Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Kentucky

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of 211 Clover Lane Restaurant restaurant

1. 211 Clover Lane Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1183)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • St Matthews

Booked 17 times today

211 Clover Lane Restaurant in St. Matthews, Louisville, is a true gem for lovers of authentic American cuisine. This charming spot consistently delivers "outstanding service and food," making it a favorite among locals. Their menu, crafted from the finest local ingredients, offers delightful dishes like the "amazing" halibut and "delicious" trout, praised by diners for their exceptional taste. The unique, intimate setting with "several small dining rooms" adds to the cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. With glowing reviews like "the food was to die for," 211 Clover Lane promises a memorable dining experience, ensuring you’ll "never be disappointed."

2. Äta Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1580)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • St Matthews

Booked 13 times today

Äta Restaurant in St. Matthews, Louisville, stands as a beacon of Fusion / Eclectic cuisine, skillfully orchestrated by Chef David Danielson. With a menu "founded on seasonality and inspired by global flavors," Äta brings a unique twist to classic dishes that delight every palate. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" food, from the delicate gnocchi to the succulent striped bass. The restaurant offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion, paired with "impeccable" service that makes every guest feel welcome. As a "hidden gem" in the heart of Louisville, Äta promises a culinary journey that is both exquisite and memorable.

3. Varanese

4.7

Exceptional(4639)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

Booked 21 times today

Varanese, nestled in the vibrant Frankfort Ave of Louisville, is a beacon of exquisite Seafood cuisine. Diners rave about the "caramelized orange salmon," a standout dish that epitomizes the restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and inventive flavors. The eclectic menu is enriched by a rich tapestry of culturally diverse offerings, ensuring there's something for every palate. The "best shrimp and grits" ever tasted, as one diner enthused, highlight the restaurant's prowess in delivering authentic and flavorful Seafood. With its inviting ambience, live jazz, and attentive service, Varanese promises a dining experience that's both memorable and delightful.

4. Le Moo

4.6

Exceptional(5761)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

Booked 76 times today

Le Moo, nestled in the vibrant Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, is renowned for its exquisite seafood cuisine that captivates taste buds with every bite. Critics and diners alike rave about the "fantastic dining experience" and "delicious food," making it a top choice for seafood lovers. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its fresh, meticulously prepared dishes that showcase the finest catches. The ambiance is cozy and elegant, offering an ideal backdrop for savoring the ocean's bounty. With attentive service and a reputation for culinary excellence, Le Moo promises an unforgettable seafood dining adventure that leaves patrons eager to return.

A photo of River House Restaurant & Raw Bar restaurant

5. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

4.7

Exceptional(7418)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown Louisville

Booked 70 times today

River House Restaurant & Raw Bar offers an unparalleled Contemporary American dining experience in Louisville, skillfully blending regional flavors with a Southern flair. The culinary creations, like the "BBQ Braised Beef Short Rib" and "Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel Smoked Salmon," are celebrated for their authenticity and freshness, making each dish a delightful journey for the palate. Diners rave about the "excellent service" and "picturesque view of the river," enhancing the overall dining experience. As one reviewer noted, "The food was unbelievable," and the oysters are a must-try. Whether for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, River House will exceed expectations.

6. The Fat Lamb

4.7

Exceptional(1252)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

Booked 20 times today

The Fat Lamb, nestled in the vibrant Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, is a standout destination for Contemporary American cuisine, masterfully crafted by James Beard-nominated Chef Dallas McGarity. This acclaimed restaurant harmoniously blends Mediterranean inspiration with Southern flair, delivering “one of the best meals in the city” as patrons often rave. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, the menu features inventive dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and acclaimed whipped feta appetizer. The atmosphere is both cozy and welcoming, making it “a favorite place to celebrate” for many. For an unforgettable dining experience, The Fat Lamb is a must-visit.

A photo of Beyond the Sun Restaurant restaurant

7. Beyond the Sun Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(152)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

Booked 17 times today

Beyond the Sun Restaurant in Louisville's Highlands is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic American cuisine with a creative twist. This two-tiered establishment perfectly blends "culinary excellence with casual comfort," offering a diverse menu that is both "fine and interesting." Diners rave about the generous salmon with a hint of citrus, the perfectly cooked steaks, and the irresistible bar food options, like the mouthwatering burgers and chicken wings. The vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by live music and exceptional service, makes it a top choice for any occasion. As one happy guest put it, "This place is beyond amazing!"

8. Bourbons Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1678)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

Booked 16 times today

Bourbons Bistro, nestled in the historic Clifton neighborhood on Frankfort Avenue, offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience. Renowned for its "outstanding food, service, and bourbon selection," this elegant yet casual eatery is a local gem. With over 130 bourbons and a "crazy" selection of antique whiskies, the menu beautifully blends Southern-inspired dishes with contemporary flair, creating a sublime culinary adventure. Diners rave about the "best steak" and the "decadent shrimp & grits," ensuring each visit is unforgettable. With accolades such as the "best bar 2023 award," Bourbons Bistro guarantees a remarkable dining experience that both locals and visitors will cherish.

A photo of Bristol Bar & Grille - East restaurant

9. Bristol Bar & Grille - East

4.5

Awesome(818)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • East Louisville

Booked 13 times today

Bristol Bar & Grille - East, located in the heart of East Louisville, is a shining gem in the realm of Contemporary American cuisine. Since 1977, it has been delighting diners with its “outstanding food and service,” making it a beloved neighborhood staple. Known for signature dishes like the Green Chili Wontons and the ever-popular Sunday Brunch Buffet, the menu offers both classic favorites and innovative new creations that capture the essence of modern American flavors. Sourcing ingredients from local farmers ensures freshness and authenticity, while Certified Bourbon Stewards enhance the dining experience with expertly recommended spirits. A visit promises a delightful and memorable culinary journey.

A photo of Bristol Bar & Grille - Highlands restaurant

10. Bristol Bar & Grille - Highlands

4.4

Awesome(576)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd

Booked 4 times today

Bristol Bar & Grille - Highlands is a cornerstone of Contemporary American cuisine in Louisville, offering a delightful fusion of classic flavors and innovative creations. Known for its famous Green Chili Wontons, this beloved eatery has been delighting diners since 1977. The menu is a testament to quality, featuring standout dishes like the classic Bristol Burger and the succulent New York Strip steak. The restaurant's commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers ensures that each dish is fresh and authentic. Guests rave about the "great food, service, and atmosphere," making it a must-visit for anyone in the Highlands area.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jeff
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was perfect from the cocktails to the savory appetizers to the fantastic entrees. Amazing dining experience! Can’t wait to come back!
More info
Äta RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• St Matthews
•
4.8
M
Marla
Central Kentucky •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great atmosphere! Food was yummy- Brie appetizer and grilled romaine with steak.
More info
VaranesePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
•
4.7
M
Matt
Central Kentucky •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We had a really great experience at The Fat Lamb on 1/3/25. Austin was our incredible server. He checked in with us often, gave us great suggestions, and helped us coordinate more of a family style meal where we all got to share many different dishes. We had a party of 7 total and he did a really great job of taking care of us. The food was extremely flavorful - everything came out at the same time and everything was hot. Our party’s favorites were the short rib, the duck breast, the cauliflower, and the arancini. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a thing on the menu that wouldn’t be enjoyable. Our party did not have any cocktails, but they all looked delicious - a little on the pricey end, however. Overall, we will definitely be back for a visit. I highly recommend coming to The Fat Lamb.
More info
The Fat LambPrice: Expensive• American• Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
Central Kentucky •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Fantastic food and cocktails. Not the most innovative but perfect ingredients and technique shows in the dishes!
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211 Clover Lane RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• St Matthews
•
4.8
S
Steve
Central Kentucky •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
We had a wonderful dining experience at Le Moo. Jennifer was our server and she was friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. We had the lettuce wedge, ribeye (prime)-cooked to perfection, with the fried potato cakes. The food was exceptional and the turnaround time was very quick. We frequently dined at this establishment when it was the old K.T.'s, so it brought back many memories. They made awesome updates, but kept the wonderful nostalgic ambiance. I highly recommend dining at Le Moo.
More info
Le MooPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Kentucky

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. 211 Clover Lane Restaurant

2. Äta Restaurant

3. Varanese

4. Le Moo

5. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

6. The Fat Lamb

7. Beyond the Sun Restaurant

8. Bourbons Bistro

9. Bristol Bar & Grille - East

10. Bristol Bar & Grille - Highlands

See what locals rave about

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