There’s never a shortage of new restaurants to try in Louisville! In addition to being the home of boxer Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and more, you can always count on some delicious eats. Try one of these recently opened spots the next time you’re in the mood for something new!

Cherry Pickin’ Juicery & Goods

Neighborhood: NuLu
More info: cherrypickinky.com

Behind The Local Seltzery sits a non-alcoholic beverage shop: Cherry Pickin’ Juicery & Goods. Like other juice bars, this NuLu spot serves a variety of cold-pressed juices made with apples, kale, celery, pineapple, and the like. But Cherry Pickin’ differs because its offerings focus on health and wellness, so juices are infused with herbs and adaptogens for an extra-refreshing experience.

The menu also features a variety of smoothies and healthy bites, like overnight oats, chia pudding, and specialty toast. For those looking to give their body a reboot, the store offers four kinds of cleanses — dubbed “resets” — to kickstart healthier routines. Celery Juice provides six days of pure celery juice; the Semi-Pro is a combo of fruits, root veggies, greens, and cashew milk; the Pro Pro features a variety of green juices; and the Dream Team Detox features a selection of Cherry Pickin’ drinks to further aid those who are already on a set wellness journey.

açai bowl on a wooden table
“The Ringer” features açai berries, bananas, coconut water, housemade granola, a Brazil nut crumble, seasonal fruit, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, and honey. Image: Cherry Pickin’ Juicery & Goods

The Eagle Food & Beer Hall

Neighborhood: Oxmoor
More info: eaglerestaurant.com

The Eagle has landed in Oxmoor. Southern fare is being served up at Oxmoor Center by way of The Eagle Food & Beer Hall’s second Louisville location. The restaurant is known for its natural, free-range, brined-in-house fried chicken and various sides. Popular picks include mac and cheese made with five cheese and garlic breadcrumbs, iron skillet cornbread with maple butter, known as spoonbread; and white cheddar grits served with housemade pickled peppers. 

In honor of its November 22 opening, the eatery is allowing guests to win a free meal at its new, 4,200-square-foot spot next to Top Golf. Its $20,000 grand opening giveaway runs through the end of December. Diners must subscribe to the newsletter to participate. 

chicken sandwich by an outdoor fire
The fried chicken sandwich at The Eagle Food & Beer Hall boasts a fried chicken breast, cole slaw, spicy mayo, and house pickles. Image: Lennie Omalza

Heitzman Bakery

Neighborhood: Buechel
More info: Facebook

November was a busy month for Heitzman Bakery. The shop, owned by the grandson of Charles Heitzman (who began whipping up cakes in the 1920s), moved from 3333 Bardstown Road and reopened just down the street at 4759 Bardstown Road in the Eastland Shopping Center.

The new spot is less than 10 minutes from its original location and is about twice the size of the old spot, providing lots more space for the custom cakes, doughnuts, and other baked goods for which Heitzman Bakery is known. Customers can pick up their favorite treats seven days a week, as the bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

round cake with pink base, teal frosting, and three doughnuts on the top
Heitzman Bakery serves up cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes, and more — but its specialty is custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. Image: Heitzman Bakery

Miki’s Karaoke Bar

Neighborhood: Clifton
More info: Facebook

There’s a new place for aspiring performers to showcase their talent — but if singing isn’t your thing, Miki’s Karaoke Bar is also a Korean restaurant. Located in the space formerly occupied by Jake & Elwood’s, the Frankfort Avenue spot lets the mics rest for a few hours each night when it opens for dinner at 5 p.m. (the tunes don’t start until 8 p.m.).

In addition to a full bar, which includes cocktails, sake, and soju, Miki’s also serves a variety of starters like ramen, fried rice, and K-Bop — Korean food in a cup. Every K-Bop option includes rice, lettuce, bean sprouts, mushrooms, carrots, eggs, and japchae, which are sweet potato starch noodles. Guests can take their pick of cups with everything from Korean barbecue beef, chicken, tuna, or a mix of Spam, tofu, and kimchi. Various sauces are also available to enhance every dish, which can be made mild, spicy, or super hot.

Korean food in a paper bowl
The full menu at Miki’s Karaoke Bar is available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with starters and fried rice served until midnight. Image: Facebook

Noche Mexican BBQ

Neighborhood: Paristown Pointe
More info: nochemexicanbbq.com

Andrew Diaz created Noche Mexican BBQ restaurant with his childhood memories in mind, as every family celebration meant his father would be making smoked meat and ribs while everyone else snacked on chips, salsa, and guacamole. Today, he and his team use his dad’s spice rub in many of the menu items, including the ever-popular brisket, which is seasoned and smoked for 15 hours.

The first location sits in an old church on Bardstown Road, and now, Andrew is bringing his Mexican barbecue to Paristown Pointe by way of The Village Market. Sharing the space with Banditz Pizza, Bunz Burgerz, and Sarap, the new Noche spot is open seven days a week. Guests can expect to find familiar favorites, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas filled with chicken tinga, al pastor, carnitas, or brisket. Smoked wings, carne asada fries, and bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños (known as armadillo eggs) are also available.

burrito on a white plate
Burritos at Noche Mexican BBQ are filled with grilled onions, poblano, rice, beans, and cheese. Image: Noche Mexican BBQ

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Published November 2023
Written by Lennie Omalza

Month after month, Louisville’s restaurant scene consistently welcomes delicious new options! This month, we’re exploring five new spots offering creative dishes from sliced octopus to caperberry and quinoa salad. Check out these eateries that recently opened their doors, ready to welcome Derby City residents and visitors alike.

B.O.H.C Yard

Neighborhood: Audubon Park
More info: bohcyard.com

The only thing better than a new restaurant is multiple new restaurants in one place — and BOHC Yard offers just that. The acronym stands for Back of House Collective, as the Yard is a destination for new food trucks and pop-ups. The space opened in September and features new food trucks every weekend, with numerous umbrella-covered seating options. There are games on the huge lawn, too — like cornhole and giant Jenga — to entertain both kids and grown-up kids. B.O.H.C Yard’s current options include bites from The Jerk and Las Catrinas.

caribbean dish in a white bowl on a table
The Jerk offers Caribbean-fusion dishes. Image: The Jerk

Ensõ

Neighborhood: Clifton
More info: ensolouisville.com

With a name that stems from a common Buddhist symbol that represents coming full circle in the journey of enlightenment, Frankfort Avenue’s newest restaurant brings Japanese and Southern cultures together in one space. The menu by Chef Lawrence Weeks — a James Beard-recognized chef who is also the executive chef at North of Bourbon — features housemade noodles made with South Carolina’s Anson Mills flour, locally sourced protein and vegetables, and beef that is dry-aged in-house.

Guests can expect offerings from sliced octopus served with compressed shallots, sliced cucumber, yuzu-sumac dressing, dill, and olive oil to frog-leg skewers with cane syrup glaze and peanut gomashio. The bar program features spirit-focused items and was carefully created to complement the dishes. Options include Japanese whiskeys, sakes, highballs, and more, plus spirit-free beverages like ‘Warding Off Spirits,’ made with coconut milk, passion fruit, muscadine, orgeat, lime, and soda. There are also three not-to-be-missed dessert options, including cheesecake made with creole cream cheese, matcha, and cocoa powder and warm miso sweet potato pie served with miso caramel and ice cream.

top-down view of a noodle dish in a bowl on a table
The Chili She-Crab Noodles at Ensõ include noodles, uni cream, chili crab, scallions, fried shallots, pickled apples, and kewpie. Image: Destiny Robb

Osteria Italian Seafood

Neighborhood: Graymore/Devondale
More info: osterialouisville.com

Osteria is the newest concept by Jared Fox Matthews, who owns Lou Lou Food & Drink, Lou Lou on Market, and The Fox Den. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Napa, Osteria promises flavors of the coast with an Italian twist. The space is decked out in blue and white with seafood-themed murals, while the menu boasts items like clam chowder, lobster sliders, mushroom alfredo bucatini cioppino, and baked shrimp scampi. Guests can also expect live jazz music on the patio every Friday and Saturday and happy hour specials Monday through Friday. And for longtime Napa customers who find themselves missing their favorite dishes, Osteria is whipping up classic Napa staples weekly for Throwback Thursdays. The restaurant also offers a Sunday Brunch Buffet, which features the usual suspects, such as pancakes, eggs, and bacon, as well as options like grilled salmon, shrimp alfredo, and pasta bolognese.

shrimp cocktail in a glass dish
The cocktail shrimp appetizer at Osteria has five jumbo shrimp, spicy cocktail sauce, and charred lemon. Image: Osteria Italian Seafood

Switchboard

Neighborhood: Highlands
More info: myriadhotel.com

Part of The Myriad Hotel, Switchboard pays homage to the telephone company that once occupied part of the building. The space, designed to offer a hint of nostalgia,  provides a cafe and cocktail experience, with grab-and-go options and space to dine and relax. Coffee and pastries dominate in the mornings, giving hotel guests and locals room to work remotely or enjoy a casual breakfast. As it gets later in the day, Switchboard offers lunch and light bites, including caperberry and quinoa grain salad, smoked fish rillette with crème Fraiche, and sherry gigante beans with garlic confit. Once the sun goes down, the cafe transforms into a modern cocktail bar reminiscent of a New York speakeasy, serving cocktails, wine, and select light bites.

interior of a restaurant with painted brick walls and wraparound bench seating
The Switchboard space transforms from cafe to speakeasy. Image: Weyland Ventures

7 Brew

Neighborhood: Middletown
More info: 7brew.com

7 Brew began welcoming customers to its second Louisville-area location in Middletown in August, with its first spot opening just over the bridge in Jeffersonville late last year. The drive-thru coffee concept is named for the shop’s seven original offerings: Blondie (a caramel and vanilla breve), Brunette (a hazelnut and caramel mocha), Smooth 7 (a white chocolate and Irish cream breve), Cinnamon Roll (white chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon treat), White Chocolate Mocha, German Chocolate (made with coconut and caramel mocha); and Triple 7 (a Smooth 7 served with six espresso shots). Today, 7 Brew boasts more than 20,000 drink combinations, including espresso-based coffee, chillers, teas, 7 Energy, sodas, and more.

Its entrance into the Louisville market also includes a partnership with Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as donations were made to the organization upon opening both new locations. “At 7 Brew, we believe that kindness is just as powerful as that daily dose of energy, and we are honored to partner with Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital to cultivate kindness in our new community,” says Middletown director of operations Ralph Cole.

Two drinks from 7 Brew
7 Brew offers a plethora of cold and hot handcrafted drinks. Image: 7 Brew

Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent Louisville restaurant openings — and subscribe to StyleBlueprint to stay in the know!

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Published September 2023
Written by Lennie Omalza

As the biggest city in Kentucky, it stands to reason that Louisville would grow to be a major foodie destination — and that it has. More than just the home of Derby and Muhammad Ali, Louisville offers a seemingly endless stream of new restaurants to explore. Add these recently opened eateries to your must-try list!

Koko + Rae Caribbean Kitchen

Neighborhood: Bonnycastle
More info: facebook.com

Koko + Rae Caribbean Kitchen boasts flavors from Jamaica, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and more — with reggae music and bright, bold decor to enhance its island vibes. Bardstown Road’s newest eatery, which celebrated its grand opening on September 7, offers three kinds of grilled cheese — jerk chicken, pernil dominicano (spicy pulled pork), and Caribbean oxtail — as well as build-your-own meals and bowls.

The fast-casual restaurant takes orders at the counter, with protein options like curry goat or vegan jerk jackfruit. Sides include everything from saffron yellow rice and fried plantains to collards and bourbon-molasses yams. Add some cornbread — original, Caribbean, or sweet potato — to your order, and wash it all down with a frozen pineapple or strawberry drink served in a pineapple shell.

woman holding a pineapple drink in front of a bright mural
Koko + Rae Caribbean Kitchen’s bright teal exterior is complemented by bold murals and seating inside. Image: Koko + Rae Caribbean Kitchen

Derby City Pizza

City: New Albany, IN
More info: derbycitypizza.com

Derby City Pizza has opened its first location outside of Kentucky — but it isn’t too far away. The New Albany space began welcoming customers on September 25 and is just over the bridge from downtown Louisville. Like its other seven locations, the New Albany spot is serving up the same Italian fare the restaurant is known for, with a focus on pizza, of course.

Try one of the “Southern-style” pies, like the buffalo chicken pizza, made with marinated diced chicken, onions, and mozzarella cheese. And if you’re in the area for lunch, be sure to take advantage of the eatery’s daily dine-in special: an individual two-topping pizza, spaghetti and a meatball with garlic bread, a half-sub with a side salad, or six boneless wings with a side salad — plus a drink — for $7.49.

pizza, subs, and spaghetti a black tablecloth
Derby City Pizza serves thin- and thick-crust pies as well as subs, spaghetti, salads, and more. Image: Derby City Pizza

MeeshMeesh Mediterranean

Neighborhood: Phoenix Hill
More info: meeshmeesh.com

Replacing longtime Louisville restaurant Wiltshire on Market, MeeshMeesh Mediterranean started serving Eastern Mediterranean fare on September 1. Owned by Israel native and Chopped winner Noam Bilizer, the eatery offers small plates, a selection of dips and shmears, as well as a variety of sides, main courses, and large servings meant for sharing. Popular picks include the shawarma spiced chicken thighs made with amba, jalapeño shug, and herbs. The crispy cauliflower is also a favorite, with almonds, pickled currants, herbs, toum, and amba.

Don’t forget to try a cocktail or glass of wine while you’re there, as Mediterranean flair is infused into the beverages, too! The wine selection focuses on the Levantine region, with most bottles of Israeli, Lebanese, or Turkish origin. Guests will also find flavors from the kitchen incorporated into many of the cocktails. Try Not Your Bubbe’s Borscht, made with beet shrub, an egg white, and Norden aquavit, or the Tehina Washed Manhattan, which introduces a hint of nuttiness into the whiskey-based favorite.

various Mediterranean dishes on a table
Freedom Run Farm lamb merguez, a salatim platter, and a Spanish-style gin and tonic from Meesh Meesh Mediterranean. Image: Jordan Delewis

Pig Beach BBQ

Neighborhood: Butchertown
More info: pigbeachbbq.com

With locations in Palm Beach, FL, and Queens, NY, Pig Beach BBQ opened its first Southern location alongside the Ohio River in Derby City. A long-empty Waterfront Park restaurant space has been transformed into a barbecue restaurant, which began welcoming guests on August 31. Offering ample indoor and outdoor seating, the eatery serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, sides, and salads — and lots of smoked meats, of course.

Try the baby back ribs, served competition style with peach and sticky honey glaze, or the pulled pork shoulder, drizzled with Pig Beach hatch vinegar sauce and barbeque seasoning. If you can’t settle on one item to sample, order a BBQ Sampler with pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef brisket, baby back ribs, a smoked sausage link, bread, and pickles. Don’t forget to finish the meal with Key lime pie or banana pudding.

smoked meat and sides on a white tray on a table
Pig Beach BBQ’s signature dishes have been featured in The New York Times and on NBC’s TODAY Show. Image: Pig Beach BBQ

Breakfast AF/Pizza AF

Neighborhood: Schnitzelburg
More info: facebook.com

Brunch lovers have a new spot to add to their list, as Breakfast AF opened its doors on September 9. Set inside a renovated house on Goss Avenue, the Scnitzelburg eatery is serving up more than the standard pancakes and waffles. Breakfast options include sausage corn dogs, steel-cut oatmeal with Fireball-infused caramel apples, and breakfast empanadas, to name a few.

You’ll also find a selection of grab-and-go items, like banana split parfaits. Once breakfast service ends at 2:30 p.m., the menu changes over to Pizza AF offerings, including slices and whole pies. Pizzas are available from 4 p.m. through closing time, which is midnight most days, and 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The owners are also currently working on obtaining a liquor license to offer drinks with those late-night pies.

Banana pudding in mason jar
Breakfast AF also offers a few grab-and-go items, such as this banana split parfait. Image: Facebook

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Published August 2023
Written by Lennie Omalza

From shrimp-stuffed pineapple and cornmeal cakes made with maize flour to new pizza and burger joints, Derby City is coming through once again with new and interesting dining options on the scene. Check out these six new spots that recently opened their doors in the Louisville area! Which one will you try first?

Banditz Pizza

Neighborhood: Paristown
More info: villagemarketfoodhall.com

The Village Market’s newest dining option is bringing pizza to Paristown. Banditz Pizza, which shares the same owner as the Market’s Bunz Burgers, offers a simple menu with medium and large specialty and build-your-own pies. The restaurant also serves weekly specials, like the Black’N’Bleu, a white-sauce-based creation with mozzarella and blue cheese, topped with caramelized onions, blackened filet mignon, and an optional truffle-infused aged balsamic drizzle. For dessert, try the churro pizza, made with fried dough topped with cinnamon sugar and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, then drizzled with chocolate and caramel.

pizza in a silver tray
Weekly Banditz Pizza specials like the Black’N’Bleu are available while supplies last. Image: Banditz Pizza

Havana Night

Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: havananightrestaurant.com

Louisvillians can now take a trip to Cuba by way of Havana Night, a restaurant that boasts a colorful and vibrant atmosphere with a menu to match. Sit on plush green chairs under palm tree-shaped light fixtures while dining on a variety of authentic Cuban dishes like piña rellena, a pineapple stuffed with shrimp, corn, pink sauce, avocado, leek, and prawns; or pierna de cerdo asada, roasted pork leg with congris, fried plantain, and yucca. Havana Night also offers an extensive cocktail program filled with classics like a Manhattan or Cosmopolitan and Cuban concoctions, like the Cubanito. The rum-based beverage boasts lime juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

Ribeye steak on white plate
Havana Night’s ribeye steak is topped with rosemary and pepper sauce. Image: Facebook

Homerun Burgers

Neighborhood: Fern Creek
More info: homerunburger.com

Derby City-based Homerun Burgers opened its fifth location in Fern Creek, in the space formerly occupied by KFC. Guests of the baseball-focused eatery can expect the same certified Angus beef that the build-your-own-burger brand is known for, and the menu features more than 20 toppings and sauces. For customers with dietary restrictions, the restaurant also offers gluten-free buns, as well as fish and vegetarian sandwich options.

hamburger with bacon
Homerun Burgers’ Smokehouse Burger is stacked with BBQ sauce, onion straws, cheddar cheese, bacon, and mayo. Image: Homerun Burgers

Pivot Brewing

Neighborhood: Bonnycastle
More info: pivotbrewingcompany.com 

Lexington’s Pivot Brewing has opened a Louisville location on Bardstown Road. The solar-powered brewery and cidery offers a variety of drafts, as well as a selection of well and signature cocktails. The spot also hosts monthly comedy shows, weekly trivia, and other special events, including drag shows, paint-and-sip nights, craft workshops, and yoga. Though Pivot does not serve food, guests are welcome to bring their own or have something delivered. 

beer in a glass, topped with marshmallows on fire
Charmellow is a cream ale at Pivot Brewing. Image: Pivot Brewing

Señora Arepa

Neighborhood: St. Matthews
More info: senora-arepa.com

Formerly located in NuLu, Señora Arepa has new digs in the St. Matthews space previously occupied by Quills Coffee. The spot is difficult to miss, as its bold decor includes a number of yellow chairs, a colorful angel-wing wall, and a giant green bull at the front of the restaurant. The menu features a few new dishes, but guests can still expect to find the namesake arepa — stuffed cornmeal cakes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside — and cafe options Señora Arepa fans know and love. Try the café bomba: espresso flavored with a choice of Nutella, condensed milk, or arequipe, which is similar to dulce de leche. Don’t forget to add a spiced rim for an extra kick.

large green bull sculpture
This big green bull welcomes guests to Señora Arepa. Image: Señora Arepa

Tartan House

Neighborhood: Butchertown
More info: tartanhousebar.com

Louisville’s newest cocktail lounge is open seven days a week in a space that offers lots of cozy seating options. Guests can lounge on the plush sofa or one of multiple comfy chairs while enjoying drinks from a bar that boasts whiskey from all over the world and more than two dozen kinds of Scotch. The cocktail menu features a selection of carefully crafted libations, including classics like an old fashioned, as well as new and unique picks like the scotch-based Penicillin, made with lemon, honey, ginger syrup, and peated scotch mist. We like the Bitter Mai Tai with Smith & Cross rum, Campari, lime, orgeat, and dry curaçao.

interior of a cocktail lounge with a bar in the center and lots of plush seating
Tartan House’s interior features ample cozy seating and walls lined with unique artwork and photos of Scotland. Image: Steven Gray

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Published July 2023
Written by Lennie Omalza

If you’ve lived in Louisville for a while, you know there’s much more to the local culinary scene than hot browns and bourbon. Whether you’re searching for a light sushi lunch or some substantial Southern grub, Derby City has you covered. We’re sharing the scoop on five new spots to check out this summer.

Nic & Norman’s

Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: nicandnormans.com

Norman Reedus and Greg Nicotero are well known for their work on the hit show “The Walking Dead” — Norman played the role of Darryl Dixon, while Greg worked as a special effects makeup artist. Now making a name for themselves in the Louisville culinary scene, the pair opened Nic & Norman’s in downtown Louisville in June 2023. The new Derby City spot marks their fourth restaurant in the South.

The eatery is zombie-free, but its decor does feature memorabilia from the pair’s star-studded careers. Nic & Norman’s menu is Southern-inspired, boasting items like fried chicken pot pie, Coca-Cola braised pork shank, and shrimp and grit cakes. Guests can also enjoy a full bar and cocktail menu and local beers on draft from Kentucky breweries, including Against The Grain, Country Boy Brewing, and West Sixth. Try the cocktails named after the restaurant’s founders: the Reedus Ruffian, with Four Roses bourbon, orange juice, pimento dram, luxardo, and Angostura bitters; and the Bloody Nicotera, a Wheatley vodka-based beverage with hot sauce, bloody Mary mix, a half-salted rim, a “bloody eyeball,” and lime.

Nic & Norman’s currently accepts walk-ins for brunch, lunch, and dinner, but online ordering and reservations are in the works.

chili burger stuffed with Fritos
The Frito Chili Smashburger at Nic & Norman’s boasts double smashburger patties, spicy mayo, housemade chili, seared jalapeños, queso, and Fritos. Image: Nic & Norman’s Louisville

Neighbors Noodles

Neighborhood: Butchertown
More info: neighborsnoodles.com

Celebrity chef Edward Lee opened Nami back in May. Two months later, he’s bringing another new concept to the Butchertown neighborhood by way of a small noodle shop just on the other side of his modern Korean steakhouse. Dubbed Neighbors Noodles, the eatery celebrates all kinds of noodles, from ramen and udon to saimin, soba, and pasta. Just about every type of noodle you can think of will be part of the restaurant’s rotating menu, which is slated to change with the seasons.

The shop’s current offerings include a variety of noodle bowls, as well as small bites like sea salt edamame, chicken dumplings, and smashed cucumber and seaweed salad. Though the space is small, there’s a bar, too — offering wine, beer, and a selection of sake and soju. Neighbors Noodles is currently open for dinner and carryout, though there are plans to offer lunchtime service as well.

cucumber salad in black glossy bowl
Neighbors Noodles’ smashed cucumber and seaweed salad includes chili sesame oil dressing. Image: Neighbors Noodles

Renshoku Ramen

Neighborhood: Old Louisville
More info: renshokuramen.com

After serving fresh ramen at pop-ups around town for four years, the owners of Renshoku Ramen opened their first brick-and-mortar location in July 2023. Settled into the Old Louisville space formerly occupied by Barry’s Cheesesteaks, the new restaurant offers 35 seats for dinner, Wednesday through Saturday. Carryout is also available, with online ordering and delivery to come.

The shop’s menu features a selection of appetizers, onigiri — or rice balls —  and of course, ramen. For a hot dish with a Kentucky twist, try the bourbon shoyu ramen. Served with wheat-based ramen noodles, the double soup broth is made with dashi and chicken stock seasoned with a bourbon shoyu tare. It is topped with chasu (pork), a soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and green onions.

bowl of ramen with a red spoon sticking out
Bourbon shoyu ramen is one of four ramen bowls available at Renshoku Ramen. Image: Desmin Mason

Roman’s Asian Kitchen

Area: Simpsonville
More info: romansasiankitchen.com

The newest addition to the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is Roman’s Asian Kitchen, which opened in the 3,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Johnny Rockets and Smokey Bone’s Bar & Fire Grill. The restaurant opened in June 2023 and offers a variety of Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes. Guests can choose from hibachi items, sushi, pho, pad Thai, and more. The drinks and desserts are Asian, too. Selections include fried bananas and tempura ice cream, as well as a variety of bubble teas.

Customer favorites include the sushi rolls, for which there are more than two dozen options, like the wasabi roll (made with tuna, yellowtail, and cucumber, then topped with wasabi tobiko and wasabi sauce). To sample something out of the ordinary, go for the sheny roll — a California roll topped with mango, strawberries, and yogurt.

small wooden boat-shaped bowl filled with sushi
The Love Boat Special at Roman’s Asian Kitchen includes the chef’s selection of sushi, sashimi, and rolls. Image: Roman’s Asian Kitchen

All Thai’d Up

Neighborhood: Windy Hills
More info: allthaidupky.com

What began as a Thai food truck will soon be a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Windy Hills area of Louisville’s East End. Opening in the space formerly occupied by Gasthaus, All Thai’d Up will start off serving dinner only, Monday through Saturday.

Though the food truck and the now-closed downtown location focused on street food, the new digs will give customers a full-service experience as well as bar items for guests who want to enjoy a drink with dinner. The menu will still feature authentic Thai items like spring rolls and whole fish, but some Thai-American fusion flavors will also be present.

The restaurant is slated to open on August 1. Until then, fans can continue to find their favorite dishes via the food truck, which will continue service at various events around town.

noodle dish in a white bowl
Pad see ew is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish. Image: All Thai’d Up

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Published June 2023
Written by Lennie Omalza

The Derby City’s food scene always has exciting new options on offer, and this month, we’re seeing everything from Wagyu beef loin and braised cannellini beans to artisanal pizzas and decadent ice cream. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, you’ll want to check out these five fun eateries that recently opened their doors in Louisville!

Decade

Neighborhood: Butchertown
More info: decaderestaurant.com

After sitting vacant for more than three years, new life has come to the space formerly occupied by Butchertown Grocery. The spot at 1076 E. Washington St. is now known as Decade, a restaurant focused on New American fare with Italian and French Influences. Led and co-owned by Chad Sheffield, Matt Johnson, and Andy Myers, Decade serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Its name was inspired by the owners’ obsession with the importance of time — especially in light of the pandemic. The trio wanted to create a space where guests could seize the moment, be present, and enjoy time with the people they love.

The menu features mains with meat and fish options, as well as pasta and vegetable-forward dishes. A few of the farm-to-table dishes being served in the historic building include porchetta with charred fennel, honey, and watercress; half-chicken with braised cannellini beans and salsa verde; and sugar snap peas with Caesar aioli, crispy ham, and cured egg yolk.

The eatery also boasts a thoughtful beverage program, which includes spins on classic cocktails and extensive non-alcoholic options. “I like mixing sweet and savory,” says beverage director Kelsee Bryant. “I try to be intentional and experimental, taking every part of the cocktail into account … smell, texture, presentation, balancing flavors.”

three white plates with food
Decade focuses on farm-to-table fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Image: Tim Furnish

Delicious Foodies

Neighborhood: Beuchel
More info: Facebook

Kissi Gnamba, who owns the Afro-Caribbean restaurant Eden & Kissi, opened a new eatery next door: A smoothie and dessert shop called Delicious Foodies. Kissi, who hails from the Ivory Coast, spent her childhood learning how to cook from her mother. At the age of 17, she moved to France, expanding her culinary skills while learning the art of French cuisine.

Kissi already serves some of her made-from-scratch, Kentucky Proud, cold-pressed juices at Eden & Kissi — in flavors like hibiscus, ginger, and mango — but additional options are available at her new spot. You can also pick up smoothies, crepes, tarts, cakes, pies, and sandwiches. 

Delicious Foodies is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., but Kissi has plans to start opening a bit earlier for the breakfast crowd.

woman smiling and holding tart
Delicious Foodies owner Kissi Gnamba poses with a raspberry tart. Image: Delicious Foodies

Ehrler’s Ice Cream

Neighborhood: Highlands
More info: ehrlers.com

Ehrler’s roots date back to 1867, but the brand didn’t have a brick-and-mortar store for over 20 years — until its downtown spot opened in 2018. The ice cream shop now has two locations, with its second store opening in the Highlands in June 2023. 

The shop serves scoops, sundaes, milkshakes, and more. The frozen treats are available in classic “always” flavors, like vanilla, strawberry, and bourbon pecan fudge. “Sometimes” flavors are limited-time options customers can call to inquire about or check social media for announcements. For those wanting something other than ice cream, Ehrler’s also offers a variety of baked goods, including bourbon balls, buckeyes, brownies, and cookies. 

hand holding ice cream sundae
Banana is one of the most-requested flavors at Ehrler’s. It is pictured here in a Chunky Monkey Sunday with peanut butter sauce, hot fudge, and chopped Reese’s cups. Image: Facebook

Haymarket by Ashbourne Farms

Neighborhood: Near Brownsboro Zorn & Mockingbird Valley
More info: haymkt.com

La Grange’s Ashbourne Farms has opened its first marketplace and eatery on River Road. The Haymarket by Ashbourne Farms menu features a farm-to-table concept, with some ingredients grown in the garden just past the outdoor seating area. 

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Haymarket guests can choose from a selection of made-to-order items, including breakfast mains, salads, sandwiches, soups, and grain bowls. Try the Ashbourne Farms egg bites, made with Broadbent’s bacon and aged cheddar from Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, or Ashbourne Farms Mushroom Duxelle. For a quick meal on the go, Haymarket also boasts a drive-thru. Customers can order a selection of drinks, pastries, and main dishes.

sandwich on a wooden plate
The Lebanese American Club Sandwich pays homage to the Lebanese American Country Club, the original owners of the Haymarket building. The sandwich boasts smoked lamb, muhammara spread, spiced onion Relish, parsley, and mint on an Olive Roll. Image: Facebook

Paseo

Neighborhood: Highlands
More info: myriadhotel.com

A new restaurant at the not-yet-opened Myriad Hotel is serving up dishes inspired by the flavor profiles of Spain, Italy, and Morocco. The eatery is dubbed Paseo, Spanish for a slow, leisurely walk. The metropolitan-style restaurant seats more than 150 guests throughout its indoor/outdoor dining area, which flows into a walkway next to the hotel pool. The entire space boasts natural, earthy tones, with dishes served on handmade tableware by Nashville-based RV Pottery. 

The menu features everything from hamachi crudo and hummus brulée to aged-duck paella and Wagyu beef loin. Try the pork belly shish, made with lapsang-date barbecue sauce and veggies and served with Turkish flatbread. And don’t miss the soft-serve swirl — the labneh vanilla blends perfectly with strawberry made with fresh fruit from Barr farms, while pistachio baklava gives the dessert a little crunch. 

Aged duck paella in a bowl
The aged duck paella at Paseo is served with chicken and spring peas. Image: Paseo

Enjoy your dining adventures, Louisville!

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About the Author
Lennie Omalza

Lennie is a Southern-based freelance writer. Originally from Hawaii, she is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can.