BAZBEAUX HISTORY

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The original Bazbeaux opened in Broad Ripple on May 12, 1986 in an old decrepit house that had been the home of the gravedigger for the town cemetery.

The restaurant quickly became famous in the village for fresh-made, delectable pizzas served on the rickety decks next to the canal and the fire station. By the end of the first year the restaurant had earned its first in an unbroken string of “Best Pizza in Indianapolis” awards.

In 1989 Bazbeaux ventured downtown to help establish the district now known as the Indianapolis downtown arts district. Massachusetts Avenue is now home to many unique and interesting retail shops, restaurants and music venues.

In May 2003, exactly 17 years since opening in Broad Ripple, Bazbeaux moved just a few steps away from its original location — with more seating throughout the restaurant, beautiful surroundings and a larger kitchen that consistently turns out delicious, made-to-order pies.

As Bazbeaux entered its 20th year in May 2006, it opened a restaurant in Carmel. Located in the city's Arts District where Main Street and the Monon Trail intersect, it features ample indoor seating, a wine bar, a large trailside patio — and the same great pizza that has long been Indy’s best!

Most recently, in January 2011 the downtown restaurant moved across the street and a few steps down from its original location. The downtown location serves a quick by-the-slice lunch on weekdays to many appreciative downtown workers and residents. They can choose to dine in our lovely sidewalk café, dining room or bar, which features an eclectic menu of craft beers and affordable and delicious wines.

Many customers have been loyal since day one, and Bazbeaux is also fortunate to have many devoted employees who have upheld our high standards for so many years. They help to make Bazbeaux known for what it is today — the city’s best pizza and an Indianapolis original!

BAZBEAUX LEGEND

Bazbeaux was the whimsical name given to his court jester by the French King Louis XI. Louis XI was an incompetent king who taxed at will and broke laws as he pleased until his death in 1483. His 13-year-old son, Charles VIII, succeeded Louis and the thought of serving an immature and selfish child caused Bazbeaux to flee to the romantic, warm city of Florence in the Tuscany region of Italy.

Once in Florence, Bazbeaux auditioned for a position in the court of Lorenzo de Medici. Also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, he was a poet and statesman who had an appreciation for art, music and good food. He made the Florentine state, known for its olive groves, vineyards and flowers, the most powerful and beautiful in the region.

Lorenzo knew Bazbeaux had to be clever to have survived the tyranny of Louis XI, and wise to have fled France when he did. He offered the jester a new challenge: Bazbeaux should use his creativity and whimsy to create new dishes to amuse him. Bazbeaux accepted, and not only met the challenge but excelled at his culinary endeavors.

Upon Lorenzo’s demise, Bazbeaux traveled to the New World with Amerigo Vespucci. He never returned, and it is not known how his story ends. We strive to continue his philosophy of whimsy, originality and excellence.