In today’s digitally driven world people express their opinions all across the Internet on a variety of review sources. Businesses have review capability on Facebook, websites, Yelp, Google and many others. This allows us to take a peek at things like highly rated Kentucky restaurants. This allows us to read and formulate dining, movie and entertainment plans based on the amount of stars given to venues and why. It is necessary to read more than one or two write-ups, as the occasional disgruntled customer shouldn’t be a reason to mark off a potentially good place. These restaurants were picked due to the phenomenal reviews from above sources, and the Google star ratings.
10. Pizza Stop at 1488 Blacklog Road in Inez
It would be unforgivable to exclude a pizza restaurant from this list, and with 4.8 stars, Pizza Stop IS the pizza place. Locals say you will be hard pressed to find ANYWHERE within a 50 mile radius with the same quality pizza, sandwiches, salads, service and price. Pizza Stop is also favored for their sandwiches, especially the Steak and Cheese and the Stromboli, all made with fresh ingredients. The spaghetti has authentic homemade sauce, not a store bought packet of spices and tomato paste. The pasta is served with fresh garlic bread that is the perfect combination of flaky and soft. It is unfortunate they do not cater to Kentucky as a whole… They’d likely put quite a few places out of business.
9. The Whistle Stop at 216 E Main in Glendale
This is a landmark restaurant with a 4.2 rating that specializes in southern favorites. There is a variety of southern style food available, and everything has a distinctive flavor that some find addictive. The fried green tomatoes, county ham and catfish are all very highly recommended. The catfish is so tender it will melt in your mouth. The food will remind you of something a traditional Grandmother would make with just the right amount of spices. The desserts are even better, especially the pies. Banana, chocolate, apple or whatever the pie of the day, get a piece. You will be thrilled with the taste.
8. Gumbo Ya Ya at 1080 S Broadway #107 in Lexington
This Creole delight restaurant rates a 4.7 and is highly recommended if you enjoy Cajun cooking. If you like it hot, the Maque Choux or the Yatwich are favored to put a little fire in your belly, but everything is delicious. The Gumbo is dished out in servings so large you will end up with a to go box that will provide the next day’s lunch. The crawfish and jumbalaya are also quite memorable, as everything is cooked and spiced to perfection. The staff is friendly and ready to answer questions if you are unfamiliar with Cajun cuisine. If you are not fond of spice, fear not. They offer flavorful dishes that will appeal to even the mildest of palettes. Whether you like it hot or not, there is something cooking at Gumbo Ya Ya that will entice you.
7. Holly Hill Inn at 426 N Winter Street in Midway
It has been called the most magical restaurant in the Bluegrass and has a 4.8 star rating. They use only seasonal ingredients that are harvested fresh via local farmers. Reservations are required, but the specialty cuisine and first class treatment are well worth it. They often do themed dinners such as, Irish, Peruvian, and more. Every dish prepared is then done in that tradition and carries the flavors one would anticipate if dining in the country of origin.
6. Otto's at 521 Main Street in Covington
When it comes to American food, there is a lot of competition, so 4.6 stars is pretty good. This is a bistro style establishment that offers traditional American comfort foods with a slight twist, like fried green tomatoes and burgers piled high. The biscuits and gravy are just as good as Grandma use to make, and the filet is absolute perfection. The crab hash and the baked brie are both dishes you won’t want to leave without trying. The food here is absolutely delectable.
5. Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano at 4456 Nicholasville Road in Lexington
This authentic white table cloth Italian restaurant has 4.5 well deserved stars. The classic atmosphere is inviting with a traditional family feel, like dining in an Italian Grandmother’s home. A dining experience here consists of fresh out of the oven bread, homemade sauces with the taste of Italy, fresh pasta, and traditional meats, from meatballs to slices. Everyone’s favorite dishes like lasagna, Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan, Manicotti and more, are cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. No one flavor is to overpowering, and instead, diners enjoy a refreshing taste with hints of basil, oregano and other Italian seasonings. On Sundays patrons are entertained by live Jazz musicians while they dine, creating a romantic, and memorable environment.
4. Blue Raven at 211 Main Street in Pikeville
This unique Applachian restaurant rates a 4.2, but diners rave about the food. They specialize in meat dishes and new twists on comfort food in a cozy environment. The service is always friendly and fast. The drumsticks with tai glaze, ribeye wrap, fried oysters and shrimp and grits all come highly recommended. Everything on the menu is great, especially the chocolate amaretto cream pie. Each patron leaves the Raven satisfied.
3. Babylon Gyros at 213 W Main Street in Richmond
When it comes to Greek food, Babylon comes out on top with 4.6 stars. The service is fast and friendly while providing quality food that you’d expect if traveling the mystic isles of Greece. The Chicken Shawarma, kabobs, eggplant and cucumber sauce are all unforgettable flavor explosions. If you have never enjoyed Greek cuisine, this is a perfect place to start. The staff is quick to explain the different flavors and combinations that tend to be favored. If you want spice, they can give you several different levels of it. If you prefer a milder flavor, the menu is equally versatile. This is the, "Get you to the Greek" stop in Kentucky.
2. Billy Ray's Restaurant at 101 N Front Street in Prestonburg
This home cooking restaurant got a 4.8 star rating and is known to always have fast, friendly service. This is the home of the original pool room hamburger, and their melt in your mouth burgers will attest to the truth in that. The menu has a variety of comfort food dishes and the atmosphere is welcoming enough to make patrons feel at home.
1. Asiatique Restaurant at 1767 Bardstown Road in Louisville
This is an out of the world Asian Fusion restaurant that balances the best flavors from around the world in unique dishes prepared by Professional Chefs Looi and Sarah. The restaurant rated 4.2 stars, but according to our dining experiences, we’d have to say 5 stars. The chefs put a little magic in every dish and the staff is extremely accommodating and helpful. The taster menu offers 5 courses including a "to die for" dessert, all with generous portions. You choose between a unique variety of dishes, including meats like duck, lamb and pork, seafood or vegetarian. If the taster menu doesn’t appeal, they offer a nice selection of amazing dishes individually. The appetizer selections are so delightful you can easily fill up on things like goat cheese and crab spring rolls, tuna sashimi, calamari, or Parmesan mushroom soup. When it comes to the cuisine and cocktails of Asiatique, you will find yourself drawn back to dine again whenever possible. This is a must stop in Louisville.
Each of these restaurants offer a memorable experience and fabulous food in a variety of styles. What do you consider the most highly rated Kentucky restaurants and have you ever been to any of these?
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