Kentucky is a beautiful state, so naturally it is also home to many gorgeous restaurants. The owners of these gems have not only put tremendous thought into their food, but also the ambiance in which it’s enjoyed. From waterfront vistas, to city skyline views, to charming inns, here are 11 of the most beautiful restaurants throughout the Bluegrass State.
- Jean Farris Winery & Bistro - 6825 Old Richmond Rd. Lexington, KY 40515
Facebook/Jean Farris Winery & Bistro
Facebook/Jean Farris Winery & Bistro This farm to table bistro serves the freshest ingredients, paired perfectly with their wine and best enjoyed overlooking the lovely farmland. You’ll be served a delicious meal, while looking out at the very land where it was grown.
- 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen - 350 W Chestnut St. Louisville, KY 40202
Facebook/8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
Facebook/8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen This rooftop bar and restaurant takes you into the Louisville skyline and provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cool drink, tasty food and the modern, yet inviting surroundings.
- Patti’s 1880’s Settlement - 1793 JH Obryan Ave. Grand Rivers, KY 42045
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement Wander through lush gardens into the restaurant at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement and step back in time with a home cooked meal. Experience true Southern hospitality at this lovely property that pays attention to the details.
- RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge - 140 North Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40202
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Facebook/RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge RIVUE is a gorgeous restaurant with the best views in Louisville. The ideal spot for a special night out or to celebrate with a delicious Sunday brunch, this Kentucky beauty is a shining star above the historic Galt House Hotel.
- Palmers Fresh Grill - 161 Lexington Green Cir. Lexington, KY 40503
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Palmers Fresh Grill Feel like you’re on vacation with lakeside dining and fresh seafood at Palmers Fresh Grill. The patio is relaxing, while the interior is rustically modern and perfect for enjoying a bourbon and some basketball.
- Eighteen at the Radisson - 668 West Fifth Street Covington, KY 41011
Facebook/Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Facebook/Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront Newly renovated, Eighteen has a new interior look, but the same stunning views that made it famous. The entire hotel and restaurant have had a rebirth and have earned a spot on this list. While under maintenance at the moment, the space typically revolves at a very slow pace, giving you 360 degree views of Northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati.
- The Glitz Restaurant at Irish Acres Gallery - 4205 Fords Mill Rd. Versailles, KY 40383
Facebook/The Glitz Restaurant at Irish Acres Gallery
Facebook/The Glitz Restaurant at Irish Acres Gallery Dine in a romantic, ornate atmosphere at The Glitz. A three-course prix fixe luncheon is available by reservation from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, from Wednesday to Saturday. It’s a unique dining experience in a truly lovely space.
- The Brown Hotel - 335 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40202
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Facebook/The Brown Hotel The most iconic restaurant on our list, to dine at The Brown Hotel is to have the most classic of Kentucky dining experiences. Here, you’ll find the infamous Kentucky Hot Brown and multiple luxurious places to dine, including the elegant J. Graham’s Café, pictured here.
- Ashford Acres Inn - 1801 Ky Highway 36 E. Cynthiana, KY 41031
Facebook/Ashford Acres Inn
Facebook/Ashford Acres Inn This newly renovated bed and breakfast may be newer to the Kentucky dining scene, but it’s lovely events and incredible food make it stand out. While it’s not open regular hours for meals, they do offer many dining events each month, which you can view on their website and then call to make reservations. And of course, you can always choose to stay in one of their fine guest rooms for the ultimate experience.
- Bourbon on Main - 103 W Main St. Frankfort, KY 40601
Facebook/Bourbon on Main
Facebook/Bourbon on Main Located in beautiful historic downtown Frankfort, on the Kentucky River, Bourbon on Main is a beautiful spot to enjoy Kentucky’s signature drink and a great meal. Choose to sit inside by the brick fireplace or enjoy the waterfront view from the back patio.
- Cynthia’s - 125 Market House Sq. Paducah, KY 42001
TripAdvisor/Speed24601
Facebook/Cynthias Cynthia’s is a jewel of a restaurant in the heart of Paducah. The food is beautifully prepared with the freshest of ingredients and the decor is just as lovely. The space is filled with antique tables and chairs and original art, created by local artisans.
How many of these beauties have you been lucky enough to try? And which lovely restaurants should we try out next? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Facebook/Jean Farris Winery & Bistro
This farm to table bistro serves the freshest ingredients, paired perfectly with their wine and best enjoyed overlooking the lovely farmland. You’ll be served a delicious meal, while looking out at the very land where it was grown.
Facebook/8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen
This rooftop bar and restaurant takes you into the Louisville skyline and provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cool drink, tasty food and the modern, yet inviting surroundings.
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Wander through lush gardens into the restaurant at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement and step back in time with a home cooked meal. Experience true Southern hospitality at this lovely property that pays attention to the details.
Facebook/RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge
RIVUE is a gorgeous restaurant with the best views in Louisville. The ideal spot for a special night out or to celebrate with a delicious Sunday brunch, this Kentucky beauty is a shining star above the historic Galt House Hotel.
Facebook/Palmers Fresh Grill
Palmers Fresh Grill
Feel like you’re on vacation with lakeside dining and fresh seafood at Palmers Fresh Grill. The patio is relaxing, while the interior is rustically modern and perfect for enjoying a bourbon and some basketball.
Facebook/Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Newly renovated, Eighteen has a new interior look, but the same stunning views that made it famous. The entire hotel and restaurant have had a rebirth and have earned a spot on this list. While under maintenance at the moment, the space typically revolves at a very slow pace, giving you 360 degree views of Northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati.
Facebook/The Glitz Restaurant at Irish Acres Gallery
Dine in a romantic, ornate atmosphere at The Glitz. A three-course prix fixe luncheon is available by reservation from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, from Wednesday to Saturday. It’s a unique dining experience in a truly lovely space.
Facebook/The Brown Hotel
The most iconic restaurant on our list, to dine at The Brown Hotel is to have the most classic of Kentucky dining experiences. Here, you’ll find the infamous Kentucky Hot Brown and multiple luxurious places to dine, including the elegant J. Graham’s Café, pictured here.
Facebook/Ashford Acres Inn
This newly renovated bed and breakfast may be newer to the Kentucky dining scene, but it’s lovely events and incredible food make it stand out. While it’s not open regular hours for meals, they do offer many dining events each month, which you can view on their website and then call to make reservations. And of course, you can always choose to stay in one of their fine guest rooms for the ultimate experience.
Facebook/Bourbon on Main
Located in beautiful historic downtown Frankfort, on the Kentucky River, Bourbon on Main is a beautiful spot to enjoy Kentucky’s signature drink and a great meal. Choose to sit inside by the brick fireplace or enjoy the waterfront view from the back patio.
TripAdvisor/Speed24601
Facebook/Cynthias
Cynthia’s is a jewel of a restaurant in the heart of Paducah. The food is beautifully prepared with the freshest of ingredients and the decor is just as lovely. The space is filled with antique tables and chairs and original art, created by local artisans.
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Address: 103 W Main St. Frankfort, KY 40601Address: 1801 Ky Highway 36 E. Cynthiana, KY 41031Address: 335 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40202Address: 4205 Fords Mill Rd. Versailles, KY 40383Address: 125 Market House Sq. Paducah, KY 42001Address: 6825 Old Richmond Rd. Lexington, KY 40515Address: 1793 JH Obryan Ave. Grand Rivers, KY 42045Address: 140 North Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40202Address: 161 Lexington Green Cir. Lexington, KY 40503Address: 668 West Fifth Street Covington, KY 41011Address: 350 W Chestnut St. Louisville, KY 40202
