One Of The Best Food Towns In The Country, Culinary Delights Abound In Louisville, Kentucky
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 14, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Kentucky’s culinary contributions are many. We have the legendary hot brown and Kentucky Fried Chicken. We have burgoo stew and slow-smoked barbecue. We have Derby Pie and bourbon. Global flavors pepper the landscape of the Bluegrass, too, from Mexican to Mediterranean to Japanese to French. Our largest city is a true culinary mecca that has all of the above — and more. One of the best food towns in the country, culinary delights abound in Louisville, Kentucky… come along as we highlight the city’s most delicious dining options and acclaimed restaurants.
In the heart of Bourbon Country, Louisville is home to some of the most legendary restaurants and bars in the world. It would be impossible to list all of the amazing eateries in Louisville, Kentucky -- but we'll try! Starting with bourbon (of course): a newer addition to the dining scene, North of Bourbon is a celebration of NOLA-infused flavors and Kentucky bourbon culture.
North of Bourbon, 935 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217, USA
Meanwhile, Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar is a bit of a dark horse that's easily one of the best in town. Come and order an old fashioned and let yourself get swept away in the mood of this place.
Proving that Southern food and fine dining can coexist, Proof on Main offers guests a truly exceptional dining experience. With its art-filled walls and incomparable ambiance, dining here is as delightful as it is delicious.
Proof On Main, 702 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
For beautifully composed dishes that are almost too artful to eat, head to 610 Magnolia, a must-visit Louisville restaurant headed by esteemed chef Edward Lee. Chef Lee prides himself on elevating classic Southern cuisine, and his restaurant is bucket-list must for all discerning epicureans.
610 Magnolia, 610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Those looking for the best raw oysters of their life need only visit Doc Crow's. While best-known for barbecue and bourbon, the raw bar here is truly on another level.
Doc Crow's, 127 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Of course, no Kentucky culinary contribution is more iconic than the Hot Brown -- namely, The Brown Hotel's eponymous dish. Buttery Texas toast, succulent turkey, and a dangerously delicious Mornay sauce... there's nothing more soul-satisfying than this iconic Kentucky dish!
The Brown Hotel, 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
When you're in the mood for vibrant global cuisine, Safier Mediterranean Deli
is a hidden gem favored by Louisville locals. The menu features scratch-made Lebanese dishes and daily Indian specials, plus a robust array of meat-free options, including the ever-popular vegetarian platter.
Safier Mediterranean Deli, 641 S 4th St #2403, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
In the mood for a feast, or fiesta, for the senses? Head to La Bodeguita de Mima. Known for bright and bold Cuban cuisine in a colorful and lively locale, dining here is always an amazing experience.
La Bodeguita De Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar, 725 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
And if pasta is your love language (same!), you'd be hard-pressed to find better regional Italian cuisine in Louisville, Kentucky, than bar Vetti. The pasta is fresh, the flavors are bold, and the presentation is perfect.
bar Vetti, 727 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, and indeed, it offers visitors all the amenities you'd expect from a major metropolitan area -- including some of the best dining in the country.
But make no mistake about it -- Louisville, Kentucky, is a big city with the heart of a small town, all wrapped up in a warm and welcoming Southern embrace... and lots of delicious dining options!
Did you know about all the amazing restaurants and dining options in Louisville, Kentucky? What’s your favorite eatery in Derby City? Share it with us in the comments below — or head over to our nominations page and tell us why we should feature it in an upcoming OnlyInKentucky article.
