Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine 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!

Zen Sushi & Sake

4.9

4.9 (499)

$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

JoanneVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

We love Zen Sushi - they have so many creative options of rolls and sushi / sashimi that you don't find at other places. The staff is also very helpful and friendly.

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Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano

4.9

4.9 (4619)

$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

Brenda

Dined 2 days ago

We love Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano! It’s our go to for special occasions! It was maybe a little noisy with friends enjoying themselves, but it was fine. I miss the old patio where we were away from everyone but the new addition is really nice. We were especially pleased with our waiter Jeff!

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Popular dish

Oven Roasted Sea Bass

Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

4.9

4.9 (53)

$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

Erin

Dined 7 days ago

I've been wanting to go for a while, and finally got the chance. Very tasty food, fun vibe (a wall of living plants!), gracious and generous services. Reasonable prices.

Jack Fry's

4.9

4.9 (2808)

$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

RajeshVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Music in the background so classy. Lunch food and service were both outstanding. Lunch menu a bit heavy towards fish.

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4.9

4.9 (89)

$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

AutumnVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing experience! We had the best time for my husband’s birthday. He is already planning his next visit. Thank you for making this a wonderful birthday experience for him.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Lexington

4.9

4.9 (243)

$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

KaseyVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

We love Blue Sushi happy hour! The best for lunch.

The Urban Stillhouse - Somerset

4.9

4.9 (150)

$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

DannyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing as always, Chef Jake doesn’t miss. Brought some relatives from out of town, who were suprised to find such great food in a small town.

Seviche A Latin Restaurant - Highlands

4.8

4.8 (2784)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

Seviche is Nuevo Latino, an eclectic mix of the traditional flavors of Latin American cuisine and its influences infused into new contemporary dishes. Our chef creates new exciting flavorful dishes based on his heritage and formal training. Chef Anthony Lamas has received national acclaim, John Mariani of Esquire Magazine exclaims "Seviche has emerged as one of America's best and most innovative Nuevo Latino-style restaurants, with plenty of the chef's personality packed into every dish." Seviche has received 4 stars from local food critics and continues to be a stand out among Louisville's top independent restaurants.

We have just completed an extensive renovation and expansion. New features include updated bar area, cocktail lounge, state of the art restrooms and 60 person private dining room.

Top review

kristenVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Wonderful as always. Great service & amazing food!

Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Lexington

4.8

4.8 (6060)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

Lexington, KY loves its legends and Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse has quickly become one since opening in 2019. Proudly offering nationally-acclaimed U.S.D.A. Prime Steaks, fresh Seafood & Sushi, Impeccable Service, and Live Entertainment, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse provides the perfect backdrop for an upscale, energetic, and elegant evening on the town. Opulent interiors pay homage to Art Deco luxury while still feeling uniquely Lexington. Hospitality reigns king here and being treated like royalty is a hallmark of our service. Private dining available for intimate gatherings up to larger groups looking to celebrate life. Outdoor dining is a lovely option on our decorated, temperature controlled patio. Delivery, Take Out, and Meal Kit options also available at JeffRuby.com. We can't wait for you to enjoy your next Jeff Ruby Experience!

Top review

William

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding customer service!

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Board and You Bistro & Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (1614)

$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

David

Dined 4 days ago

The food was excellent. Server Kanon was great We will definitely be back

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Popular dish

Bone-In Pork Chop

Popular dish

Caribbean Jerk Chicken

Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Explore Diners' Choice best of Central Kentucky