• Zen Garden
    This all-vegetarian Asian eatery features a variety of excellent soups as well as noodle and stir-fry dishes that offer lemongrass, curry sauce and black bean sauce, among other options. The soft spring rolls, tomato dill soup and sesame soybeans (a tofu dish) are highly recommended.
    895-9114
    zengardenrestaurant.org
    $$ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Natural/Vegetarian
  • El Mundo
    Mexican fare with a California Twist (fish tacos are a popular item) and the unusual and upbeat atmosphere make this a favorite on Frankfort Avenue.
    899-9930
    502elmundo.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Nancy's Bagel Grounds
    Tucked alongside quaint shops and galleries, this deli offers homemade soups, bagels, muffins, espressos and lattes. Pumpernickel and spinach feta bagels are tasty, as are the unique cream cheese flavors. The smaller downtown location is ideal for a quick weekday breakfast or lunch.
    895-8323
    nancysbagels.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Delis
  • Cliftons Pizza Co.
    The pizza here has many fans, but Clifton’s is also known for huge, build-your-own calzones and great breadsticks. Live music nightly.
    893-3730
    cliftonspizza.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Pizza
  • The Silver Dollar
    Inspired by the honky tonk culture that arose in Bakersfield, Caif.. in the 1950s, this upscale diner, located in a renovated fire station, offers a taste of classic American and Tex-Mex cuisines. Chicken-fried steak and catfish share menu space with empanadas and several varieties of chili.
    259-9540
    whiskeybythedrink.com
    $$$ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Upscale Casual
  • Maido
    A lengthy and ambitious menu at this sake bar allows you to taste a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine and fusion.
    894-8775
    maidosakebar.com
    $$ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Japanese
  • Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe
    Blue Dog serves locally beloved artisan bread baked in a wood-burning oven, as well as brunch and sandwiches that resemble what you might find in a Parisian cafe.
    899-9800
    bluedogbakeryandcafe.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Cafes
  • J. Gumbo’s
    Every day is Fat Tuesday at this energetic Clifton eatery, which specializes in the best of down-home Cajun grub. Well-known favorites are the drunken chicken and bumblebee stew. Morning people can get their New Orleans fix at breakfast on weekends.
    896-4046
    jgumbos.com
    $ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Cajun/Creole