Updated by Fraley Williams in July 2022
Louisville is a foodie town, to be sure. It’s not only home to some of the best chefs in the business but also an incubator for up-and-coming chefs and a hotspot for culinary enthusiasts. But the limelight isn’t the only place where you can find great food. There are quite a few hidden gems — restaurants that are off the beaten path but well worth the trek. Some hide in plain sight, others are tucked back into neighborhoods, and several are a short drive from town. Check out our roundup of 14 fabulous eateries you need to put on your radar.
211 Clover Ln., Ste. C, Louisville, KY 40207 • (502) 896-9570 Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Closed Monday
Not only is this restaurant off the beaten path, but you might not find it if you don’t know where to look. Tucked back in a series of shops in St. Matthews, this hidden gem has a great patio, bar, and private room with a quiet, distinguished atmosphere. The dinner menu changes frequently and focuses on locally procured meats and produce. Salads and entrées are all top-notch, but be sure to order dessert — especially the chocolate pot de creme. (Note: Reservations are required and can be made HERE.)Pin211 Clover Lane is tucked back in a quiet row of shops in St. Matthews.
909 Swan St., Louisville, KY 40204 • (502) 627-1777
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
The Come Back Inn is a joint — that’s the best way to describe it — that happens to serve delicious Italian food. It also has a great bar that seems to be a neighborhood go-to. They serve huge (but inexpensive) portions, so expect to leave with a doggie bag. We love all the pasta, especially the Bolognese and the luxurious Gorgonzola. The bruschetta is terrific, but ordering an appetizer likely means you won’t have room to finish your dinner. Located on Swan Street near Hammerheads, this is a “blink, and you’ll miss it” kind of place. They don’t take reservations, and they don’t deliver, but it is worth the wait!
PinPrepare for a feast at the Come Back Inn. Image: Facebook
425 W. Ormsby Ave., Louisville, KY 40203 • (502) 637-5284 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Ambiance, ambiance, and more ambiance is the highlight of this Old Louisville institution. With its white tablecloths, fresh flowers, and live piano music, this is a perfect place for a romantic evening or to celebrate a special occasion. The food perfectly complements the elegant, understated atmosphere and is consistently good. In particular, guests rave about the seared scallops with saffron risotto and the filet mignon.
PinBuck’s Restaurant is ideal for a romantic evening or special occasion. Image: Buck’s Restaurant
4222 Bishop Ln., Louisville, KY 40218 • (502) 618-1400 Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Located off Newburg Road on Bishop Lane, this pollo has so much flavor that you will wonder what the secret is. It is made Peruvian-style, cooked slowly over a rotisserie. The chicken is served with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes and green beans, but be sure to branch out and get the Peruvian sides of cilantro lime rice and chickpeas.
PinYummy Pollo‘s signature pollo is Peruvian-style chicken made on a rotisserie. Image: Facebook
10706 W. Manslick Rd., Fairdale, KY 40118 • (502) 334-0134Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Another iconic Louisville eatery, Shack in the Back is located in Fairdale’s Old Forcht Bank Building. Besides your typical barbecue fare, they also offer turkey ribs, smoked bologna, and “The Hump,” a large appetizer of loaded homemade chips. The ambiance and experience make it worth dining in, but Shack in the Back also offers carry-out and full-service catering.
PinThis is the front, but there really is a shack in the back of this restaurant. Image: Facebook
4742 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40218 • (502) 491-7412
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Located in a nondescript strip mall down Bardstown Road, Dakshin is a fantastic Indian restaurant serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. With plenty of meat and veggie options (and what seems like a million yummy condiments and dipping sauces), Dakshin is an undeniable delight to the palate.
PinDakshin is a great Indian restaurant down Bardstown Road. Image: Facebook
165 Outer Loop, Ste. 118-119, Louisville, KY 40214 • (502) 363-0308
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Yes, it’s in a strip center next to a Walmart on the Outer Loop, but don’t judge a book by its cover. This restaurant is delicious! Enjoy complimentary breadsticks with a marinara dipping sauce but save room for pre-dinner appetizers like Caprese or fried calamari. For your entrée, the Fettucine Alfredo, lasagna, pizza, and calzones are all highly recommended.
PinAfter the breadsticks, save room for pizza at Tuscany Italian Restaurant. Image: Facebook
9308 Cane Run Rd., Louisville, KY 40258 • (502) 937-9888
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Closed Monday
You have not lived until you have experienced Mike Linnig’s … Seriously. With a massive patio, outdoor bar, and views of the Ohio River, it is an unforgettable experience. It’s a family-friendly seafood restaurant with classic fried fish platters, onion rings, slaw, and everything fried you can think of. The perfect time to go is when the weather is warm, so you can spend some time on the patio.
PinMike Linnig’s has been a Louisville institution since 1925. Image: Facebook
8730 Westport Rd., Louisville, KY 40242 • (502) 618-4588
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From the street, this looks like nothing more than a grocery store, but walk through to the back, and you’ll find some of the best tacos in town. You know it is the real deal because the menu is in Spanish and English. All tacos come Mexican-style with simple cilantro and white onion topping so that you can taste the meat. You can also order tacos with deluxe toppings such as lettuce and tomato. Carne asada, carnitas, and Al Pastor are all popular here. Like any good taqueria, bring your appetite because there is no such thing as eating just one taco!
PinLa Rosita Sol has an authentic taqueria “hiding” at the back of a grocery store. Image: Facebook
10609 La Grange Rd., Louisville, KY 40223 • (502) 245-9004
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located on the road into Anchorage, Selena’s is famous for its great happy hours and weekend brunch. The menu is a mix of Creole and Italian food, but guests consistently return for the Creole food. Popular items are the Creole omelet, gumbo, étouffée, po’boys, bread pudding, and Bananas Foster for dessert.
PinThe gorgeous patio at Selena’s | Image: Selena’s
5728 Smithfield Rd., Smithfield, KY 40068 • (502) 845-7682
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed Monday
Head east on Highway 22 for about 30 miles, and you’ll spot Our Best Restaurant in Smithfield, KY. This restaurant is beloved for its comfort food, such as fried chicken and mashed potatoes, meatloaf, cornbread, and delicious desserts. Louisvillians have been making this scenic drive through the country for many years to savor the flavors and sip on the sweet tea.
PinOur Best Restaurant is about 30 miles east of Louisville in Smithfield, KY. Image: Facebook
1153 IN-62, Leavenworth, IN 47137 • (812) 739-4264 Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Located about 45 minutes west of downtown Louisville off I-64, this restaurant literally “overlooks” the Ohio River from its perch on a bluff on the Indiana side of the river, where it claims a 20-mile panoramic view. Fans of this restaurant drive in for the fried chicken, ribs, catfish, and chicken cordon bleu. But, the star of the menu is dessert, with diners saving room for blackberry cobbler, coconut cream pie, and the famous “Death by Chocolate.” The Overlook only takes reservations for parties of 13 or more but offers call-ahead seating if done one hour prior.
PinThe Overlook in Leavenworth, IN | Image: Facebook
Arni’s Restaurant
1208 State St., New Albany, IN 47150 • (812) 945-11493700 Paoli Pike, Ste. 4, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119 • (812) 923-9805 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
What about Arni’s pizza makes Hoosiers keep coming back for more? Even Hoosiers on the Kentucky side of the river drive back to get their Arni’s fix. They all say the cheese, the thin and chewy crust, and the edge-to-edge toppings make it unique. Popular pizza choices here are the BBQ and the deluxe. Don’t forget about the stromboli selection, which is excellent. We think the sentimental value of Arni’s keeps their clientele loyal, with many of them saying that Arni’s reminds them of their childhood. There are two locations nearby, one in downtown New Albany and one in Floyds Knobs.
PinArni’s Restaurant has been a Hoosier favorite for over 50 years. Image: Doug White
554 S. 5th St., Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 384-8347Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday
This overlooked Ethiopian spot is perfect for sharing big plates with friends and family. Not only do they serve all kinds of meats and vegetable plates, but they also offer smoothies and Ethiopian-style wraps. The homestyle meals are authentic and delicious.
PinAbyssinia serves authentic Ethiopian food. Image: Instagram/@cheerslouisvilleBon appétit, Louisville!
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Looking for more local restaurant recommendations? Check out our article on New Louisville Restaurants, updated monthly!
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