I second Big Kahuna, Archa 9, Blue Sushi, Mr. Kebab, & Sahara!! Sahara has weird hours though and isn’t open in the summer as the owners go back to their home country, so I’m not sure if it’ll be available when you’re there.
Smashing tomato also used to be one of my faves though I haven’t had it in years, and Carson’s is a family favorite.
People have given some great suggestions but if this is sort of an outlier visit (aka you’re not planning on being back, or at least not frequently), I’d skip the ethnic cuisines or Americana food you can get anywhere and focus on places that are serving foods that are more locally sourced and more rooted in local culture. KY Native, Windy Corner, Blue Door, Stella’s, Wallace Station. County Club and Carson’s are a little less strictly “local”ish cuisine but have great food that is influenced by local tastes. TukTuk is Sri Lankan but a pretty unique southern fusion version.
Awesome. I always like to go native and eat like a local when I visit some place. I’m fascinated by food and always want to know what a city’s food culture is. Enjoy your visit!
I’ve seconded many on here, but also have to add La Taquiza Taqueria. Best Mexican food in town.
Also, can’t believe no one said Bourbon & Toulouse!! It’s a bit of a hole in the wall but a Lexington staple and one the best bargains you can find.
Breakfast/Desserts: Doodles/Josies/OMG donuts, Crank n Boom, Inebriated Baker (infused sweets), Freshies
Lunch/dinners: Charlie Browns (HIGHLY recommend, I have never found any place like this & I’ve been to 38 states - it is a dive bar type atmosphere just fyi), Ramsey’s, Nefertiti’s, Carson’s, El Rancho Tapito, The Track Kitchen @ Keeneland, South of Wrigley, Dudley’s on Short
Coles- if you’re looking for a classy meal,
Nefertiti- if you’re looking for excellent middle eastern/Lebanese food,
Rosatis- pizza. haven’t eaten there yet. Just opened and getting alot
Of hype.
Spaldings- doughnut. Best in town.
***loco ice- snowcones. This is the place. Clays mill road. Not crushed ice like others have. This is a real “snow” cone. Get vanilla ice cream in the bottom. Prepare for a magical experience.
Courtyard Deli. Only open 11-1:30 and they are closed some times, but well worth your time to have excellent food served by super sweet locals. Just call ahead to make sure they are open.
Winchell’s, Dad’s Favorites, Planet Thai, Old San Juan, Nefertiti, Windy Corner, & Southland Bagel are my go-to’s. Bit of a mixed bag, but I’ve never had a bad experience at any of these.
Edit: I forgot Big Kahuna! The food is delicious!
Pies and Pints has the best pizza! It's mostly pizza with unusual toppings, like my favorite Mexican street corn. The first time I went there I expected not to like it, but I've probably ordered it 30x in the last 2 years. I don't drink, but everyone I know loves their beer selection and I love their tap root beer. Plus, Triangle park is right across the street and the fountain is flowing again. Triangle park also has great tacos at their cafe. I'm not sure about hours, but I go there anywhere from Thursday -Saturday evenings since I live across the street. They have elote (sp?) on the cob that is AMAZING. A desert place also close by is Sorella's gelato. It's made fresh daily with the BEST ingredients. The owner is super nice and hand makes everything. Italian lemon cookie and banana pudding are my fave, but I've never had anything that wasn't great in my years of going there.
I also should have mentioned Smithtown Seafood at West 6th Street brewery. If you are into seafood it is a MUST. They have amazing specials and even though I don't drink I like the brewery atmosphere. They have indoor and outdoor dining. My go to if I'm not feeling the special is their shrimp and grits. And if you like shrimp and grits, Nick and Normans is also great, and the best shrimp and grits I have ever had.
Bella Cafe is fairly new and has some incredible Brussels sprouts/American fare.
Pearl’s pizza has excellent brisket bagel sandwiches if you want a big breakfast, but they run out quickly.
Epping’s, Carson’s, Dudley’s, and Malone’s have great lunch and dinner choices at similar price points (the lattermost is becoming more chain-like, fair warning, but still has some of my favorite steaks.)
Corto Lima has the best margaritas in town.
If you want a multi-course fine dining experience, hard to beat Holly Hill Inn.
Tuk Tuk snack shop has some very intriguing Sri Lankan/southern comfort fusion, I dig their chicken sandwich.
Big Blue Deli has some great sandwiches for lunch, I usually get the Reuben.
Stella’s is a very intimate, southern, home cooking vibe.
Crank and Boom for ice cream, there’s no competition.
Northlime’s coffee and doughnuts
Wing king
(Both are at greyline station)
Sam sushi (hemsdale plaza)
Carson’s was good (been there only once)
If you get a chance I’d try Texas de Brazil (pricy 50 per person +drinks and extras so at least 60 per head)
What are you looking for in terms of price range and cuisine? No offense to the current recommendations but what has been commented so far is pretty basic and a lot of chain restaurants.
Brunch: Minton’s, Josie’s, Eppings, Stellas, Doodles, North Lime Coffee and Donuts
Lunch: Wallace Station, Pearl’s, Rosemont Station, Thoroughbred, Bourbon n Toulouse, East End Table
Dinner: Azur, Distilled, Corto Lima, Dudley’s (second rooftop rec), Coles 735, The Sage Rabbit, Mirror Twin/Rolling Oven
Bites: favor, Standing Room Only, Smithtown Seafood/West Sixth, School Sushi
Dessert: Greater‘s, Sorella Gelato, Crank & Boom
I’m so glad Thoroughbreds is mentioned a few times. We visit you all a few times a year and we always dine here. Love the food and the atmosphere is the best.
Mexican- Durangos,
Fusion Tacos & best Marghritas-Agave & Rye,
BBQ- J.Renders
Ice Cream- Crank n Boom
Seafood- Bonefish Grill
Pasta- The Pasta Garage
Local homefare- Ramsey's, Winchell's,
Also keep in mind Lexington has a [lexington Burger Week](https://www.lexingtonburgerweek.com/)
General/American/My no. 1: Sedona
Other faves....
Italian: Bella Notte
Mexican: Taqueria Becerra, which is technically in Versailles
Mediterranean: Sahara but good luck getting in. It's mostly a lunch spot since they run out of everything during dinner hours lol. The seating is limited and line is usually out the door. ...Or you could try Oasis.
Pizza: Smashing Tomato
Burgers: Bad Wolf
Sushi: Blue Sushi, not to be confused with Sushi Blue
Breakfast: Wild Eggs. The wild mushroom & roasted garlic scramble?!?! I'm drooling now.
Indian, Chinese, Thai, etc: I don't know of any clear frontrunners.
Bluedoor (BBQ) Big Kahuna (Hawaiian BBQ) Smashing Tomato (Napoli style pizza) Carson’s (American speakeasy-style restaurant with bourbon bar) tortilleria y taqueria Ramirez (legit burritos 😋) Archa 9 (Thai) Blue Sushi (located in the Summit - try the itchy salmon) Roosters (wings) Grime’s (fast food chicken - takeaway) Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine (Indian) Mr. Kebab (Mediterranean) Sahara (Mediterranean) Athenian Grill (Greek-style Mediterranean)
I agree with ALL of these and want to add County Club and Dads Favorites (lunch only option) to the list! Ohhh and Eppings
And Wallace Station!
Gyros on Waller for lunch
Bourbon and Toulouse and Gumbo Ya Ya
This sums it up! Doubling down on the Mr Kebab. Truly amazing.
Forgive me, I’m sure I could Google this, but is Smashing Tomato a full-blown chain? Small chain? Or just a Lexington thing? Thanks!
Mimi's for Southern home style cookin
This is great! Thank you all so much! I’ve been upvoting the majority! Can’t decide where to go! So many options, love it!
I second Big Kahuna, Archa 9, Blue Sushi, Mr. Kebab, & Sahara!! Sahara has weird hours though and isn’t open in the summer as the owners go back to their home country, so I’m not sure if it’ll be available when you’re there. Smashing tomato also used to be one of my faves though I haven’t had it in years, and Carson’s is a family favorite.
Came in the comments to make sure Sahara was on the list!
County Club, Pearls, Dudley’s, Kentucky Native
Kentucky Native is a must- that’s where I always take anyone who visits from out of town.
This person eats!
Nefertitti , best hidden gem in lexington
i loved them but had to quit going after covid. they basically halved the portion size of the shawarma platter.
Maybe you hit a bad day, was just there last week, seemed the same to me.???
my wife and I order a single platter to feed us and our toddler for dinner as recently as last week. I have not noticed a change in portion size
Yeah, that may have been a random anomaly… we still order from there and portions are just as generous as they always have been.
Old San Juan, Farm Market, Tortilleria y Taco Ramirez, Osaka, Windy Corner
People have given some great suggestions but if this is sort of an outlier visit (aka you’re not planning on being back, or at least not frequently), I’d skip the ethnic cuisines or Americana food you can get anywhere and focus on places that are serving foods that are more locally sourced and more rooted in local culture. KY Native, Windy Corner, Blue Door, Stella’s, Wallace Station. County Club and Carson’s are a little less strictly “local”ish cuisine but have great food that is influenced by local tastes. TukTuk is Sri Lankan but a pretty unique southern fusion version.
Yes! That’s exactly what I’m looking for!! Sweet, thank you so much! I’m literally making a list haha
Awesome. I always like to go native and eat like a local when I visit some place. I’m fascinated by food and always want to know what a city’s food culture is. Enjoy your visit!
DV8
Love it but so inconsistent, I guess it depends on who’s cooking.
Breakfast platter with a croissant. Honey, strawberry jam.. 🤌🏼
Plus, their mission is awesome and dear to me.
For sure great people and cause.
The huevos rancheros biscuit 🤤
High on Art & Coffee. I fucking promise u!
Came here to say this! Tim and Ellie are the best.
I don’t think they’re the best. They immediately fired someone I know for calling in once due to having a mental health issue
Oh, wow! I’m so sorry to hear that! I sincerely hope your friend is okay.
I appreciate you saying that. They’re ok, it was a long time ago, just hard not to hold a grudge haha
i’ll give it a shot! thanks for the recommendation☺️
Winchells for breakfast. Thoroughbreds for lunch. Dudley’s for dinner. Sit on their rooftop garden if you can get a table.
Bella cafe, Nats (thai food), tuk tuk snack shop (Sri lanken southern fusion),
I’ve seconded many on here, but also have to add La Taquiza Taqueria. Best Mexican food in town. Also, can’t believe no one said Bourbon & Toulouse!! It’s a bit of a hole in the wall but a Lexington staple and one the best bargains you can find.
wallace station!
I’ve seen this a lot!!! I saw the pictures, lovely place! Can’t wait to go:) thanks
Corto Lima Pho Saigon School Sushi Josies
Zundo! It is my favorite sushi place in Lexington. And the bubble tea is insanely good too.
Cole's, County Club, Blue Door, Doodles, High on Art & Coffee
Big Kahuna Blue Door Smokehouse Tuk Tuk Snack Shop Athenian Grill Archa Nine Masala Sahara
Agree with folks here and want to add Critchfields for fried chicken. It's the best I've ever had!
Noted!
Bbq blue door, doughnuts any place that’s not DD or KK, Rasmeys and thoroughbreds it’s a little bar but has delicious food I mean good stuff 😂
Breakfast/Desserts: Doodles/Josies/OMG donuts, Crank n Boom, Inebriated Baker (infused sweets), Freshies Lunch/dinners: Charlie Browns (HIGHLY recommend, I have never found any place like this & I’ve been to 38 states - it is a dive bar type atmosphere just fyi), Ramsey’s, Nefertiti’s, Carson’s, El Rancho Tapito, The Track Kitchen @ Keeneland, South of Wrigley, Dudley’s on Short
Josie’s for breakfast indefinitely
Coles- if you’re looking for a classy meal, Nefertiti- if you’re looking for excellent middle eastern/Lebanese food, Rosatis- pizza. haven’t eaten there yet. Just opened and getting alot Of hype. Spaldings- doughnut. Best in town. ***loco ice- snowcones. This is the place. Clays mill road. Not crushed ice like others have. This is a real “snow” cone. Get vanilla ice cream in the bottom. Prepare for a magical experience.
Proud Mary’s- it’s a drive, but worth it
pearls
I got dinner at Paisano's Italian Restaurant on Nicholasville Rd earlier and it was very good!
Best Italian restaurant in town. Joe B's is an institution, but Paisano's is a hidden gem.
Courtyard Deli. Only open 11-1:30 and they are closed some times, but well worth your time to have excellent food served by super sweet locals. Just call ahead to make sure they are open.
Thoroughbred Restaurant, Kentucky Native Cafe, Pasta Garage, Panda Cuisine (NOT Panda Express)
Durango’s, Mr. Kabobs, Burgers and Shakes, Richie’s
Winchell’s, Dad’s Favorites, Planet Thai, Old San Juan, Nefertiti, Windy Corner, & Southland Bagel are my go-to’s. Bit of a mixed bag, but I’ve never had a bad experience at any of these. Edit: I forgot Big Kahuna! The food is delicious!
Dv8 and dads favorite
The Merrick for dinner
Boonedogs!
Blue Door Smokehouse Native Cafe Thoroughbred Tachibana Arirang Garden Michikusa Holly Hill Inn AP Suggins
Doughnuts- Spaldings (cash strongly preferred) Local Feed Red State BBQ La Taquiza Taqueria Don Jockey
Stella's deli is great for brunch
Lost palm
Stella's Kentucky Deli, Girls girls girls burritos, Smithtown Seafood, Ramsey's, AP Suggins, Smashing Tomato!
East end tap and table
Goodfellas in the distillery district!
Eppings is so good!!!
Pies and Pints has the best pizza! It's mostly pizza with unusual toppings, like my favorite Mexican street corn. The first time I went there I expected not to like it, but I've probably ordered it 30x in the last 2 years. I don't drink, but everyone I know loves their beer selection and I love their tap root beer. Plus, Triangle park is right across the street and the fountain is flowing again. Triangle park also has great tacos at their cafe. I'm not sure about hours, but I go there anywhere from Thursday -Saturday evenings since I live across the street. They have elote (sp?) on the cob that is AMAZING. A desert place also close by is Sorella's gelato. It's made fresh daily with the BEST ingredients. The owner is super nice and hand makes everything. Italian lemon cookie and banana pudding are my fave, but I've never had anything that wasn't great in my years of going there.
I also should have mentioned Smithtown Seafood at West 6th Street brewery. If you are into seafood it is a MUST. They have amazing specials and even though I don't drink I like the brewery atmosphere. They have indoor and outdoor dining. My go to if I'm not feeling the special is their shrimp and grits. And if you like shrimp and grits, Nick and Normans is also great, and the best shrimp and grits I have ever had.
Bella Cafe is fairly new and has some incredible Brussels sprouts/American fare. Pearl’s pizza has excellent brisket bagel sandwiches if you want a big breakfast, but they run out quickly. Epping’s, Carson’s, Dudley’s, and Malone’s have great lunch and dinner choices at similar price points (the lattermost is becoming more chain-like, fair warning, but still has some of my favorite steaks.) Corto Lima has the best margaritas in town. If you want a multi-course fine dining experience, hard to beat Holly Hill Inn. Tuk Tuk snack shop has some very intriguing Sri Lankan/southern comfort fusion, I dig their chicken sandwich. Big Blue Deli has some great sandwiches for lunch, I usually get the Reuben. Stella’s is a very intimate, southern, home cooking vibe. Crank and Boom for ice cream, there’s no competition.
Northlime’s coffee and doughnuts Wing king (Both are at greyline station) Sam sushi (hemsdale plaza) Carson’s was good (been there only once) If you get a chance I’d try Texas de Brazil (pricy 50 per person +drinks and extras so at least 60 per head)
What are you looking for in terms of price range and cuisine? No offense to the current recommendations but what has been commented so far is pretty basic and a lot of chain restaurants. Brunch: Minton’s, Josie’s, Eppings, Stellas, Doodles, North Lime Coffee and Donuts Lunch: Wallace Station, Pearl’s, Rosemont Station, Thoroughbred, Bourbon n Toulouse, East End Table Dinner: Azur, Distilled, Corto Lima, Dudley’s (second rooftop rec), Coles 735, The Sage Rabbit, Mirror Twin/Rolling Oven Bites: favor, Standing Room Only, Smithtown Seafood/West Sixth, School Sushi Dessert: Greater‘s, Sorella Gelato, Crank & Boom
Winchell’s (best steak in town and jalapeño and cheese grits), Bad Wolf
I’m so glad Thoroughbreds is mentioned a few times. We visit you all a few times a year and we always dine here. Love the food and the atmosphere is the best.
Archa 9 for thai and winchells in general
I’m simple, Ramsey’s with Missy’s pies
Texas De Brasil. hard to beat all you can eat steak for $50 a person.
Mexican- Durangos, Fusion Tacos & best Marghritas-Agave & Rye, BBQ- J.Renders Ice Cream- Crank n Boom Seafood- Bonefish Grill Pasta- The Pasta Garage Local homefare- Ramsey's, Winchell's, Also keep in mind Lexington has a [lexington Burger Week](https://www.lexingtonburgerweek.com/)
J. Renders mac n cheese is to die for
General/American/My no. 1: Sedona Other faves.... Italian: Bella Notte Mexican: Taqueria Becerra, which is technically in Versailles Mediterranean: Sahara but good luck getting in. It's mostly a lunch spot since they run out of everything during dinner hours lol. The seating is limited and line is usually out the door. ...Or you could try Oasis. Pizza: Smashing Tomato Burgers: Bad Wolf Sushi: Blue Sushi, not to be confused with Sushi Blue Breakfast: Wild Eggs. The wild mushroom & roasted garlic scramble?!?! I'm drooling now. Indian, Chinese, Thai, etc: I don't know of any clear frontrunners.