Oakles Pistro

This is a late review, as I forgot to do one when we dined here several months ago. Some item menus may have changed as it's a seasonal-ingredient kibda restaurant. Despite the restaurant seating being a little tight, it actually felt cozy after a few minutes of sitting down. Maybe it's also because that reminded me of my trip to Quebec City; where cozy, small-spaced restaurants are plenty. The food is fantastic! It's a place you don't just eat with your mouth, but with your eyes. Artistic, lovely plating, and delectable flavors. Our service was a little slow, but our server was informative and kind. We did dine during a busy time, and we're gracious they got us in pretty quickly. Everything was great, and they even gave us an extra dessert. It's definitely another place added to our list of eats.

We just experienced the kitchen table tasting menu. We were impressed with the beautiful presentations and delicious flavors. The chef described each dish and the service was great. We were left feeling we were special and had an amazing experience. Although it was a tasting, we had 7 courses and had left overs to take home. We had a delightful evening. Thank you to chefs and all the staff.

An Elevated Evening at Oakleys Bistro Casual diners and food enthusiasts navigating through Indianapolis might find themselves at Oakleys Bistro, particularly on a Saturday night when the atmosphere gently hums with soft chatter and clinking tableware. It comes recommended by TimeOut, and with due reason. Tucked unassumingly into a strip mall, your first impressions might waver, yet upon entry, Oakleys refutes any doubts. The interior strikes a meticulous balance, possessing an effortless elegance that doesn’t encroach upon its welcoming demeanor. It's subtle, with an intentionally understated design that quietly elevates above its physical locale. An available terrace, which we opted to forego, seemed like a pleasant option under more conducive climatic circumstances. A mental note was made for future reference. Exceptional service isn’t exuberant; it’s consistent, attentive, and anticipatory. Our waiter, Grace, navigated through the evening with a commendable handle on these traits, maneuvering through service and upsells with equal tact. The food leans into elevated cuisine, aesthetically considered and notably palatable. It’s a sensory experience that aligns with visual allure and flavorful depth, each dish presented with an apparent respect for the ingredients and the diner. Our highlight was the pork chop - well rendered and tasty side vegetables. Complementing the meal, the cocktails, balanced and aptly crafted, not only paired well but stood impressively on their own. For those charting a course through Indianapolis’ dining scene, Oakleys Bistro not only deserves a visit but commands a position on your culinary itinerary. It doesn’t demand your attention with audacity but earns it with a quiet, consistent excellence in food, service, and atmosphere.

Service was average, unfortunately our waiter did not use a tray to transport glassware and/or drinks. He also had issues with how he handed out the utensils, grabbing them by the wrong side. We found ourselves moving left and right to make room for him, he never acknowledged that he was interrupting or getting close. When we ask about the restaurant and for recommendations he just went over the entire menu. The whole menu doesn’t make sense, is a fusion of everything, it’s country Asian, etc. I just took two pictures but we ordered the Duck & Duck, Shrimp Corndog, Fettuccine, Pork Tenderloin, Salmon Medallions, and for dessert the Chocolate Whiskey Cake and Toffee Pudding. Overall we were not impressed with the food, even the corndog wasn’t that great. Meals were drenched in a their respective sauce, it was a lot to digest. Desserts were extremely sweet and the Chocolate Cake was dry. Not worth the price or the hype.