Tapas Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky

Horse lovers have recognized Lexington, Ky. as a special place for decades. Not only is it the location of highly esteemed equestrian competitions, but it's also famous for the Keeneland Race Course and Kentucky Horse Park, where visitors can observe 50 breeds of horses. However, Lexington has much to offer any outdoor enthusiast. Here, visitors can find nature parks and reserves, downtown walking tours, and beautifully landscaped green areas such as the Shaker Village and Jacobson Park. So, after a day of hiking the trails at one of the nature sanctuaries or touring a historic home, what's a nicer ending than sharing a bottle of wine and small plate of appetizers with friends? The Lexington area offers several fine tapas restaurant options.

DeVassa Bar and Grill

Popular for its location within Victoria Square, this restaurant serves tapas with a Brazilian twist. After a day of hiking through the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, why not start off with menu items such as marinated olives and grilled meats? You can move on to a range of seafood favorites like the Camarao, shrimp sauteed with garlic, olive oil and lime juice. Vegetarians do not have to go hungry here either, as there are many items on the menu for them. One recommended selection is the Batata Gratinada, a savory combination of wild mushrooms, potato, goat cheese and garlic served hot with toasted bread. In addition to the food, clientele rave about this restaurant's take on the national Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha.

DeVassa Bar and Grill
401 W. Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
(858) 455-9139
devassa.net/index.html

Euro Wine and Tapas Bar

Receiving accolades for its warm ambiance, savory food and fine wine selection, this tiny restaurant on the outskirts of Lexington serves a combination of Italian and Spanish traditional favorites. Menu items include baked dips, pan-fried ravioli, gnocchi and antipasto platters. Has being outdoors all day worked up a sweet tooth? Try one of the delectable desserts such as dark chocolate bruschetta or grilled banana. The alcohol selection includes various European and domestic labels, champagne, and Italian liqueurs. Even better, guests can participate in one of the restaurant's special wine and food event dinners.

Euro Wine and Tapas Bar
102 S. Main St.
Nicholasville, KY 40356
(859) 608-4435
euronicholasville.com/menus.html

Yamaguchi's Sake and Tapas

Japanese cuisine has a tradition of restaurants called izakayas, which serve small plates that pair well with wine and beer and are shared with friends. Yamaguchi's brings this tradition to Lexington with its cozy restaurant, offering a wide range of plates. Menu items include hot pots with curry or seafood, plates of fried chicken and gyoza, beef skewers, tempura, salads, four types of tofu dishes, sashimi small bites and a Japanese version of the Italian favorite, fried cheese, made with wonton wrappers, basil and seaweed. The restaurant owners recommend ordering several plates as a meal. They boast a selection of imported sake, shouchu, plum liqueur and beer sure to help comfort any achy muscles you might have from your active day.

Yamaguchi's Sake and Tapas
125 Codell Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
(859) 268-0797
sakeandtapas.com

Resources

Lexington, Kentucky Convention and Visitor's Bureau Website

Article Written By Mary Richardson

Currently based in Japan, Mary Richardson is a travel writer and enthusiast. She formerly taught undergraduate academic writing classes for nine years at San Diego State University, where she also received a Masters of Arts in linguistics. She was also a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa.

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