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What is Lexington known for besides food?
- In this part of the Bluegrass State, great restaurants are as big and well known as college basketball and the Kentucky Derby.
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How does Lexington's dining scene compare to other cities?
- Among other attractions, Lexington is home to some of the finest eating establishments not only in the South but the entire U.S..
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What types of cuisine can you find in Lexington?
- From Asian, Italian, and seafood restaurants to down-home Southern cuisine and fine steakhouses, Lexington has something for every taste.
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1. Lockbox
The Lockbox is set inside the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington. With its marble floors, large windows and decorative plaster designs, it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Rotating exhibitions of original, commissioned artworks add to the ambience. Dinner is served at communal tables in the lounge and dining rooms. With several rooms to accommodate patrons, the wait time to be seated is short. Dinner is served at communal tables in the lounge and dining rooms. The kitchen uses local ingredients that are of the highest quality, plus some of the finest Bourbons and Ryes in Kentucky.
167 West Main Street, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-899-6860
2. Carson's Food & Drink
Carson's Food & Drink is a casual restaurant with a hip, rustic chic ambience. The décor includes oversized chandeliers, and elements of leather, brick, and wood that create a speakeasy vibe. Talented chefs prepare gourmet pub grub with a twist, and Prohibition-era cocktails make the perfect complement. The upscale menu includes lunch items like a delicious soft shell crab BLT, and brunches offer flavorful scrambles, breakfast potatoes, and Bloody Marys with generous garnishes. Diners can expect live jazz music on weekend nights and at Sunday brunch. The restaurant has TVs and outdoor patio dining. They also offer delivery.
362 Main Street, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-309-3039
3. Azur Restaurant & Patio
Azur Restaurant & Patio has an open and stylish, yet organic atmosphere. Azur’s excellent service, unique cuisine, and romantic ambience provides guests with European flair. Although the restaurant is decidedly fine dining, it’s casual on the wallet. The wait staff is second to none, and the chef insists on high quality local ingredients and the freshest of foods. It is no wonder why this jewel is no longer a secret in Lexington. Whether you crave seafood or beef, the culinary team, headed by a talented chef, will have you pining for your next Azur Restaurant & Patio experience.
3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-296-1007
4. Bella Notte
Bella Notte, a true romantic Italian Ristorante, is situated amidst several chain restaurants in Lexington. It has been a staple of romantic dining since its doors opened in 1996. This family-friendly restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. With an array of menu choices, Bella Notte’s signature wood-fired seafood and meats have garnered loyal returning customers for more than two decades. Although there are three dining areas, the Patio Room is by far the most romantic. A warm fireplace and mood lighting make this the obvious choice for couples who are looking for an intimate dining experience.
3715 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-245-1789
5. The Blue Heron Steakhouse
Steak lovers have found their Lexington restaurant of choice at The Blue Heron Steakhouse. With its signature Porterhouse steak for two, the Blue Heron is the perfect place to take that special someone for a great romantic dinner. The ambience is southern chic in a renovated historic home on the bustling Jefferson Street corridor. The Blue Heron Steakhouse also serves fried chicken, oysters delivered fresh daily, fried white anchovies, Caesar salad, and premium beef that is a cut above the rest. The Blue Heron bar also has over 50 bottles of wine to choose from with wine specials on Monday nights.
185 Jefferson Street, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-254-2491, See the Map
6. Palmers Fresh Grill
For that special breakfast, brunch, or dinner, Palmers Fresh Grill offers diners a romantic and tranquil ambience. Suspended over the water, every seat in the restaurant has an inspiring view. Whether dining outside on the patio to the sounds of lapping water at the pylons, or inside the upscale dining room, this is a relaxing choice for couples. Palmers serves fresh seafood and an extensive wine list, making it one of Lexington’s premier dining experiences. Guests can expect menu choices like Norwegian salmon, seared diver scallops, and Oriental mahi for dinner. Brunch favorites include Cajun shrimp hash, Palmers waffles, and bottomless mimosas.
161 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-273-0103
7. Distilled on Jefferson
Diners at Distilled on Jefferson understand why this restaurant was voted one the 50 top restaurants in the South. When a romantic atmosphere is on the dining wish list, then Distilled is it. With its newly renovated interior, softer lighting, and new private booths, the restaurant creates the perfect setting for a special dinner for two. The menu ranges from tempura halibut to braised rabbit to porcini dry rub filet. Guests can complement their dinners with a wide selection of wines, whiskeys, and bourbons. Reservations are recommended, either by calling the restaurant or by using the Open Table app.
157 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508, Phone: 859-255-0002
8. Dudley's on Short
Named one of the Blue Grass state’s best restaurants, Dudley's on Short is long on romantic ambience. Situated in the center of Lexington’s business district, the two-story restaurant was completely renovated in 2010. Dudley’s offers fine dining in an antebellum setting, which makes it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner for two. Originally built in 1889, it’s one of the most prominent structures in Lexington’s downtown area. Dudley’s on Short serves diverse dishes from oysters to their signature spring lamb. As with most downtown Lexington locations parking is premium, so Dudley’s offers valet parking Thursday through Saturday evenings.
259 West Short Street, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-252-1010
9. Le Deauville
For a romantic, relaxed atmosphere with authentic French cuisine, Le Deauville is the place to be. Eating in the Bouchon Room will make you feel like you’re eating in the City of Lights, as will their tantalizing menu with entrees such as bouillabaisse, escargot and dijonnaise. It’s a perfectly romantic setting. If diners crave a more casual setting, then the choice to dine on the outdoor terrace overlooking Lexington’s historical section will fit the bill. The restaurant has a wine list of over three dozen bottles. Le Deauville is the quintessential French dining experience in Lexington.
199 North Limestone, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-246-0999
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Lockbox
- 2. Carson's Food & Drink
- 3. Azur Restaurant & Patio
- 4. Bella Notte
- 5. The Blue Heron Steakhouse
- 6. Palmers Fresh Grill
- 7. Distilled on Jefferson
- 8. Dudley's on Short
- 9. Le Deauville