Balena Italian Kitchen
About Us
Balena is a small, family-owned business that draws on over 45 years of experience serving the Indianapolis culinary community. Heavily influenced by the Pizzi family heritage, which hails from the coasts of Reggio di Calabria and Liguria, Balena draws inspiration from family recipes and favorite dishes from these home regions. At Balena, we welcome you to an upscale, yet casual dining environment where you can feel transported through our vibrant flavors and warm, inviting atmosphere. From our chargrilled octopus to our original red sauce recipe, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlighting the culinary influence of the Mediterranean region and nodding to the diverse tastes of the full Italian coast, Balena features light and flavorful dishes that reflect the bounty of the land and sea. With a strong emphasis on fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and an eye on traditional flavors, Balena brings new perspectives to familiar dishes, offering comfort and a sense of exploration. Like the namesake whale Balena is named for, the migratory nature of coastal dishes influences our menu, accentuating a balance of innovation and familiarity.