• Avalon's menu of American classics with fun twists changes seasonally and features small plates, full-size entr'es, and delicious flatbread pizzas. The indoor dining area provides a great place for an elegant, candle-lit dinner, but the patio is not to be missed when the weather's good.
    454-5336
    avalonfresh.com
  • A comfortable mix of Spanish and Cuban cuisine, Mojito specializes in tapas and also serves hot Cuban sandwiches and plates of Spanish cheeses. Take the recommendation for reservations seriously or plan to wait. The food is worth it.
    425-0949
    mojitotapas.com
  • Beautifully prepared and presented authentic Thai dishes. Menu standouts include mild kanom jeeb (pork and shrimp dumplings) and eye-watering gua teow pad keemow.
    282-0198
    maisthai.com
  • Located at the world’s most famous racetrack and named for the fastest two minutes in sports, this Derby Museum restaurant serves up traditional Kentucky fare with a lighter spin. Try the Kentucky Hot Brown.
    634-0858
    derbycafe.com
  • This high-end chain restaurant is famous for its extensive menu featuring salads, pasta dishes, seafood, steaks and “glamburgers.”
    897-3933
    thecheesecakefactory.com
  • Bravo serves Italian food in a fun environment under Roman “ruins.” The open kitchen prepares hickory-smoked steaks, chops and whole fresh fish. Try the wood-grilled salmon salad or Sicilian pizza, made in a wood-fired oven.
    326-0491
    bravoitalian.com
  • This stylish Butchertown spot boasts a handsome bar, exposed brick and stools and tables crafted from reclaimed bourbon barrels and old lumber.

    618-0600
    theblindpiglouisville.com
  • Lively Italian dining with fresh-baked focaccia, a generous menu and tables with enough seats for a small army. The Penne Rustica, which features shrimp or chicken, smoked prosciutto and penne pasta baked in crockery with a golden halo of cheese, is a hearty favorite.
    423-9220
    macaronigrill.com
  • Sweet teeth hanker for Helen’s beautifully decorated cakes, such as the chocolate macadamia nut and the chocolate truffle. Customers who don’t need a whole cake can choose from individual-sized cakes, cookies or brownies.
    451-7151
    dessertsbyhelen.com
  • At this fast casual restaurant, all meals are made in front of you while you pick fresh ingredients for items such as tacos, burritos, salads or quesadillas.
    897-5323
    salsaritas.com