Dough Dynasties
An Absolute Guide to Local Pizza
While pizza is a year-round favorite, it becomes especially irresistible in the summer months when fresh, seasonal toppings are abundant and leisurely meals are cherished. In the heart of our community, three local pizza institutions serve up slices of tradition, each with its own unique flavor. Bazbeaux, celebrating nearly 40 years of culinary creativity, and Arni's, approaching its 60th anniversary next year, have become synonymous with Indianapolis pizza culture. Joining these longstanding favorites is Diavola, bringing generations-old Italian traditions to SoBro for almost a decade.
From eclectic toppings to classic thin crusts and authentic Neapolitan techniques, these family-owned pizzerias offer more than just a meal—they're a taste of both local and international history, perfect for those fleeting summer evenings. Join us as we explore how Bazbeaux, Arni's, and Diavola have stood the test of time and continue to thrive, one pizza at a time.
From eclectic toppings to classic thin crusts and authentic Neapolitan techniques, these family-owned pizzerias offer more than just a meal—they're a taste of both local and international history, perfect for those fleeting summer evenings. Join us as we explore how Bazbeaux, Arni's, and Diavola have stood the test of time and continue to thrive, one pizza at a time.
Arni’s
4705 East 96th St, Indianapolis, IN
1691 Curry Rd, Greenwood, IN
251 W. Northfield Dr, Brownsburg, IN
1691 Curry Rd, Greenwood, IN
251 W. Northfield Dr, Brownsburg, IN
When Arnold "Arni" Cohen opened the doors of his first pizza shop in 1965, little did he know he was starting a culinary tradition that would span generations. Now, nearly 60 years later, Arni's has become a beloved institution across Indiana, with nearby locations in Brownsburg, Greenwood and River Ridge. Arni's hits the spot this summer with relaxing patio dining, top-notch service and new happy hour offerings.
Arni's menu extends beyond pies to include strombolis, sandwiches, salads and more, with a new pepperoni and hot honey flatbread guests are loving. But party-sliced, thin crust pizzas are what they are famous for. House favorites like the Maui Zowie and Rustica will tantalize your taste buds, but Kurt insists you can't go wrong with classic pepperoni.
Today, Arni's sons Kurt and Brad Cohen carry on their father's legacy, maintaining the commitment to quality that put Arni's on the map. "Many generations of families have been our clients," Kurt shares. "We want to deliver what they expect—great food and great service—but we don't chase trends."
The family connection runs deep at Arni's. All five of Arni's grandchildren have worked in the restaurants, including Kurt's three teenagers this summer. "We've got multi-generations of employees and customers," Kurt proudly notes. This dedication to quality and tradition keeps Arni's at the heart of Indiana's pizza scene. The Cohen family's commitment to doing things "the right way" ensures that every visit to Arni's is a memorable one.
Stop by your local Arni's, visit meetyouatarnis.com and follow @arnisrestaurant to explore their menu and find a location near you.
Arni's menu extends beyond pies to include strombolis, sandwiches, salads and more, with a new pepperoni and hot honey flatbread guests are loving. But party-sliced, thin crust pizzas are what they are famous for. House favorites like the Maui Zowie and Rustica will tantalize your taste buds, but Kurt insists you can't go wrong with classic pepperoni.
Today, Arni's sons Kurt and Brad Cohen carry on their father's legacy, maintaining the commitment to quality that put Arni's on the map. "Many generations of families have been our clients," Kurt shares. "We want to deliver what they expect—great food and great service—but we don't chase trends."
The family connection runs deep at Arni's. All five of Arni's grandchildren have worked in the restaurants, including Kurt's three teenagers this summer. "We've got multi-generations of employees and customers," Kurt proudly notes. This dedication to quality and tradition keeps Arni's at the heart of Indiana's pizza scene. The Cohen family's commitment to doing things "the right way" ensures that every visit to Arni's is a memorable one.
Stop by your local Arni's, visit meetyouatarnis.com and follow @arnisrestaurant to explore their menu and find a location near you.
Bazbeaux
111 W. Main St, Carmel, IN
811 E. Westfield Blvd, Broad Ripple, IN
333 Massachusetts Av, Indianapolis, IN
811 E. Westfield Blvd, Broad Ripple, IN
333 Massachusetts Av, Indianapolis, IN
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Since 1986, Bazbeaux has been serving up legendary, gourmet-style pizzas that have become an integral part of Indy's culinary culture. With locations in Broad Ripple, downtown Indianapolis, and Carmel, Bazbeaux offers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
The secret to Bazbeaux's success lies in its commitment to quality. "We pride ourselves on making our dough fresh daily and we don't cut corners," says owner Jeff Berman, adding that fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch preparations are a non-negotiable. Their hand-made, oven-fired pies feature a crisp crust (white, wheat or gluten-free) topped with both traditional and exotic ingredients in daring but delightful medleys.
Summer is the perfect time to explore Bazbeaux's menu. Keep things light with the Margherita or Genova, featuring seasonal flavors at their best. Try the B.O.T. (bacon, onion and tomato) for a classic summer pie, or warm up to the new Shack Attack with Italian sausage, jalapenos and house-made hot honey. Go big with the Colossus or Cajun Tchoupitoulas, or create your own from their endless list of toppings.
The Carmel location, situated where Main Street meets the Monon Trail, offers a prime spot for pizza and people-watching. With ample indoor seating, a wine bar and a large trailside patio, it's the ideal place to enjoy a cold craft beer and watch the world go by.
The secret to Bazbeaux's success lies in its commitment to quality. "We pride ourselves on making our dough fresh daily and we don't cut corners," says owner Jeff Berman, adding that fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch preparations are a non-negotiable. Their hand-made, oven-fired pies feature a crisp crust (white, wheat or gluten-free) topped with both traditional and exotic ingredients in daring but delightful medleys.
Summer is the perfect time to explore Bazbeaux's menu. Keep things light with the Margherita or Genova, featuring seasonal flavors at their best. Try the B.O.T. (bacon, onion and tomato) for a classic summer pie, or warm up to the new Shack Attack with Italian sausage, jalapenos and house-made hot honey. Go big with the Colossus or Cajun Tchoupitoulas, or create your own from their endless list of toppings.
The Carmel location, situated where Main Street meets the Monon Trail, offers a prime spot for pizza and people-watching. With ample indoor seating, a wine bar and a large trailside patio, it's the ideal place to enjoy a cold craft beer and watch the world go by.
Diavola
1134 E. 54th Street, Indianapolis, IN
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Nestled in the heart of SoBro, Diavola stands as a testament to authentic Italian pizza-making. This small family operation, owned by Lori Welch and her Italian-born husband, has earned its place among the top 50 pizzerias in the U.S., a recognition that Lori describes as "an incredible honor and humbling thrill."
Diavola's commitment to Neapolitan-style pizza is evident in every pie they serve. "Our dough goes through a proofing process after being made. It’s stretched by hand, then fired in our Italian brick oven, every order," Lori explains, adding that being Neapolitan, all pizzas are the same size and made to order.
Using a combination of locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients, they create pizzas that transport diners straight to Naples. "We have a long history in Vicenza, Italy, where my husband is from, and try to bring traditional staples of great Italian food to Indianapolis," Lori adds.
While the classic Diavola never disappoints with its Pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, basil, peppadew pepper and olive oil, adventurous eaters should try La Sophia, featuring salsa bianca, burrata, soleggiati tomato, kalamata olive and basil. Another standout pie is the Parma, topped with prosciutto, arugula and shaved parmesan. Each pizza showcases the best of Italian culinary tradition.
Beyond its regular menu, Diavola offers catering services and hosts private events, bringing its authentic Italian flavors to gatherings of all sizes. Whether you're dining in its cozy SoBro location or having Diavola cater your next event, you're guaranteed a taste of Italy that's as close to the real thing as you can get without boarding a plane.
Visit Diavola for an authentic taste of Italy. Find them online at diavola.net and follow @diavola_indy on Instagram for more info, menu and reservations.
Diavola's commitment to Neapolitan-style pizza is evident in every pie they serve. "Our dough goes through a proofing process after being made. It’s stretched by hand, then fired in our Italian brick oven, every order," Lori explains, adding that being Neapolitan, all pizzas are the same size and made to order.
Using a combination of locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients, they create pizzas that transport diners straight to Naples. "We have a long history in Vicenza, Italy, where my husband is from, and try to bring traditional staples of great Italian food to Indianapolis," Lori adds.
While the classic Diavola never disappoints with its Pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, basil, peppadew pepper and olive oil, adventurous eaters should try La Sophia, featuring salsa bianca, burrata, soleggiati tomato, kalamata olive and basil. Another standout pie is the Parma, topped with prosciutto, arugula and shaved parmesan. Each pizza showcases the best of Italian culinary tradition.
Beyond its regular menu, Diavola offers catering services and hosts private events, bringing its authentic Italian flavors to gatherings of all sizes. Whether you're dining in its cozy SoBro location or having Diavola cater your next event, you're guaranteed a taste of Italy that's as close to the real thing as you can get without boarding a plane.
Visit Diavola for an authentic taste of Italy. Find them online at diavola.net and follow @diavola_indy on Instagram for more info, menu and reservations.