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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown Louisville

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Bodeguita De Mima restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4133)
Price: Moderate
• Cuban • East Market St - NuLu
Booked 83 times today
La Bodeguita De Mima is a Cuban restaurant run by Fernando and Yaniel Martinez, who bring their family's generations of love and passion to the dishes. Customers rave about its authentic Cuban cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Reviews consistently mention the food being 'authentic', 'delicious', and 'outstanding'. The Martinez's love for Cuban culture and tradition is evident in their menu and service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Cuban dining experience.
A photo of Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2636)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown Louisville
Booked 54 times today
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.
A photo of Guacamole Modern Mexican restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1826)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • East Market St - NuLu
Booked 41 times today
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.
A photo of Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1545)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown Louisville
Booked 39 times today
Nestled in Louisville's historic Whiskey Row, Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar masterfully blends traditional Southern fare with fresh seafood in a restored 1870s building. Now serving breakfast daily, start your morning with bourbon-barrel aged coffee and Southern classics like Kentucky hot browns. Our scratch kitchen serves Memphis-style BBQ, house-smoked meats, and fresh oysters, alongside Kentucky's largest bourbon collection—over 2,700 bourbon, rye, and whiskey expressions, including exclusive barrel-aged selections from local distillers. From baby back ribs to daily-sourced seafood towers, we offer a distinctive fusion of land and sea. The warm, exposed-brick atmosphere, with bourbon barrel accents, pays homage to Louisville's whiskey heritage. Steps from the KFC Yum! Center, Doc Crow's provides authentic Southern hospitality in Bourbon Country. Whether you're an early bird, bourbon enthusiast, or visiting food lover, our award-winning menu makes every meal memorable.
A photo of Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3770)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown Louisville
Booked 45 times today
Available for Carry-Out! Contact us at 502-580-1350 Established in 1986, by Vincenzo and Agostino Gabriele, Vincenzo's is an award-winning restaurant, located at 150 S. Fifth Street, in downtown Louisville, which specializes in Authentic Northern Italian Cuisine. Vincenzo's was rated the #22nd Best Restaurant in America by Yahoo Cuisine January 2020, and The Best Italian Restaurant in Kentucky by The Daily Meal in May 2020! Specializing in Table-Side food preparation and flaming specialty desserts and coffees!
A photo of Lou Lou on Market restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(732)
Price: Moderate
• Cajun • East Market St - NuLu
Booked 23 times today
A walk down Bourbon Street in NuLu! An eatery serving Southern Cuisine, incorporating influences from New Orleans & Italy. Two areas for outdoor dining, two levels of inside dining, private rooms, and a hidden underground Bourbon Lounge called Stave.
A photo of Paseo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(235)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 7 times today
Paseo offers a unique culinary experience inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. The menu is crafted with fresh ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Chef Jeremy Frederiksen and his team use wood fire cookery and favorite spices to create a balanced and authentic culinary experience. Reviews rave about the delicious and different menu, great ambiance, and excellent service. The restaurant's unique and eclectic atmosphere, paired with its authentic, well-prepared dishes make it an authentic gem in Louisville.
A photo of Volare Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4223)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Booked 32 times today
Discover and savor Italian at its finest!Whether you choose to dine in our main dining area, year-round patio, or private dining facility; Volare boasts an intimate and beautiful setting.Come experience the ultimate in entertaining… a special occasion at Volare. Inspired cuisine, beautiful surroundings and impeccable service are the hallmarks of a great event. You deserve nothing less, and we promise even more.
A photo of DiFabio's Casapela restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1054)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Booked 4 times today
Family owned and operated Italian restaurant with traditional Italian cuisine, Lasagna and Chicken Parmigian, and some eclectic items as well, Pan Grilled Salmon and Gorgonzola Filet.
A photo of The Fat Lamb restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1282)
Price: Expensive
• American • Highlands - Bardstown Rd / Taylorsville Rd
Booked 16 times today
The Fat Lamb is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Louisville, Kentucky. It was opened in 2016 by Chef Dallas McGarity, who serves as the executive chef and owner. The restaurant is known for its focus on using locally sourced ingredients and for its unique combination of Mediterranean flavors with Southern influences. The menu at The Fat Lamb features a variety of small plates, entrees, and seasonal specials, and is known for its rotating selection of meats and seafood dishes. The restaurant also has a strong emphasis on wine and cocktail, featuring a curated list of wines that complement the Mediterranean cuisine. The Fat Lamb has been well-reviewed by critics and is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Louisville. It's widely known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for a romantic dinner or casual night out with friends.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tyler
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    10 stars. Josh was amazing! Everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable. Will be back soon.
    More info
    Repeal Oak Fired SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Louisville
    4.8
  • B
    Central Kentucky •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Every time I stay in Louisville, I eat at Doc Crows. Food is excellent and it has a great vibe. Service and staff are always so friendly.
    More info
    Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw BarPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown Louisville
    4.4
  • Tracy
    Central Kentucky •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. The setting was quiet and intimate, and the tables were spread nicely apart. My server Mark was great, not only nice, but also knowledgeable about the menu. It was the first time I’ve ever had my entree served French style, heated table side before plating, ensuring the meal was hot and delicious. When it came to dessert, Mark brought out a tray of dessert and explained each option. It was 10/10 and our meal was less than $150, very fair for a special night out. I left stuffed, happy, and ready to be a repeat customer.
    More info
    Vincenzo's Italian RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown Louisville
    4.8
  • Trena
    Indiana •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    An amazing ambiance celebrating the Cuban culture! Started off with bread wrapped in newspaper depicting a print from the 1950’s. Guava butter and cilantro lime butter were offered. Both were delicious! Tried the shrimp ceviche that has a tomato base with thinly sliced red onion, and cilantro. It was very refreshing just as the waitress described. My husband ordered the Ropa Vieja en Lata and didn’t know it means “beef in a can”. It was served table side by a waiter that described the canning process and the titles meaning. He proceeded to open and serve the perfectly cooked beef along with white rice and fried plantains. I had the salmon Varadero served with yellow rice and fried plantains. I could not resist adding a side of black beans. Everything exceeded our expectations! The service was impeccable and we will be back!
    More info
    La Bodeguita De MimaPrice: Moderate• Cuban• East Market St - NuLu
    4.9
  • BiljanaVIP
    Cincinnati / Dayton •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I recently dined at Guacamole and overall, it was a great experience. The food was excellent, with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. I highly recommend trying the nachos—they were perfectly layered with toppings and full of flavor. The cocktails were also a standout, well-balanced and creative. Service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, friendly, and efficient. However, the food came out a little too quickly, which made us feel somewhat rushed. Additionally, the noise level was higher than expected, making conversation a bit challenging at times. Despite these minor issues, I would still highly recommend trying. If you’re looking to try something new. The quality of the food and drinks, along with great service, make it well worth a visit.
    More info
    Guacamole Modern MexicanPrice: Moderate• Mexican• East Market St - NuLu
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown Louisville

Explore the essence of authentic dining in Downtown Louisville, Central Kentucky, where culinary delights meet distinctive atmospheres. This vibrant dining scene offers a rich array of genuine and high-quality culinary experiences, ranging from underground gastro-pubs to top-tier steakhouses and charming riverside establishments. Each restaurant in this area prides itself on delivering not just meals, but memorable dining experiences, characterized by fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and impeccable service. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of expertly grilled USDA prime steaks, the freshness of a Southern-inspired seafood platter, or the unique ambiance of a subterranean retreat, Downtown Louisville has a spot that caters to your taste for authenticity. The consistently positive reviews highlight not only the quality and flavor of the food but also the warm, welcoming service and the enchanting environments. Discover why Louisville's downtown is a go-to destination for those seeking an authentic dining experience that combines great food with a great atmosphere. Celebrate special occasions, or make any day memorable with a visit to one of these esteemed locales, each promising a satisfying culinary journey.

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