocktail too! Monti is the best restaurant in Indianapolis! The atmosphere was welcoming and lively, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. A special shoutout to our waitress, Madeline, for her friendly and attentive service. Great food, excellent service, and a wonderful ambiance made for a memorable experience. We'll definitely be back! read more

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I hardly write reviews but this place is genuinely something special. Have you ever missed your grandmothers cooking and longed for the taste again? Look no further than Monti in the heart of Fountain Square. I'll admit publicly I messed up my reservation but our host (I regret not catching his name but he was fantastic and welcoming!) did his best to accomodate us. We were sat quickly despite my setback and were helped almost immediately by our server, Cody. Off the bat, I can appreciate the staff being allowed to have some personality with their pins on their aprons and it was nice to hear about some of Cody's pins that he had. He was very helpful to my girlfriend and I (two first timers) and gave us a healthy amount of reccomendations both in food and drink. We had the arancini, the gnocchi with wagyu, and the lamb scidotto. Every course was flavorful and brought me back to the wooden table at my grandmothers house. You don't find places like these often, let alone in Indianapolis. The lighting and ambiance really brought it all together with the lower lighting and candles at every table. I am so impressed and will definitely be back. read more

I have been wanting to come to Monti for a while and finally I made it! I went for Happy Hour and the vibes were awesome, not busy at all but by the time I left, the restaurant was in full swing. I sat at the bar and the bartender was super friendly! Off the happy hour menu, I order the meatballs, arancini and the focaccia bread. All of it was DELICIOUS!! So good that I ended up ordering another round of meatballs and arancini. To pair with the meal, I ordered a Arancio Sprits which was slightly sweet and a bit floral. Really really good! There is construction happening around the FS area but that shouldn't deter you from heading over. Also they have free parking in the back!! Will definitely return for dinner service to try their full menu :) read more

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My husband and I visited this past weekend and had one of the best dining experiences we've ever had! The restaurant features a beautiful, upscale design that makes it perfect for an elegant night out or any special occasion. At the same time, it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels as comfortable as visiting loved ones, making it just as suitable for a casual evening. We sat at the bar and were fortunate to have Spencer take care of us. He is truly a master of his craft. He is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about what he does. We started with the mussels, and they were phenomenal. Next, we had the seasonal burrata, which was so delicious I was tempted to lick the plate clean. The true star of the evening, however, was the lamb chops. Trust me...you have to try them! I almost didn't want to leave a review because I wanted to keep this place a hidden gem, but it deserves the recognition. It's well on its way to becoming one of the top dining destinations in Indianapolis. We can't wait to come back! read more

Excellent service here! The owner, Francesco, is from Southern Italy and is incredibly warm, welcoming, and accommodating. They serve house made Italian food, and I actually appreciate that the menu isn't huge because too many choices can be overwhelming. The menu also changes periodically, which keeps things interesting. Upon arrival, they give you a shot of vermouth to cleanse your palate, I didn't know vermouth was used for that. For my cocktail, I ordered the Monti Sour and really enjoyed it. We originally wanted the meatballs, but our server initially told us they were sold out. Francesco personally stopped by our table, said he would see what he could do, and eventually made it happen for us. That level of hospitality really stood out. We started with the Asado Ligure, a short rib dish that absolutely amazed me with its flavor. We also shared the Cavatelli alla Genovese as one of our entrées. My husband doesn't care for seafood, so this was a great option for him, and we both enjoyed it. The Lamb Scottadito was another standout, those lamb chops were absolutely scrumptious. Francesco also brought us an order of Arancini to try, and I loved that he gave us the opportunity to sample them. They were tasty. The service throughout the evening was truly wonderful. I tried the poached pear for dessert, and I really enjoyed that, I'd never had anything like it before. The restaurant has only been open about three or so months. The interior is beautiful, with unique seating in both the dining room and bar area, plus comfortable lounge spaces. The atmosphere is light, relaxed, and inviting. Even the restrooms were impressive, offering complimentary feminine products, which is always appreciated. This was a fantastic dining experience, and I look forward to returning and trying new items. read more

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Phenomenal new place in fountain square. First I just want to say that I love the building that Monti is in now. The vibe is right in there. From the bar seating, to the tile choices, and mood lighting... it feels quite swanky (in the best way). I absolutely LOVE how they serve a sampling of liquor to start the night off as a mini celebration or to make it special. Reminds me of another restaurant in town, and I love that little touch. The herbed focaccia was a nice starter. The spring salad was fresh and delightful. The whole branzino was flaky, perfectly salted, and delicious. The service was on it. They came to our table multiple times throughout the night refilling glasses, removing dirty plates, and asking if we needed anything. A new fav for me in fountain square! read more

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina - Italian Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The atmosphere was lovely with luxurious design! The drink menu had a fair amount of options. The strawberry spritz was delicious.

Monti is a very welcome addition to the Indianapolis dining scene. The space is stunning and clearly thoughtfully designed, with hand-tiled walls, gorgeous furniture, and a double-sided bar. It feels both intimate and lively, and the staff matched the energy perfectly. The fritto misto blew me away. I was not expecting the shrimp to be that juicy and tender, and the aioli and spicy marinara pushed it over the top. I'd definitely recommend ordering one of their pastas. They're made in house and you can taste the difference. The scialatielli alla Norma is a great vegetarian option. The whole branzino might be the best fish dish I have had in Indianapolis. Buttery, flaky, and perfectly simple. Truly unforgettable. Save room for dessert, and do not leave without trying the Notte Rosa cocktail. I already can't wait to go back to work my way through the rest of the menu!! read more

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I love this place. I've been for dinner and most recently for happy hour. That menu is a STEAL! Make sure you go and grab the meatballs and the arancini. read more

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina - Happy hour - Italian Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Came here for dinner with a friend and I really wanted to love this place but unfortunately the food was not as spectacular as I had hoped. The minute we walked in we couldn't help but take in the cute atmosphere and we were serviced very quickly which was a plus. After quickly scanning the menu we decided to order the arancini for the table and I decided to order the basil bucatini. The arancini was delicious (hence the extra star on this review) but the bucatini pasta tasted very bitter. Overall a okay experience but I'm not sure if I will be back. read more

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Run, don't walk! They haven't been open long but they are performing like a well oiled machine. Our server was tremendous. Happy to explain dishes and make suggestions. A complimentary vermouth sets off the experience. We stated with a Fritto Misto. Calamari, artichoke hearts and stump is a slightly spicy light batter. So good. We shared the house salad that includes green beans, broccolini and red onion. Very flavorful. A small pasta with beef ragu that was perfectly prepared and a well seasoned baked branzino. The fish was served with a blistered tomato and garlic clove salad and zucchini. We finished off the meal with olive oil cake! Worth the trip by itself. The dining room was a bit chilly but the surroundings are tasteful and beautiful. Can't wait to return. read more

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Hate to be the one not leaving a 5 star review, giving 4 stars, but was leaning towards 3 actually. Here is my experience, which was a bit of a roller coaster: The restaurant itself is beautifully redecorated. Nice romantic atmosphere and you have to love the Vespa in the front window. The menu is fairly small but interesting. Loved the complimentary Vermouth and Focaccia with tapenade. Did not appreciate the server trying to pressure us into ordering drinks. I just didn't feel like a cocktail tonight. Water is my go-to. When clearing the bread plate the server dropped a used utensil onto the table. No biggie. Ordered the Shishito peppers for the table. They were nicely seasoned, loved the salt flakes. Could have used a bit more charring, but this was a nice portion and delicious. We didn't eat all of them and were waiting on our mains. However, I finally packed up the remaining peppers (I do carry containers with me) and when the server saw the empty plate she stated that she will now put in for our mains... uhmm, no wonder we had to wait forever for those dishes to arrive. How long would we have had to wait if I had not boxed up those peppers? Meanwhile the server dropped one of the little shot glasses onto our table while clearing the glasses. When we finally got our pasta, we were stunned at the size of the portion. Small does not cover it, miniscule is more like it. No I was not expecting American portions, but this was roughly one cup of pasta. Don't get me wrong, the taste was great. Delicious gnocchi... but gone in a couple of fork full. When we received our checks, stuffed into tall narrow glasses, sort of like champagne glasses, but thicker, the server dropped one of those onto our table and the stem broke off. We were getting a bit tired of having stuff thrown at us. I do believe the server is fairly new to this type of work, but it does startle a person when things get dropped on the table all the time. Also the glasses with the bills could be a cute touch, however trying to get the check out of the glass proved almost impossible as it coils and sticks to the inside of the glass. And the glass is narrow so you can't stick your hand in there to fish it out, two fingers can't get the job done. read more

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Excellence is the name of the game at Monti! Excellent hospitality, service, mixology, and gastronomy. Francesco does a great job at making everyone feel welcome and the space itself is inviting. Shoutout to our server Matt for excellent recommendations, preparing us for the small plate portions, and pacing of the meal. Highly recommend approaching Monti with a "tapas" mentality - order a bunch of stuff to share amongst your group. My group of 3 tried the focaccia, arancini (3 to an order), caserecce, scialatelli, and eggplant milanese alongside a few cocktails each. Everything was delish, but the standouts for me were the arancini and eggplant milanese. The truffle and saffron flavors in the arancini were so well balanced and the eggplant milanese was thin and crispy. I'd be remiss to not mention the complimentary vermouth of the day to start the meal - explained as a "liquid amuse bouche." This is not your run of the mill vermouth. Monti takes great care in selecting their vermouth of the day and I look forward to trying more varieties on future visits. If you enjoy vermouth du jour, get it in a spritz for a refreshing cocktail. Welcome to FSQ, Monti, we're glad to have you! read more

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A wonderful evening of small plates and high-end beverages! The entrées are also small plates, even though they are not located under the "small plates" section, a warning to first-timers. For two of us, we ordered three appetizers, an entrée salad, and an entrée pasta dish. We could have easily ordered two additional things before we'd be considered full. For drinks, we had one of the spritzes, one of the cocktails, and a glass of wine. All beverages were top-notch. Atmosphere was great; we chose to sit at the bar since we did not have a reservation. read more

If you are in or near fountain square, add Monti to your list of must trys. Walking in, the space is beautiful. We were promptly seated and offered drinks. For appetizers, our table split the foccacia, arancini, and root salad. All three items were outstanding. The root salad is something I will be back for. We also shared two pastas, the gnocchi with lamb and lemon bucatini pasta. Everything was light, fresh, and was very spring like. Our table sat in silence just shaking our heads at how good everything was. We ended the meal with a piece of olive oil cake. Again, light, fresh, and a beautiful end to a fantastic meal. The items are small plates so order a few to share. Cheers to the chefs. read more

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Can't wait to go back! The home made pasta in reasonable portions was light and flavorful. Broccolini with the lemony flavor was amazing. Dessert was also fab- super moist olive oil cake. Most comfy banquette of any restaurant ever. Can't wait to go back! read more

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We ate here on a whim while in the neighborhood. We had not heard of Monti. What an incredibly delightful surprise!! Amazing staff, vibe, drinks, and especially the food. Spritz's were delicious. The burrata salad was so flavorful. I look forward to returning to try the lamb. read more

this was my second time at Monti but first time getting more than just apps! we sat at the bar and had a great time-- right off the bat I loved that they had an NA version of the complimentary vermouth. We started with the burrata-- Lioni, atop a bed of basil pesto and surrounded by seasoned heirloom tomatoes. This was truly the standout dish for both of us. Next, I got the tagliatelle and my friend got the eggplant milanese. Nicely done al dente on the tagliatelle, and perfectly sized portion. The eggplant was crunch and very yum when paired with the burrata. I got the Sicilian lemonade and my friend got an aperol spritz. The bartender was excellent and very knowledgeable. I was impressed when she ordered a limoncello shot and the bartender asked her which glass she would like it in. The ambience is great, although a little echoey and loud at times. Overall great experience and you can tell they're really finding their groove! Will be back soon. read more

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina - burrata - Italian Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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A wonderful new addition to Fountain Square! A friend and I had a little open time before a show at the HI-FI Indy and decided to grab a bite beforehand. Since this was last minute, we weren't sure what would be available at 8pm on a Saturday night. We first stopped by one of our longtime favorites, Bluebeard, but there was about an hour-long wait, which would have made us late for the show. As my mom always says, "Plan B is often better than Plan A." That's when I remembered hearing about a new restaurant opening in the heart of Fountain Square, Monti Aperitivo and Cucina. I said to my friend, "Let's check it out!" Much to our surprise, the manager Francesco warmly welcomed us and let us know they had an opening. Yay!!!!! He seated us at a beautiful table in the bar by the window, which turned out to be the perfect spot to enjoy the lively atmosphere both inside and outside. Then we had the great fortune of having Spencer as our server. He was so calm, professional, and effortless in his approach that we immediately felt at ease. Spencer explained that they were currently in their soft opening -- "Friends and Family Week." To our surprise, he offered us the discount and encouraged us to try as much as our stomachs could handle! Be sure to ask for either Spencer or Matt to guide you through your culinary experience! Spencer was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, and after learning about our dietary preferences (my friend is vegetarian), he guided us perfectly through the dishes. Additionally, he guided us to exceptional mocktails to enjoy with our meal. We started with the Arancini, and were pleasantly surprised to find it sitting in a Truffle Aioli instead of the traditional red sauce, a uniquely delicious twist. Next came our salads. I had the Tricolore Salad, while my friend chose the Root Salad. Both were absolutely delicious, and the portion sizes were perfect leaving just enough room to continue exploring the menu. Our final course was the Eggplant Milanese. Growing up Italian, I can honestly say this is the best Eggplant Milanese I have ever had in my life (even dishes in Italy). So much so that I am still dreaming about it. It may very well become the dish that pulls me back again and again like a magnet! It was perfectly crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and the tomato sauce tasted unmistakably freshly made. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for dessert because we had to make it to the show. But you better believe we will be back! read more

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Have visited three times in first few months of opening in a few different capacities (sit at bar, two adult couples at table, bringing two children in). Each visit was wonderful experience. Staff is professional, attentive and knowledgeable. Bartender very well versed in Italian liquors (amaro, vermouth, fernet) and crafts wonderful drinks. The vermouth is the feature at monti. Guests receive a welcome pour of the vermouth of the day and menu features vermouth in spritzes, cocktails. The food menu is well curated, crafty. This menu is not going to feature list of classic pastas (spaghetti, fettuccine). The pasta list is small but phenomenal. The pasta is all made in house and dishes are rich, hearty but portions not overwhelming. My favorite is the lamb short rib gnocchi. They also have "entree" menu which features meats with sides (whole fish, chicken, eggplant). Salads and apps also delicious, favorite being meatballs and root salad. Lastly, restaurant/bar is open later hours on weekend and features lounge seating in areas which would be great for even cocktail with friends. read more

Love the whole experience! We were seated in the private room and ordered a variety of dishes. Loved the mussels, focaccia, gnocchi,, roasted potatoes, espresso all were amazing. Our server was super informative, could answer all our questions. Loved the ambience the whole place put off a laid back vibe, amazing two sided bar. L read more

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina - Place settings - Italian Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Went on a double date and it was LOVELY! The atmosphere was very chill, the server was kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. We were offered a welcome aperitif which was their Vermouth of the moment. We were given time to view the menu and we were offered insights into the menu items along with some of the server's recommendations. We decided to opt for a few appetizers and a salad to share as a group and then each couple ordered a pasta and an entree. We did the focaccia, arancini, burrata salad (which we were told was made with milk from Italy, the closest you'll get in the US to having real Italian Burrata! Pastas we picked were the Cavatteli alla genovese which was amazing and the Sausage gnocchi. The gnocchi probably should have had a warning about how spicy it was. Lots of crushed red pepper seeds which isn't my favorite way to add spice and wasn't really expecting spicy outside of the sausage. For the entrees we got the lamb scottadito which was to die for and the whole branzino which was good. For dessert, the server suggested the "chocolate salami" which is only called that because it looks like salami. It was good but the name is rather off-putting. Overall, we all left very happy and will gladly return to try more of the menu! read more

We joined another couple for dinner. Ambiance and server (Thomas) were excellent. Enjoyed trying the complimentary vermouth, though the table opted for a bottle of wine rather than a vermouth spritz as Thomas suggested. We shared the meatball and arancini apps. Both were good but not outstanding. We had eggplant, seam bream and Cornish hen for entrees. The eggplant and fish came with tasty arugula salads. Have we known that, we wouldn't have ordered separate salads. Overall, it was a lovely experience though a tad bit loud and hard to hear. read more

This experience was awesome from the moment I met my friend at the bar. The bar tender served an aperitivo. It was Alessio Vermouth Bianco. Lemony and light-so good I asked for a hint of lavender bitters in a Prosecco as he suggested. Next thing I knew, I had the most refreshing mash-up-similar to a Negroni. We ate the spring salad and Sicilian orange fennel salad. Can you guess which one was the perfect compliment to the drink? The Sicilian was perfect, of course! Since I wasn't feeling ravished, another EXCELLENT suggestion from the bar tender was the Black Hawk Farms wagyu flanken-style short ribs. Wow! You'll find this dish on the antipasti list. Definitely going back. Ambiance was chic and friendly with the same brick walls and dark marble bar top that have always given the space warmth. The service was perfect. Don't let a little road repair deter you. Parking is free behind the restaraunt and the patio will open soon. I'm told it will be dog friendly. What a great addition to Fountain Square! read more

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Went to Monti last night for a girls night and we had SUCH a great time. The atmosphere was bustling (a little loud, but I like that type of dining experience sometimes!), food was absolutely amazing and so rich, and our wine was so crisp and yummy. The manager Francesco made sure we were taken care of and made us feel so special during our dining experience! We will absolutely go back and try new dishes! read more

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina - Italian Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Monti Aperitivo and Cucina - the perfect place to relax after a busy day. Chill vibe, innovative menu, excellent service. Menu items were fabulous and beautifully presented. Such a great addition to the Fountain Square dining scene. Looking forward to the opening of their outdoor area! read more

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Food service and ambiance hit on all cylinders. The staff are knowledgeable & personable right as you step into the door. Every bite I tried was better than the last one. Easily the best date night, family outing or bar catch up in fountain square. read more

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Went to their soft opening this weekend and had an outstanding meal. Shared a few plates - focaccia with caponata, charred octopus, lamb ragu gnocchi, and the whole branzino. Everything was solid. We sat at the bar and our bartender/sommelier was very friendly and explained all their wines in great detail and recommended great pairings for our food. Interior was well decorated and overall vibes were fantastic. Looking forward to their grand opening and excited to go back! read more

Monti Aperitivo & Cucina - whole branzino, lamb ragu gnocchi - Italian Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Service was out of this world!! Definitely going to be a new go to spot downtown Indy. read more

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This spot has just opened in Fountain square in a very well done remodeled space. Menu was primarily small plates with an Italian leaning throughout the offerings. The welcoming vermouth shot was an unexpected gift. Well prepared dishes with good flavor. Smaller portions than expected for price point. read more

We had the most wonderful dinner at Monti. The food was fresh, authentic and homemade. My Italian family was so excited to find such an excellent Italian restaurant like how our grandparents made it. Already planning our next trip back. read more

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Cozy, chic new favorite in Fountain Square. We had the parmesan gnocchi and branzino and both were superb. The gnocchi was rich and comforting without feeling heavy, and the branzino was super fresh. The Italian wine list was excellent. The vibe is cozy and chic, with an intimate feel that fits the unique Fountain Square location and makes it ideal for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. We're already looking forward to going back and working our way through more of the menu. read more

Friday night reservations for 4 at 7 p, that was the earliest available. Atmosphere is lovely, we were promptly greeted and seated by Matt. Madeleine our server was delightful. She was knowledgeable about the menu, friendly, prompt and gracious, we were celebrating a wedding anniversary they presented all four of us with a complementary glass of Prosecco, very appreciated. We live in fletcher place so we were able to walk. The current construction in fountain square makes it challenging to get to the restaurant, it's worth the challenge. Regardless, they were very busy. I would recommend reservations. This was the most pleasant restaurant experience I've had in a very long time. Our server Madeline over heard us comment on the noise level, she informed us they were aware and are in the process of installing sound panels to reduce the noise. Everyone ordered something different and we all were very pleased. The food is really amazing, what a coup for the neighborhood. Welcome Monti read more

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Great New authentic Italian! I would like to point out the service it was phenomenal. The food was amazing as well. My wife and I love to do small bites and try the menu as we can. The full fish that was on the menu was the show stopper. 100% recommend for anyone looking for a nice date night or in town visiting looking for a great bite. read more

Absolutely amazing in every way! Had the pleasure of meeting up with a group of friends at this new spot in late Feb. The food was delicious (don't miss the meatballs) and the craft cocktails were unique and well executed. Also had the honor of meeting the owner and hearing the back story of the restaurants history... so many things to love here. A great addition to the Fountain Square area! read more

Great new addition to fountain square! Every dish and cocktail was phenomenal and service was great! Our server Thomas was very helpful, and the host ( I think his name was Robert) also went out of his way to check on our table. The chef clearly puts a lot of care into each dish, and we enjoyed every bite! read more

Staff very friendly and attentive. Environment relaxed, nice but very loud. Felt like I was talking very loud at my own table. Portions seem a bit small for the price. A different style of dining as it seemed to be "family style" when ordering items. Was very disappointed that there was not a "full bar" option. Only specialty drinks. read more

Amazing experience! We just got home from a month in Italy and this food felt very authentic and fresh. We loved the eggplant pasta... Also the arancini from the starters and the focaccia ... looking forward to coming back! read more

The food was truly phenomenal. We started with focaccia and meatballs and they were not to be missed. My favorite item was the root vegetable salad, which was unbelievably delicious. The homemade Parmesan gnocchi with lamb ragu was extremely memorable. So glad we have an authentic Italian restaurant in Fountain Square. Will be back very soon!! read more