Tucked inside the sleek and artfully designed Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, Nesso Italian Kitchen delivers the kind of upscale dining experience that feels both polished and inviting. Part of the acclaimed Cunningham Restaurant Group portfolio, Nesso has quietly become one of the city’s standout destinations for elevated Italian cuisine, blending contemporary creativity with rich Mediterranean influences. From the moment you step into the warm, modern dining room, accented by glowing light fixtures and sophisticated décor, it’s clear this is not your average Italian restaurant. Nesso is designed for lingering dinners, celebratory evenings, and indulgent culinary escapes.
Our evening began with two appetizers that immediately set the tone for a memorable meal.
The Octopus arrived beautifully plated, almost too stunning to disturb. Tender, perfectly charred octopus rested atop a vibrant eggplant caponata, accompanied by toasted pine nuts, calabrese sauce, and a delicate dusting of oregano salt. Octopus can often be a risky choice, easily overcooked and rubbery, but Nesso’s kitchen executed it flawlessly. The texture was buttery and delicate, while the smoky char added depth and complexity. The caponata brought a slightly sweet acidity that balanced the richness of the seafood, while the calabrese sauce provided just enough heat to keep every bite exciting. It was refined, layered, and unmistakably Mediterranean.
Equally impressive was the Crispy Eggplant, a dish that transformed a humble ingredient into something decadent. Golden slices of eggplant were crisped to perfection without becoming heavy or oily, then layered with parmesan, black garlic-tomato jam, and aioli. The black garlic-tomato jam was particularly exceptional, offering a deep umami sweetness that elevated the dish far beyond traditional eggplant preparations. Each bite delivered crunch, creaminess, and savory richness in perfect harmony. Even diners who normally view eggplant as an afterthought would find themselves fighting over the final bite.
As wonderful as the appetizers were, the true star of the evening arrived with the Crab Ravioli, which easily became my favorite dish of the night.
This dish embodied everything exceptional Italian cuisine should be: comforting, elegant, balanced, and unforgettable. Delicate ravioli pillows were generously filled with sweet crab and surrounded by a luxurious citrus butter sauce accented by corn, English peas, Calabrian chile, and parmesan. The balance of flavors was masterful. The sweetness of the crab paired beautifully with the brightness of the citrus butter, while the corn and peas added freshness and texture that kept the dish from feeling overly rich. The subtle heat from the Calabrian chile lingered gently in the background, enhancing rather than overpowering the seafood.
What made the dish particularly remarkable was its restraint. Many restaurants overload seafood pasta with cream or excessive seasoning, masking the natural flavor of the crab. Nesso allowed the ingredients to speak for themselves. Every component had purpose, and every bite felt luxurious yet approachable. It’s the kind of dish you think about long after the dinner ends — sophisticated enough for a fine dining experience but comforting enough to satisfy on a deeply emotional level.
For entrées, we sampled the Chicken, a dish that once again showcased the kitchen’s ability to elevate familiar ingredients into something memorable. The chicken itself was expertly cooked, maintaining a juicy tenderness beneath a beautifully crisp exterior. Served alongside arugula, roasted peppers, tomato, whipped parmesan, and calabrese sauce, the dish struck a careful balance between richness and brightness.
The whipped parmesan added an airy creaminess that complemented the savory depth of the chicken, while the roasted peppers and tomatoes introduced sweetness and acidity. Peppery arugula provided freshness that kept the dish vibrant and balanced. The calabrese sauce tied everything together with subtle spice and complexity. While chicken entrées can often feel predictable on upscale menus, this preparation demonstrated thoughtful execution and exceptional ingredient quality.
One of the highlights of dining at Nesso is the pacing and attentiveness of the service. Throughout the evening, the staff struck that ideal balance between professionalism and warmth. Plates arrived at a leisurely pace that allowed each course to be appreciated fully, yet there was never an awkward delay between dishes. Servers demonstrated extensive menu knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine, offering recommendations without pretension. In a city where hospitality continues to evolve alongside the culinary scene, Nesso stands out for delivering a service experience that feels effortlessly polished.
The atmosphere itself deserves equal praise. The Alexander Hotel has long been recognized for its contemporary art collection and stylish aesthetic, and Nesso seamlessly reflects that same upscale sophistication. The dining room manages to feel simultaneously energetic and intimate. It’s refined enough for a special occasion yet approachable enough for a spontaneous date night or celebratory dinner with friends. Soft lighting, modern finishes, and an open, airy layout create an ambiance that encourages guests to relax and savor the experience.
No visit to Nesso would be complete without exploring its exceptional dessert menu, which proved to be a fitting finale to the evening.
The Bombolino was playful, vibrant, and utterly addictive. The lemon-ricotta donut arrived warm and pillowy, coated in raspberry sugar and accompanied by raspberry, lemon curd, and fresh mint. The balance of tart citrus and sweet berry flavors was refreshing and bright, while the ricotta added subtle richness without overwhelming the dessert. It felt both indulgent and light — a difficult combination to achieve successfully.
The Olive Oil Cake offered a more decadent conclusion. Moist and delicately flavored, the cake was paired with candied orange, chocolate sauce, and chocolate gelato. The olive oil provided a beautiful depth and silkiness to the cake, while the citrus notes from the candied orange kept the dessert from becoming too heavy. The chocolate gelato added richness and creaminess that brought the entire plate together beautifully. It was sophisticated comfort food at its finest.
What ultimately makes Nesso Italian Kitchen special is its consistency in delivering elevated dining without sacrificing warmth or accessibility. Every dish feels intentional, every flavor thoughtfully composed, and every detail carefully curated. While Indianapolis continues to grow into a serious culinary destination, Nesso firmly establishes itself among the city’s premier upscale restaurants.
Whether you’re visiting for handcrafted pasta, expertly prepared seafood, inventive cocktails, or simply an elegant night out downtown, Nesso offers an experience that feels transportive. It captures the soul of Italian dining — where food is meant to be savored slowly, conversation flows easily, and every course tells a story.
