Pizza and pasta share the spotlight at Diavola, an Italian cucina and wine bar on East 54th Street. The kitchen makes fresh pasta in-house and uses both imported and locally sourced ingredients; the moderately priced restaurant also offers vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options.
The pizzas range from the Diavolo, with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni and basil, to the Mais Burrata, with roasted sweet corn, tomato, basil and balsamic reduction. Pear Pesto pairs fruit with mozzarella, bacon and gorgonzola. Beyond the oven, pappardelle Bolognese comes with Parmesan and basil, while wild mushroom ravioli takes a richer direction in gorgonzola cream sauce. Diners consistently praise the pizzas and Bolognese, with calamari another recurring favorite.
Diners describe a warmly atmospheric room with moody lighting and Italian decor, though a busy dinner service can get loud. Attentive, knowledgeable service is another recurring theme. Wine, beer and cocktails give the meal room to linger, and outdoor seating offers an alternative to the dining room.
Diavola is at 1134 E 54th St, Indianapolis. Monday hours are 5–9 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, lunch runs 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and dinner 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday service is continuous from 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Reservations, online pickup orders and delivery are available.
