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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Central Kentucky? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano restaurant

Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano

4.9

4.9 (4667)

$31 to $50

Italian

Lexington

About the restaurant

There’s a quiet country road hiding near one of Lexington’s busiest intersections. Tucked down the lane in a tree-lined cove, Giuseppe’s has been serving great Italian cuisine serenaded by live music for the last 25 years. Renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, hand-cut steaks, traditional and contemporary pasta dishes, homemade desserts and extensive wine list, Giuseppe’s captures its guests with the ambiance of candlelight, easy sounds of slow jazz and a taste of passion which flows from your fork, making every dish its own invitation to return. Whether you prefer a table in the main dining room, the lounge, or the patio, Giuseppe’s is the perfect romantic spot for dates and anniversaries, and it’s also a favorite for large gatherings of family and friends. Giuseppe’s Private Dining Room provides a relaxed, intimate venue for business and social events. That is how something so hidden still stands out, and that is why those who find us return again and again.

Top review

M

Melinda

Dined on Jul 21, 2025

We always have a good time ,great service and great food.

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A photo of Oven Roasted Sea Bass of a restaurant

Oven Roasted Sea Bass

A photo of Lobster Ravioli of a restaurant

Lobster Ravioli

A photo of Jack Fry's restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2829)

$50 and over

American

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

Jack Fry's serves up southern fare in a setting that's been a part of Louisville, Kentucky since around 1933. Visitors can step inside for lunch, dinner or cocktails, all to the soothing notes of live jazz. Once a hangout for local sports enthusiasts, Jack Fry's is now known for its fine dining and family-friendly atmosphere.

The executive chef prepares southern specialties and adds a bit of French influence to create local favorites like shrimp & grits, lamb chops and Jack's burger. Jack Fry's provides a friendly atmosphere and live jazz , ensuring the entire group will find something to enjoy.

Top review

B

BrittnyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

What a fantastic meal, we loved every dish! The pork chop was so delicious and the lamb chops were amazing. Thank you for treating us so well, we’d definitely come back!

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A photo of Pork Chop of a restaurant

A photo of Brie Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant

A photo of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop restaurant

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

4.9

4.9 (65)

$31 to $50

Sri Lankan

Lexington

About the restaurant

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop is the brick-and-mortar restaurant from nationally-acclaimed Chef Sam Fore in Lexington, Kentucky. Fore began her culinary career with pop-ups in 2016 and grew to travel around the country cooking in Michelin-starred and James Beard-recognized kitchens. She was recently recognized as a Finalist for Best Chef: Southeast for the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards and has been honored by multiple national publications.

Deeply influenced by Fore’s upbringing and culinary journey, Tuk Tuk Snack Shop’s menu thoughtfully marries Sri Lankan techniques and ingredients with classic Southern dishes categorized into unique mains, sandwiches, snacks, sides, and desserts.

Top review

J

JaniceVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We have loved Tuk Tuk Snack Shop since its opening in late 2023. We recently took two friends there for Saturday lunch. It was their first time at Tuk Tuk and they (and we) thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything--lentil fritters, fried chicken bites, rice bowl, jackfruit curry, and the iconic tomato pie--was delicious. The subtle Sri Lankan flavors shine without being overly spicy. Our server took the time to review the menu with our friends and was just delightful. There's no other place quite like Tuk Tuk in our area, so I encourage you to check it out if you haven't already.

A photo of Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Louisville restaurant

Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Louisville

4.9

4.9 (7547)

$50 and over

Steak

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

The first & only steakhouse of its kind in the Louisville area, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse serves only dry-aged USDA prime beef. While steak is the foundation of the menu, Jeff Ruby's promises to please seafood lovers as well with its raw/sushi bar & seafood entrees.
Jeff Ruby regulars will be pleased to know that their favorite signature items from the Cincinnati restaurants will be well represented in Louisville. The bone-in filet, the 7 cheese baked macaroni, creamed spinach, truffle flake, & of course Jeff Ruby's secret recipe cheesecake are all staples of the Louisville menu.
Styled after the great NY steakhouses of the 1930s & '40s, Jeff Ruby's promises to be as pleasing visually as it is to the palate. French art-deco design, plush mohair upholstery, hand-selected antique furniture, and cinematic crystal chandeliers anchored by a 1950s-era antique are featured in the Starz series Magic City and the 32-foot wall of wine.

Top review

B

Bob

Dined 2 days ago

Had a wonderful meal....excellent service from Jonathan and Reece.

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A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of Cowboy Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Blackened Ribeye of a restaurant

Blackened Ribeye

A photo of The Urban Stillhouse - Somerset restaurant

The Urban Stillhouse - Somerset

4.9

4.9 (158)

$31 to $50

American

Somerset

About the restaurant

Come and join us at The Urban Stillhouse Somerset, the food & beverage experience that showcases Horse Soldier Bourbon.

Top review

D

Doug

Dined 4 days ago

Grouper was amazing, as was the meatballs appetizer. Service by Nick and bartender Abbie fantastic as usual.

A photo of Watch Hill Proper restaurant

Watch Hill Proper

4.9

4.9 (96)

$31 to $50

American

East Louisville

About the restaurant

Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen is a unique restaurant experience located in the heart of bourbon country. Open to the public, we offer the largest selection of American whiskey in the country along with a world class cocktail program made entirely with American whiskey. Chef Michael Crouch is a master of blending flavor to pair with our whiskey, cocktails, and wine offerings.

Hours of Operation
Join us for an exceptional dining and bar experience throughout the week.

Tuesday – Thursday
• Bar: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Kitchen: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last seating at 9:30 PM)

Friday & Saturday
• Bar: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Kitchen: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Last seating at 10:30 PM)

Top review

J

JenniferVIP

Dined on Jul 18, 2025

Always excellent food, drinks and service! Quality on all 3 every time…

A photo of Zen Sushi & Sake restaurant

Zen Sushi & Sake

4.9

4.9 (503)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lexington

About the restaurant

At Zen Sushi & Sake, we only use the freshest ingredients – the essence of Japanese cuisine. we strive to use only sustainable seafood. Our goal is to offer high quality ingredients in an innovative and sustainable way.
We fly in fish from Japan every Monday and Thursday.

Top review

C

chuckVIP

Dined on Jul 21, 2025

amazing total experience. Some of the best sushi I have had, including in Tokyo!

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A photo of Dumpling Soup of a restaurant

A photo of Sashimi Zensai of a restaurant

A photo of Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar restaurant

Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (2663)

$30 and under

American

Bardstown

About the restaurant

Thoughtfully executed, approachable cuisine informed by both Kentucky classics and the world's finest flavors. We source locally, calling out the farms right on the menu, and make everything in house. We call this the Modern Kentucky Experience.

Please allow ample time to enjoy your meal prior to a tour with us. Our suggestions: 1-2 guests 1 hour 15 minutes, 2-4 guests 1 hour 30 minutes, 4- 8 guests 1 hour 45 minutes, 9-12 guests 2 hours

We extend a 15-minute grace period for reservations, after which tables are released.

Top review

M

Megan

Dined 3 days ago

We had the BEST time!! The service here was absolutely incredible. From our tour guide, to the hostess, to the waiter and the food runner - everyone was above & beyond and so kind. Shoutout to Samantha and Will!! Plus, the food was very good!

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A photo of Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Brussels Sprouts

A photo of The Chicken Sandwich of a restaurant

The Chicken Sandwich

A photo of Hot Brown of a restaurant

A photo of Board and You Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

Board and You Bistro & Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (1622)

$30 and under

Bistro

New Albany

About the restaurant

Board & You Bistro and Wine Bar features hand-crafted dishes coupled with custom cocktails and premier wine listings. Board & You Bistro puts the customer experience at the forefront. Our attention to detail when it comes to genuine hospitality will be an experience in and of itself.
Our menu has been crafted for those with finer tastes, an interest in masterfully crafted entrees, all while maintaining a very affordable price. Our small plates will include a charcuterie board created with the finest cured meats & cheese from around the world. Our entrees are equally delicious with dishes made for any type of diner. Our desserts are for you to indulge & end your meal on a delightful note.
Our cocktails & wine list was created by professionals and experts in their field. Enjoy your experience!

Top review

L

LaylaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Board and You is hands down my all-time favorite restaurant in the area. The atmosphere is gorgeous, the service is always spot-on, and the food? Absolutely phenomenal. My go-to dishes are the filet, bone-in pork chop, and scallops - all cooked to perfection every single time. If you go on a Monday, don’t miss Martini Monday! It’s the perfect way to try one of their signature martinis - my personal favorite is the Empress (10/10 recommend). Whether it’s a date night, girls’ night, or just because… Board and You never disappoints.

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A photo of Bone-In Pork Chop of a restaurant

Bone-In Pork Chop

A photo of Caribbean Jerk Chicken of a restaurant

Caribbean Jerk Chicken

A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Lexington restaurant

Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Lexington

4.9

4.9 (248)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lexington

About the restaurant

Blue Sushi Sake Grill unites creative ingredients with energetic vibes, premium cold sake with happy moments to give you a fresh and fun new way to experience sushi. Our sushi and grill menus allow you to explore your sushi favorites in new and unexpected ways. We like to say that sushi is for sharing, and our menu encourages it. Order a spread of all your maki, nigiri and sashimi favs from the sushi bar, and throw in a few orders of starters from the grill. We'll stagger your plates so you can savor it all bite-by-bite, and maximize the sushi experience you've been craving all week. If you're not sure where to start, tour the menu during Happy Hour, where all our guest favorites — from our sushi, grill and drink menus — are available at an amazing value. We offer Happy Hour every day of the week at Blue Sushi Sake Grill!

Top review

E

ErnieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We love having this awesome sushi restaurant in our neighborhood! The food is great and the service is perfect.

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