Best Restaurants in Lexington (2025)

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 on 2025.08.21
12 Places
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From stalwart Southern spots to chef-led standouts and beloved family kitchens, this refreshed list blends Lexington classics with fresh perspectives. Expect real local sourcing, heartfelt hospitality, and dishes that taste unmistakably like the Bluegrass.

Dudley's On Short

Fine dining restaurant · Lexington

A downtown landmark since 1981 inside an 1889 bank, Dudley’s champions Kentucky producers with seasonal plates, rooftop seating, and gracious service. Frequently recommended by national editors and praised by Southern Living for capturing Lexington’s spirit.

https://www.southernliving.com/lexington-ky-8424773
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Coles 735 Main

Fine dining restaurant · Lexington

Chef-owner Cole Arimes cooks refined, locally sourced fare in a restored 1938 landmark, with in-house baking and serious bourbon and wine programs. Often highlighted by regional media and praised by Kentucky Living for artful dining with Kentucky roots.

https://www.kentuckyliving.com/explore/artful-dining
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Corto Lima

Restaurant · Lexington

Chef Jonathan Lundy’s Latin-inspired hotspot serves nixtamalized tortillas, bright ceviches, and dialed-in margaritas. A regular editor pick and cited by Southern Living; beloved downtown for flavor-packed plates that feel both Kentucky-rooted and globetrotting.

https://www.southernliving.com/lexington-ky-8424773
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Epping's on Eastside

Restaurant · Lexington

Set in a former bottling works, Epping’s celebrates Kentucky producers with house charcuterie, smart cocktails, and weekend brunch. Included on Eater’s Lexington guide and confirmed active with robust 2025 programming and service hours.

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-lexington-kentucky-keeneland-race-course
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Blue Door Smokehouse

Barbecue restaurant · Lexington

Local pitmasters turning out textbook brisket, ribs, and sausage; moved to a larger National Avenue space with added seating. Frequently lauded by editors, including Southern Living, and verified open with updated hours and address.

https://www.visitlex.com/listing/blue-door-smokehouse/6786/
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The Blue Heron Steakhouse

Steak house · Lexington

Independent steakhouse in a converted house with a wood-burning fireplace, strong raw bar, and serious bourbon list. A repeated editorial favorite and featured on Eater’s Lexington list for its thoughtful, classic-meets-Southern approach.

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-in-lexington-kentucky-keeneland-race-course
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Pearl's Pizza

Restaurant · Lexington

By morning, wood‑fired bagels; by night, natural‑wine‑friendly pizzas and seafood small plates. Southern Living calls it out as a favorite downtown stop, and local press confirms its dual identity and continuing popularity.

https://www.southernliving.com/lexington-ky-8424773
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DV8 Kitchen - Broadway

Restaurant · Lexington

Mission-driven breakfast–lunch bakery-café employing people in recovery; fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and excellent sandwiches. Profiled by major outlets and named Commerce Lexington’s 2025 Small Business of the Year, affirming its ongoing community role.

https://www.commercelexington.com/news/dv8-kitchen-bakery-named-commerce-lexingtons-2025-small-business-of-the-year-at-salute-to-small-business-awards-luncheon
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El Rancho Tapatio

Mexican restaurant · Lexington

Family‑owned favorite for Guadalajara‑style cooking—think street‑style tacos, tortas ahogadas, and carnitas. Regularly cited by local reporters during Lexington’s taco celebrations and consistently praised by residents for authenticity and value.

https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article286247390.html
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Smithtown Seafood

Seafood restaurant · Lexington

Ouita Michel’s seafood counter at West Sixth Brewing focuses on sustainable catch—po’ boys, fish and chips, and seasonal specials. Highlighted by local critics as a top brewery food partner and verified open daily.

https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bourbon/article253206438.html
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Tachibana Japanese Restaurant

Japanese restaurant · Lexington

Since 1987, a cornerstone for Lexington’s Japanese community—sushi bar, teppanyaki, and homestyle dishes in a serene, traditional space. Frequently cited by local media among the city’s enduring, culturally significant eateries.

https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article257885608.html
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Columbia Steak House

Steak house · Lexington

Lexington’s oldest steakhouse, open since 1948, famous for the Nighthawk Special and Diego salad. Often referenced by travel editors, including Condé Nast Traveler, as a must‑try slice of true Bluegrass dining history.

https://www.visitlex.com/listing/columbia-steak-house/6100/
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