5 Best Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky to Try

Horse country is now foodie country, as Lexington’s best restaurants blend Southern heritage and Kentucky terroir with culinary verve.

1. Dudley’s on Short

Chic and classic, Dudley’s sets the scene with a rooftop terrace, a deep bourbon list, and farm-fresh Southern: cornbread-crusted catfish, lamb chops, shrimp and grits, and creative salads. Service is polished, the wine list is a local legend, and every meal feels like an occasion.

2. Carson’s Food & Drink

Carson’s delivers upmarket comfort—steaks, bourbon salmon, loaded burgers, and a craft-beer list stacked with Kentucky stars. The décor is industrial-chic but warm, and there’s always a crowd of families, students, and business folks alike.

3. County Club

This wood-paneled smokehouse fuses deep South bbq and international eats: think brisket banh mi, smoked pork shoulder, sweet potato frites, and a bourbon slushy. Craft cocktails and rotating beers keep the place lively.

4. Bella Notte

Cozy, bustling, and family-run, Bella Notte is a Lexington staple for wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and a garden patio perfect for warm nights. Staff are welcoming, portions hearty, and the tiramisu is always a hit.

5. DV8 Kitchen

A social enterprise and bakery, DV8 serves epic breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and coffee alongside hearty, “recovery-first” comfort fare. Expect a warm welcome, and know your meal supports a meaningful mission giving second chances to those in recovery.