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.

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.

Blue Dog is an artisan bakery located in Louisville's Crescent Hill neighborhood. Their breads are handcrafted using the best ingredients and are prepared sans preservatives. From the classic crusty baguette to rustic French country bread and chewy Italian pugliese, the bakery bakes European-style breads in time-honored technique. For those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon buns and muffins are a treat. Brunch, lunch and light eats are served here through the day and this is a great spot for a Saturday family brunch.

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.

The giant faux fish at the entrance of Hammerheads is hard to miss while driving in the Germantown neighborhood. This restaurant is popular among locals for its classic American cuisine and laidback vibe. On the menu guests will find burgers, tacos (try the pork belly), sandwiches and hand-cut fries. Their specialties include chicken & waffles, their vegetarian burger called the 'Garcia' and the crispy softshell crab sandwich with jalapeno-sage aioli.