Writer / Janet C. Striebel
Photographer / Keeley Miller
Upon entering Goodfella’s Old World Brick Oven Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, you will instantly feel an openhearted, warm, cheerful ambiance as the hostess guides you to your table. Beyond the sound of laughter and people having conversation over complimentary baked bread and seasoned oil, there’s something welcoming about the aroma of freshly prepared ziti, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs and specialty pizzas.
Goodfella’s is celebrating its nine year anniversary and has been voted “Best Pizza in America” four times and International Pizza Champions, Las Vegas 2012. Plus, the Smoking Goodfella was voted the World’s Best Pizza. This mouthwatering sensation is made with smoked mozzarella, roasted pepper sauce, fresh sausage, roasted peppers and caramelized onions. Other gourmet pizzas include Pizza alla Vodka, Vegetable Delight, Buffalo Chicken, Eggplant Parmigiana and Margherita. All pizzas start with a signature semolina dough, fresh mozzarella, homemade sauce and the freshest and finest toppings available.
“A lot of people don’t know we’re here. We’re like a hidden secret,” says Abul Rahman, owner of Goodfella’s located at 9641 Olio Rd. Abul has brought his experience from working as Food and Beverage Manager at The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club for nine years and as owner of Infusion Restaurant for two years.
He says that many of his clients are repeat customers. Once they enjoy the Goodfella’s experience of reliable friendly service and authentic old world charm, they always come back for more.
Some things setting Goodfella’s apart from other restaurants are the 11 comfortable booths available which are always popular among guests. Also, the side items are delicious.
Roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach and creamy risotto are just a few of the side dish options. Furthermore, the kids menu offers homemade hand-breaded chicken tenders, never frozen, in addition to cheese ravioli and pizza.
The layout includes a full bar on one side with four TVs and some tables. The restaurant side features plenty of tables in view of four more TVs and the brick oven where cooks are busy preparing specialty pastas and pizzas. In the summertime, alfresco dining is an option with patio tables and an awning outside.
Just in case you were wondering, gluten-free pizzas and pastas are available as well as whole wheat. Also, there’s flexibility in preparing different menu options upon request.
Abul has listened to his clientele’s wish list and is offering a new menu with parmesan-crusted pan-seared basa, shrimp scampi and chicken piccata. As always, there are delicious appetizers, soups and salads all made to order like the Mussels Marinara, Lobster Bisque and Grilled BBQ Salmon Salad.
Come check out the daily drink specials like the $5 margaritas (Sundays), $4 drafts of imported beer (Mondays), $10 off any bottle of wine (Wednesdays) and half-off bottles of wine (Thursdays). Choose from domestic beers on tap like Coors Light and Miller Lite as well as Indiana local brews featuring Triton Railsplitter IPA, Bells Two-Hearted Ale, Quaff on Busted Knuckle, Sun King Cream Ale and Sun King Fistful of Hops.
At Goodfella’s, you can dine-in, carry out or have your food delivered. There’s also a catering service allowing you to organize your next business function. Expect to hear many “oohs and aahs” as your co-workers will certainly rave over the exceptional tastes. Plan your next birthday party or special occasion and let Goodfella’s do all the work for you.
“I love to see the looks on people’s faces when they’re eating our good quality food and enjoying their dining experience,” says Abul who always tries to welcome every table. “We believe in taking care of them from the heart. They’re like family. Whatever we cook in the kitchen, we believe it’s as if we’re serving our own family members.”
Abul invites you to come by and visit Goodfella’s and make special memories with family and friends.
Visit goodfellasindy.com for more information.
