Cafe Olivia

A City Market must try! I recently dropped by for a meal. My first choice, a shrimp po’ boy, was sold out. The lady behind the counter was quick to recommend the chicken sandwich. Her enthusiasm is certainly admirable. After re-reviewing the menu, I ultimately took her advice. Topped with a unique flavored coleslaw between French style bread, it was nothing short of delicious! A staple eatery in the good ol’ City Market that’s well worth trying!

The lovely people here made me what is easily the juiciest, most flavorful, well-seasoned pork tenderloin in 100 miles. It’s really an authentic tonkatsu in pork tenderloin sandwich form. If it were served instead with shredded cabbage salad with sesame dressing, rice, and miso soup, it would easily stand up to any Japanese restaurant tonkatsu around, including what I have eaten in Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo. By the way the sandwich was constructed, it is obvious that the person who made it cares a lot about the art and craft of preparing food. The bread to meat ratio was ideal. The way the mayo was applied and the way the tomatoes were placed. The same goes for the gumbo, which I was too full to finish. I don’t have pictures because I devoured the food. City Market is a real pain to get to right now, but the food at this place is worth the effort. To me, this is a gem in Indianapolis like Mitra Da Dhaba or Workingman’s Friend. I’m confident that anything you order from there will be made with the utmost care. The only things unappealing to me about the place are its signage, websites, and social media.

This is a top-tier sandwich shop in the city for me. I've never had anything that wasn't excellent. They have a great variety of sandwiches and other items on offer (red beans and rice, for instance), although the menu is currently limited because of the coronavirus situation. I'm not sure if the guy who makes the sandwiches is the owner, but you can tell he puts a tremendous amount of care and pride into his work, and you can taste it in every bite. I love this place and enthusiastically recommend it to everyone.

A very eclectic variety of food options! I usually go for a Reuben, which for price and quality puts Shapiros to shame. I haven’t been brave enough to try their Cajun/creole options in fear of being disappointed (I think they offer red beans and gumbo). They used to have a porchetta sandwich which I unfortunately never got around to trying and is unfortunately no longer on the menu.