Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Louisville

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Louisville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Bodeguita De Mima

4.9

4.9 (3983)

$30 and under

Cuban

East Market St - NuLu

About the restaurant

Hailing From Cuba, Fernando and Yaniel Martinez have brought their passion and love to the plate, showcasing generations of love passed on by their mothers. Are you ready to experience some of the best Cuban food this side of the equator?

From plantains to the classic Cuban sandwich, we have all of the classic Cuban specialties covered with our twist, of course! Come visit us to see what Louisville has been missing.

At Mima's, we believe in creating an inviting and invigorating atmosphere. That's why you can find different choices to choose from. Whether you're enjoying a delicious dinner in our dining room, a tasty Mojito at our bar, or even a fine hand-rolled cigar on our patio, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Top review

Lauri

Dined 3 days ago

So fun! Our waitress (Shona) told us the story of the beginning of the restaurant. She also gave us great recommendations. We loved all the food and I loved the Margarita Swirl. Was a great time with my husband of 44 years.

Discover more

Guacamole Modern Mexican

4.8

4.8 (1771)

$30 and under

Mexican

East Market St - NuLu

About the restaurant

Guacamole Modern Mexican is Louisville’s destination for authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Our award-winning chefs have created a menu that typifies the best of Mexican food and cocktails while still bringing their own inimitable style and personality to the plate and glass. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of our one of a kind restaurant featuring handcrafted cocktails, fresh ingredients, and contemporary vibes.

Top review

Malarie

Dined 3 days ago

This was our first time and we’ll definitely be going back!! The service was top notch, the drinks are out of this world and the food was incredible!! Everything for food and drinks were delightfully displayed and used fresh ingredients

Discover more

Popular dish

Carne Asada

Popular dish

Carne Asada al Carbon

Popular dish

Nachos

Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (2571)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

Repeal is Whiskey Row’s only oak-fired steakhouse, located at the birthplace of J.T.S. Brown & Sons Bourbon Company in Louisville. A stylish departure from a traditional steakhouse, Repeal uses a wood-fired grill stoked daily with reclaimed American Oak bourbon barrels. Repeal is a tribute to the Repeal of Prohibition – a place to see, be seen and celebrate the rich tradition of the building in which it resides.

Now serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Top review

HammadVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Five Stars for Repeal! My recent visit to Repeal was nothing short of extraordinary. As always, the food was delicious, leaving my taste buds singing with joy. The service was top-notch, thanks to the attentive and friendly Ibrahim, who made our dining experience even more enjoyable. From start to finish, Repeal continues to impress with its impeccable standards and warm hospitality. It’s definitely a spot I highly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (4622)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

About the restaurant

Varanese settled in Louisville because of its successful independent dining scene, and he believes that the people of Louisville will appreciate fresh ingredients, prepared with a creative flair and a culturally diverse menu. Varanese’s eclectic menu boasts an array of options from stuffed grape leaves, and fried green tomato salad, to new signature entrées: the seared boneless pork chop, and caramelized orange salmon. Finish with a fried banana accompanied by a house-made oatmeal cookie dough ice cream dessert. This New American style restaurant will comfortably seat 150 guests between its bar, dining room and four seasons patio. The four seasons patio of Varanese is an addition to the building, which has a dramatic 20-foot slate water wall. The space is enclosed by a serpentine of glass doors, which retract to offer an outdoor dining experience. Varanese is located at 2106 Frankfort Ave. in the Historic Clifton neighborhood

Top review

PaulaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Everyone was very attentive (manager, bartender,waitress) and welcoming. Food, of course, is fantastic. We love the jazz.

Discover more

Popular dish

Bread Pudding

Popular dish

Beef Tips & Tortellini

Popular dish

Flat Iron Steak

The Eagle - Highlands

4.7

4.7 (1167)

$31 to $50

Regional American (Southern)

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

We start with free range, all natural amish chicken. It’s brined, dredged, then dropped into custom-built fryers. Its got a little kick and is served with our house made hot honey.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 1 day ago

My teenage son twice now , two different states has dang near left nothing but bones of this chicken. GO now!

Captains Quarters Riverside Grille

4.6

4.6 (469)

$30 and under

American

East Louisville

About the restaurant

Captain's Quarters a historic restaurant in Louisville overlooking the Ohio River at Harrods Creek serving a wide range of seafood, steak, sandwich and salad options. With all of its meats and fish handpicked or market fresh there is plenty of dishes to choose from that will suit anyone's tastes. There is also a full bar that serves a range of cocktails, martinis and wines that will complement the meals at Captain's Quarters. While most popular in the summertime with outdoor decks, the cozy indoor views in the winter can be spectacular.

Top review

James

Dined on 1 Dec 2024

Excellent choice for a first date. We were seated immediately and near the fireplace. Food was excellent and staff was wonderful. Best ribeye I have had in a restaurant this year. The key lime pie is excellent.

The Last Refuge

4.5

4.5 (71)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

West Louisville

About the restaurant

Join us at The Last Refuge for a first look into Kentucky's High Church of Bourbon. Enjoy a sneak peek of our beautiful craft cocktails, featuring Bob Dylan's Heaven's Door Bourbon, accompanied with small plates and shareable pizzas. View our one-of-a-kind event space, located in a historic church adorned with original stained-glass windows and ornate woodwork from 1880. Cool off on our shaded patio and sip on a cocktail while listening to live music. Don't forget to follow us on social media @lastrefugeky to get the latest updates on our Grand Opening and launch of our incredible bourbon bar, featuring an 800-bottle whiskey portfolio! The Last Refuge is a 21+ establishment, persons under the age of 21 will not be admitted.

Top review

Linda

Dined 3 days ago

Beautiful building, friendly staff and good food. When I was there, the music was too loud to have a conversation.

Beyond the Sun Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (146)

$30 and under

Global, International

Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

About the restaurant

Elevate your dining experience at our two-tiered establishment. On the first floor, savor the diverse selection of steaks, pasta, and seafood. Ascend to the second-floor lounge bar, where a vibrant atmosphere awaits with a tempting array of bar food delights, including burgers, chicken wings, pizza, and more. Indulge in the best of both worlds, where culinary excellence meets casual comfort.

For aficionados of fine spirits, our extensive bourbon and tequila selection is a true revelation. Sip on Kentucky's liquid gold, indulge in the smoky notes of tequila, or savor our special handcrafted cocktails that are a fusion of creativity and mixology expertise. Our bar is your gateway to an unrivaled spirits experience.

Not a fan of bourbon or tequila? No worries! We also offer an impressive selection of craft beers that cater to every beer lover's dream. Explore our carefully curated beer menu, featuring local and international brews, and discover your new favorite.

Top review

Shay

Dined 6 days ago

Great atmosphere, and delicious drinks however food was a bit bland but overall great experience will visit again.

Joe's Crab Shack - Louisville

4.0

4 (22)

$30 and under

Seafood

West Louisville

About the restaurant

Joe’s Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore. From its extensive menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fried shrimp platters and fish dishes, as well as options from the “mainland” that include steak, sandwiches, and chicken. Guests can indulge in over-sized and creative cocktails, such as the Shark Bite which is playfully garnished with a shark toy. Since its inception, Joe’s popularity has stemmed not only from its menu, but also its retail store. With various pieces of merchandise for purchase, including the ever-popular tie-dye T-shirt with the phrase “Peace, Love and Crabs,” Joe’s has become synonymous with the word “fun.”

Top review

David

Dined on 12 Oct 2024

My wife ordered the Atlantic Steampot steamed with butter on the side. Although delicious, the seafood selection was underwhelming for the price of the meal. I ordered a pasta alfredo which was filling and tasty.

Black Jockey's Lounge

3.8

3.8 (479)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Louisville

About the restaurant

The Black Jockeys Lounge is committed to providing a fine dining experience that will have you on the edge of your seats. We have intentionally curated this establishment to be a perfect cocktail of education, food, luxury, and, entertainment. This is what the city needs and we are here to provide that unforgettable experience.
Black Jockeys Lounge is the Edu-tainment; destination for an Exquisite Gourmet Food, History, Art and Smooth Jazz!

Top review

Kimberly

Dined on 8 Nov 2024

Food was delicious and the value was worth the $. Mom D. was great. We felt relaxed and not rush through our dinner. Mom D was helpful with menu and the cocktails were good too

Explore Diners' Choice best of Louisville

Explore more Diners' Choice lists