Tucked away in Noblesville, Indiana, 9th Street Bistro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a delightful secret waiting to be discovered. This intimate eatery has a way of making you want to keep it all to yourself, a treasure you’d rather not share but can’t help but rave about. From the moment you step inside, you’ll understand why locals cherish this spot and why it’s becoming a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly special dining experience.
Stepping into 9th Street Bistro is like entering a warm embrace. The historic brick walls exude a comforting ambiance, enhanced by the soft glow of string lights that delicately crisscross the ceiling. The air is filled with enticing aromas, hinting at the culinary artistry unfolding in the kitchen. Every detail of the cozy décor seems carefully chosen, creating an atmosphere of relaxed intimacy. With only a handful of tables, 9th Street Bistro truly embodies the essence of a classic bistro, offering a personal and inviting space to savor your meal. Adding to the charm is the seamless teamwork of the staff, who effortlessly make every guest feel welcomed and part of the 9th Street Bistro family.
(WRTV/Jon Christians)
Beyond the inviting atmosphere, 9th Street Bistro truly shines with its culinary offerings. Prepare your palate for a journey of unique flavors and thoughtful creations. The menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, is designed to tempt and surprise. The ever-popular “Fried Thing of the Day” is a testament to their playful and inventive approach to food, consistently delivering delicious surprises. Even the mocktails at 9th Street Bistro are elevated to an art form, so expertly crafted that you’ll never miss the alcohol. They are stand-alone masterpieces, bursting with flavor and creativity.
The heart and soul of 9th Street Bistro are undoubtedly its co-owners, Rachel Firestone Mohammad and Chef Samir Mohammad. Their passion and dedication are palpable in every aspect of the restaurant. Rachel’s journey into the restaurant world began with love. “After realizing that I had fallen in love with a chef, I knew I wanted to be in this world with him,” Rachel shares, recounting the couple’s heartwarming origin story.
(WRTV/Jon Christians)
Rachel and her front-of-house team excel at creating genuine connections with guests, treating everyone like family. For the Mohammads, Noblesville itself felt like home from the start. “We were drawn to Noblesville,” Rachel explains, “Because of the great historic architecture in town, as well as the progression of new businesses (and) new people coming to this area. We were really impressed by the small-town feel while still having a lot of growth happening.” This blend of historic charm and vibrant growth perfectly mirrors the spirit of 9th Street Bistro.
The bistro itself embodies this charming dichotomy. It carries the warmth of an old downtown home, yet its internationally-inspired menu keeps diners delightfully surprised. “I’ve traveled all over the world and get inspiration from every place I go. And I would say there’s no specific specialty. We get excited and try to experiment with new cuisines whenever we can,” Chef Samir explains. “And I would say it’s always changing what our specialty is and what we’re really known for.” This ever-evolving approach is part of the magic of dining at 9th Street Bistro. The menu, including both food and cocktails, often changes monthly, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with each visit.
One standout dish that perfectly encapsulates the bistro’s innovative spirit is their lobster grits, a memorable offering from their May 2023 menu. Local andouille sausage and succulent Maine lobster are expertly sautéed with shallots and roasted red peppers, then served atop creamy white-cheddar grits, all bathed in a tangy, garlicky white wine sauce and finished with a vibrant asparagus chow-chow. Each bite is a comforting yet exciting explosion of flavors and textures.
(Lydia Williams)
The dessert menu at 9th Street Bistro is equally captivating, with seasonal confections that tempt and delight. A highlight from their April menu was a homemade carrot cake, crowned with cream-cheese frosting and a delicate sugared carrot tuille. It was the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with the tuille adding a delightful crunch.
(Lydia Williams)
Even the cocktail and mocktail menus at 9th Street Bistro have their own unique personalities. Some drinks are playfully named after local Noblesville community members, adding a personal touch. The seasonal beverages often incorporate ingredients sourced from their home state of Indiana, like the refreshing peony-infused martini enjoyed during the summer.
(Lydia Williams)
It’s no surprise that 9th Street Bistro has garnered significant recognition, including a James Beard nomination, a testament to their culinary excellence and dedication. Building on their success, Rachel and Chef Samir are now venturing into a new culinary chapter: ramen. Inspired by the overwhelming popularity of their pop-up ramen shops at 9th Street Bistro, they are planning to open a dedicated ramen restaurant.
“I love ramen. I don’t know how else to put it,” Chef Samir admits. “I’ve eaten more bowls than I can even think of. I love the process of making the broth: The fact that you can take something that’s just a very simple raw ingredient like bones, and maybe a little backstrap and some chicken feed or something like that, and turn it into something that needs nothing more than just a little bit of noodles and a couple of veggies, is really amazing.” They aim to showcase the versatility of ramen, demonstrating how it can embrace diverse culinary influences. Rachel shares an example: “One of the most playful fun things that we have to show is that ramen can kind of embody other cuisines as well,” she says. “So, Chef came up with a carbonara ramen on our last pop-up, where he made a parmesan broth, our house-cured pancetta went into that, and the sunny-side-up egg. So maybe if you’re not familiar with ramen, but you’ve had Italian carbonara, you could see where those worlds collide and meet us in the middle.” The new ramen shop is anticipated to open in the first half of 2024, adding another exciting dimension to Noblesville’s dining scene.
(WRTV/Jon Christians)
In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of 9th Street Bistro. Whether you’re a local or visiting Noblesville, this charming bistro promises a memorable dining experience. Explore their menu and make a reservation to secure your spot in this cozy haven. You won’t be disappointed.
9th Street Bistro is located at 56 S. 9th St. in Noblesville, IN. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Stay updated on their latest creations and offerings by following 9th Street Bistro on Instagram.
