The Top Restaurants To Try In Lexington, Kentucky

Established in 2004, AZUR Restaurant and Patio is a locally owned restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Featuring a chic European inspired interior, complete with bold colors and curvy lines, the restaurant also has a covered, brick patio that is perfect for a relaxing summer evening out. Wonderful, live music often permeates the air on Friday and Saturday nights while guests drink and dine on delicious, fresh food made with local ingredients. The menu offers many seasonal selections with the bourbon fried chicken accompanied by bourbon mashed potatoes, Southern green beans, and cream gravy being one outstanding option. AZUR is open seven days a week.

A friendly, family-owned eatery, Bella Notte specializes in delectable Italian cuisine the entire family will enjoy. This trattoria is a wonderful place to sample seasonal fare, including some tasty summer options. Within a rustic interior, complete with a live tree, or outside on the charming patio, guests can feast upon several summer delicacies, including the gnocchi with white beans, lemon, young kale, wood-fired grilled sweet and spicy peppers, plus parmesan and the roasted chicken with late summer squash, grilled okra, potatoes, and pickled shallots with fig-balsamic glaze. To complement the meal, seasonal cocktails and a summer wine list are also available.

While the atmosphere is casual, the experience is a fine dining one at Coles 735 Main. Located inside a historic landmark, Coles serves American cuisine with a twist or more specifically, local fare combined with global flavors. It features not only an airy interior brimming with charm but also the perfect summertime seating, an outside gazebo. The pale blue structure, complete with hanging baskets draped in colorful flowers, is a lovely spot to sit back with friends and enjoy tasty eats, such as the bourbon-maple glazed Scottish salmon with house-made gnocchi, carrots, daikon, and citrus-fennel vinaigrette. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner..

Part of Lexington’s culinary scene since 1981, Dudley’s on Short is a lovely venue featuring creative American cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown and nestled inside a charming 1889 historic building, the restaurant features a two story interior plus a rooftop garden patio. Adorned with greenery, tables and chairs, plus comfortable couches where friends can converse, the outdoor space is a great spot for enjoying the warm summer air and a host of delectable food. One highlight from the menu is the seared tuna with port wine miso, black rice, and wasabi.

Looking for a laid back venue to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer or two? Then look no further than Ethereal Brewing, a vibrant venue located on the Pepper Distillery Campus. Opened in 2014, this brewery offers guests a large, outdoor space, complete with ample seating, concrete planters, plus a view of the nearby creek, perfect for mingling with people and sipping a variety of handcrafted creations from staple brews to limited edition options. Some of the craft beers guests might find on tap include the Lambda Oatmeal Stout, Anomaly Saison, and White Ale Witbier. For those visitors looking for something to eat, Ethereal often hosts food trucks. They are open every day.

Family owned and operated for approximately 40 years, Merrick Inn is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kentucky during the summer. Between the delicious Southern cuisine and the beautiful location, a manor house with lush landscape, this venue is a delight to visit during the warm season. The outdoor brick patio features a pool and is surrounded by verdant flora making the space a relaxing environment. One must try highlight from the menu is the Merrick hot brown, which is country ham and fresh turkey on toast points under mornay sauce with tomato, bacon, and parmesan. Merrick Inn offers dinner Monday through Saturday.

The Sage Rabbit specializes in local and seasonal fare within a friendly ambiance. Opening their doors at the end of July 2015, this chef owned establishment could not have picked a more perfect time to greet their first guests. With an abundance of summer produce plus a cozy, shaded outdoor patio, complete with hanging flower baskets, The Sage Rabbit offers a memorable summer experience. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, the menu has many fresh options, including the house made linguini with shrimp and summer herb pesto and the seared beef tenderloin with sauce moutarde, smoked garlic mashed potatoes, plus wilted spinach. Tantalizing desserts are also offered.

Tucked inside a renovated, colorful Victorian home, Stella’s Kentucky Deli is a delightful restaurant offering guests a taste of the Bluegrass State. Featuring a warm, inviting interior space, the deli also gives guests the option of dining and drinking, try a refreshing cocktail, on the brick patio, which is shaded by vibrant umbrellas, during the warmer months. Focusing on fresh, local ingredients, the menu offers comforting dishes, such as shrimp and grits with smoked ham and tomato Creole and the slow-roasted, local pork shoulder with Wiesenberger cheese grits, spicy greens, balsamic reduction, plus bourbon BBQ sauce. Stella’s welcomes visitors every day.
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