• Cafe Lou Lou
    This funky cafe has art lining the walls and a wide-ranging menu tinged with Italian and Cajun flavors. Try the signature Lou Lou’s Pizza or one of the calzones jam-packed with flavorful ingredients.
    893-7776
    cafeloulou.com
    $$ | St. Matthews | Cafes
  • Yaching's East West Cuisine
    East meets West at this downtown, upscale restaurant, with dishes like seafood capellini and miso tilapia with Asian risotto.
    585-4005
    yachingsrestaurant.com
    $$ | Downtown | Asian
  • Shalimar Indian Restaurant
    The menu features traditional Indian cuisine prepared with chicken, lamb and seafood and abundant vegetarian dishes. The daily lunch buffet is a great Indian-fare primer.
    493-8899
    shalimarlouisville.com
    $$ | Hurstbourne Corridor | Indian
  • Tumbleweed
    This Louisville-based Tex-Mex chain specializes in mesquite-grilled steaks, chicken and chops, but locals love the burritos and bargain-priced margaritas.
    585-4107
    tumbleweedrestaurants.com
    $$ | On the River | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Sala Thai
    Sala Thai’s upscale Bangkok-based favorites, served in a sleek, stylish atmosphere, downplay the often-fiery dishes found at many Thai places.
    493-3944
    $$ | Hurstbourne Corridor | Thai
  • Osaka
    This Clifton eatery features a sushi menu. alongside dishes like bulgoki. Try the ginger salad dressing or the tempura asparagus roll.
    894-9501
    $$ | Clifton/Crescent Hill | Japanese
  • Wild Eggs
    This wildly (excuse the pun) popular breakfast and lunch spot is an ode to the egg. The dining room features egg art and even egg-shaped salt and pepper shakers. The creatively titled offerings include “Violet You’re Turning Violet” blueberry pancakes and “Crispy Hippie Crunch” granola waffles.
    893-8005
    crackinwildeggs.com
    $$ | DuPont/Hikes Point | Cafes
  • Romano's Macaroni Grill
    Lively Italian dining with fresh-baked focaccia, a generous menu and tables with enough seats for a small army. The Penne Rustica, which features shrimp or chicken, smoked prosciutto and penne pasta baked in crockery with a golden halo of cheese, is a hearty favorite.
    423-9220
    macaronigrill.com
    $$ | Hurstbourne Corridor | Italian
  • Emperor of China
    The very definition of “reliable,” from pot stickers to Peking duck, but the specialties are Hunan and Szechuan dishes. Try the cashew chicken or Sczechuan shrimp.
    426-1717
    $$ | Brownsboro Road/U.S. 42 | Chinese
  • La Rosita Grill
    Regarded by many as tops for authentic Mexican fare, La Rosita’s patrons can’t go wrong with such staples Chile Rellenos or Carne Asada. More adventurous diners may want to try the beef tongue or goat.
    944-3620
    $$ | Downtown | Mexican/Southwestern