Oakley's Bistro

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.

Hadn’t been here in many years. We ordered a couple times via takeout over the last couple years and during the pandemic. Everything was always fantastic - even via takeout. My husband had never been so we went recently and he was head over heels impressed. The appetizers and small plates are all so good. We had a few of those and split one meal. The wine recommendation made by the sommelier was a hit. Highly recommend if you enjoy thoughtful and elevated dining.

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.

My wife and I come to Oakley’s for every special occasion. Every time we have been in the restaurant, Chef Oakley has been in the kitchen, scrutinizing every dish that goes out for service. His passion for his restaurant and for his food has shown through in every meal. Every dish is maximalist. It is not a restaurant that intends to celebrate the purity of a few ingredients. Instead, it is lush and complex. Every dish we have had has been a complex weaving of flavors and textures. It is intended to be and succeeds in being complex and whimsical. And yet it is not a mishmash…each component is well thought out and consistently executed, and intended to work in harmony with every other component. The staff seems to understand this passion, and carries the same precision and love and attention to detail to the table. It is a whole restaurant that appears to understand the vision, and is unified in it’s desire to execute it. Even during the pandemic when we could only order carry out, they would still lovingly plate our tin carry-out containers with the same eye for perfection. Also the bartender, whoever it is, is outstanding and deserves an award. I love Oakley’s. It is the only restaurant I have ever been to that I would elevate to the status of art. It is worth every penny.

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.

We dined at Oakley's on two occasions. The cuisine was astonishingly refined and delightful, displaying a level of sophistication that impressed us. However, the service left something to be desired. The waiter seemed disinterested in his role, distant, and inappropriately dressed, not adhering to the expected standards. Nonetheless, this did not detract from the excellence of the dishes themselves, although it did impact the overall dining experience. Despite this, we would definitely consider returning solely for the exceptional food.

Service was amazing. Waiter "Wes" very courteous, highly knowledgeable, great recommendations, he was great to conversate with. Our meal was absolutely delicious. Service was great. The cook knows what he's doing. The owner knows what they are doing and more restaurants need to take notes and be ran like this! 10/10 highly recommend