Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Louisville

Mayan Cafe, as its name suggests, reflects the culinary heritage of the Mayan culture. Chef Bruce Ucán, with Mayan Indian roots himself, showcases a unique style of cooking backed by the ethos of sustainability. This downtown restaurant in the East Market Gallery District offers authentic dishes prepared with farm-to-fork, locavore ingredients. Some of the specialties include Sikil Pak (pumpkin seed dip) and the Yucatec Salbutes which are tiny corn tortillas topped with turkey, chicken, pork, shredded cabbage and/or other various eclectic toppings.

Louisville has some really great neighborhoods, from the West Main Historic District to Old Louisville and Portland, the Germantown area is just another addition to this town. One of the best restaurants in the neighborhood is definitely Eiderdown. Here the kitchen serves innovative plates with creative names like the Mayor of Milk Street which is the grass-fed strip loin, a duck confit and pumpkin risotto masterpiece. The drink and draft beer menus change consistently as well, and though many might consider this spot as a German restaurant because of the Spätzel, pretzels and wurst, it definitely transcends that label.

Louisville isn't synonymous with culinary capitals around the country like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco, yet this town can hold its own when it comes to innovative, cutting-edge restaurants. And though Decca may be housed in an old building from 1870, it uses fresh, farm-to-table goods like duck liver terrine or free-range chicken. Other highlights include live music in a limestone cellar, an outdoor courtyard and an excellent wine list. Overall, a nice addition to 'New Louisville' or known more affectionately (or not) as NuLu in the East Market District of Louisville.

Located in the heart of downtown Louisville on the ground floor of the 21c Museum Hotel, Proof on Main has captured the hearts, minds and palates of diners throughout the city. Inside the blend is modern and chic, but upon first glance it looks like an ersatz safari scene, with large sculpted faux animals such as tigers and zebras on the walls. The white tablecloths and elegant, light wooden fixtures and chairs only add to the eclectic mix. The food is just as varied, and though most would classify it as New American, the kitchen tries to transcend any compartmentalization or label. And with dishes such as diver scallops on rice grits or traditional Italian campanelle made with local lamb, it's easy to understand why.

Emerging from the alcoholic waves of post-Prohibition activity, Jack Fry's tavern opened up way back in 1933. Mr. Fry closed the original incarnation of the restaurant in 1972 and it changed hands for a few years until it re-opened with the same moniker in 1987. The new owner (a former waitress at old Jack's) still pays homage to the man with his old horse racing pictures and other sports memorabilia hanging on the walls. The menu features a slate of elegant classics such as veal tenderloin and foie gras; it's open for lunch and dinner.

Holy Grale is a beer-lover's paradise housed in a former Unitarian church, however now the gospel is according to King Gambrinus (an old European beer hero) as opposed to those out of the Good Book. Here, the beer flows happily through ever-changing taps and bottles. The food menu features small bites on their pickle, charcuterie and cheese plates, yet some larger, more filling options are on there as well. On tap there are more than 20 distinct brews that keep the seasonally-drawn menu good company, in fact, the staff will recommend the perfect beer-pairing with your meal(s).