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Hot Brown
Photograph: Courtesy Louisville Tourism
Photograph: Courtesy Louisville Tourism

The best restaurants in Louisville

The best restaurants in Louisville highlight the city's eclectic, wide ranging dining scene

Gerrish Lopez
Written by Caroline Macon & Gerrish Lopez
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Bourbon, mint juleps and horses might be the first things that come to mind when you think about Louisville, but in addition to offering a wide range of amazing things to do, it’s a city where culinary creativity thrives. As Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville combines a small-town charm with a vibrant dining scene that rivals much larger metros. Beyond its signature dish, the decadent hot brown—a cheesy concoction of turkey, toast and Mornay sauce born at the historic Brown Hotel—Louisville serves up a diverse array of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re craving bold Southern staples or globally-inspired fare, the culinary diversity of the best restaurants in Louisville ensures there’s always something new to explore.

Best restaurants in Louisville

1. 610 Magnolia

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Chef Edward Lee’s 610 Magnolia is a testament to culinary innovation, blending Southern charm with modern artistry. Located in Old Louisville, the tasting menu on offer changes weekly, highlighting local produce and bold flavor combinations. Expect dishes like butternut squash and goat cheese agnolotti or seared scallops with braised radish. Finish with carrot cake and bourbon praline ice cream. Open since 2003, it’s a must for upscale dining, and reservations are still essential.

2. Proof on Main

Inside the 21C Museum Hotel, Proof on Main marries creative cuisine with contemporary art. Feast on charred octopus with bagna cauda, lime and toast—a fan favorite since day one. The bar shines with bourbon-based cocktails as well as innovative selections with out-of-the-ordinary ingredients like corn liqueur, smoked cinnamon and even asparagus. Make time to browse the hotel’s art collection before or after a meal.

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3. Lobby Bar & Grill at The Brown Hotel

A visit to Louisville isn’t complete without trying the iconic Hot Brown, invented at the Brown Hotel in 1926. This indulgent dish features roasted turkey, toast, Mornay sauce and bacon. Pair it with a slice of Derby Pie and a bourbon flight for the ultimate Kentucky experience.

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5. Jack Fry’s

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A Louisville classic since 1933, Jack Fry’s serves up Southern-inspired cuisine with French influences. Beloved dishes include spicy fried oysters on Weisenberger grits alongside classic dishes featuring seasonal, regionally-sourced ingredients. The intimate, historic space is steeped in charm, with photos of local sportsmen lining the walls.

6. Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse

Chef Edward Lee’s most recent venture is a modern Korean steakhouse in Butchertown. This spot offers both classic seating and grill tables for Korean BBQ. Highlights include kimbap, bibimbap and taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry filled with chocolate pecan pie. Weekends bring a dim sum-style brunch, and for those who want a full night out the restaurant has an upstairs karaoke room.

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7. La Bodeguita de Mima

You can’t miss La Bodeguita de Mima, a bright yellow building in NuLu reminiscent of 1950s Havana. This Cuban eatery, run by cousins Fernando and Yaniel Martinez, serves standout dishes like pollo asado and the habano de chocolate—a whimsical dessert crafted to look like a cigar.

8. Bar Vetti

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Bar Vetti, located in the downtown AC Hotel, is a hotspot for creative pasta and pizza. Order one of their pizzas and pair it with spicy Calabrian aioli for dipping. End with the chocolate budino, topped with orange caramel and olive oil, or sip on a signature cocktail.

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9. Barn8

Barn8 at Hermitage Farm is a farm-to-table haven set in a restored barn just outside Louisville. The seasonal menu features fresh produce from the farm, with dishes like charred seasonal vegetables and braised short ribs. Enjoy a Southern-themed cocktail like the Hissy Fit, made with tequila and grapefruit liqueur.

10. Buck's Restaurant

Located in Old Louisville's historic Mayflower building, Buck’s has been a special occasion spot since 1992. The intimate setting, complete with a live pianist, offers an elevated dining experience. As part of the Urban Bourbon Trail, the bar boasts more than 50 bourbons. The menu offers an array of indulgent steak and seafood dishes, including the Kentucky Lawyer—pan-seared lobster tail over mashed potatoes and asparagus, finished with a bourbon cream pan sauce and crispy bacon. Don’t miss the signature mocha dacquoise, a decadent dessert of toasted almond meringue layered with mocha buttercream, rum Chantilly and chocolate drizzle.

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11. Safier Mediterranean Deli

This casual downtown favorite offers authentic Lebanese and Indian dishes. Popular with the weekday lunch crowd, Safier’s vegetarian platter shines, featuring falafel, hummus, tabbouleh and more. Affordable and flavorful, it’s a must for Mediterranean cravings.

12. Bourbons Bistro

Located in Crescent Hill, Bourbons Bistro offers an unbeatable bourbon selection alongside a menu designed to complement Kentucky’s iconic spirit. Try their signature barrel picks and bourbon-infused dishes. The cozy, historic setting makes it a top spot for locals and visitors alike.

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