Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky

Lockbox is located inside the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington, offering a romantic dining experience amid marble floors, decorative plasterwork, and rotating exhibitions of original artworks. Featuring communal tables in both the lounge and dining rooms, Lockbox delivers exceptional meals crafted with the highest-quality local ingredients and showcases some of Kentucky’s finest Bourbons and Ryes.

Recommended For: Couples, art lovers, foodies, and anyone seeking an elevated dining experience with local flavors in a museum-inspired setting.

• Dine among contemporary art exhibitions in a stunning, historic space.
• Savor expertly prepared dishes made from premium, locally sourced ingredients.
• Enjoy communal dining that fosters connection and lively conversation.
• Taste some of Kentucky’s finest Bourbons and Ryes alongside your meal.
• Relax in a beautifully designed atmosphere with minimal wait times for seating.

167 West Main Street, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-899-6860

Carson's Food & Drink is a casual yet stylish restaurant in Lexington with a hip, rustic chic vibe featuring leather, brick, wood, and oversized chandeliers that evoke a speakeasy feel. Guests enjoy gourmet pub fare with creative twists, alongside Prohibition-era cocktails, live jazz on weekends, and a lively atmosphere with TVs, outdoor patio dining, and delivery options.

Recommended For: Friends, couples, brunch enthusiasts, and anyone craving elevated pub food, craft cocktails, and live music.

• Delight in gourmet pub classics like the soft shell crab BLT or flavorful brunch scrambles.
• Pair your meal with inventive Prohibition-inspired cocktails or a loaded Bloody Mary.
• Relax to live jazz music on weekend evenings and at Sunday brunch.
• Enjoy outdoor patio dining or catch the game on one of the restaurant’s TVs.
• Opt for convenient delivery when you’re craving Carson’s at home.

362 Main Street, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-309-3039

Azur Restaurant & Patio offers an open, stylish, yet organic atmosphere where European flair meets exceptional service and inventive cuisine. Known for its romantic ambience, Azur delivers a fine dining experience without the hefty price tag, using high-quality local ingredients to craft unforgettable seafood and beef dishes that keep guests coming back for more.

Recommended For: Couples, food enthusiasts, special occasions, and anyone seeking fine dining with approachable pricing and fresh, local flavors.

• Savor expertly prepared seafood and beef dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.
• Relax in a romantic, stylish setting with attentive, top-notch service.
• Experience European-inspired cuisine crafted by a talented, passionate culinary team.
• Enjoy a fine dining experience that’s both elegant and wallet-friendly.
• Discover why this once-hidden gem has become a Lexington favorite.

3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-296-1007

Bella Notte is a beloved romantic Italian ristorante in Lexington, delighting guests since 1996 with authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. Known for its signature wood-fired seafood and meats, Bella Notte offers three dining areas, with the Patio Room standing out as the most intimate choice for couples seeking a cozy, fireplace-lit experience.

Recommended For: Couples, families, Italian food lovers, and anyone craving a warm, intimate dining atmosphere with classic flavors.

• Savor authentic Italian dishes featuring wood-fired seafood, meats, and classic pastas.
• Choose the Patio Room for a romantic experience with a glowing fireplace and mood lighting.
• Relax in a casual yet elegant setting that’s been a local favorite for decades.
• Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with a diverse, satisfying menu.
• Discover why loyal diners have returned to Bella Notte for over twenty years.

3715 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-245-1789

The Blue Heron Steakhouse is Lexington’s top destination for steak lovers, offering a romantic southern chic atmosphere inside a beautifully renovated historic home on Jefferson Street. Known for its signature Porterhouse steak for two, the Blue Heron also delights diners with premium beef, fresh oysters, fried chicken, anchovies, and Caesar salads, all complemented by a bar boasting over 50 wines and Monday night specials.

Recommended For: Couples, steak enthusiasts, wine lovers, and anyone seeking an upscale, intimate dining experience with southern charm.

• Savor perfectly cooked premium beef, including the standout Porterhouse steak for two.
• Indulge in fresh oysters, fried chicken, white anchovies, and crisp Caesar salads.
• Relax in a romantic, southern chic setting inside a historic Lexington home.
• Explore an impressive wine list with over 50 bottles and special Monday night deals.
• Experience a beloved local favorite perfect for a special night out or celebration.

185 Jefferson Street, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-254-2491

Palmers Fresh Grill offers a romantic and tranquil dining experience in Lexington, with every seat boasting inspiring views over the water. Whether enjoying a meal on the patio to the sounds of gently lapping waves or dining inside the upscale restaurant, couples can savor fresh seafood, brunch favorites, and an extensive wine list in one of the city’s premier dining destinations.

Recommended For: Couples, seafood lovers, brunch enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a serene, scenic dining experience.

• Savor dinner delights like Norwegian salmon, seared diver scallops, and Oriental mahi.
• Indulge in brunch favorites such as Cajun shrimp hash, Palmers waffles, and bottomless mimosas.
• Relax on the outdoor patio or in the elegant dining room with tranquil waterfront views.
• Explore a thoughtfully curated wine list that perfectly complements fresh seafood dishes.
• Experience one of Lexington’s most romantic and memorable dining destinations.

161 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-273-0103

Distilled on Jefferson is a standout Lexington dining destination, voted one of the 50 top restaurants in the South. With its newly renovated interior, soft lighting, and private booths, it offers an intimate, romantic atmosphere perfect for a special dinner. The refined menu features dishes like tempura halibut, braised rabbit, and porcini dry rub filet, all paired beautifully with an impressive selection of wines, whiskeys, and bourbons.

Recommended For: Couples, food enthusiasts, special celebrations, and anyone seeking an upscale, intimate dining experience.

• Savor expertly crafted dishes, from delicate tempura halibut to rich braised rabbit and porcini dry rub filet.
• Relax in private booths surrounded by soft lighting and an elegant, romantic atmosphere.
• Pair your meal with selections from an extensive list of wines, whiskeys, and bourbons.
• Experience why Distilled is ranked among the top dining spots in the South.
• Reserve your table in advance for an unforgettable evening out.

157 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: 859-255-0002

Dudley’s on Short, named one of Kentucky’s best restaurants, offers fine dining with a romantic antebellum flair in the heart of Lexington’s business district. Housed in a beautifully renovated 1889 landmark, Dudley’s enchants diners with elegant surroundings and a diverse menu featuring everything from fresh oysters to their signature spring lamb, making it an ideal choice for a memorable dinner for two.

Recommended For: Couples, special occasions, fine dining lovers, and anyone seeking historic charm paired with outstanding cuisine.

• Savor refined dishes, including fresh oysters, seasonal specialties, and signature spring lamb.
• Enjoy romantic ambience inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building.
• Relax in one of Lexington’s most iconic and elegant downtown dining spaces.
• Take advantage of convenient valet parking available Thursday through Saturday evenings.
• Experience why Dudley’s is celebrated among Kentucky’s premier dining destinations.

259 West Short Street, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-252-1010

Le Deauville offers a romantic and relaxed atmosphere for authentic French dining in Lexington. Whether seated in the charming Bouchon Room that evokes the feel of Paris or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the city’s historic district, guests can savor classic French dishes like bouillabaisse, escargot, and dijonnaise, paired with selections from a wine list boasting over three dozen bottles.

Recommended For: Couples, French cuisine lovers, special occasions, and anyone seeking a quintessentially romantic dining experience.

• Savor authentic French classics, including bouillabaisse, escargot, and dijonnaise entrées.
• Dine in the elegant Bouchon Room for a Parisian-inspired atmosphere.
• Relax on the outdoor terrace with views of Lexington’s historic section.
• Choose from a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring over three dozen bottles.
• Experience Lexington’s quintessential French dining destination for a memorable evening.

199 North Limestone, Lexington, KY
Phone: 859-246-0999