10 Italian Restaurants In Kentucky That'll Make Your Taste Buds Explode
By Jenn Shockley|Published February 25, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Almost everyone has had spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, (and pizza is a given,) but there is more to Italian food than that. The Italians perfected the art of tomato sauce, pasta and fresh bread—and they are the masterminds behind pizza. Some have never experienced truly authentic Italian food, but once you do, there is no substitute. Real Italian food is not hard to find in Kentucky, and here are 10 restaurants so good your taste buds will crave it:
10. Steve O's Italian Kitchen at 4205 KY-146 in LaGrange
When it comes to small, family style Italian restaurants, you cannot beat Steve O’s for food, price or ambiance. This is a great place to come for a date, a family gathering or a friends dinner day. Customers are always greeted quickly and service is immaculate. This is well worth a visit if you enjoy Italian cuisine. The smell of pizza baking will have your mouthwatering in no time, but extra napkins are available.
This fantastic Italian food spot is worthy of being in films, and it was. A portion of "Rain Man" was shot here. The food is authentic Italian and there is a bocce court for fun in the back.
Each and every pasta dish is delicious, as is the stuffed crust pizza. Garlic knots are tasty plain or dipped in sauce. The pizza crust is slightly greasy, but it just adds to the flavor. Extra napkins are advised if you go with the pizza.
The Spanakopita and Hand Breaded Calamari make a great start for appetizers here, followed up with an authentic Greek salad and any one of their traditional Italian dishes. The food is so good it is hard to choose between Veal Piccata, Marsala, Eggplant Parmesan and more. The Tour of Italy is a great sampler dish to stop indecision.
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6. Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano at 4456 Nicholasville Road in Lexington
Giuseppe's
This family style Italian restaurant is known for its white table cloths and traditional cuisine. They have a great Sunday brunch and live jazz plays in the lounge. It is very worth the visit.
The Spinach Alia Oilo is great here, but so is the Eggplant Parm. If you happen to be a seafood lover, the Baked Cod Italiano is a dish that won’t leave you disappointed.
This is a great place to go with a group that enjoys the same types of food. Dishes seem costly, but feed 2-4 people, so sharing is the ideal way to go.
The spinach ravioli is one of my favorites here, but meat lovers will find the meat ravioli divine. Baked spaghetti, manicotti, ziti, calzones… each and every dish is so flavorful you will feel like you are in Italy.
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1. DiFabio's Casapela at 2311 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville
This Italian restaurant offers a warm, inviting environment with fresh made bread that is soft and delicious. They serve up an authentic style of Italian cuisine that is absolutely mouthwatering down to the last bite. The salads are crisp and made fresh. When it comes to dessert, the Tiramisu is the best in Louisville.
Authentic Italian restaurants are not hard to find in Kentucky. All you have to do is follow the fresh scent of baking bread and homemade tomato sauce. (Not really, but once you are in the area, you usually will catch a delightful scent.) What is your favorite place to eat authentic Italian food in Kentucky?
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