The 26 Must-Try Restaurants in Louisville

Located in a south Louisville strip mall, Derby City’s oldest Vietnamese restaurant has been serving customers since 1993. Founded by Vietnamese immigrant Alex Lam, the business is now run by his son Phillip. The unassuming Dinogoy offers an extensive menu that includes appetizers, noodle soups, rice dishes, vermicelli noodles, and vegetarian options. Regulars have their favorite dishes down to a code on the menu. Don’t miss the K8, or hu tieu sa-te, a spicy rice noodle soup infused with lemongrass, broccoli, bean sprouts, and peanuts, with a choice of chicken, pork, or beef. To balance the spice, pair it with a Vietnamese iced coffee.

At 610 Magnolia, celebrity chef Edward Lee offers a contemporary menu infused with Southern influences, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in every dish. Since its inception in 2003, the Old Louisville restaurant has been dedicated to experimenting with fresh and innovative flavors, updating its offerings weekly. Recent standout dishes have featured butternut squash and goat cheese agnolotti, seared scallops paired with braised radish, and a delectable carrot cake served alongside bourbon praline ice cream. This upscale dining experience requires reservations.

Nestled in Old Louisville, on the ground floor of the historic Mayflower building, Buck’s Restaurant has been a beloved venue for special occasions since its opening in 1992, complete with live music from a singer/pianist. As a part of the Urban Bourbon Trail, the bar boasts over 50 bourbon varieties along with Kentucky-inspired bourbon cocktails. Manager Karen Shane highly recommends the New York strip paired with crab legs and shrimp, followed by the restaurant’s signature dessert, mocha dacquoise — a delightful treat with three layers of toasted almond meringue, mocha buttercream, rum Chantilly, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of chocolate.

Located within the 21C Museum Hotel, Proof on Main features a captivating menu complemented by fascinating decor. The space is adorned with contemporary wall art, paintings, and sculptures from hotel exhibits. Don't forget to sample the charred octopus served with bagna cauda, lime, and toast, a classic favorite since the restaurant's inception. For dessert, indulge in the Kentucky Stack Cake, a luscious creation of lemon buttercream, almond, and buttermilk whip. Among the drink offerings, bourbon cocktails shine, particularly the No Spectators, which combines Old Forester 86 bourbon, sfumato, grapefruit rosemary cordial, lemon juice, and a splash of peaty scotch.

Popular among the downtown lunch crowd, Safier also welcomes visitors on weekends with its casual walk-in setup. Owner and chef Youness El Mesyah specializes in homemade Lebanese cuisine along with daily Indian specials, offering many vegetable-based and halal options. Be sure to try the favored vegetarian platter, featuring four selections such as grape leaves, hummus, falafel, mutabbal, rice, tabbouleh, mujadara, or spinach pie.

A historic landmark in Louisville, the Brown Hotel is renowned for its world-famous hot brown, which originated here in 1926. This iconic dish features roasted turkey breast served on toast points, smothered in Mornay sauce and topped with pecorino Romano cheese, all baked to a golden perfection with bacon and tomatoes. Chef Dustin Willett manages the hot browns and the entire menu, which also includes rich slices of the hotel's delectable Derby Pie, ideally paired with a handcrafted cocktail or bourbon tasting for dessert.

Scott Shoenberger, the president and CEO of the Al J. Schneider Company, which owns Swizzle, shares that the restaurant pays tribute to a historic Louisville supper club of the same name. Located atop the Galt House Hotel, this retro-themed establishment features two rotating sections, providing diners with breathtaking views of the city and the Ohio River. The menu includes prime steaks, sustainable seafood, locally sourced produce, and creative cocktails. For a uniquely Derby City experience, try the 1910 Old Fashioned, crafted with 1910 Old Forester whiskey and presented in a smoke-filled box — a nod to the fire that affected the Old Forester distillery in 1910.

Chef Noam Bilitzer, hailing from Israel, has introduced Eastern Mediterranean flavors to Derby City through pop-up events at Wiltshire on Market. Following the closure of the long-standing Louisville restaurant, Bilitzer opened Meesh Meesh in 2023. The menu features dishes inspired by Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond, including shawarma-spiced chicken thighs, harissa-grilled shrimp, and flavorful falafel. Be sure to try the award-winning, house-made hummus served with schug, crudités, and herb tehina, and cap off your meal with Turkish coffee and warm chocolate babka.

La Bodeguita De Mima is hard to miss. As you drive along East Market Street in NuLu, the vibrant yellow, two-story building reminiscent of 1950s Cuba stands out. Run by chefs and cousins Fernando and Yaniel Martinez, this restaurant serves authentic Cuban cuisine every evening, along with special weekend and holiday offerings. Don’t miss the pollo asado, a mojo-marinated half-chicken, garnished with mojo onions and accompanied by gravy, rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. For dessert, indulge in the habano de chocolate, a chocolate cigar crafted from almond cake, Nutella mousse, and chocolate ganache, served alongside coffee ice cream.

Located at the base of the AC Hotel by Marriott in NuLu, Bar Vetti is celebrated for chef Andrew McCabe’s pasta creations and pizzas. Choose from seven different pies on the menu, and don’t forget to request a cup of spicy Calabrian aioli for dipping. Cap off your evening with a signature cocktail or espresso, or select from four desserts that come with suggested amaro pairings. The chocolate budino, featuring orange caramel, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, pecans, and whipped cream, is a must-try.

Despite its name, this East Main Street location offers much more than just baked goods. While you can find an array of breads and pastries, there’s also a selection of hearty breakfast and lunch options. The popular Wag, crafted by operator and pastry chef Amanda Johnson, features wagyu pastrami, zesty hot mustard, and a runny egg nestled in a toasted onion bun. If you visit on the weekend, don't miss the chance to try one of the supreme pastries, like the rolled croissant filled with strawberry pastry cream and adorned with matcha glaze, strawberry dust, and strawberry pearls.

At Mayan Café, chef Bruce Ucán offers authentic Mayan dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Identifying as Mayan Indian and originally from the Yucatán Peninsula, Ucán often visits local farmers markets for fresh produce. While every dish is delightful, no visit to this NuLu gem is complete without trying the tok-sel lima beans, enhanced with a mix of roasted, ground pumpkin seeds, lime, salt, and sesame oil. For a lovely outdoor meal, be sure to book a table on the patio, which opened in 2024.

In 2023, celebrity chef Edward Lee brought his culinary expertise to Derby City with Nami, a modern Korean steakhouse nestled in the Butchertown area. Recognized as one of the year's top dining spots by Esquire and USA Today, this two-story establishment blends traditional Korean flavors with Lee’s innovative flair. Diners can choose between standard seating with a menu featuring kimbap, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue, or opt for grill tables where they can cook their own meat alongside the full menu. For dessert, don’t miss the taiyaki — a fish-shaped pastry filled with chocolate pecan pie filling and topped with yuja whipped cream. Plus, enjoy dim sum-style brunch on weekends and a karaoke room upstairs.

At Copper & Kings distillery in Butchertown, guests can explore the facility and discover how copper pot stills are used to craft American brandies inspired by both American whiskey and music. After the tour, head to the rooftop bar and restaurant where chef Josh Lehman presents a menu featuring Kentucky's seasonal ingredients. Dinner options include country-fried mushrooms, salmon tartine, sesame scallion pancakes, and an umami burger topped with charred scallion aioli. Enjoy a delightful Sunday brunch with a view from the rooftop.

Located in the Myriad Hotel, this restaurant offers a menu inspired by the vibrant flavors of Spain, Italy, and Morocco. The dining area seamlessly connects to an outdoor space next to the hotel pool, while the menu includes diverse options such as hamachi crudo, hummus brulee, aged-duck paella, and wagyu beef loin. Don't miss the pork belly shish paired with lapsang-date barbecue sauce, fresh vegetables, and Turkish flatbread. For dessert, the soft serve swirl combines vanilla labneh with local strawberries and pistachio baklava for added crunch. Enjoy brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

No list of Louisville Mytouries would be complete without Jack Fry’s, a bistro founded in 1933 by Jack Fry and his wife Flossie. Known for its Southern cuisine infused with French flair, this spot was once a favorite among local sports figures, with their historic photos adorning the walls. Signature dishes include ricotta gnocchi in a Calvados cream sauce with roasted mushrooms and broccolini; spicy fried oysters served on Weisenberger grits with country ham; and prosciutto-wrapped chicken saltimbocca, served over creamy polenta with roasted brussels sprouts, finished with a lemon-caper berry thyme jus.

Housed in a historic 1800s brick building in Butchertown, Pizza Lupo is co-owned by husband-and-wife duo Adam Turla and Sarah Balliet, with culinary guidance from Sarah's brother, chef Max Balliet. This Mytoury offers a selection of around a dozen wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, which have earned a reputation as the best in the area. One standout is the Sfincione, featuring cooked tomato and anchovy sauce, Calabrian breadcrumbs, shallots, garlic, and mozzarella. In addition to pizza, the menu includes a few non-pizza options like braised cabbage and smashed potatoes, along with an extensive wine list.

Chik’n & Mi, founded by husband-and-wife duo Jason and Aenith McCollum, specializes in Asian-inspired comfort dishes. The menu features wood ear mushroom egg rolls, kimchi mac and cheese, tofu lettuce wraps, and chicken noodle soup ramen. However, the highlight is the fried chicken sandwich, which includes a fried thigh on a brioche bun topped with kimchi slaw, black garlic aioli, and pickled cucumbers. The bar offers a broad selection of sake, craft beers, and cocktails made with local ingredients and house infusions.

After noticing a lack of Scandinavian cuisine in Louisville, Norwegian Liz Huot and her husband Jesse opened Øskar’s Slider Bar and Smør Nordic Bakeri. Øskar’s sliders introduce locals to Scandinavian flavors, served a la carte for guests to sample different varieties. Standout options include the banana pork and lefse sandwich, featuring miso-braised pork with bananas on Norwegian potato flatbread, and the venison sausage slider, made with spiced venison and pork sausage, topped with Swedish mustard and tart cherry caramelized onions. For dessert, head to Smør for skolebrød—cardamom dough filled with vanilla pastry cream and glazed with coconut—or the Smørk, a brown-butter chocolate chip cookie loaded with Swedish mørk syrup and homemade toffee.

This rustic Dinogoy is a haven for meat enthusiasts. True to its name, it focuses on game sourced from local farms committed to quality meats. Owner Tim Lewis serves dishes like roasted bone marrow, buttermilk-fried frog legs, and meatballs and burgers crafted from kangaroo, rabbit, venison, and elk. There are also vegetarian burger options and numerous meat-free sides. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of beer and bourbon, but note that reservations or call-ahead seating are not offered.

Le Moo, owned by Kevin Grangier of Belle Noble Restaurant Group, features a diverse steak menu highlighting prime rib-eye cuts, filets, and a luxurious 10-ounce grade A5 wagyu from Miyazaki, Japan. The restaurant's intimate setting, with exposed brick walls and low lighting, includes private dining areas separated by curtains. With outdoor seating available, it accommodates over 200 guests, making it perfect for weddings and large gatherings. On weekends, Le Moo hosts an extravagant brunch buffet (including steak) complemented by a lively drag show.

Founded by Marcos Lorenzo after his move from Cuba to the U.S. in 2000, Havana Rumba has become a staple for Cuban cuisine in Louisville. Both locations offer traditional dishes such as steamed rice, black bean soup, and sweet plantains, but don't miss the lechon asado, fricase de pollo, or the Cuban sandwich. For dessert, try the signature Havana Bananas — bananas flambéed in dark rum and served over vanilla ice cream — paired with a rich Cuban coffee.

A trip to the Jim Beam distillery (officially the James B. Beam Distilling Co.) in nearby Clermont, Kentucky, is worthwhile, especially for dining at the Kitchen Table, the on-site restaurant featuring a seasonal menu sourced locally. Chef Brian Landry has created an inventive array of dishes including venison poppers, pulled pork empanadas, fried catfish, and hot brown pizza. Naturally, every meal pairs perfectly with the selection of bourbons available.

Jared Matthews, the owner, describes Lou Lou as a blend of Italian and Cajun with a Mediterranean flair. A true Southerner, Matthews hails from Louisiana and has spent time in Alabama before settling in Kentucky, fueling his passion for Cajun cuisine. The menu features dishes like crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, pasta carbonara, and classic gyros, along with a diverse selection of wines and cocktails. Regulars recommend the Lou Chicago, a Chicago-style double deep dish pizza loaded with cheese and your choice of three toppings.

Run by the husband-and-wife duo Kris and Adrienne Cole, this breakfast and lunch destination offers a dynamic menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients, all within a vibrant, Instagram-friendly atmosphere. Popular dishes include the avocado toast (featuring toasted wheatberry bread, grapefruit, microgreens, and everything crumbs) and the farmhouse breakfast plate (complete with eggs, skillet potatoes, sourdough toast, seasonal preserves, and sausage).

To preserve the 683 acres of Hermitage Farm, Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown of 21C Museum Hotels purchased the property about 20 minutes from town. This area honors champion thoroughbreds and distinctive bourbon, and Barn8, the on-site restaurant housed in a beautifully restored barn, offers fresh, farm-to-table Kentucky cuisine. The seasonal menu features dishes made with produce grown on the farm and sourced from local partners. The beverage menu showcases Kentucky's finest, including a well-stocked bourbon bar and Southern-inspired cocktails like the vodka-based Bless Your Heart and the Hissy Fit, crafted with tequila, lime, acacia honey syrup, grapefruit liqueur, pink Himalayan sea salt, and cinnamon bitters.