Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Lexington restaurants have opened over the past several months, from Korean-style hotdogs to a pop-up shop-turned brick-and-mortar Sri Lankan restaurant.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more LEX restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
BarZelona, 4371 Old Harrodsburg Rd., Ste. 105 | Latin American | Reservations: Yes
Get a taste of Latin American cuisine at this tapas spot that offers Paella, Cuban sandwich sliders, and ceviche.
Bella Cafe & Grille, 390 Fountain Blue Ln. #130 | Elevated Southern | Reservations: Yes
Enjoy bright + fresh options for brunch, lunch, or dinner by trying dishes like the veggie-forward forest scramble or its famous buttermilk fried chicken.
Beau’s Cafe, 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle, Ste. #150 | Healthy brunch | Reservations: No
From their already-iconic Dutch baby pancakes, endive-topped avocado toast (which can be made gluten-free), and fresh-pressed juices, Beau’s meets at the intersection of healthy and comforting food.
Chung Chun Rice Corn Dog, 3101 Clays Mill Rd. #102 | Korean-style street food | Reservations: No
Hidden in the grocery store Dong Yang Market is a gem that offers Korean-style hotdogs. But these aren’t your grandma’s dogs — they’re covered in a sugar-coated, rice flour batter filled with your choice of cheese and/or sausage.
Damiano Pizza & Pasta, 503 S. Upper St. | Pizza + Pasta | Reservations: No
Located in the former Mellow Mushroom on UK’s campus, this spot is bringing pizza back to the neighborhood. Enjoy a classic pie, calzones, and a wide selection of beer.
Donut World, 1395 W. Main St. | Bakery | Reservations: No
Walk in and you’ll be greeted with that comforting scent of freshly baked donuts and other goodies like apple fritters + breakfast sandwiches.
El Charro, 561 S. Broadway | Mexican | Reservations: No
Enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine by trying classics like enchiladas or warm up with a plate of Mole Poblano.
Far Out Espresso, 496 E. High St. | Italian eats + cafe | Reservations: No
More than just a coffee shop, this Woodland corner spot has everything from bagel sandwiches to pastries + is now open late for Far Out Underground.
Granddam, 941 Manchester St. | Elevated Southern | Reservations: Yes
Treat your taste buds to unique plates like peach chicken for lunch or a coffee rub ribeye for dinner. Bonus: It’s also open for brunch — hello, country ham toast.
Mexico Mi Amor, 780 N. Limestone | Mexican | Reservations: Yes
Not only can you get your favorite Mexican bites, like burritos + fajitas, but the restaurant also hosts fun events like live music and special prices on game days.
Old North Kitchen, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Ste. 116 | Brunch + bar fare | Reservations: No
If you’re looking for a regular local haunt, look no further. Located inside Greyline Station, enjoy a day of shopping followed by one of Old North Bar’s smashburgers or fried green tomato BLT.
Okome Asian Grill, 341 S. Limestone | Fresh Asian cuisine | Reservations: No
This fresh lunch spot offers fast, fit, and fresh rice-based bowls. Build-your-own or choose a curated menu item. Oh, and did we mention it’s 100% gluten-free too?
OSHA Thai Kitchen & Bar, 107 W. Short St. | Thai cuisine | Reservations: No
Situated in the heart of downtown, this Thai restaurant is perfect for a date night. Enjoy fresh pineapple fried rice surrounded by bright greenery or head up to the rooftop patio on warmer nights.
Ramsey’s, 112 Lucille Dr. | Classic southern | Reservations: No
This Lexington staple is the perfect place to pop in for lunch or dinner with crowd-pleasing plates including meatloaf, a hot brown, and a buffalo chicken sandwich.
Sawyer’s Downtown, 140 W. Main St. | Casual American fare | Reservations: No
This local staple has found a new home on Main Street, but is still serving up its classic fare like burgers and its famous brookie.
Squire’s Corner Kitchen, 468 Squires Rd. | Casual fusion | Reservations: No
Hummus? Check. Chicken + dumplings? Check. Whatever it is your craving, you’ll likely find it at this neighborhood cafe.
Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, 124 Malabu Dr., Ste. 110 | Fast-casual Sri Lankan | Reservations: No
Owned by James Beard finalist Sam Fore, this bright and cheery spot delights the senses with fresh spices + unique takes on dishes like rice bowls and sandwiches.
Vallozzi’s, 108 Court St., Versailles | Italian | Reservations: Yes
Using ingredients flown in from Italy each week, sample fresh fare such as calamari, burrata, seafood, salads, and pastas.
Viva Mexico, 2573 Richmond Rd. | Mexican | Reservations: No
While this spot is located in the French Quarter Square, don’t fret. All your favorite Mexican eats can be found in this new restaurant off Richmond Road. City Editor Aayat loves the Quesadillas Supremas.
Coming soon
Biscuit Belly, 112 Lucille Dr. + 4235 Harrodsburg Rd. | Breakfast | Projected opening: Spring 2024
After opening its first location on East Main Street, this Louisville-based biscuit spot is expanding in Lexington. It will continue dishing out unique breakfast sandwiches and its flight of gravy.
Carson’s, 3450 Todds Rd. | Elevated Southern | Projected opening: 2024
Another East Main Street staple, Carson’s will open a second location in the Hamburg area next year within the former Andover Country Club.
Desperados Cantina, 1228 Manchester St., #100 | Tacos and Latin cuisine | Projected opening: Dec. 2023
The Distillery District’s newest resident is serving up scratch-made tacos, dozens of salsa + hot sauce options, and delicious unique cocktails like a frozen Paloma, frozen espresso martini, and all kinds of margaritas.
Golden Flame Hot Wings, 141 Rojay Dr. | Wings | Projected opening: Dec. 2023
True to its namesake, you can try a variety of flavored wings, mac + cheese wedges, or get adventurous with the “Dare Your Friends” Rocky Mountain oysters option.
Mazunte, 903 Manchester St. | Mexican | Projected opening: Dec. 2023
Joining the Distillery District is Cincinnati-based Mazunte, located near The Manchester hotel, where it will serve street-style tacos and other Mexican fare.
Omakase Sushi & Sake Bar, 3900 Fountain Blue Ln. | Sushi + Asian fare | Projected opening: May 2024
The new menu will include its usual sushi offerings, with additional grilled seafood + steak options.
Parlour Pizza, TBD | Casual pizza joint | Projected opening: TBD
Three new locations of the Indiana-based pizza chain are coming to Lexington in the coming years, where you can choose from pies, grinders, salads, and craft cocktails.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, 4085 Harrodsburg Rd. | Elevated Southern | Projected opening: Spring 2025
The Asheville-based staple will come to The Fountains at Palomar, serving up scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner Southern dishes.
The Wandering Bock, 101 W. Loudon Ave. | Pretzels + beer | Projected opening: TBD
Formerly known as Papa Pretzel, this Greyline Station restaurant is rebranding as The Wandering Bock, where it will sell sourdough pretzels and beer.
