Louisville, Kentucky restaurants offer a wide variety of dining experiences from casual pub fare to exquisite five-course meals served by candlelight, from down-home American cooking served family style to International cuisine from all over the globe. Here you’ll find a list of some of the great places to eat in town. During your stay at our Louisville, KY accommodations, our member innkeepers will be happy to share their personal favorites with you as well.
Restaurant Reviews ……..by the Louisville Courier-Journal
Louisville Originals ……Globally Flavored, Locally Savored
Click here to see a list of over fifty locally-owned restaurants which provide wonderful cuisine in one-of-a-kind settings
Louisville Hotbites .....Comprehensive guide to Louisville restaurants, of all kinds!
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211 Clover Lane Restaurant
211 Clover Lane
502-896-9570
Andy Smith continues to burnish the upscale atmosphere and creative cuisine of this stylish spot in St. Matthews.
610 Magnolia
610 Magnolia Street
Louisville, KY
636-0783
Whether you have a table in the walled garden or the Asian-inspired dining room, the table is yours for the evening. Chef Edward Lee’s creative Prix-fixe six-course dinners deserve savoring, and the expert staff will suggest wine pairings from the restaurant’s impressive cellar selection. The menu changes weekly, but hot and cold appetizer courses always include a trio of tantalizing tastes. Exquisite dining in the heart of Historic Old Louisville.
Amici Italian Cafe
316 West Ormsby
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
(502) 637-3167
Amici means friends in Italian. This casually elegant restaurant seats 80 indoors and 50 more in the courtyard and on the sidewalk. Standard & upscale Italian family recipes with a Tuscan flair, including pizzas and many vegetarian dishes.
Appleby's Cafe and Wine Cellar
201 Spring Street
Jeffersonville
812-283-3663
American style food, mid priced
Azalea
3612 Brownsboro Road
Louisville KY, 40207
Phone: 895-5493
Well-heeled East Enders have thronged to this spot for decades, since it was Bauers. The present occupant serves a vast assortment of well-executed New American dishes; the patio provides nonpareil outdoor dining through November. Favorites include smoked seasoned salmon with a potato crust.
Austins
4950 U.S. Hwy. 42
Louisville KY, 40222
Phone: 423-1990
A wide-ranging menu nudged up a bit in preparation and presentation from the typical American bistro. Be sure to try the Makers Mark bourbon sirloin or the Cedar Plank Salmon.
Bahama Breeze
104 Oxmoor Court
Louisville KY, 40222
Phone: 423-9040
Transport yourself to paradise at this Caribbean-themed chain restaurant. Enjoy pasta, seafood and more for dinner, or just sit back and sip on a delicious Bahamarita. Try the jerk chicken pasta, tortilla soup or coconut prawns.
Big Hopps
800 W. Market St.
Louisville KY, 40202
Phone: 589-6600
Reliable southern soul food served up in a friendly atmosphere. Try the Big Daddy Catfish and the sweet potato pie.
Bonefish Grill
657 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville KY, 40222
Phone: 412-4666
Louisville’s local outpost of the Tampa-based chain marries elegant maritime atmosphere and inventive fin-fish recipes most cooked over an oak-burning grill. Menu specialties include the grilled Chilean sea bass topped with sweet lobster chunks and sautéed mushrooms in a shrimp sherry cream sauce.
Bravo! Cucina Italiana
206 Bullitt Lane
Louisville KY, 40222
Phone: 326-0491
Bravo serves quality Italian food in a fun environment under Roman ruins. The open kitchen prepares hickory-smoked steaks, chops and whole fresh fish. Try the wood-grilled salmon salad or authentic Italian pizza, made in a wood-fire oven.
Buca di Beppo
2051 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
493-2426
Immigrant Southern Italian meals are served family-style in a festive, supper-club atmosphere. Known for its generous portions (small feeds 2-3 and large feeds 4-6), Bucas tasty, behemoth meatballs are as big as your fist.
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Buck's in the Mayflower
425 W. Ormsby Ave.
Louisville, KY
637-5284
This beautiful Old Louisville restaurant located in the Mayflower Apartment building check out the abundant white flowers, the intentional grab-bag of fine china and the clubby martini-and-cigar room features both traditional dishes and a number with an Asian inflection. Mocha dacquoise is the buttery dessert of choice. Pianist and vocalist nightly.
Buckhead Mountain Grill
10430 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY
245-6680
Homegrown, but with its heart in the Rockies, this expanding chain features hearty food steaks, ribs, meatloaf and some killer blue-cheese coleslaw.
Cafe Emilie
3939 Shelbyville Road
502-719-9717
This French-accented East End eatery offers casual fare at lunch and a bit more formal dining in the evening.
Cafe Kilimanjaro
649 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY
583-4332
African world restaurant and bar featuring authentic regional and exciting fusion cuisine continental, Caribbean and American.
Cafe Mimosa
1216 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
458-2233
The city’s first Vietnamese eatery remains a superb choice for soup, spring rolls, lemongrass chicken and lime beef. There’s also a good sushi bar. Try the sesame chicken.
Caffe Classico
2144 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY
894-9689
This European-style coffee bar serves Austrian brand Julius Minel teas and coffees, as well as Italy’s best- loved espresso products by Segafredo Zanetti. The lunch selection includes salads and fresh-made paninis, along with an assortment of pastries and ice cream. Try the Panini Italiano.
Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille
5700 Captain's Quarters Road
Louisville, KY
228-1651
Dining outside on the multi-level riverside deck is best at this seafood-dominated spot, but a seat indoors by the fireplace makes dining in the winter months also a treat. Check out the tilapia Parmesan.
Cardinal Hall of Fame Cafe
2745 Crittenden Dr.
Louisville, KY
635-8686
Food and great Cardinal memories come together at this restaurant near Freedom Hall devoted to U of L sports. The 37 trophy cases (courtesy of the university) will keep fans seeing red, and each booth, with its own small TV, has them seeing all of the games. Specialties include prime rib and fresh salmon, as well as the Walk of Fame salad.
CarleyRae's
1st and Oak in Old Louisville 103 W Oak St 502/561-3156 Restaurant and bar, indoor/outdoor seating. Excellent menu moderately priced.
Carolina Shrimp & Seafood
3922 Westport Road
Louisville, KY
894-8947
Steamed seafood from lobster and shrimp to salmon and tilapia top the menu at this seafood haven. Other seafood favorites like Alaskan king crab legs and fresh oysters are also available. Try the seafood platter an array of sea scallops, shrimp and Atlantic cod fillets.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
617 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
412-2218
The delicious southern Italian cuisine here is laced with lots of garlic and served in an upbeat, high-energy atmosphere. Everything on the menu is prepared from scratch.
Check's Cafe
1101 E. Burnett Ave.
Louisville, KY
637-9515
The archetypal Schnitzelburg cafe a bar serving rolled oysters, curiously addictive burgers, fish sandwiches, brats, chili and bean soup.
Cheddar Box Cafe
12121 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY
245-2622
Offers a wide variety of lunch soups, salads, pastas and desserts, as well as creatively titled sandwiches such as It Ain't Easy Being Green. Try the cheddar pecan torte, grilled chicken burrito or black bean ravioli.
City Cafe
1250 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
459-5600
A creative and reliable source of quick and tasty lunches based in cuisines from around the world. Few restaurants do more for the cause of soup. Try the smothered pork chop special or turkey sandwich.
Come Back Inn
415 Spring Street
Jeffersonville
812-285-1777
Italian style food, low to mid priced
Cunningham's
630 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY
587-0526
After 130 years, it still has the most substantial fried-fish sandwich in town. The turtle soups a keeper, too.
Del Frisco's
4107 Oechsli Ave.
Louisville, KY
897-7077
The 20-year-old chandeliers are the only remnant of the old Del Friscos in this newly renovated dinner spot. Well, that and the solid menu, which includes prime aged steaks and a cheesy spinach casserole called Green Phunque.
Dillon's Steakhouse
2101 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
499-7106
Specializes in the 18-ounce chili-rubbed rib eye as well as other mouth-watering charbroiled steaks and great side dishes.
Ditto's Grill
1114 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
581-9129
A colorful, eccentric decor and an all-constituencies menu that ranges from ribs to Thai salmon to a BBQ chicken pizza. The Chinese burrito remains one of the city’s best wraps.
Erika’s German Restaurant
9301 Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
499-8822
From sauerkraut to schnitzel, this restaurant offers cuisine straight from Germany. Try the Jaeger Schnitzel tender breaded pork sautéed in a creamy mushroom sauce.
Flabbys Schnitzelburg
1101 Lydia St.
Louisville, KY
637-9136
Located in a century-old building, Flabbys offers both traditional German fare such as Schnitzel, as well as American favorites. The Schnitzel pork tenderloin served with potato pancakes and red cabbage is recommended. No credit cards.
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse
3576 Springhurst Blvd.
Louisville, KY
339-1978
The traditional menu offers teriyaki, tempura and rice or noodle bowl dishes, but sushi is the real draw. Try the zesty fried calamari roll.
Gasthaus
4812 Brownsboro Center
Louisville, KY
899-7177
Family owned and operated since 1993 with authentic German cuisine. There is a variety of Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Rouladen and more made from the finest ingredients, also featuring German beers and wines. The desserts made by the owner from old family recipes are a work of art.
Gumbo A Go-Go
2109 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY
896-4046
Every day is Fat Tuesday at this energetic Clifton eatery, which specializes in the best of bayou grub, including spicy crawfish or shrimp touffe.
Harper's Restaurant
871 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
425-2900
One of the most appealing broad-menu choices along the busy Hurstbourne corridor, with pastas, hickory-grilled meat and gourmet pizzas. Check out the Oriental chicken salad with ginger dressing.
Ichiban Samurai
1510 Lake Shore Court
Louisville, KY
412-3339
Steamy tableside teppanyaki theatrics result in piping-hot hibachi entrées including plump shrimp, lobster and steak. Also boasts a full sushi bar, sake and Japanese plum wine.
Intermezzo Cafe and Cabaret
316 W. Main Street
Louisville, KY
561-3344
Intermezzo has replaced Encore in Actors Theatre, and brought the ambiance of a French bistro. Popular dishes include shrimp pappardelle with butter sauce, pork loin stuffed with dried fruit, and vegetable gratin served over couscous. Lunch available before weekend performances.
Jarfis at The Jazz Factory
815 W. Market St.
Louisville, KY
992-3242
Located in the lower level of popular hangout The Glassworks, this underground joint offers a bistro-style menu at moderate prices. Live jazz by local and national acts every night except Sundays and Mondays keep the place packed. The entertainment fee (most nights) varies depending on who’s booked.
Joe Huber Family Resaurant
2421 Scottsville Road
Starlight, IN
(812) 923-5255
Hearty, country-style fare, featuring Huber’s Country Platter Dinner, served on the grounds of the popular U-pick farm. It includes fried chicken, honey ham, country slaw, fried biscuits and apple butter, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn and homemade chicken and dumplings.
John E’s
3708 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
456-1111
Leading scorers here: the two-pound porterhouse T-bone and the 14-ounce rib-eye pepper steak. A jazz duo plays during dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Kaolin’s
1801 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY
451-1801
The menu is pure comfort food cooked without consciousness of an alternative. It claims to have invented the cheeseburger back in the misty reaches of time (1934), but the chunky blue cheese dressing is a lesser-known draw. Try the cheeseburger or barbecue ribs.
Kunz's Fourth and Market
115 S. Fourth Ave.
Louisville, KY
585-5555
One of the city’s longest-lived restaurants offers steaks, a raw bar, local favorites and some German specialties that hark back to its origins as Kuntz’s The Dutchman.
Le Relais
Bowman Field, 2817 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY
451-9020
Located in a 1950s airport terminal, this cozy nook just off the tarmac is one of the city’s most romantic dining spots, and the classically inclined cooking reminds you that French food and fine dining are still synonymous. Live music Sundays.
Lynn’s Paradise Cafe
984 Barrette Ave.
Louisville, KY
583-3447
Big portions of inventive home cooking in an eclectic atmosphere. The extensive breakfast menu is served until closing. Gift shop selling Lynn’s merchandise and more now open. Try the pancakes, meatloaf or Paradise Hot Brown.
Mai's Thai Restaurant
1411 E. Tenth St., Jeffersonville, Ind.
Jeffersonville, IN
(812) 282-0198
Beautifully prepared and presented dishes representing most of the main categories of Thai cuisine. Menu standouts include mild kanom jeeb (pork and shrimp dumplings) and eye-watering guay teow pad se ah.
Mark’s Feed Store
Four Louisville Locations
A smoked-meat empire in the making – 5 area locations. Marks BBQ chicken and pork and spicy mustard-based sauce keep it on the carnivore clubs frequent-visit list.
Martini Italian Bistro
4021 Summit Plaza Drive
Louisville, KY
394-9797
Modern interpretations of southern-Italian favorites in an ultra-sleek locale. Carnivores should try the filet Gorgonzola served with truffle mashed potatoes.
Mazzoni's Oyster Cafe
2804 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY
451-4436
The business that invented the rolled oyster fresh bay oysters encased in cracker meal and fried also serves seafood, bar food, fresh vegetables and pastas.
Mike Lennig's
9308 Cane Run Road
Louisville, KY
937-9888
This 80-year-old fried-fish theme park is one of the essential Louisville experiences a place to consume vast amounts of crisp, golden seafood in the open air with a thousand or so fellow citizens. Indoor seating also available; in summer open an hour later.
Molly Malones
933 Baxter Ave.
Louisville, KY
473-1222
Serving fine, hearty Irish fare, this pub is a hot Louisville nightspot. From beer-crisped fish n chips and Scotch eggs to tall glasses of Guinness, one can eat like an Irishman (or woman). Try the lamb stew.
Morton's, The Steakhouse
626 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY
584-0421
The Windy City’s award-winning steakhouse is famous for its signature 24-ounce porterhouse and whole baked Maine lobsters, flown in fresh daily.
Old Stone Inn
6905 Shelbyville Road, Simpsonville
502-722-8200
This historic stone building continues to offer a cuisine which is a wonderful mix of down-home Kentucky and upscale. The drive there (about 15 minutes east of suburban Louisville) is also beautiful.
Old Spaghetti Factory
235 W. Market St.
Louisville, KY
581-1070
Inexpensive and plentiful pasta dishes such as the Mizithra cheese and spaghetti draw locals and tourists here in droves.
Onion Restaurant and Tea House
4211 Charlestown Road
New Albany, IN
(812) 981-0188 The extensive menu features Japanese, Chinese and American selections served in massive portions. Most of the Chinese standards, from sesame chicken to moo shu pork, are there, along with interesting donbui, wooden bucket rice and hot pot dishes from the Japanese section.
P.F. Changs
9120 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville, KY
1-866-PF-CHANG
This mega-chain offers traditional Chinese dishes as well as innovative Southeast Asian offerings.
Pat's Steak House
2437 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, KY
893-2062
Since 1958 (when it was Mins) this local time-warp has served the Souths finest steaks and other traditional food (including a great oyster cocktail). Try a huge filet or porterhouse T-bone. No credit cards, but in-house ATM.
Pearlys Seafood
6301 Upper River Road
Louisville, KY
228-3625
Its no longer River Creek Inn, but you can still enjoy the ambiance of riverside dining on the dockside patio overlooking Harrods Creek. Known for its Icelandic cod, pan-fried oysters and homemade onion rings, this family-friendly joint is sure to please a casual crowd.
Proof on Main
702 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY
217-6360
The latest downtown dining spot, Proof focuses on local products in everything from the food to the artwork to the dinnerware (created by Louisville Stoneware). Some menu selections include Heritage Farms pork shank and bone-in bison tenderloin, plus an extensive wine list and 45 Kentucky bourbons.
Queen of Sheba
3315 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
459-6301
Newly opened and vibrantly decorated, this place offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Dishes are served traditionally on a large plate for sharing, with everything from lamb to vegetables. Wash it down with Ethiopian coffee or tea.
Ramsi's Cafe on the World
1293 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
451-0700
Justly renowned for a menu that travels the world Tunis, Copenhagen and Shanghai are ports of call this lively Highlands haunt provides tasty fare at reasonable prices, and has recently expanded its space into an adjacent building.
Ray Parrellas
2311 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY
899-5499
Now in its third location, this casual eatery serves inexpensive, homemade recipes passed through the Parrella family. Try the Fettuccine alla Parrella or the gemelli with fresh spinach and Italian sweet sausage.
Red Star Tavern
450 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY
568-5656
Part of Fourth Street Live!, this contemporary American tavern showcases seafood, steaks, pasta and an interesting drink list featuring specialty cocktails, microbrews and a wine list with many choices by the glass.
Rockwall
3426 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs, Ind.
Floyds Knobs, IN
(812) 948-1705
This dining outpost in the hills of Southern Indiana offers al fresco eats year-round on a heated, outdoor patio. House specialties include baked or fried cornish hen, prime beef and inventive desserts.
Rockys Italian Grill
715 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Ind.
Jeffersonville, IN
(812) 282-3844
Rockys offers a fine river view along with its legendary chewy-crusted pizzas. Calzones, sandwiches, pastas and other Italian specialties are also on the menu. Try the Linguine Rosa or ziti.
Romano's Macaroni Grill
401 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
423-9220
Lively Italian dining with fresh-baked focaccia, a generous menu and enough seats for a small army. The Penne Rustica, which features shrimp or chicken, smoked proscuitto and penne pasta baked in crockery with a golden halo of cheese, is a hearty favorite.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Kaden Tower, 16th floor, 6100 Dutchman's Lane.
Louisville, KY
479-0026
This deluxe national chain has supremely tender steaks, superb sides and an elegant but unshowy atmosphere atop lacy, pink Kaden Tower. Features live Maine lobster, an award-winning wine list and an awesome view of downtown. If you leave room for dessert, check out the crme br'le.
Sapporo Japanese Grill and Sushi
1706 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
479-5550
Modern design and contemporary furnishings give this Highlands eatery an ultra-hip atmosphere. Sushi dominates the menu, followed by other Japanese dishes like tempura.
Sesame
9409 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY
339-7000
Dependable Chinese food with a few nice surprises, starting with the spicy-cucumber hacked chicken.
Shalimar Indian Restaurant
1820 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. (in the Hunnington Place Shopping Center)
Louisville, KY
493-8899
Traditional Indian cuisine and abundant vegetarian dishes. The daily lunch buffet is a great Indian-fare primer. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetarian Thali or Lamb Kadai.
Shiraz Mediterranean Grill
2018 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
891-8854
This restaurant promotes itself as a healthy choice from the east. Its prices match those of a fast food joint, but the food is infinitely better. Try the fresh and delicious tabbouleh or Quinoa, or one of the best falafels in town. Buy handmade breads from Baban Bakery in the back of the restaurant.
Shogun Japanese Steak House
9026 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY
499-5700
Serving traditional Japanese cuisine with a full sushi bar, Shogun entertains patrons with the tableside spectacle known as teppanyaki.
Stoney River Legendary Steakhouse
3900 Summit Plaza Dr.
Louisville, KY
429-8944
Dine on premium grain-fed Midwestern beef, crab cakes, lobster tails and nearly 50 wines by the glass in an Aspen ski-lodge-inspired setting.
Sweet Peas Southern
2350 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY
894-9091
After the success of North End Cafe, Christopher Seckman ventures into the world of homestyle cooking in the spot formerly belonging to Furlongs. The warm atmosphere with hardwood floors and soft colors is almost as comforting as the fried chicken and other Southern favorites.
Taste of Jamaica
2017 Brownsboro Road
Louisville , KY
896-1055
The first authentic Jamaican restaurant to grace Louisville in a few years, this place offers the expected menu items, like jerk chicken and wings. For the more adventurous they offer curry goat and fresh oxtails cooked with onions and garlic.
The Cafe at The Louisville Antique Mall
900 Goss Ave.
Louisville, KY
637-6869
Whether or not antiquing is your thing, this lovely lunch spot is a winner, with artful soups, salads and sandwiches. Try the chicken corn chowder, homemade chicken salad or tomato dill soup. The Cafe also serves homemade desserts including Italian Cream Cake, Chocolate Tuxedo Cake and Bread Pudding.
The Cheesecake Factory
Mall St. Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road, Ste. 1585
Louisville, KY
897-3933
This high-end chain offers more than just desserts on its 200-plus-item menu, including an avocado egg roll appetizer, specialty pizzas, steak, seafood and more. Save room, though, because there are 36 varieties of cheesecake, along with other desserts, to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Fishery
3624 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY
895-1188
This St. Matthews destination is best known for its fried fish sandwich, but baked scrod, salmon croquettes, pan-fried oysters and shrimp and chicken strip dinners are on the bill as well.
The Melting Pot
2045 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
491-3125
Dive into the world of fondue with the help of the Melting Pots signature dipping sauces. Entrées include lobster tail, filet, chicken, duck and peppercorn pork tenderloin. Salads, mouthwatering chocolate, creamy cheese fondues and a well-chosen wine list round out the menu.
Third Avenue Cafe
1164 S. Third St.
Louisville, KY
585-CAFÉ
Serves a wide variety of gourmet sandwiches, soups, vegan dishes and salads in a funky, eclectic atmosphere. Full service bar. Try the veggie Reuben, Cardinal Club or the bleu cheese pasta.
Tiffany Cellar Cafe
Head House Antiques, 11601 Main St., Middletown
Middletown, KY
245-4411
Watch your step when you duck into this lower-level lunch spot. Its cozy dining rooms are crammed with antiques, and the daily specials and fried biscuits are more than worth the road trip. Try the Benedictine, bread pudding with bourbon sauce or homemade soups.
Wagner’s Pharmacy
3113 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY
375-3800
A popular place for track-goers to grab an old-fashioned breakfast or lunch. Try an omelet, cheeseburger or one of the lunch specials.
Wick's Pizza
975 Baxter Ave.
Louisville, KY
458-1828
Our readers think it’s the best pie in town, with piled-high toppings for big appetites.
Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse
101 Whittington Pkwy.
Louisville, KY
429-8000
An oyster-tasting oasis and an excellent stop for a tender filet mignon, with daily seafood specials and all-prime steak.
