Best Restaurants in Lexington KY

Lexington has more going on restaurant wise than most people expect. For a city this size you get an unexpected range: steakhouses, international cuisine, local institutions that have been around for decades, and newer spots that keep things interesting. Whether you're going out for a special occasion or just grabbing lunch, you won't have to look far for something good. Except if you're a Tennessee fan. There's some excellent gas station sushi just off I-75 I'd recommend.

Fine Dining

Carson's Food and Drink at 362 East Main Street is one of Lexington's nicer downtown dining experiences. Upscale but not intimidating, with entrees generally in the $20 to $30 range, a good bourbon selection, and a Sunday brunch that locals love. It's a special occasion spot that feels upscale without going overboard.

Azur Restaurant and Patio at 3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550, runs a Mediterranean influenced menu from a German trained chef. That combination alone has me genuinely curious, and it's been on my list for a while. I'm getting there soon.

Middle of the Road

Doodles Breakfast and Lunch at 262 North Limestone is a Lexington institution housed in a renovated old gas station with indoor and outdoor seating. It's known for breakfast and brunch.

OBC Kitchen at 3373 Tates Creek Road in the Lansdowne area brings Charleston inspired Lowcountry cuisine to Lexington, paired with a strong cocktail and bourbon program.

Stella's Kentucky Deli at 143 Jefferson Street is a downtown lunch staple in a vintage house setting. Massive sandwiches, no frills, exactly what you want for a quick lunch.

Comfort Food

Bourbon n' Toulouse at 829 Euclid Avenue is my favorite Cajun place in Lexington and I don't think it's particularly close. The original Chevy Chase location is cozy and right on the edge of the UK campus, with a second location on Sharkey Way off Leestown Road. Both serve jambalaya, gumbo, étouffée, and a black beans and caramelized corn dish that's better than it has any right to be. Their signature Chicken Etouffée is the top seller, but my go-to is the Southwest Etouffée with Crawfish. Half-and-half plates are $10, which makes it one of the better deals in town. They also have a hot sauce counter with some of the most ridiculous bottle names you'll ever see.

Goodfellas Pizzeria at 1228 Manchester Street in the Distillery District is the real deal. Classic New York style pizza where the slices are bigger than the plate. They are massive! And the breadsticks are about as long as from your elbow to your finger tip. I've been many times and keep going back. Sometimes for a second slice. I usually go with the pepperoni and cheese, and it's excellent. This may be my top choice for pizza in Lexington. It's so good, you could almost bribe somebody to do something by offering a slice. Now THAT is actually kinda Gangster.

And then there's the Wiseguy Lounge tucked inside Goodfellas. It's a 1920s-style speakeasy with low lighting and a serious bourbon collection. Slice on one side of the building, craft cocktail on the other. The theme is perfect for Lexington.

Halligan's Bar and Grill at 1170 Manchester Street is a firefighter themed sports bar tucked into the historic James Pepper rickhouse in the Distillery District. It was opened in 2022 by retired Lexington firefighter Otis Cveticanin, and the firefighter theme runs throughout the place with retired gear, helmets, and a mural dedicated to first responders. I had the Smokehouse Fries, $12.99, which were their house fries loaded up with pulled pork, queso, shredded cheese, onion, BBQ sauce, sour cream, and jalapeños. They were delicious and honestly enough food for two people. Closed Mondays.

International

Epping's on Eastside at 264 Walton Avenue brings German food to Lexington with schnitzel, spätzle, and an impressive beer selection.

Corto Lima at 101 West Short Street is one of the more unique spots in downtown Lexington. Chef Jonathan Lundy brings Latin inspired cuisine covering Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the American Southwest. The margaritas have a reputation for being some of the best in Lexington.

Bangkok House (also called Thai Kitchen) at 275 Avenue of Champions has been serving authentic Thai food to Lexington for years. I have been several times and it never disappoints. The chicken pad thai is excellent, and if you're ever under the weather their wonton soup is the move. Highly recommend.

Pho BC at 171 West Lowry Lane serves Vietnamese pho and fresh spring rolls in a casual setting.

Local Institutions

Columbia's Steakhouse at 201 North Limestone has been a Lexington institution since 1948. A classic old school steakhouse that has stood the test of time. If you go, the Nighthawk Special is legendary. Highly recommend.

Dudley's on Short at 259 West Short Street, Suite 125, is a downtown Lexington staple, known for Sunday brunch and a patio that's perfect for people watching.

Josie's at 821 Chevy Chase Place is a Lexington breakfast and brunch institution, open daily 8 AM to 2 PM. It's known for fresh made omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes, and homemade soups. I have been several times and the breakfast is excellent. If you go, try the grouper fingers, highly recommend. Expect a wait on weekends.

Lexington's restaurant scene is always growing and changing. New spots open, old favorites keep going strong, and there is always something new to try. I've already written a full review of Bourbon n' Toulouse, my favorite Cajun spot in town, and as I visit more of these places I'll be writing full reviews and linking them here. If I missed your favorite spot let me know at info@lexingtonky.com and I'll check it out.