Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Central Kentucky

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

BRU Burger Bar - Lexington

4.9

4.9 (444)

$30 and under

Burgers

Lexington

About the restaurant

The hamburger is over 100 years old. It’s a classic, purely American, and an icon. The hamburger is the people’s sandwich, everyman’s food. BRU is an ode to our love….the Burger. Paired with a beer, we can’t imagine what could be much better. Join us at BRU Burger Bar. We look forward to serving you! BRU Burger Bar is proudly operated by Cunningham Restaurant Group.

Welcome to BRU Burger Bar.

Top review

Carolynvip

Dined 4 days ago

Good food but service a bit slow on this night. Several bigger parties near us so maybe that was the problem. Still, a good experience and will keep going back!

North of Bourbon

4.8

4.8 (496)

$31 to $50

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Germantown

About the restaurant

The Bourbon experience
Blending Bourbon, Louisville, and New Orleans into a unique Southern experience.

Top review

AnaF

Dined 2 days ago

North of Bourbon has quickly become one of our favorite dining spots! As a picky eater, my husband usually has a hard time finding dishes he loves, but every meal we've had here has been exceptional. The menu offers a fantastic variety, and we’ve enjoyed every bite. The drinks are equally impressive—craft cocktails that perfectly complement the delicious food. Each visit feels like a special occasion, and I can confidently say the culinary team deserves a chef's kiss for their creativity and execution. Whether you're a foodie or a picky eater, North of Bourbon is a must-visit for a delightful dining experience! Highly recommend

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Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Lexington

4.8

4.8 (167)

$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

williamvip

Dined 5 days ago

Great food and service as always. Best place for sushi in Lexington

The Fat Lamb

4.7

4.7 (1203)

$31 to $50

American

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

The Fat Lamb is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Louisville, Kentucky. It was opened in 2016 by Chef Dallas McGarity, who serves as the executive chef and owner. The restaurant is known for its focus on using locally sourced ingredients and for its unique combination of Mediterranean flavors with Southern influences. The menu at The Fat Lamb features a variety of small plates, entrees, and seasonal specials, and is known for its rotating selection of meats and seafood dishes. The restaurant also has a strong emphasis on wine and cocktail, featuring a curated list of wines that complement the Mediterranean cuisine. The Fat Lamb has been well-reviewed by critics and is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Louisville. It's widely known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for a romantic dinner or casual night out with friends.

Top review

Ann

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Fat Lamb is always good but last night, 8/30, the restaurant was unbearably hot. Everyone at our table was sweating the entire dinner. We had to resort to fanning ourselves with menus. To say the least the dinner was not as enjoyable as usual because of the heat.

The Still at Blue Rook Distillery

4.7

4.7 (456)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Danville

About the restaurant

We welcome you to The Still at Blue Rook Distillery, the most unique spirits experience in the state of Kentucky. Situated inside Blue Rook's U.S. distillery - the home of award winning Brazilian sugar cane based spirits, cachaça, gin and vodka. The Still restaurant provides its guests with a multifaceted experience full of farm fresh food, with all menu items made from scratch and cocktails made from our unique spirits. We hope to see you soon for a delightful dinner!

Top review

Eric & Kat

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Wonderful people that work @ The Still and we love the food! Eric & Katharyn Peavler

Lockbox at 21c Hotel

4.6

4.6 (1226)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Located in Lexington’s 21c Museum Hotel, Lockbox showcases a commitment to sourcing local, high-quality ingredients. Lockbox uses thoughtful yet simple preparations and cooking techniques in a contemporary brasserie setting. Designed by Deborah Berke Partners, the Lockbox space highlights historic features like original marble floors, decorative plaster details, large arched windows and even a historic safe deposit vault that is used for private dining.

Top review

Patrick

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food, prompt & friendly service with great recommendations and a unique atmosphere. What else do you need!? We will be returning!

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Popular dish

Steak & Eggs

Paseo

4.6

4.6 (202)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

Inspired by the opulent flavors of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, our dishes are comprised of fresh ingredients sourced from over 25 different local purveyors including Field Day Farm, Freedom Run Farm, 3D Valley Farm, Frondosa Farms, and Barr Farms.
The menu includes made in house pastas, breads paired alongside land and sea paella dishes, vegetarian and omnivore centric entrees, and sharable sides.
Innovative yet simple signature dishes include:
Spicy Greens & Charred Beans Salad with crispy caper and onion vinaigrette;
Harissa Cauliflower Steak with smoked olive, toasted sunflower, coriander gremolata and torn herbs;
Freedom Run Farm Lamb Burger & Potato Wedges with Mahón, Harissa onion jam and Berbère aioli;
NY Strip Steak with patatas bravas, zhug oil and watercress.
Chef Jeremy Frederiksen and his team use our wood fire cookery alongside our favorite spices to create a balanced and authentic culinary experience.

Top review

Rachnavip

Dined 6 days ago

Been to the restaurant a couple of times, the food is updated and fresh. Great space and friendly service. The grain bowl for lunch is great. The beets and labneh on the dinner menu are spectacular!

Enso

4.6

4.6 (237)

$50 and over

Southern

Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

About the restaurant

A Southern restaurant using Japanese technique and style to connect the parallels in culture between Japan and the American South. All service is a la carte and come out as they are prepared to insure they are served at their peak. Share the table with family and friends. We are honored to welcome all guests.

Top review

Bill

Dined 3 days ago

We sat on patio, very nice atmosphere. Food and drink were awesome. Very unique menu that allows for small plate like experience and table sharing of the many choices offered. We will return.

Proof on Main

4.5

4.5 (3689)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

The ingredients in our menus reflect the region’s sustainable farmers and producers with a soulful and honest approach showcasing the bounty of the Ohio River Valley. Housed in five historic buildings in downtown Louisville, Proof on Main is part of 21c Museum Hotels, the award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant group. The dining room is one of the most striking public spaces in the city, with rotating, contemporary art exhibitions by local and internationally-acclaimed artists alike.

Top review

Jibraan

Dined 2 days ago

We loved the food as it melted in our mouths and as the flavors blended together to take us on a fine journey. It was a really good brunch and we felt that the chef and staff genuinely cares for our experience.

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Infinity: A Skybar & Café

4.5

4.5 (149)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Infinity: A Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is a rooftop restaurant and lounge serving handcrafted cocktails, developed by our very own Bartenders, that pair perfectly with the modern American cuisine. Enjoy the open air when weather permits!

*Party must arrive within 15 minutes of scheduled reservation time, or reservation will be canceled.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

They serve brunch till 3 PM which we were disappointed to find out. We really wanted there regular burger for lunch @1 but they said they serve brunch till 3pm

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