Silvio&#x27;s

I went back here AGAIN!! & this time I enjoyed my braised short ribs better because it was more…read moretender & falling apart!! I got appetizer of bruschetta & it was creamy & yummy with their goat cheese & white truffle oil, along with their rotollini di melanzane which is eggplant & tasted like a healthy lasagna bite! For dessert I had vanilla bean panna cotta which is sooooo delicious & I need to have that again omg! So good! I also tried their tiramisu this time & it was light & spongey & also pretty good! Would recommend & I need to go to their tomato experience that I've heard about! I enjoy my experiences here.

We understood the hype of this one! Came here with my mom for a late Mother's Day dinner and sat at…read morethe bar. The restaurant is lively, bustling, and they even had excellent live music. The service was phenomenal - from the hostess to the bartenders, you could tell everyone took pride in their role and was proud of their food and the experience they provide to their guests. The bread service is warm sourdough bread served with dipping oil that has roasted garlic cloves inside - yum! For dinner, mom had their sea bass special which was excellent. I went all out and got the 16 layer lasagna, which has 4 different types of meats. Soooo good and the size was large enough that I had the leftovers again the next night. Can't wait to come back and try more items on the menu. One of the best Italian spots in Louisville - 5/5!

Interior views of restaurant toward another dining area

Fried Green tomatoes

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Outside

Bellissimo Restaurant

4.7(71 reviews)

3.8 mi•Buechel

I was craving some Italian food tonight and chose Bellissimo for dinner. The server was very kind…read moreand the food was delicious. The restaurant was a little difficult to find as it is off the main roads bit worth a try.

We didn't get the chance to dine here since we showed up on a holiday. It's a small restaurant so…read morehighly recommend making reservations here on special occasions. We were able order to-go. The food was great!! The owner and staffs seemed really friendly. We would love to come back and dine in soon.

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Lou Lou on Market

4.4(297 reviews)

4.7 mi•NuLu

Mon Dieu! The best New Orleans style cuisine that I have had since visiting New Orleans! The…read moreservice was timely, courteous, and well informed. The atmosphere was spot on. We started with the crawfish Bayou dip, followed by the shrimp and grits, and topped off with bread pudding. Outstanding experience!

Great atmosphere. Love music on a patio! Josh Logan was fabulous!…read moreThe jambalaya was amazing! The bananas foster cheesecake was the best thing I have EVER tasted!

2.4 mi•Brownsboro- Northfield

Speakeasy

Chicken Bayou Dip ($16)

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Speakeasy seating

Grassa Gramma

4.1(607 reviews)

We heard about the $22 Monday Meal Deal from friends and decided to try Grassa Gramma for…read moreourselves. The deal includes an entrée, salad, focaccia, and a glass of wine. We ordered the rigatoni, one with vodka sauce and one with chicken, cheese, and butter. The space was beautiful, the vibe was great, our server was excellent, and the food was delicious (with enough for leftovers, which is always a win). We'll definitely be back.

I'd give Grassa Gramma 4 stars. There wasn't anything necessarily wrong with our experience, it…read morejust wasn't quite what we were hoping for overall, especially since we were there celebrating my birthday and our wedding anniversary. The atmosphere is really fun and unique, and there were definitely things we enjoyed. My husband got the chicken Parmesan and I kept stealing bites because his was so good! I ordered the special that night, which was the $27 cacio e pepe on orecchiette with sausage, and it came with a salad and wine. The salad was really good, but unfortunately the pasta was way too salty and a little bland for me. I probably should have said something, but I didn't, so that part is on me. I just felt bad wasting it! The service wasn't bad at all, but the overall experience felt a little rushed. Since we were celebrating two pretty special occasions, I think we were hoping for more of a relaxed, sit-and-enjoy-it kind of evening. We never really had a chance to settle in before it felt like everything was moving along pretty quickly. They also bring out a wine sample at the beginning of the meal, which I loved, and it was delicious. We'll definitely go back at some point. I'd just order something different next time and hopefully have a more relaxed experience.

Grassa Gramma interior

Baked Seafood Imperial Pasta

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Entrance

bar Vetti

4.4(399 reviews)

4.7 mi•NuLu

We stopped in for lunch as soon as we landed and i have to highly recommend this spot before you…read moreleave Louisville! Bar Vetti is such a modern restaurant serving some delicious items! During our visit, we opted for the lunch special. We got the wedge salad which was divine! So creamy and coated the wedge so nicely so you get a cohesive bite every time! For the pasta, I got the orecchiette and my husband got the rigatoni and both were delicious! So creamy and well balanced! We also got a pizza to share with the table. We got their Brussels and bacon. The crust was just perfect, crunchy bottom and chewy inside with the shreds of Brussels and bacon layered evenly on top. The service also made this experience so well rounded! Quick and friendly service1 HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I've been a regular at Bar Vetti for years and it's still one of my favorite spots in Louisville…read more The pastas are consistently excellent, the service is warm and attentive, and the sexy, stylish decor makes it a fun place to linger. It's perfectly located in the vibrant Nulu neighborhood too.In the colder months I always go for the cacio e pepe, and once spring hits I'm all about their smashed meatball sandwich. The cocktails and wine list are outstanding as well. Highly recommend if you're in the area!

Ricotta Bomboloni

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Orecchiette

Lupo

4.3(405 reviews)

3.9 mi•Butchertown

Absolutely the best pizza in Louisville!! The staff and service feel like home - farm to table…read morevegetables and the corn ribs are worth every messy bite! I look forward to Lupo every week and am anxious to see what vegetable dish they are featuring. If I could give 10 stars I would!

I love their pizza and ranch! I ended up getting their version of a pepperoni pizza and a side of…read moreranch to go. The sour dough crust is so good and perfect for the pizza to be folded to eat. The ranch, while I think it's pricy for the amount, is delicious and a must! Parking can be tricky. There is a very small lot with more parking across the street. Both have been full! I'm glad there is a lot of demand, but it can be full so add some time to find parking.

Sharing table!

Milk & Honey Pizza

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Sting like a bee YUM

Perso

4.5(118 reviews)

5.1 mi•Shelby Park

Cute, quiet date night. Intimate table side kitchen and amazing food. Perso is a unique gem nestled…read moreon Shelby Street. The ambiance is clean, minimalist, mature with a menu that speaks to a tenured chef. I had the pate charcuterie and the creme brulee. Ill be honest. I was just messing around with the pate. Its a no for me, but. If u like liver cheese loaf, you'll love it. The creme brulee was thick and silky with the signature crunchy top. Happily impressed. I dont like when a restaurant overs does the brulee... umm, mill 4 iron . You'll like this place. The pizza was yummy and the noodle dish was cheesy and creamy.

The Barchetta di Pane did not come out as expected. It should've been a bread boat stuffed with…read moremarinara and cheese. It came out more like a pizza.

2.8 mi•Clifton, The Avenue

Sharing some delicious appetizers

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DiFabio's Casapela

4.1(211 reviews)

It's been a while since I've been here and the food was delicious! Sad to say it will close by the…read moreend of the year, so make reservations and go! Reservations can be made online through open table and it's extremely easy to book. Side note, your entire party will need to be there before you are seated. The restaurant is cozy and inviting, located on Frankfort Avenue. They have a full drink menu and plenty of wine to choose from. They also offered several specials when we dined there. We opted for the bruschetta topped with mozzarella and served with tomato basil drip. Then the fresh bread arrived and my goodness was it good. It was fluffy with a crunchy exterior, perfect for dipping into the sauce of our entrees. They have lots of pasta options, including a build your own pasta with a choose of noodles, sauce and meat. I was torn between the piccata or Marsala, but wanted something fresh and bright - the piccata did not disappoint. the chicken was moist, the capers were huge and the sauce was bright and tart. I would definitely order it again. I've already made reservations to go back in December!

If you're looking for a place that makes you feel like you've accidentally stumbled into an Italian…read morenonna's kitchen--minus the guilt of sneaking extra lasagna--di Fabio Casapela is your spot. From the moment we walked in, the service was so warm and genuine. Now, let's talk about the food because holy cannoli--it was chef's kiss worthy. We started with escargot, which was excellent. Then came the caprese pasta with grilled shrimp. Imagine tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and shrimp having a delicious little party on your plate. The lasagna and manicotti, bathed in pink sauce so rich and creamy, made me question my life choices up to that point. Of course, this Italian feast needed wine worthy of the gods--Chianti, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc all played their parts beautifully, like the perfect musical trio backing an epic food opera. If you want authentic flavors, a staff that treats you like family, and the kind of meal that makes you want to book a one-way ticket to Italy (or at least come back here next weekend), di Fabio Casapela is your new happy place. Mangia, mangia!

Chicken Parm.

Chicken Alfredo

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Chicken parm very yummy!

Ciao Ristorante

4.1(414 reviews)

4.1 mi•Irish Hill

Wonderful experience!! We went during happy hour and enjoyed several great appetizers and drinks…read more The main course was excellent, a pesto gnocchi. The service was fast and friendly, and very affordable for a good amount of food. We would definitely return when visiting Louisville again!

Amazing food and fabulous service! The vodka pasta and orecchiette were delicious. Richie was so…read moreattentive and we received our food quickly. We will be back again soon!

5.8 mi•Fourth Street, Downtown

Lanterns made from barrel staves is a great touch for the bar.

Pizza

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Mocha with oat milk

Benfinita - Modern Italian

3.9(130 reviews)

Family-owned & operated

Outdoor seating

The food was great! I had the lasagna. Its old country Italian legit…read more The ambiance is nice enough to be romantic, but open enough to make new friends at the table next to us. The staff was very nice, although they seemed rushed, unorganized and hectic. In true Italy form, it took about 2-3 hours for dinner. This was a much needed break from the craziness of the day. So, we weren't mad at it. We waited at least 30 min before service realized we were there, after the hostess seated us. Once the drinks and bread came, we were ready and happy. I would definitely return, but I would ensure I didnt have any required obligations for at least 3 hours.

I decided on 3 stars. We came in on a Friday night around 7:30 PM and it was absolutely dead, which…read morewas a slight red flag. The arancini was served in less than two minutes. It was cold and the marinara was cold that came on it. It was good but cold. Very disappointed. The drinks were decent. The prices were steep for what they were. We sat at the bar and the bartender was constantly checking in while we were drinking to see if we were ready to order. I had already told him we would let him know when we are ready. It was pretty non classy of him to be doing that. He was pressing us to order we felt. The filet we ordered was well done when we asked for medium. The manager did make it right so I give him credit for that. The chicken parm was slightly below average. The chicken was dry and the marinara was nothing amazing and tasted as if it came in a jar and was not fresh in my opinion. That all being said I will say the prices are relatively fair when it comes to the food for what you are getting. The scenery was actually very nice inside. So my expectations were high because of that. Overall I may come back but I won't expect anything too nice when it comes to food unfortunately...

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25 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Hannah M.

177

4 months ago

Silvio's is easily one of the best hidden gems in St Matthews!!! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, welcoming, and authentically family-owned. The food was absolutely incredible -- fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every dish tasted homemade and perfectly seasoned, and the portions were generous!! The staff went above and beyond to make us feel taken care of, and the service was friendly from start to finish. You can tell this place has loyal customers for a reason. Whether you're stopping in for a casual dinner or celebrating something special, Silvio's delivers an experience that feels both comforting and memorable. If you're looking for amazing Italian food in Louisville, Silvio's is a must-visit. Already looking forward to going back! Would not hurt to make a reservation as well! read more

Rob M.

11 years ago

This is a classy place with a great family atmosphere - this is as close as it gets to sitting down with my own Italian family. IMO this is the best Italian Food in the city of Louisville. The rice balls, antipasto and chicken Parmesan my family I had was wonderful. The chicken Parmesan (which is made to order) came out perfectly crispy and the antipasto that was drizzled with "Nana's dressing" still have my mouth watering. I knew that this place was run by real Italians when they called their red sauce, which was excellent, "Gravy." Top all of that off with some freshly shredded Parmesan like my Grandfather used to do at our family dinners, and I was ready for a nap! This place cooks comfort food and I will definitely be coming back. I am so pleased to have an establishment like Silvio's in St. Matthews. read more

J W.

10 years ago

We were there Saturday night. By far the best dining out experience I've had in a while. The food was to die for and the service was amazing at the least! We sat next to the window and it made it feel that much cozier. I've worked in the industry for quite a while and I will have to say that next to the food the second most appealing thing was how their servers worked together. You never saw the servers standing around. They were always helping each other and I know I heard the girls ask each other several times if they needed anything. This is what makes a restaurant special. Not too often do you see servers work together anymore. Great food with even better service! We will definitely be back very soon and will ask for Ashley again!! read more

Giulia C.

9 years ago

Let's start with saying that I am 100% Italian. I have been here in America for four months and after four months of eating American food Silvio's made me realize how much I miss home and how much food means in a person's life. Eat here and your body will say "you just put love into me". The owner and the whole stuff is great, they almost made me cry by how nice they were. Thank you so much Silvio's. Gonna come back. read more

Whit M.

11 years ago

I have eaten there for lunch and dinner now and both were delicious! Great food choices and everything had great flavor. The prices were great, especially for the amount of food you get. I hope you like leftovers! I set next to the open windows for lunch and really enjoyed the atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful. I can't wait to go back! read more

Nace F.

9 years ago

First time to eat at Silvios. I was with my niece and an exchange student from Italy. The food made her feel like she was at home. Bill the owner walked around to all the tables and was great. You are missing some authentic Italian food if you don't go. Make a reservation. read more

Scott S.

193

9 years ago

WOW! The food is excellent real Italian with a special flare of the owner, Bill Melillo always stopping by customers tables to chat! The atmosphere is warm and cozy. The menu pricing is very reasonable and the service is excellent!! read more

Linda S.

11 years ago

Great new restaurant...love the Alfredo Chips and Rice Balls for appetizers! I had a martini from the bar...nice strong drink! Eggplant Parm was delicious as were the desserts! I'll be back trying out other items on the menu! read more

Kim N.

1 year ago

The food is amazing! Service excellent. Karen is such a lovely person and so is her husband. My son devoured the raviolis. My linguine with clam sauce was delicious. My husband loved the veal. Will definitely come back!!! Kim read more

Inbar L.

176

5 years ago

One of our most favorite Italian dining experiences. Bill Melillo and his crew emphasize culture and family in everything they do and it shows! Highly recommend. The special last night (Friday, April 16) was outstanding!! read more

Nivk M.

11 years ago

Excellent food and atmosphere, big portions and very flavorful Italian cuisine-dessert rocked,great presentation and friendly, efficient staff-good pour on a lovely house red wine!!! will be returning regularly read more

Chad S.

6 years ago

The Bruschetta was the best we have ever had and the chef had a great story about the recipe. The experience was great and they were great with the masks and distancing. The food was amazing! read more

Barbara J.

10 years ago

Love this place. We have gone back again and again. Love the baked ziti, chicken parm and the wine. Everything delicious and the leftovers you take home are even better the next day. read more

Billy L.

11 years ago

Excellent meal. Food was fantastic. Fun wine list! I will definitely be back again and again! The staff is very friendly. Made me feel like family! Service was excellent! read more

Paul D.

11 years ago

This is the place for great Italian comfort food. The wine is very reasonably priced and the staff is friendly. It's great to see them back after the fire. read more

Libby M.

6 years ago

Silvio's is my first choice for gone Italian food. They make you feel like family. The food is delicious and made with love.

Greg W.

11 years ago

Wonderful Caesar salad with anchovies. Angel hair pasta and Italian sausage was fabulous. And they pour a great bourbon! read more

Diana M.

11 years ago

FANTASTIC! From the appetizer's/drinks to the tender Chicken Parmesan plus BEST desserts ever! I'll definitely be back.

Paulette M.

6 years ago

First time visiting and will be back! Excellent service, amazing food! Everyone was very friendly! Visit this place!!

Kelly L.

11 years ago

Great family Italian resturant! Great flavor, service, and has a great bar! The Melillo's don't disappoint! read more

Silvio's - italian - Updated September 2026

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Sarino

3.9

(344 reviews)

The food was overall great, and the staff were very nice and responsive. Unfortunately, I did find…read morea small piece of plastic in my meatballs, which was disappointing. I let the staff know, and they handled the situation kindly and promptly. I appreciate their responsiveness and hope they can prevent something like this from happening again. The place has a very big glass and it makes the experience nice and fancy.

Really cool ambiance. Good for date night or a night out with friends. There is a free parking lot…read moreon the side and street parking as well. The only reason I gave it a 4 was because the tables were very close. I literally heard every conversation by me and seemed like the servers were also having a hard time getting through. Pretty tight to get around. All of our food was amazing except for the archani balls. We actually sent those back. They had no seasoning inside them and just tasted like a fried meatball- with no seasoning. We also got the create your own charcuterie board. We at a lot of that. Very good. I had the pork chop. Such an amazing flavor with the apple butter. I was excited to have leftovers. Everything went well together. The rest of my party had the calamari and the vodka sauce with chicken Parmesan on top. They loved it too. I definitely would go back. The food was really good.

Martini Italian Bistro

3.7

(379 reviews)

Delightful experience all the way around!…read more We (party of 3) dined early @5pm on a Saturday night and had no wait for a table. Adam, our server, was an absolute gem when it came to suggestions for food and drink! We took every one of his recommendations and were very happy we did!. The Tuscan Ribeye, Peach Pork Chop, and Pasta Rosa were all delicious! We each had a cocktail and a Caprese salad. Delightful beverages and salad! My Pasta Rosa was everything I had hoped it would be... bright, creamy tomato vodka sauce with grilled chicken and pasta. My husband's Tuscan Ribeye was done perfectly. My stepson's peach pork chop was seared beautifully and the sauce was fantastic. We dove right into the food (which was terrific) so I forgot to get pictures. By dessert, however, I controlled myself long enough to take pictures of our Tiramisu and Crème Brûlée -- both as tasty as they were beautifully presented. The ambiance is loud and lively (even early in the evening) so, if you have trouble hearing you might want to request a quiet table, if they have one.

Brought in for our office, this place does a good job with their dishes. Ours was catered in and…read moreit was pretty good stuff. To dine in and get other more sophisticated dishes, I'll bet they measure up even better. Meatballs....big and a good big taste. Great textured meatball too. House salad and dressing...another winner. Good tasting bread this place puts out too. I'd eat here anytime...great restaurant.

Osteria Italian Seafood

4.2

(136 reviews)

Osteria was a fantastic spot. The calamari was probably the best calamari I've ever had, the warm…read moregoat cheese was also fantastic! I got the fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp and it was also very good. We had a couple people get the steak and frites which was also fantastic per their opinion! All that to say, very good food and the service was excellent as well! Will be back to take my wife on a date night!

We came in to celebrate birthdays and had a wonderful time. The part of the experience I'd most…read morerecommend is the staff: our waitress was funny, personable, patient, and all-around fabulous. Next, the drinks...I had white sangria and my sister got the limoncello spritz. Both were delicious, well served, and generous pours. For appetizers, we got the goat cheese spread and garlic butter mussels. This is where we learned about the BREAD. I could survive on this bread. Thank goodness portions are large. My brother got a cup of the tomato bisque, which is served with puff pastry on top. For dinner, we ordered carbonara, jumbo shrimp limone, and lasagna. Everything was delicious and came with MORE BREAD. YAY! Much came home with us but it all was enjoyed by lunchtime today. Delicious. For dessert, my mom will always bring something from her own freezer. Some restaurants may frown on this, but our server brought us plates and forks, a knife for cutting the small cake, and even 2 little candles to blow out and the lighter to light them. So sweet. She also brought us a happy birthday decorated plate of little canolis, which were much better than that store bought cake. Lol Can't wait to return, especially for drinks and appetizers. There is a beet and burrata salad I've got my eye on! (I can't believe I didn't take any other photos)

Brendon's Catch 23

4.0

(538 reviews)

Brendan's Catch 23 ain't cheap, baby. But if you're gonna run my pockets, THIS is how you do it…read more Make no mistake, the crab dip is the STAR of the show. Creamy, loaded with crab, served with that toasted bread... 10/10. I always go back for that alone. The tomahawk was chef's kiss too. Great crust, cooked perfectly and definitely a whole experience. Even the Caesar salad was great; I just wish the dressing had a little more flavor to really take it over the top. Palate don't lie. ‍

I appreciate that's it's Derby Week and restaurants in Louisville are crowded but when a restaurant…read morecharges you a $100 per person non-refundable deposit just to make a reservation, then they keep you waiting like you're in a doctor's office until they can seat you - and the bar isn't serving drinks because they've also booked every seat at the bar so they can take $100 deposits for each of those seats as well - this is a restaurant I'll never come back to. This place is a joke. Part II - Finally got our table about 50 minutes after our reservation. Even though we booked a table, they seated us at the bar. The food, admittedly, was very good, but after getting our appetizers rather promptly, we were seated over an hour before our bartender - Mo - finally had to go to the kitchen to chase down our entrees. Then, after all of this, the couple next to us got their bill but hey hadn't deducted the $200 prepaid deposit. A different bartender tried to convince them that the $200 had been netted out but they weren't having it. Finally Mo came to the rescue again and got them a new bill that clearly deducted the deposit. We quickly asked him to get our bill as well since we knew he would make sure ours was corrected too. Makes me wonder how many other patrons didn't catch this mistake and ended up giving the restaurant another $100 per person. Oh, and when I went to the restroom, it was quickly obvious no one had checked on the restroom all night because the garbage can was overflowing with used paper towels all over the floor. +3 hours in all. Mo was the only employee we encountered who was both competent and understood customer service. Still sticking with my 1-star review - and that's only because a half star was not an option.

Varanese

4.2

(341 reviews)

As close to perfection as it gets. Came in with no reservation and my table couldn't have been…read morebetter, up at the front wall facing the street, windows floor to ceiling. I witnessed an intense rain and lightning storm, perfectly timed for my visit. (Started right after I arrived, all cleared up when I was ready to leave). I'll get to the food soon. But I'll start with Jessica, the perfect waitress. Not only did she know the menu thoroughly and the service went flawlessly and perfectly timed, her amiable demeanor led to real but brief conversation, not just the typical waiter/customer pleasantries. We talked about the storm (she loves to play soccer in the rain, my vacation so far, and ChatGPT. Yes, I used it to choose between two entrees and we joked about its odd responses and the mistakes it can make. (In the end I went against both ChatGPT's and her advice but was happy with my choice.) Food started with a complimentary small piece of bruschetta. Garlicky and parsley-y. Yum. Free bread was also provided with the meal: a mini baguette. I didn't eat the bread but asked to take it home as I was camping and out of bread. When I opened the bag later I was thrilled to see that a second loaf was added! An amuse-bouche and free bread; off to a promising start. Appetizer and entree were both from the large specials page: 9 items in addition to the ample and varied everyday menu. I started with "Tempura Fried Lobster and Cream Cheese Stuffed Squash Blossoms, Sweet Thai Sauce." I couldn't really taste the batter-fried blossoms but they made elegant containers for the filling, like a crab rangoon. And the chili sauce was a good accompaniment. The elderly lady sitting alone at a nearby table celebrating her birthday and apparently a regular, I think related to the band, hearing what I ordered got my attention and admonished me to "make sure they put the lobster in it". Apparently she wasn't satisfied with hers. I was though. Like the crab in a Rangoon the lobster was subtle but there. The portion was an adequate 3 pieces and knowing there was an entree and dessert coming I took one home. Even the take-away packing was done expertly, in an attractive black paper box and a foil liner inside. My entree was "Pecan-Encrusted Walu Hawaiian Butterfish. Sweet potato-sage risotto, Tuscan kale, bourbon apple butter." Very good and the portion was just right. I liked the pecan crust, not overwhelming the mildly flavored, oily fish. The risotto was too creamy for me (some like it that way), but I really liked the sweetness and sage flavor and finished it. The kale was fried crispy, an interesting touch. This was all served on a flat slate plate, attractively presented with the bourbon apple butter sauce and some micro greens. No pretentious "chef knows best" attitude here. Salt and pepper grinders available at the table for those who wanted them (like me). I had two cocktails from the interesting selection. Barolo Manhattan had Old Forester bourbon, Cocchi Barolo Chinato (an aged Italian bitter), sweet vermouth, dark cherry juice, and cherry bitters. The other was Bourbon Tea: Michters bourbon, tea, lemon juice, apple juice, mint. Both drinks were brought by another person, not my waitress. And in both cases they returned soon after, inquiring how I liked them. Excellent I replied, both times. Also a selection of 12 whisky and bourbon flights: 3 or 4 smaller portions according to a theme: a rye selection, bourbons, single-barrels, and flights featuring specific distillers Maker's Mark, Woodford, etc. There was a small dessert selection and some appealed but I didn't really have room. But also ice cream, a small scoop for $2 and a large for $4. Very reasonable. There's always room for ice cream, right? Jessica didn't remember the flavors and was going to check but I asked her to surprise me - just as long as it's not vanilla. She brought blackberry lavender. A very interesting flavor but the texture was off, a little grainy. A trivial flaw. The ambience of the place couldn't be better. White tablecloths, fresh flowers and a candle on the table, widely spaced tables and moderate noise, a gentle waterfall comprising an entire wall. And when a birthday was celebrated (my neighbor and also another table across the room) it was done tastefully with the waiter quietly arriving with a candled cake and a jazzy instrumental Happy Birthday from the band. None of the stupid chants from the entire waitstaff found in many places these days, more appropriate for Marine bootcamp than a restaurant. The band, a guitar/bass duo, was so nice to listen to. Old jazz instrumentals mostly. I could have stayed all night. In fact I did, waiting until they stopped around 9:00 before leaving, feeling no pressure to vacate. I tipped them well, and not just because they made a valiant attempt at my request for "Poinciana" which they warned me they hadn't played in years. I think they are a house band, playing here regularly.

I like an older restaurant whose stretched their legs and built ties with community…read more Varanese has been on franfort ave for some time. Its a local date night favorite. I took my son on a date and we fancied up. He pulled out chairs for me and ordered our drinks. He was 15. He talked to the waiter about his steak and what the different toppings meant and talked planes with our food neighbor as he wants to be a pilot. That's what this place offers. Community. The food was also stellar, we had creme brulee for dessert both our favorites and my son left a little older, a little more mature. He left with confidence. It was a great experience.

Uptown Cafe

4.1

(162 reviews)

Had another great evening at Uptown tonight…read more We generally sit at the bar this time of year (unless the air conditioning is too cold, then we sit outside). Sitting at the bar tonight, on a Wednesday, was very pleasant. The bar stools are quite comfortable. And tonight the doors to the outside patio were open; so it was sort of like sitting both inside and outside. Gerald, bartender extraordinaire, was amazing as usual. He is super attentive, knows how to properly make cocktails, and has one of the best personalities you would ever want for a bartender. If I were to ever open a bar or restaurant, I would try to steal him from Uptown. My husband and I had the $5 Whisky Wednesday bourbon to start (this alternates weekly, tonight was Buffalo Trace). Then we had our usual house salads, which are truly delicious. Probably the best salads on Bardstown Road or maybe even all of Louisville. The beer is always very cold. The service is quick and friendly. Bathrooms are clean and private. Not sure what I would change about the place except maybe less air conditioning sometimes. If you haven't been (or haven't been for a while), go check it out.

We were able to visit the Uptown Cafe booth at the Dare to Care's Taste of Derby charitable event…read more Their item of a pulled pork barbecue sandwich with pickled red onions was delicious and was featured on a tender bun. We look forward to visiting the brick and mortar location to try other menu items.

Tuscany Italian Restaurant

3.6

(172 reviews)

We hadn't eaten in all day as we had taken a red eye flight and fortunately able to check in early…read moreso we settled in and took a nap before heading out to linner. Initially we went to a Puerto Rican restaurant but it had closed so we decided on Italian and found this place nearby. Honestly, we weren't expecting much as we had previewed the menu and I expected it to be a lower quality restaurant but I was wrong as the food was excellent. We were so hungry so we started off with the caprese (7.99). This was the least fave of what we had. It was ok, not much to it though. I love pizza so I ordered a med veggie pizza and added pepperoni (17.00 + 4.00 for pepperoni). BFF ordered the chicken portobello which was served over a bed of fettucini. Both the pizza and pasta were excellent. My eyes were bigger than my tummy as I only ate 2 slices of pizza and took the rest back to the hotel. Our server was very attentive and provided excellent service. The only thing I did not care for was there was a 1.93 diff between the cash price and the card price and I hate when businesses charge that cause you know they're still making money as they are charging more than what the service is charging them for the point of service. Unfortunately/fortunately, I just deducted that amount from the server's tip.

Tuscany is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that my family has enjoyed for years. Our most recent…read morevisit was this Sunday, Mother's Day. A local musician we enjoy was scheduled to play during dinner hours. I called the day before to try to make reservations, but they don't take reservations on Mother's Day. First come first served. As we assumed it would be very busy, we arrived at 4pm. We were seated promptly, given menus and our drink orders were taken. Our server was wonderful. Warm, knowledgeable of the menu and quick with accurate answers to questions. She also provided quick, accurate and friendly service. We ordered the spinach dip and chips appetizer for the table. It was fine, but not super flavorful. I'd say it was just ok. The chips were quite good. Bread and marinara was brought to the table. It was warm, fresh tasting and flavorful. We enjoyed it. I ordered a side garden salad with ranch and the shrimp casserole. The server made a point to let me know there was pasta in the casserole which I thought was nice. I wish she had reminded me there was Italian sausage in it. I'm not a fan of Italian sausage in anything. There was nothing wrong with it, I just don't like it. I ate around it. The shrimp, pasta, broccoli and cheesy cream sauce in the dish were cooked and seasoned to perfection. Very tasty. My salad was pretty good. The blue cheese dressing was delicious. My husband got the sampler and I tried a bite of his lasagna and it was delicious. Our daughter ordered shrimp diavolo. She enjoyed it and there was enough for her to bring a big portion home. My parents got the fettuccine Alfredo as they always do and enjoyed it as much as ever. We ordered some desserts and coffee so that we could linger awhile to hear the live music. Jeff Rehmet is a great entertainer. His beautiful playing and witty banter added a lot to our Mother's Day celebration. He took some requests which was nice. Our desserts were very good. Between us we got tiramisu, lava cake, cheesecake and biscotti ice cream. Everyone loved their desserts and ate every bite. My only complaint was that my coffee was not hot. It was lukewarm. That was a bit disappointing as it was chilly in the restaurant. Still tasted ok and not enough of a big deal to take the shine off of a wonderful evening and meal with family. My parents picked up the tab so I'm not sure about the bill. Tuscany is not cheap but not outrageous. Prices are fair for the quality and amount of food. All in all we had a great experience. We will always return to Tuscany.

Vincenzo's

3.7

(382 reviews)

Nick and I had a lovely dinner at Vincenzo's! I had the Vitello Piccata, and he had the Pollo…read moreGenovese. Both dishes had a tableside presentation, which was such a nice and unique touch. The service was impeccable. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening. I also had a berry Bellini, which was delicious. At the end of the meal, they brought the dessert selection tableside for us to choose from. Of course, once we saw the tiramisu, there was no turning it down! It was wonderful, light, fluffy, and the perfect way to end the meal. Overall, we had a terrific experience at Vincenzo's and would absolutely love to go back!

Our monthly fine dining group enjoyed a Tuesday evening meal at this long-standing establishment…read moreand consensus was A+. Would characterize it as overall having an old school charm that is rarer nowadays. Notable features of the evening included the obvious delicious food and beverage, as well as the table side preparation of Caesar salad and then the hot entrees over flame contained in copper burners. Staff were very proficient and entertaining during service. (Photos of menu and food items included with this review.) The interior decor was serene and pristine with linen tablecloths and napkins, artwork, and stonework. Valet parking available. Property has easy accessibility. Free street parking after 6 PM. Located within a block of Kentucky Center for the Arts and near the original Humana HQ (designed by architect Michael Graves).

Crestwood Bistro

4.5

(73 reviews)

We visited Reardon's Fruit Market and Garden Center and saw this Bistro across the street and…read moredecided to try it out for lunch. What a gem!!! We had a conversation with the owner who has degrees in Food Science and Culinary Arts, and is passionate about "changing the world with food." The inside is cozy, inviting, and meticulously clean. There is a small bar area and an area of table seating. Outdoor seating is available as well. The bistro is known for one of its appetizer small plates of deviled eggs. The owner said that the recipe for the eggs is one of the few things he is not wiling to share! Employees and patrons have drawn pictures of deviled eggs that are displayed on a wall space. I opted for the grilled chicken Greek salad. Greek salad is a favorite of mine and I have eaten it from numerous restaurants. By far, this was the best I have ever had. The artful presentation, fresh ingredients, and decadent flavors were a real treat. The chicken was so tender and again, the flavor bloomed in my mouth. The owner brought out a small serving of homemade peach ice cream that had been made the day before with fresh peaches. I simply have no words for how delicious it was. I will let my husband describe his experience in his yelp account, but I will say that after having salmon the night before at an 'upscale' restaurant in Louisville, he commented that the salmon at this bistro "blew it away!" People often say "I will return and try other menu options," when in fact they do not follow through. That will not be the case with us, we both agree that we cannot wait to return!

My wife and I were in Crestwood, KY visiting a local nursery just off LaGrange Rd and spied the…read moreCrestwood Bistro across the road and decided to stop in for lunch. Once again we found an absolute GEM of a spot just out kicking around. In conversation with the owner we discovered that he has degrees in both culinary arts and food science. His blended knowledge in these areas contributes to exquisite dishes. My wife had an exceptional Greek salad w/ chicken while I opted for a mixed green salad with grilled salmon; easily the finest piece of fish I have eaten in Louisville. It was grilled to perfection with a spice mixture of his own creation which he would not divulge! At the end of the meal we were severed a sample of his homemade peach ice cream. If you prescribe to the old adage that eating out is about the food not the upscale expensive vibe than this place is it! We will be back again soon!

Town A Neighborhood Pub

4.3

(147 reviews)