Nice Restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the horse capital of the world and welcomes visitors from all over the world for the annual Kentucky Derby. However, Lexington has much more to offer than just horses. The bluegrass region provides many outdoor activities, including camping, hiking and fishing. Elkhorn Creek, which flows through the area, is popular for fishing and canoeing, and Lexington's backroads are perfect for cycling. Lexington is more cosmopolitan than country and offers many choices for fine dining.

AZUR Restaurant & Patio

AZUR Restaurant & Patio is a contemporary restaurant with a European feel. The restaurant, open since 2004, offers a variety of creative dishes on the menu, including rabbit, veal, elk, bison, tuna, salmon and scallops. Three sets of French doors open onto a stone brick patio that features live musicians on weekend evenings. AZUR also serves special holiday dinners and brunches and has an upscale catering service.

AZUR Restaurant & Patio
3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550
Lexington, KY 40513
(859) 296-1007
azurrestaurant.com

Metropol

Metropol offers fine dining in one of Lexington's landmark buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the downtown historic district, Metropol's cozy, romantic ambiance is the perfect setting for its European-inspired cuisine. Metropol has a full bar and wine list. It is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Metropol
307 W. Short St.
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 381-9493

Portofino

Portofino serves upscale Northern Italian cuisine. Favorite menu items include the house-made ravioli with garlic sage butter, filet mignon and bruschetta with gorgonzola cheese. The restaurant has an extensive wine list with several distinctive wines. Portofino is downtown in a renovated warehouse and has a stylish and contemporary decor. Private dining rooms are available for smokers.

Portofino
294 E. Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 253-9300
portofinolexington.com

Jonathan at Gratz Park

Chef Jonathan Lundy prepares fine Southern dishes at Jonathan at Gratz Park. The restaurant is housed in a historic boutique hotel downtown. The menu changes seasonally and features a new take on Southern favorites such as fried green tomato salad, pork prime rib and lobster croquettes. It is open for lunch and dinner daily, and brunch is served every Sunday. Desserts include Jonathan's famous home-made sorbets and ice cream.

Jonathan at Gratz Park
120 W. Second St.
Lexington, KY 40507
japg.info

Merrick Inn

Located in a manor on one of Kentucky's finest thoroughbred farms, Merrick Inn is a Lexington institution. The restaurant serves classic regional cuisine such as the famous walleye pike and Southern fried chicken. A large wine list and a variety of Kentucky bourbons are offered. Merrick Inn's patio is open for dining and live music in the warmer months. Reservations are recommended.

Merrick Inn
1074 Merrick Drive
Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 269-5417
murrays-merrick.com

Article Written By Kristi Gray

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Kristi Gray has been writing for over fourteen years with extensive experience in legal and business writing. Her articles have appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and trade newsletters. She has won several awards at the annual Arkansas Writers' Conference. Gray holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Arkansas.

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