As Suzie and I prepare to move away from Louisville, I want to recognize my 10 favorite restaurants in the city. Louisville is a great city for restaurants. In my article, 10 Things I Will Miss in Louisville, I listed Louisville restaurants as the #2 thing I will miss. Louisville has many more than 10, but here are the top ones.
1. The English Grill
English Grill
This restaurant is the fine dining option in the historic Brown Hotel. For years I worked at the hotel. I watched wonderful chefs in action. I witnessed superb service. One server was rewarded with a $6,000 tip for one dinner party (I saw the ticket). I observed diners enjoying the spectacular venue, the exquisite food and the great service. I often ate in the dining room as well as had the chefs prepare special dishes for me in the kitchen. When I was working at the hotel, the local newspaper did a review with the headline, “Perfection is Possibile.”
2. Ramsi’s Cafe on the World
Ramsi’s is located in the heart of The Highlands neighborhood. The owner, from Jerusalem, provides diners with a varied menu highlighted by dishes from the mediterranean area. The old building has plenty of personality.
3. The Gasthaus
Located in a strip mall on the east side of town, you enter into a German setting complete with German owners and workers. For authentic German entrees and desserts, this is the place to go.
4. Jarfi’s Bistro
While I was at The Brown Hotel, Jeff Jarfi was the man that made The English Grill run. He opened his own place and offers what is called “original recipe concepts that combine traditional Kentucky cuisine with an innovative flair.” Jarfi is Moroccan with experience in France.
5. Lynn’s Paradise Cafe
This funky building offers food that is unique and has been featured in national publications. Breakfast is a specialty. On New Years Day, patrons are invited to come and dine in their pajamas.
6. Avalon
Avalon is also located on Bardstown Road in The Highlands. The menu is eclectic American cuisine with southern influences. Diners can tell that the food is prepared and served by people who care about good food.
7. Irish Rover
Located on Frankfort Avenue, this is the place to go for an authentic Irish setting with authentic Irish food.
8. Vincenzo’s
This downtown restaurant serves fine Italian dishes.
9. Bristol Bar & Grille
This is the 3rd restaurant located within a few feet of each other on Bardstown Road in The Highlands. It is a Highlands tradition for lunch, dinner or late night meals. They also offer a great Sunday brunch.
10. Pat’s Steakhouse
For 50 years this place has served nice steaks from servers in white jackets. Forget your credit card. They only take cash.
