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a la lucie
159 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507 · 859-252-5277
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Renowned as one of Lexington's best restaurants, this intimate bistro has a style all its own. Deep green walls, bright red ceilings, and splashes of leopard print on booths, chandelier shades, and carpeting give it a certain flair, and an eclectic array of art includes everything from female nudes to a black-and-white image of Holly Golightly. The menu's delights include tender fried oysters, succulent beef tenderloin with lobster mashed potatoes, and a perfectly prepared crème brûlée. White tablecloths, jazz music, soft candlelight, and a good wine list render the place perfect for a romantic evening or a delicious dinner out.
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deSha's
101 N Broadway, Victorian Square, Lexington, KY 40507 · 859-259-3771
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An historic building, right across from Triangle Park, sets the scene for this downtown mainstay, whose interior boasts a traditional, genteel Victorian charm. Amid jewel-toned appointments, diners indulge in prime rib, one of the city's best hot browns, roasted pork loin, Maryland crab cakes, Kentucky outback shrimp (grilled, then dressed in spicy tomato sauce), and sugar spiced char-grilled salmon (glazed with raspberry almond butter). Private rooms and a full bar add to the restaurant's appeal.
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Dudley's
380 S Mill St, Lexington, KY 40508 · 859-252-1010
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Occupying a one-time school house, this long-lived local favorite sits not far from either downtown or the UK campus and attracts a professional crowd. Along with the cozy dining room, it boasts an outdoor patio, and a great bar. The menu features roasted salmon, coriander-glazed chicken, veal Milanese, Australian lamb rib chops, and grilled pork. Pastas and steaks are also available, and the restaurant serves dinner quite late, a boon to folks with busy schedules. Applauded by many local and regional publications.
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Originally a self-sufficient farm house and country home, this estimable restaurant is one of the top regional spots for superb cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. A husband-and-wife team, both Culinary Institute of America alums, heads the restaurant and creates imaginative themed meals. Prix fixe, multi-course forays into temptation feature such dishes as veal scaloppini with spinach-ricotta dumplings, Black Angus roast rib of beef, and soft-shelled crabs with mango chutney. A terrific wine list adds to the allure of this fabulous place that's only a fifteen-minute drive from Lexington.
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After husband and wife team Ben and Jeanie O'Daniel established their vineyard, they created its companion, this wonderful bistro. Boasting simple style, a copper-topped bar, and a sublime outdoor patio, the restaurant also serves terrific food. The changing menu is French-inflected, built around wines, and it features dishes like sweetbreads, braised chicken, lamb medallions, and oak-roasted salmon. As a result, folks flock to the place regularly, and often, they stay and linger into the night, wine glasses happily in hand.
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Named for chef Jonathan Lundy, this charming restaurant has a refined, Old World feel, thanks to its presence in the Gratz Park Inn. Deep, ochre-toned walls and polished woodwork surround diners, who delight in the kitchen's "redefined regional cuisine." The hip, upscale menu includes lobster and dumplings, black-eyed pea-crusted sea scallops, coffee-seared pork chops, fried oyster-stuffed filet mignon, and barbecued yellowfin tuna. A wonderfully cozy bar makes a terrific hangout for the professional crowd, and private events are welcomed.
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You'll feel as if you're dining in another era at this stately, 19th-century mansion home, which is surrounded by centuries-old trees. Inside, chandeliers and antiques confirm the air of gentility, and the menu boasts an always-impressive line-up, from grilled rack of lamb to pan-seared duck breast, phyllo-wrapped sea bass, veal piccata, and prime NY strip. Finish up with chocolate bread pudding dressed with Maker's Mark anglaise, and you'll understand why the restaurant enjoys a four-star rating. Private events welcomed.
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Merrick Inn
3380 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502 · 859-269-5417
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In previous days, Merrick Inn was a private manor house, but for more than a generation now, it's been a preferred destination for local folks, especially those in the horse industry. The interior boasts fireplaces and civilized details, and the menu offers good American standards like steaks, fresh fish, pork tenderloin, and fried chicken. When the weather's warm, the poolside patio is sublime, and the popular bar draws folks throughout the week, especially the 30- and 40-something crowd.
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Portofino
249 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 · 859-253-9300
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Upscale and elegant, this spacious restaurant shares quarters with professional offices in a renovated warehouse. Its candlelit dining rooms still retain the building's rustic charms while adding white linens and intriguing local art. Bustling and popular, Portofino also has a way with food, marrying Italian tradition with California innovation. Tempting pastas, fresh fish, tender steaks, and incredible seared scallops and steamed mussels offer proof of the gourmet menu, and a well-stocked bar offers great wines, cognacs, and bourbons. Opt for the wonderful outdoor patio when the weather accommodates.
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Tachibana
785 Newtown Ct, Lexington, KY 40511 · 859-254-1911
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If you've been craving Japanese cuisine, Tachibana offers up some of the area's best, and its authenticity is bolstered by the nearby presence of the Toyota factory. The place boasts a pleasant ambience, and tatami rooms invite diners to immerse themselves in the experience. The menu accommodates a variety of tastes, so whether you relish dishes prepared on the hibachi or prefer tempura fare or an impeccably fresh sushi roll, you're in luck. A bit pricier than most but worth the indulgence.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored all the options, checked with critics, pounded the pavement and offer only the very best. Listed entries come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood. Know about the places the locals may not even know.
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