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.

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.

Being inspired by the location of his restaurant in Old Louisville and the bounty of farm raised foodstuffs in the Kentucky region, chef/owner Edward Lee knows his way around the Southern kitchen. Here at 610 Magnolia, he serves Southern dishes that often defy even that particular description. Each dish has complex, yet familiar flavors and almost all of the items and produce come from within the state or from nearby Indiana. Since the menu changes often due to Ed's constant adherence to seasonal products, there is always something new and fresh on the menu.

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).

Wiltshire on Market is another hip dining spot in the East Market District of Louisville and a place where many travelers enjoy that one special meal on their trip. Here diners receive fresh, seasonal plates from the mind of executive chef Johnathan Exum. The menus change daily, but some standards remain like the Charcuterie plate as well as the Mezze marinated olives. Since many travelers inevitably visit 'NuLu' (a portmanteau of New Louisville) while in town, Wiltshire on Market is a good way to expend your dining capital.

A venture by renowned chef Anthony Lamas of Food Network fame, Seviche is the place to go for not only its namesake dish, but for plenty of Latin flavors. Making use of local ingredients, the chefs at this restaurant serve mouthwatering Ceviche like the signature Old Fashioned which is tuna cooked from the acidity in a bluegrass soy, Kentucky bourbon, orange and pineapple brine. Some of the other dishes include plates from around the world as well, with skirt steak and Chimichurri from Argentina, the traditional Paella dish influenced from Spain and veggie chimichangas that hail from the Mexican kitchen. As the menus constantly change, guests can rest assured that they will eat something novel and innovative.