Lexington, Kentucky is home to a thriving food scene with many excellent restaurants to choose from. From upscale eateries serving contemporary cuisine to classic diners dishing out comfort food, there are options for every taste and budget.
| Restaurant | Cuisine/Style | Specialties | Ambiance/Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dudley’s on Short | Contemporary American | Pan seared diver scallops, Filet mignon | Elegant, 19th century building |
| Honeywood | Southern | Shrimp and grits, Fried green tomato sandwich | Charming cottage |
| Stella’s Kentucky Deli | Southern | Hot Browns, Burgoo stew | Vintage decor, Checkerboard floors |
| Carson’s Food & Drink | Creative American | Fried bologna sandwich, Chicken and dumplings | Rustic-chic, Exposed brick walls |
| Coles 735 Main | Contemporary American | Pan seared rockfish, Cider-brined pork chops | Upscale, Nineteenth Century building |
| Nick Ryan’s Saloon | Barbeque | Smoked meats, Pulled pork shoulder sandwich | Laidback, Antiques and license plates |
| Gandhi Indian Restaurant | Indian | Samosas, Vindaloo, Tandoori | Romantic, Silk drapes, Crystal |
| Dave’s Bread Oven | Japanese Ramen | Customizable noodle bowls, Gyoza | Minimalist, Authentic setting |
| Table Three Ten | New American | Pan seared sea scallops, Filet mignon | Elegant, Fine linen tablecloths |
| Pies & Pints | Gourmet Pizza | Customizable pizzas, Craft brews | Funky, Casual |
| Columbia Steakhouse | Steakhouse | Steaks, Seafood, Chops | Fine dining, Elegant fireplace room |
Here is a list of the top 12 best restaurants that should not be missed when visiting Lexington.
Dudley’s on Short
Name and Location: Dudley’s on Short is a restaurant located on Short Street in Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Dudley’s has been serving upscale Southern cuisine in downtown Lexington since 2013. Chef Mark Wombles puts a creative spin on classic dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and biscuits. The restaurant is known for its lively bar scene and creative cocktails.
What to Expect: Dudley’s has a warm, inviting atmosphere with exposed brick walls and chandeliers. The menu features upscale Southern fare like deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles, and shrimp po’ boys. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when there is often a wait.
Visitor Information: Dudley’s on Short is located at 259 W Short Street in downtown Lexington. They are open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday 5pm-10pm. The restaurant does not accept reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to wait during peak times. Street parking is available.
Dudley’s on Short is consistently ranked as one of Lexington’s top fine dining establishments. Located in a restored 19th century building on Short Street in downtown, the ambiance is elegant and sophisticated. The contemporary American menu features seasonal ingredients and creative preparations. Standout starters include the pan seared diver scallops with parsnip puree and huckleberry gastrique. For entrees, the coffee and ancho rubbed filet mignon with potato gratin is a popular choice. Save room for dessert, as the Instead, homemade ice creams and sorbets are sublime. With its excellent food, first-rate service, and upscale atmosphere, Dudley’s is perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Honeywood
Name and Location: Honeywood is a restaurant located on Jefferson Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Honeywood first opened its doors in 2005 in a historic building dating back to the 1850s. Executive Chef Brian Surbaugh leads the kitchen, crafting inventive seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients. The restaurant has received praise for its intimate setting and creative farm-to-table cuisine.
What to Expect: Honeywood’s dining room has an upscale yet rustic ambiance, with exposed brick walls and dark wood accents. The menu features artfully plated dishes like roasted rack of lamb, seared diver scallops, and housemade pastas. Extensive wine list and specialty cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Visitor Information: Honeywood is located at 121 W Jefferson Street. They serve dinner Monday-Saturday 5pm-10pm. Valet parking available in the evening. Closed Sundays.
For inventive takes on Southern cuisine, Honeywood is a must-try eatery. Housed in a quaint cottage, the setting is as charming as the food. Brunch dishes like the shrimp and grits with tasso ham gravy receive rave reviews. Lunchtime highlights include the fried green tomato sandwich on jalapeno cornbread. For dinner, the menu changes seasonally but always incorporates local ingredients. Customer favorites include the pan roasted chicken served with smoky collard greens, dirty rice, and red eye gravy. With its creative comfort food and cozy atmosphere, Honeywood offers one of Lexington’s best dining experiences.
Stella’s Kentucky Deli
Name and Location: Stella’s Kentucky Deli is located on Jefferson Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Stella’s opened in 2007 and quickly became a local favorite for its authentic Kentucky-style deli sandwiches. The original location still uses the original deli counter from Magee’s Bakery, which operated on the site from 1920 to 2000.
What to Expect: Stella’s has a casual, retro diner vibe. Sandwiches are made to order and piled high with locally-sourced meats and cheeses. Menu highlights include hot browns, Kentucky burgoo, and fried green tomatoes. Cash only.
Visitor Information: Stella’s Kentucky Deli is located at 143 Jefferson St. Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Street parking available.
For authentic Kentucky flavors, Stella’s Kentucky Deli is a local institution. Family-owned for over 25 years, they serve up hearty Southern fare like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. TheHot Browns are the house specialty – an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and mornay sauce that is decadent yet deeply satisfying. Other specialties include burgoo stew, fried green tomatoes, and bourbon pecan pie for dessert. With its checkerboard floors and vintage decor, Stella’s ambiance is as welcoming as the food. Prices are reasonable too, making it a popular lunch spot. For no-frills yet delicious regional cooking, Stella’s is a must-visit.
Carson’s Food & Drink
Name and Location: Carson’s Food & Drink is a gastropub located on Manchester Street in Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Carson’s first opened in 2012 in a historic building from the 1800s. The lively, upscale tavern is known for its extensive craft beer selection and creative takes on comfort food like burgers, wings, and mac and cheese.
What to Expect: The vibe at Carson’s is casual but lively, with a large central bar packed most nights. Food offerings range from snacks like pretzels and pimento cheese to heartier fare like bison burgers and pork belly sandwiches.
Visitor Information: Carson’s Food & Drink is located at 115 Manchester St. They’re open daily from 4pm-2am. Happy hour specials weekdays from 4-7pm. Street parking available.
Located in the historic Evans Building, Carson’s Food & Drink offers creative American cuisine in a hip, rustic-chic setting. The menu features reimagined comfort dishes like the fried bologna sandwich with pimento cheese and the chicken and dumplings made with herb gnocchi. Small plates are perfect for sharing, like the pork belly mac ‘n cheese bites. Cocktails are first-rate, especially bourbon creations like the Old Fashioned and Maple Old Fashioned. With exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and outdoor patio seating, the atmosphere is laidback yet lively. Carson’s is ideal for groups since the daily changing menu offers something for all tastes.
Coles 735 Main
Name and Location: Coles 735 Main is a fine dining restaurant located on Main Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Housed in a historic exposed brick building, Coles has been serving creative New American cuisine since 2000. Chef Cole Arimes offers seasonal tasting menus focused on locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant has earned numerous accolades.
What to Expect: Coles offers an elegant, intimate dining experience with formally attired wait staff. The chef’s tasting menu features 6 courses ofthoughtfully composed dishes that change seasonally. Extensive wine pairings available.
Visitor Information: Coles 735 Main is located at 735 E Main Street. They’re open Tuesday-Saturday 5:30pm-close. Jacket recommended but not required. Valet parking available.
For a fine dining experience with an emphasis on sustainable ingredients, Coles 735 Main is a top choice. Housed in a Nineteenth Century building downtown, the ambiance is upscale yet relaxed. The contemporary American menu showcases seasonal, local fare like pan seared rockfish with spring vegetable ragout and cider-brined pork chops with roasted apples. Small plates encourage sampling and sharing. Made in-house staples include the pickles, breads, ice creams and charcuterie. The handsome mahogany bar offers craft cocktails and an extensive bourbon list. With its dedication to culinary artistry, Coles is among Lexington’s leading restaurants.
Nick Ryan’s Saloon
Name and Location: Nick Ryan’s Saloon is an Irish pub located on Limestone Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Nick Ryan’s first opened in 1985 and is Lexington’s oldest Irish pub. It has an authentic Irish atmosphere and decor, with dark woodwork and Irish memorabilia throughout. Live music and Irish dancing can often be found on weekends.
What to Expect: Nick Ryan’s has an energetic pub vibe, with nightly drink specials that draw in college students and young professionals. Food offerings include Irish staples like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, as well as bar bites and late-night pizza.
Visitor Information: Nick Ryan’s is located at 157 W Limestone St. They’re open daily from 11am-2am. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday 4pm-7pm with food and drink specials.
For award-winning barbeque in a fun, laidback setting, Nick Ryan’s Saloon is a local favorite. Tender smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork headline the menu, along with classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Sandwiches like the pulled pork shoulder combine meaty fillings with sweet and tangy housemade sauce. Attentive service and reasonable prices add appeal. Decorated with antiques, license plates, and pleasingly kitschy touches, the interior matches the relaxed vibe. Live music on weekends encourages patrons to sit back and savor the finger-lickin’ good barbeque fare. For tasty Q in an upbeat atmosphere, Nick Ryan’s delivers.
Gandhi Indian Restaurant
Name and Location: Gandhi Indian Restaurant is located on South Broadway in Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Open since 1998, Gandhi was the first Indian restaurant in Lexington. The eatery has earned a reputation for its authentic yet approachable takes on North and South Indian cuisine in an upscale casual setting.
What to Expect: Gandhi offers refined presentations of classic Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, and vegetable samosas. There is also an extensive menu of traditional Indian breads like naan and paratha. Full bar with specialty cocktails.
Visitor Information: Gandhi is located at 335 S Broadway. They are open for lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm, dinner nightly 5pm-10pm, and Sunday brunch buffet 11am-2:30pm.
Gandhi Indian Restaurant has been serving authentic Indian cuisine in Lexington for over thirty years. From crispy samosas and mild korma to spicy vindaloo and tandoori specialties, the extensive menu has something for every palate. Daily lunch buffets offer tremendous value, with over twenty items like vegetable pakora, chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, and garlic naan. The romantic dining room features silk drapes, crystal, and warm lighting, evoking India’s exotic aesthetic. For reliably well-executed classics in an upscale yet welcoming spot, Gandhi remains a local favorite.
Dave’s Bread Oven
Name and Location: Dave’s Bread Oven is a bakery and cafe located on North Limestone in Lexington, Kentucky’s NoLi district.
History and Significance: Dave’s opened in 2012 in a converted 1920s-era garage. The bakery crafts artisan breads using old world techniques. Breakfast and lunch offerings include bread bowls, sandwiches, soups and salads.
What to Expect: The vibe at Dave’s is laid-back and charming. Shelves are stacked with fresh loaves of sourdough, baguettes and whole grain breads. The cafe menu features homemade baked goods, pressed panini sandwiches, and daily lunch specials.
Visitor Information: Dave’s Bread Oven is located at 131 N Limestone. They’re open Tuesday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 8am-3pm. Free parking lot behind building.
Located on Jefferson Street in the downtown historic district, Ramen Ya offers steaming bowls of traditional Japanese ramen. Customers can design their own noodle bowl, choosing broth, noodle thickness, and toppings like pork belly, soft boiled egg, seaweed and scallions. Small plates like gyoza and karaage fried chicken are perfect starters. The minimalist interior provides a relaxed yet authentic setting for enjoying ramen. With friendly service and fair prices, Ramen Ya is the place to get your comforting noodle fix in Lexington.
Table Three Ten
Name and Location: Table Three Ten is a New American restaurant located on West Short Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Chef Jeffrey Decker opened Table Three Ten in 2005 in a restored 19th century building. The restaurant focuses on creative seasonal cuisine made from local ingredients. Table Three Ten has been recognized as one of Lexington’s top fine dining destinations.
What to Expect: Table Three Ten offers a contemporary, elegant dining room with warm lighting and upscale details. The menu changes often but may include dishes like duck breast, pan-seared scallops, or lamb shank. Extensive wine list.
Visitor Information: Located at 310 W Short St. Open Tuesday-Saturday 5:30pm-close. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Valet parking available.
For exquisite regional cuisine served in an elegant setting, Table Three Ten is one of Lexington’s premier dining establishments. Executive Chef Jonathan Lundy prepares New American dishes that reflect seasonal and local influences. Starters like the pan seared sea scallops with sunchoke puree and shiitake mushrooms delight with expert preparations. Enticing entrees include the peppercorn crusted filet mignon with black truffle whipped potatoes. For dessert, the bittersweet chocolate torte with bourbon cherries and chantilly cream indulges the sweet tooth. With fine linen tablecloths, fresh floral arrangements, and live piano music, the atmosphere matches the outstanding cuisine. For a fine dining experience, Table Three Ten is a superb choice.
Pies & Pints
Name and Location: Pies & Pints is a pizza restaurant and craft beer bar located on South Upper Street in Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Founded in Fayetteville, West Virginia in 1997, Pies & Pints serves gourmet pizzas and calzones alongside a frequently rotating tap list showcasing regional craft beers. The Lexington outpost opened in 2012.
What to Expect: Pies & Pints has a laid-back pub atmosphere with long communal tables. The pizza menu features both traditional and specialty pies, like the “Hillbilly” with country ham and red onion. There are always at least 20 craft beers on tap, mostly from regional breweries.
Visitor Information: Located at 401 S Upper St. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-midnight. Free parking lot behind building.
For delicious gourmet pizza and craft brews in a funky environment, Pies & Pints is a fun local spot. Diners build their own pizzas by selecting from over 40 toppings like Kalamata olives, free range chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Creative signature pies include the Pear Almighty with pear, caramelized onions, prosciutto and gorgonzola. The generously sized pies emerge from the brick oven with flavorful crusts that are crispy yet chewy. With 14 rotating taps of Kentucky craft beers, the draft list offers local brews to pair with pizza. Laidback and casual, Pies and Pints is ideal for kicking back with friends over beers and pizza.
Columbia Steakhouse
Name and Location: Columbia Steakhouse is a fine dining steakhouse located on West Main Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Columbia Steakhouse first opened in 1962 and is Lexington’s oldest steakhouse. It serves wet and dry-aged prime steaks and lobster tails in an elegant setting with a classic steakhouse ambiance.
What to Expect: Columbia Steakhouse offers an upscale dining experience focused on high quality steaks and seafood. The dining room has an old school vibe with white tablecloths and dark wood accents. Popular menu items include the bone-in ribeye, lobster tail, and creamed spinach.
Visitor Information: Located at 109 W Main St. They serve dinner Monday-Saturday 5pm-10pm and are closed Sundays. Reservations recommended. Valet parking available.
For expertly prepared steaks in a fine dining establishment, Columbia Steakhouse is a local legend. Opened in 1962, this family-owned restaurant serves USDA Prime beef alongside fresh seafood and chops. Thick cuts of juicy steak arrive properly seared on the outside yet tender within. Signature options include the bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, porterhouse and prime rib. Lighter yet equally appealing options include the pecan crusted rainbow trout and crab cakes with whole grain mustard sauce. With crisp white linens, an elegant fireplace room, and piano bar, Columbia provides first-class ambiance befitting its excellent cuisine. For a classic steakhouse experience, Columbia can’t be beat.
Conclusion
Lexington’s dining scene offers something for all tastes and occasions. For celebratory meals or special nights out, restaurants like Dudley’s, Honeywood, Carson’s and Table Three Ten provide upscale environs and expertly crafted cuisine. Seeking comfort food or regional specialties? Check out classics like Stella’s Kentucky Deli and Nick Ryan’s Saloon. Ramen Ya and Pies & Pints offer more casual settings for enjoying noodles or pizza respectively. And for expertly prepared steaks, Columbia Steakhouse continues its long tradition of excellence. With such an array of distinct restaurants to explore, visitors will discover that Lexington offers a remarkably diverse and delectable food scene.