Best Restaurants in Lexington (2025)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.