Enso has delivered every time we've been the food is top tier and some of my favorite bites in the city. The star of the meal was the crawfish miso ramen and the fish and spaghetti. The yuzu pepper wings and the torched toro tuna were also fantastic. Also don't sleep on their espresso martinis! Kirsten? I think her name is has been our server the past few times and she is great. Also your host the young Black woman (didn't ask her name thats on me) is great and super personable. She remembered us and chatted to us as we left. Chef Weeks brought us our bottle of wine and gave us a little background on it. read more

I went here while visiting my friend in Louisville and had an amazing dinner! I never would have thought to fuse Japanese and Southern cuisines, but it worked so well. To drink, I had the Old Lady Abbeville (angel's envy bourbon, akashi ume plum whiskey, plum liqueur, steens, orange bitters) which was a delicious take on an Old Fashioned. To eat, we shared these dishes: - Japanese Potato Salad (ordered without bacon to make it vegetarian): with sake pickles, crispy onion, scallion. This was really delicious, but I do wish the sake pickles had been more prominent. - Sesame Broccolini: with chili flake, pickled scallion, citrus garlic crisp, and benne seed dressing. This was my favorite item of the night, with an amazing depth of flavor. - Vegetable Tempura: eggplant, lotus root, ginger pickled carrot, and tempura sauce. It ended up coming with mushrooms instead of the ginger pickled carrot. My favorite was the eggplant! - Mushroom Skewer: with truffle and benne. Probably my least favorite item of the evening. - Baby Bell & Mochi Skewer: with potato chips and collard green aonori. Really rich and yummy with a good contrast of texture thanks to the potato chips. Overall we had a great experience with great food and excellent service in a beautiful, modern space. read more

See all

Tucked into the charming Clifton neighborhood just off bustling Frankfort Avenue, Enso is the kind of restaurant that doesn't just serve dinner it transports you. From the moment you step inside, the calming, intimate energy of the space makes Louisville melt away. The clean, modern design paired with soft lighting and thoughtful service sets the tone for a meal that rivals top-tier dining experiences in the one of the best food cities. We began with the Sorghum Ginger Salad, a vibrant plate layered with shaved carrot, cabbage, and radish, kissed with a delicate sorghum ginger dressing and topped with bonito flakes. It was light, umami-rich, and perfectly balanced--a nod to Enso's ability to elevate simple ingredients into something poetic. Next came the Tex Mex Tuna Nachos, a wildly inventive and delicious fusion of cultures and textures. The dry-aged tuna was velvety, complemented by crunchy yoli masa chips and bold hits of serrano, tabasco kanzuri queso, banana guacamole, and koji crema. This dish alone could have carried the evening. As we dined, we sipped on two truly standout cocktails. The Mizu No Yume, a dreamy mix of The Void sake (made in Lexington KY), Haku vodka, St. Germain, lychee, and lemon, was floral, crisp, and transportive. The Kochi Mule offered a more grounded, spicy contrast--Old Grand-Dad BIB bourbon, bright yuzu, mint syrup, and fresh ginger juice came together for a punchy yet refreshing sip that kept us coming back between bites. Sitting at the chef's counter, we were gifted a surprise: Hamachi Crudo, delicately sliced and dressed in sesame oil, bourbon barrel soy, yuzu marmalade, and benne seed gomashio. It was bright, rich, and effortlessly refined. Then came the Lamb Meatball--tender, deeply flavored, glazed in Kentucky black BBQ sauce with skewers of kombu pickles cutting the richness. Followed by a seasonal special: Lace Dumplings, an elegant twist on pork gyoza plated with avocado purée and a tangy key lime ponzu. The showstopper of the evening was undoubtedly the Duck Dipping Noodles. House-made soba served with a roasted duck broth so deep and soulful it could bring a tear to your eye. With slices of duck breast, foie gras sausage, tempura lotus root, and roasted garlic oil, every element was luxurious without being fussy. We closed with a birthday celebration that felt like a warm embrace. The Banana Pudding with white miso caramel and vanilla tea cookie was nostalgic and elevated, while the Matcha Cheesecake with creole cream cheese and a dusting of cocoa powder was earthy, silky, and perfectly sweet. Enso is the kind of place that redefines what dining in Louisville can be. Every dish, every sip, every small surprise at the chef's counter felt intentional and inspired. For a few hours, we forgot where we were, swept up in a dining experience that could easily hold its own in any major food city. Enso is a reminder that Louisville food should be on the map as a staple an essential stop for anyone who truly loves to eat. It isn't just memorable it's transportive, and absolutely worth returning to again and again. read more

See all

Was curious to try Enso after it recently reopened. The cocktails were certainly interesting and a funky spin on a few staples. Tried the whiskey soda, which was refreshing but without a hint of whiskey. The server gave us good guidance on how much to order for our party since it's all little bites that you share. The highlight dish was the spicy shrimp udon soup. It's a little hard to share so recommend getting that as an individual entree and sharing other bites. The mushroom and broccolini small plates were the most flavorful and well prepared. The fried chicken was a bit dry and bland and the lamb meatballs unremarkable. I'd say the food was mixed overall. That said the outdoor deck was pleasant and the subset of dishes we enjoyed were really excellent. read more

See all

I'm sorry I don't have photos. I highly recommend Taylor as your server, he is kind, speaks well, is patient and does an excellent job explaining the food options and taking care of his tables. I ordered a drink Taylor suggested - the Kochi Mule - it was so good! Extremely refreshing and the perfect blend of sweet and tart. For my meal, I ordered the fish & spaghetti. I loved the texture and taste. My only reservations was I would have like more seasoning on my fried catfish - it was perfectly fried though. For the dessert I ordered the Mochi Beignets Doughnuts - order them now!!!! read more

Made a reservation for 5 people inside on a Saturday night. This was our first visit to Enso. We were able to snag street parking right out front. Parking can be challenging in this area at times... so leave a cushion prior to reservations for parking. The staff was beyond friendly & engaging our entire experience. Our waitress, Lee, crushed it from start to finish. We literally ordered a little bit of everything & ate family style. This is my favorite way to try new things & explore with others at the table. Food arrived as it was ready. I enjoyed the steady stream of options arriving from the kitchen. My favorites were Sorghum Ginger Salad, Sesame Broccolini, Japanese Fried Chicken, & Panko Rabbit Skewers. Others at my table could not stop raving about the Hamachi Crudo. I love that staff is coming around to fill water glasses & leave a carafe of water on the table. The cocktails were interesting combinations but had great flavor. We loved watching the bartenders perform their craft! Thank you Chef Weeks & the entire Saturday night Enso for an incredible dinner. read more

I've been here twice now. Once solo and once work a group of 5. Since I won't be returning, it's time for a review. My first visit, I sat at the bar and had great service from the bartender and my server. The food was tasty for the most part (frog leg skewers were the best, cheesecake was weak) and my cocktail was tasty. It was a bit pricey, but overall maybe 3.5-4*. However, my second visit was very different. With a group, we had to wait until everyone was present to be seated, even though the table was just sitting empty. Fine. We waited outside because there was no space inside to wait. Once everyone arrived, we were seated. The server quickly rattled off menu things, including what they were out of and the specials. We then looked over the menu, and had to flag our server down to get questions answered. Eventually, three members of the party ordered drinks. One of them had some interesting foam on top, but the server didn't know what it was and didn't help us in answering the question by asking someone else. We ordered a "side" dish and a "main" dish each. One person was served. Then, several minutes later, a few more "main" dishes were brought out. A few more minutes later, some "sides" brought out. For 4 of our party. The last person didn't get her food until at least 15-20 minutes after the rest of us and we had to ask about it. Even then, they brought the "main" a few minutes before the "side". I should add, the "side" was a bowl of rice! Needless to say, service was not impressive this time. I was quite annoyed, as was the rest of my party. I got the potato salad and the mushroom yakisoba bowl. The potato salad was.... ok. One of the better dishes of the night, but very rich with mayo and a slightly fake bacon flavor. Also, not the easiest to eat with chopsticks (we were not offered forks, although we eventually asked for two of them). The yakisoba was also OK. A bit salty for me, but decent. Not worth the price for either though. My cocktail was also just OK this time around. At the end of our meal, it was clear that we were not welcomed to linger and chat either. I should say, the interior is very very well decorated. The mix of wood, plants, and glass comes together beautifully. However, the acoustics are horrible. We could hardly hear and struggled to carry on a conversation. Second visit was 2*. Overall, I'll give them 3*, but I won't be recommending or returning. read more

Enso - Yakisoba noodles - Southern Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

My friend and I had been meaning to try their food but we couldn't find a reservation for the days we were looking at coming. We decided to wait until after Derby after all the hype had died down. We finally got to try it last week! We had a reservation, but it wasn't all that busy. Lots of open tables but definitely a good number of groups dining in here and there. Once we got seated, our waiter explained the menu and asked about allergies/dietary restrictions. We both got broth to start. Since my friend is pescatarian, they gave her a mushroom broth. We both enjoyed them! I decided to order hot tea, the Mujicha, while my friend got their version of the old fashioned. We shared all of the food except the meat. I got myself lamb skewers to try, which I thought were a bit rich. Good seasoning but the sauce on it was almost too much. We also shared: turnip greens, ginger salad, octopus hush puppies, mushroom skewers, and the potlikker soba. We both loved the turnip greens and the hush puppies! But I was not a fan of the soba. My friend said it had the same flavor as her mushroom broth. It was just too sweet. I'm used to savory flavors for soup. But it was vegetarian, so I'd come back to try their chicken broth soup options instead. For dessert, we shared egg custard. Delicious! It wasn't overly sweet which was perfect. Staff was really nice and friendly. Bathrooms and the entire space was clean. It's not a large restaurant, but it does have a nice atmosphere. I will add that I wasn't all that full after I went home. The food portions were small, but I could've eaten more. One thing to note is that this is a fusion restaurant. It's not authentic Japanese. It's someone's take and more of a Southern cooking version of Japanese. It's very innovative so it's definitely worth a try! read more

See all

Let me start with some positives in this review because my experience at the beginning was really nice. Immediately, the ambiance and decoration impressed me and I felt that I had walked into a modern restaurant in LA. Such a fresh and upscale vibe without feeling dark like some restaurants. The noise of the restaurant also hit me as well as I waited inside. I was part of a reservation for 5 and were not seated till all of our party arrived so please keep this in mind for large parties. Initially, our server was very detailed and answered the many questions we had about certain ingredients on the menu. There were a lot of things they were out of and it was quite overwhelming to take in when it seemed like it was one of everything in each section. The towel was a cool touch as well as the complimentary tea but some of us did not like the taste. After we got our orders in, I feel our experience went south. One of us received our food about 10-15 minutes earlier than the others. The problem arose when another one of us didn't get our order and probably wouldn't have gotten it unless we grabbed the server. The server seemed annoyed that we had brought this up and had no urgency or remorse. Not only was the service underwhelming but so was the food. The raw fish I had was basically overpriced sashimi that I feel I could have gotten at a different Japanese restaurant for a much better value. The chicken thigh skewers were pretty good though but I just don't think it was enough to save the experience. We all sampled several things from each other's dishes like the various salads and entrées. Everything was hit or miss. Hits were the chicken skewers and Japanese potato salad - misses were the Fried Chicken and the turnip greens to name a few. Instead of the towels or free tea, I really wish the attention could be steered more towards friendlier service and overall more consistent flavors such as the chicken skewers. Our experience ended with the lights being turned out on us at around 9:15 despite there being other customers in the bottom level of restaurant and the closing time being confirmed as 10pm online. I am disappointed for sure. read more

See all

With all the hype and the high prices, I expected the food to be spot on. Maybe they're still figuring out a new menu? (food pictures online didn't match current options at all). But I went with a group of five and between us we had 9 varied food items (which we all tried) and 3 cocktails. The group only liked (not loved) 3 of those 12 items (cucumber salad, chicken skewers, and noodles). And not a single one of them evoked a "wow - y'all have to try this!" Even with the small portions, not everything was eaten. Everything took long - from food to the check. Staff were aloof in general, and it felt like the waitress was annoyed by our presence. It was also hard to hear inside, which I hate, and the hot towels and tea were gimmicky for me. On the plus side, the restaurant itself is super cute, and there's a nice outdoor seating area. I appreciate that they use some local distributors, and the food seemed "clean." Folks who are more into trendy spots would probably like this better, but food is most important to me. I want food I would be excited to eat again at prices that align with its exceptional-ness. If prices were 25% lower, this probably would have been 3 stars for me. (Like a slice of cheesecake for $12 instead of $16) read more

Enso - Chicken thigh skewers - Southern Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

First things first... Sunday is half price sake bottles and oh my goodness, they have a great selection. Food was really good. I do recommend you go with a group because they have many small plates and that way you can try a bunch of different things. We had five dishes and we're so full that we could not even get to the hot noodle.dishes. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and helped figure out which dishes would travel well because I needed an order to go..they were also knowledgeable and asked up front about any dietary concerns or preferences. Finally, I think if you are gonna go anytime after right after they open up for the evening, you might need to get some reservations they did fill up pretty quickly.. read more

See all

Blown away. Chef Lawrence provided an exceptional experience for the taste buds and ears. It was a gift to sit in front of Chef and learn from him. The passion and gust are clear - while the food leaves you dreaming about it for weeks. The consistency and elevated tapas style/shareable dishes allow for you to try more than one dish. Which, in my opinion, is the best way to eat your way through a restaurant! What a treat of capturing and delicious cuisine through chefs' eyes (and belly). Let us not forget about the before dinner teasers, aka libations, and they did not disappoint. Neither did the beautiful interior. An experience that is well worth the money! read more

Enso - Southern Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

One of my favorite restaurant experiences ever, and I've eaten fried intestine in Vietnam and ribeye cap in Dubai. Emma, Nina and Lo Cubuno (so sorry I forgot your name, I owe you a drink) are the honestly some of the best people to grace the restaurant scene. Food was epic, try whatever you can, wish I wasn't solo I wanted to try so many things, but the Enso staff made sure I got a variety I travel to Louisville often and this will be my go to. Thanks to North of Bourbon (amazing spot) for recommending their sister joint. read more

Enso - Pickles local veggies. - Southern Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Food is 3.5 stars Pricing is $$$$ Ambiance is 4.5 stars We visited Enso for a friend's birthday in late December. It's a small but well designed space in the Clifton neighborhood. When you first walk in there is a hostess stand, stairs up to a small seating area and outside area. We were immediately greeted but told we had to wait until the entire party arrived. Our server greeted the table and provided us with warm wash cloths for our hands. The drink menu featured Christmas drink specials that month. Since it was after Christmas, I opted for a Sapporo beer. The menu is on the smaller side and it's pricey for the amount of food you get. Most items were described to us as smaller plates. The sliders only come with one sandwich and are $14 each. The skewers were very small and only come with 2 skewers for $12. Food wasn't really a shareable size and you had to order several items. Also, food arrives as it's ready and not at the same time. I ordered the chicken udon noodles ($24) since I wanted to try the handmade noodles and cheesy potato Mochi ($12). The chicken udon was pretty good - the chicken meatball was very salty but the broth, mushrooms, and greens were well flavored. This is more of an entree item but it wasn't really big. The cheesy mochi was delicious but didn't match the description of sugar cane glaze. It was a round flatter mochi with cheese, I'd definitely recommend it. The table also ordered octopus hush puppies, lamb skewers, Bok choy, and she-crab noodles. read more

See all

came on a whim with a close friend with no reservation on Friday 10/4 and waited about 40 minutes for a bar seat and it was definitely worth it. The bartenders were so knowledgeable and great at describing dishes that you aren't familiar with. We split about 4 items and dessert and it was the perfect amount. Octopus Hushpuppies were our favorite item. I loved the layout and simplicity of the detail inside and can't wait to come back! read more

See all

Open to the masses finally a new experience for Japanese dining in louisville. This is not a sushi joint don't be expecting that. It is more a glowed up hipster hi-ball drinking yakitori and slider restaurant . People eating there were definitely beautiful and perfect food to pair with. I was definitely on a starch binge tonight. Started with the cold potato salad, skewers aka chicken thigh and lamb yakitori ! Scallop yakiudon was just the right portion .. because it's so heavy .. takes a lot of restraint not too each too much of it. I was kinda full at this point but I had one more dish the potato mochi.. it was sticky and chewy coated in teriyaki glaze with a seaweed wrapped. I really thought I can't finish it something about the crispy mochi and sweet glaze and finally using the savoury seaweed to wrap it up. So it took a lot for me to even agree to a look at dessert. The O so simple Egg Custard called my name.. just that gentle whisper in my ear ... eat me eat me.. you know you want to.. hahah that egg custard ended up being the exquisite end to me meal at Enso this evening. I can't wait to come here and dine late night after a long day at work. I can't wait till when they start the amazing chef's table dining. Chef Lawrence I can't wait read more

See all

What a nice gem of a restaurant. This place is small but has a nice outdoor dining spot. Parking is on the street. Me and some girlfriends went to this spot a few weeks ago and were very delighted with the restaurant. There were 6 of us with reservations made a week prior. For any larger of a group, it might be hard to accommodate due to the size of their tables and space available. Their reservations are held with a credit card too to ensure that you show or cancel. Their food menu doesn't have a large amount options but was still plenty to decide between. Several categories are good for sharing. Me and a friend did all the skewers, which provides 1 skewer of each available skewer... lamb, chicken thigh, mushroom, sausage, scallops, beef, and okra. My favorites of this were the scallops and mushrooms. We also ordered the octopus hushpuppies (which were on special) and the chili shrimp to share with the table. The hushpuppies are just that, hushpuppies... no overwhelming taste of octopus so don't shy away from them due to the name. The shrimp definitely had that strong chili taste but were good. A few other items ordered at our table were the fish & spaghetti, Japanese fried chicken, mushroom yakisoba, and broccolini. Everyone seemed happy with their choices. Upon service, you are provided with a warm wet washcloth to clean your hands and a welcome drink that was very refreshing. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful with our questions or with her recommendations. read more

See all

Great vibes all around! Ideal indoor & outdoor seating spaces. Amazing ambiance & decor. Great music selection throughout our time. Perfect size portions for EVERYTHING we tried. Our group of 6 were seated comfortably & served impeccably by the lovely Lea. Very unique menu items & cocktails. My favorite was the Highball item On Skates, a grown-up root beer float with Markers Mark. Highly suggest the fried chicken (bite size) & the Jezebel sauce. Potato Salad, Coleslaw, & Ginger Salad were ALL delicious. Highly recommend trying One of Each skewer for variety experience. Shishito peppers were different, a little too salty for my palate. All three desserts were amazing!! But I'll come back for donuts. I'll definitely return for a date night. Venue is even more perfect when it gets dark outside. All staff work in collaboration & were great to interact with individually. Would be even better if parking was included LOL! It's street parking, get in where you fit in! read more

See all

Great starting point for an evening along Frankfort Avenue on a Saturday night. Parking was on the street within a few feet from the front door. One of the owners greeted us and was very welcoming. Waitstaff were attentive, polite, and professional and very helpful if we had any questions. We had a 5:15 reservation for the "chef's table" experience, i.e. seating at the bar overlooking food prep for salads and cocktails. However, there was little to no interaction with guests. My friend and I were having a catch-up conversation and had no issue, but I mention this for anyone else who might have an expectation. We were seated at the furthest corner of the large bar, so we had great views of the restaurant. It is a lovely open space, overall very modern and serene. Noise level was mild to moderate with the arrival of more patrons by the time we departed. Our service began with an introductory warm towel and a light cup of tea with ginger, which was very nice. I ordered an Okinawan Wedding cocktail, which was refreshing and had a beautiful presentation. We decided to order communal shareable dishes, particularly because this was our first visit and wanting to explore the menu. We began with the potato salad as a side, and it was phenomenal with soft creamy potato chunks, bits of carrot, and crunch topping with a mild mayo to marry the textures. We chose an array of skewers, including a charred okra with lemon wedges and sea salt (somewhat chewy and difficult to bite), tender scallops (cooked perfectly), Cajun sausage (nice amount of mild spicy heat), flavorful chicken and beef, lamb meatballs, and grilled zucchini (substitute for mushrooms on the menu during our visit, which was a great substitute). Overall, the skewers were a hit with the various flavors and textures and plenty for 2 to share. We passed by one of the owners as we departed, thanking him for the hospitality and complimented the aesthetic, food, and service. We plan to return to try other menu items in the future. read more

See all

This place is amazing! It had all the flavors of a traditional Asian restaurant but also some deep southern roots. The service was attentive and great especially for a busy Saturday evening. I really thought the Tasso slider was amazing and nothing would top it until I had the ramen dish with a spicy umami flavor. It was untraditional but a ramen I'll be thinking about. read more

See all

Weeknight and restaurant was packed. I did have to wait a couple of minutes for the hostess. Luckily I made reservations and was seated quickly, at the bar. Service from server - 2 stars Service from bartender - 4 stars Food service - 3 stars Food - 4 stars I took a couple of minutes to look over the menu but the server still hadn't come by after like 5 minutes. The bartender saw that I was ready and asked me if I had any questions about the menu. I told him I was ready to order. He tried to to get the server but couldn't so he took my order for me. When the server did come by with water, he told her he had taken it. The sliced octopus was very good. The yuzu dressing was a nice touch to the flavor. The dish came out very quickly but the tea and main entree took a long time to come out. The server told me they were heating up the water(!?). So then I got my small bowl of complimentary chicken soup before my tea. Soup was lukewarm but flavor was not bad. Finally the tea arrives but still no entree. I finished my octopus almost 10 minutes ago. Creamy scallop udon came hot (a plus) and scallops seemed fresh (albeit a little small). Good flavor on the cream profile with the acid just a little bit too much. Sweet egg custard was good with the maple syrup because it wasn't made too sweet. The puffed barley really wasn't puffed enough so it was a bit too hard instead of crunchy. Food was all small portion for the price. During this whole time, besides the server telling me the tea was late because they were heating up the water, she did not check on me at all. After I finished my udon, the bowl sat empty for almost 5 minutes before server noticed that I was done. And instead of asking something like "how was your dinner or would you like some dessert", she said "uhhh are you done, do you want me to close out?" WTH. I had to ask if they had dessert and then she offered the 2 choices. Sigh... Bartender was nice and exchanged small talk during dessert. He seemed more aware of surroundings than the server. read more

See all

Food was fantastic...subtle with light seasoning that let the ingredients shine...the Cajun skewer was sauced a little heavier, but the heat was still perfect...I'm in the booze biz, and let me say the old fashioned with Japanese whiskey was ridiculous (soooo good)...the cheesecake capped off the perfect amount of food, did I mention the service was top tiered and Kayla was amazing in the heat of the patio!!! read more

See all

Love the outdoor patio! We really enjoyed our evening here. The food was fantastic, beautifully presented, and the service was also on point. They have a very extensive menu and lots of new things to try. The sashimi platter was fantastic. We also ordered the oysters and they were delicious. The char grilled octopus was also a big hit. The drinks were also delicious. The only complaint I have is the price for the amount of food you get. read more

See all

the first time I've tried and and have been wanting to try it for a while because I've heard good things & it did not disappoint. I did make a reservation on opentable, and we sat out under the patio as a summer thunderstorm rolled through. we were completely dry! It was a totally enjoyable experience. the inside is tastefully decorated, and I would like to sit in there next time. we got a few different foods to split - most are smaller plates- and everything was different and exciting. if you want to step outside of the box with food and this is the place for you! read more

Enso - delicious cocktails - Southern Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

I used OpenTable to reserve a table for 4 at 7:15 PM in the Covered Outdoor seating area. The area was nicely decorated; they had ceiling fans and these neat little table fans with flexible blades to keep the flies away. We had a server and there were other staff members to bus our table, but we often had to wait around to get our orders in and ask for things like silverware and the check. I didn't appreciate that she remembered I'm gluten free and checked to make sure the kitchen would give me tamari when they didn't include it with my dish. I don't know if they have anyone in the back running expo and keep everyone organized/on time, but it might be helpful. We all enjoyed our drinks, none of which were too sweet, which was nice. The Dry-Aged Beef skewer was a big hit, and actually came with two skewers. Our friend really liked mushroom glaze on it. Our other friend got the Chili Shrimp and really enjoyed it. The Sorghum Ginger Salad was tricky for our friends to eat with a fork because the leaves were large, but they managed, and one appreciated the katsuobushi while the other didn't like that there was so much. My friend got the Citrus Ramen special, which she said was delicious. I'm gluten free and I got the Dry Aged Fish Bowl, which they substituted with tamari for dipping. It was really good, but I wish I would've known that it would only be fish, because I would've loved some rice with it. I was worried that would take even longer, so I just didn't want to push it. The Melon Salad special was gluten free, and I'm a little disappointed I got it instead of the Tomato Salad special, based the server's suggestion, because the melon wasn't very flavorful and the bacon crumbs were overly hard (beyond a good crunch). The flavors were good otherwise. We enjoyed the food, but the service (outside of the bussers, who were all great) could be improved to make the overall experience more enjoyable. We sat down around 7:20, got our drinks around 7:55, and there was a pretty significant wait from the time the first dishes came out to when the later ones came (8:20). We had to ask for our check so we could leave around 9:30. I'm the only one from our party from out of town, so maybe that's normal pacing here. read more

See all

Wow oh Wow. There's a reason this place is held in such high regard. For starters, I typically don't like Japanese food but I would eat Enso's food off the floor. Yes it's that good. Food: there was not a single dish I did not enjoy. Everything I had was exploding with flavor and exceeded expectations. I was going to go into extreme detail about how much I enjoyed each and every dish but as of two weeks ago (mid March 2024) the menu was updated and a lot of the things I had are no longer available. The octopus hush puppies are still available and VERY delicious. The toppings really bring this dish over the top and make it something special. Although I am sad to see my favorite dish (creamy scallop udon) no longer on the menu, I am equally excited to have a reason to come back and try other things. Service: impeccable. My waiter was kind and helpful and well versed in the menu. If you have any questions about portions or menu be sure to ask because this group is amazing and will get you answers! Atmosphere: I came on a weeknight about 10 minutes after they opened and I was the only one there until closer to 5. The space is very simple but sleek. Price: This is where I advise to understand what you're getting into. This is not a fast casual spot and one shouldn't expect those prices. But the prices are not outrageous for the quality/quantity of food you get. It was around $100 for enough food for 2 people. Obviously this is where it can vary depending on what dishes you get, but trust me, you'll want to try a skewer or the octopus hush puppies. Overall: amazing food and I can't wait to bring my husband back for a date night. read more

See all

Amazing birthday dinner at Enzo! I was so impressed by this place. The food was amazing and unique, very very filling. The atmosphere was so lovely with tiny details everywhere and a calming yet trendy environment. The service was great, we got great recommendations and a free birthday cup of sake! I would absolutely love to bring others here and return. My only regret is skipping the matcha cheesecake. read more

See all

Service was great (and we came on a Friday when they were fairly new). I love that they had a specials menu with a variety of options in additional to their menu. Cocktails were good. We ordered a couple dishes to share -- waitress did say that their dishes were designed for sharing. This confused us a bit because they were very small dishes (small portions). Dishes we ordered: - Sliced Octopus - Chili she-crab noodles - Creamy Scallop Udon - Frog leg skewers - Grilled bok choy We also ordered two more items from the specials menu but I forgot what we got (no pics, oops). We wanted to order the Ramen but it was sold out. We were told they made the udon noodles in house. If that's the case, they are a great consistency, very well done. All dishes were delicious, unique. Our favorite were the creamy scallop udon and grilled bok choy. We ended the evening with tea service. This was a wonderful touch to the meal. As non-coffee drinkers, we appreciate the tea service which is not commonly offered in Louisville. I was there with a friend, we were really looking forward to catching up. However, the music was VERY LOUD. Not conducive for a dinner that involves discussions. It was difficult to hear each other. read more

Greeted warmly by staff and shown to table very nice and friendly staff all around. We started with a couple of cocktails, of course, and notice the really nice decor, definitely Japanese inspired. We ordered a bottle of Sake also and want to try more of them! We got the Beef Tataki and it was so tender and delicious, think Beef Carpaccio but better. Then the She-Crab noodles and they were such a great take on Ramen, we want to come back and try the rest of them. We then got the Okra and Shrimp Rice and it was so so flavorful paired with the Grilled Bok Choy with such an earthy flavor. We also got a Tasso Pork Slider and it was great! Of course we got dessert, a slice of Match Cheesecake and Warm Miso Sweet Potato Pie both of which were phenomenal. In my humble? opinion, you absolutely have to come here! Try everything! It's all so good!!! read more

See all

Beyond the incredibly fabulous food, what truly sets Enso apart is their heart. They are some of the warmest, most accommodating hosts I've encountered anywhere--especially in Louisville. Hospitality can be hard to come by, but Enso has it in spades. The staff is consistently kind, attentive, and deeply considerate, especially when it comes to food allergies (of which I have many). Not once have I felt like an inconvenience-- even when I definitely was. My most recent experience just sealed it for me. My friends were dining at a nearby bar that unfortunately couldn't accommodate my dietary needs, so I placed an order at Enso for pickup. Unbeknownst to me, their online menu had a small glitch and I selected an item that technically wasn't available. Rather than canceling my order or making a fuss, the Enso team made the dish anyway, honored the order, and quietly updated the menu afterward. When the bar my friends were at wouldn't allow outside food (health code rules-- I guess), I returned to Enso a bit defeated. But instead of turning me away, they warmly invited me to enjoy my meal on their patio. It was blazing hot out, and having a beautiful, shaded patio to sit and eat was a deeply appreciated kindness--far better than standing awkwardly on a sidewalk in the sun while my friends dined without me. I especially want to recognize Nina, the general manager, and the lovely host Will--both of whom went out of their way to make me feel welcome and comfortable. Their warmth and thoughtfulness turned an awkward situation into something genuinely enjoyable and memorable. As someone who has worked in the service industry, I know this wasn't the ideal option, and it wasn't their problem to solve. But they stepped in with grace, generosity, and hospitality that you simply don't see every day. Louisville is lucky to have a place like Enso. I know I am read more

This restaurant was such a treat!! It is Japanese/southern fusion which sounds a bit odd but it worked! We were greeted by the hostess who told us it would be about 15 minutes for a table, no problem for us. She then handed us a festive holiday drink menu and said she could bring us our drinks! No hustle and bustle at the bar! It was great and smart for the establishment to do this. When we got seated we were brought warm steamed hand towels to clean our hands, Japanese tradition. Another special treat was some warm chicken broth poured for us prior to our meal. Very rich and delicious! The menu was rather eclectic. We treated it like a tapas type dining event which I think is the idea. We shared a nice ginger salad, some delicious lamb kebabs, and some crunchy chicken bites. Then, a delicious she crab chili noodles. We loved it! A little spicy, the nose was running, but it was as it should be!! Some delicious mochi(?) potato cakes were ordered as well. Very smooth. Like rich mashed potato pancakes, but better! We finished my sharing a house specialty cheesecake that was delicious! I would say that regarding pricing it was a bit expensive for our small plates, but for a treat I'm definitely coming back here! read more

Such a beautiful and relaxing place to have a date night! We loved everything about the food, service and drinks. The portions were perfect for sharing for two, we ordered five entrees and the best one we both really enjoyed were the shishito peppers. So delicious! read more

See all

I'm obsessed with Enso. The mark of being a Louisvillian is knowing all the other things a space has been in the past. It is my favorite iteration of a restaurant in this space. The food is best defined as Southern cuisine with a flare to Japanese techniques. I've been there now 3 times with different people and enjoyed my experience every single time. In advance, I've made a reservation online through OpenTable. They will wait for your entire party to arrive before you are seated. I have sat inside and outside. The patio has great vibes. Once your entire party arrives, they will seat you at a table and provide the menu. A very Asian sentiment: You are given a warm washcloth to clean your hands off. The first time I went, we ordered the Sailor Moon Cocktail. It was delicious. We then ordered some appetizers to share. Ive been here 3 times. So I've ordered a variety of items. We also have gotten the mushroom skewers which were delicious. The one item that I've gotten every single time is the Japanese Potato Salad without the bacon. It is delicious. On our first visit, my friend got the ramen. She loved it. On my last visit, I had the frito pie. It was vegan and incredible! They utilized Carolina gold rice, a vegan house made chili, topped with lettuce, onions and vegan cheese. You are given side Fritos to top the dish. It was so filling and so absolutely tasty. I truly appreciate how many options they have for vegetarians. And when you're not eating. You have a beautiful space to take in. This is the freshest, most airy use of space. It's open, inviting and so pleasing to the eye. You feel comfortable and welcomed. Every meal and experience and Enso has been wonderful. The menu keeps changing so I can't wait to go back again. read more

See all

Overall Amazing experience. I stopped in during the week. Kyle was my waiter and he did an outstanding job. Every recommendation he made was spot on and his attentiveness was above and beyond. I tried three various drinks the Green Tea Beer from Gallant Fox was my favorite. Then ordered the Catfish Slider and the Spicy Crab Bowl. Both were incredible. They had two desserts that I definitely will be back for. They also have a late night mean as well. I would recommend a reservation but I was able to get in at the bar no problem during the week. Make sure you ask for Kyle! I will be back for sure. read more

See all

A friend and I visited Enso for the first time this past Friday. The idea of Japanese fusion dishes was very intriguing to me. The atmosphere was lovely and as soon as we had entered the restaurant we were greeted by the incredibly nice staff. For our appetizers we chose the Japanese potato salad and their Heirloom tomato salad respectively. Both were scrumptious! Our main dish (ramen) was the absolute winner. So flavorful and unique! For desert we opted for the matcha cheese cake and let me tell you: it is an absolute must! Not overly sweet but unbelievably flavorful! I highly recommend ordering it! Overall a lovely and unique dining experience! read more

See all

Dinner was sooo yummy!!! We had the Japanese potato salad. They had a unique combination of ingredients like pickled cucumber and bacon that made them irresistible. The yuzu wings were hands down the absolute best chicken wings I have ever had! We tried a few other dishes that were equally flavorful, the sausage skewers, the chicken, rice and gravy and topped it off with the banana pudding. The banana pudding was a tasty take on such old fashioned goodness. We give Ensō 5 out of 5 stars! read more

5 STAR experience All Around! We were warmly welcomed by the host and immediately felt excited to be dining in this well appointed, tastefully designed establishment. My husband and I were visiting from Detroit and are so grateful that our hosts shared this gem with us. Kirsten was our server and was informative, friendly, generous, and sweet! We ate the ginger salad which will remain in my memory, the shishito peppers, broccolini, vegetable tempura, many skewers and the yakisoba. So many amazing flavors. Top tier service. Delicious cocktails and the sparkling water made us want the machine! Visit this restaurant! You will be so glad you did!!!!! read more

A very interesting fusion concept, since Asian/southern isn't typically what one expects. Each dish was meticulously crafted, and paired with impeccable, friendly service. Skewers were excellent, and a lot of dishes while having a very Japanese basis never felt that they forgot the southern half of the fusion. A really nice sake selection. Great place for an upscale but fun date. read more

This made for a very fun date night. Food was 7/10, ambiance 10/10, service 9/10, drinks 8/10. Do recommend! read more

Enso is one of Louisville's best new restaurants. Our server was always attentive and giving us recommendations and explaining dishes. The cocktails were unique and fun. We had a large group, so it was a lot of fun getting all of the small plates and sharing everything. You have to try the meatballs and the turnip greens! read more

Enso - Southern Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all