louisville's top ten

ok- i warned you this might be coming. here is my list. personal favorites in my hometown. these restaurants display an integrity in the food industry over time. no new restaurants are allowed on my top ten list. establish yourself and we'll recognize. drum roll please>><>>>

LE RELAIS whats not to like. most romantic restaurant in louisville. great french food, good host, inventive chef

JACK FRY'S these two are at the top of the list for a reason. atmosphere does it all here. and the challenge of getting in. love the piano music, and the food is solid. service is above top notch and great bar

SEVICHE although its stock has gone down a little ( you can actually get in on a saturday now) this gem still shines bright. the brie appetizer with the habanero jelly and the churrascos de argentina would stick out on ANY menu. great decor inside or out. wonderful location.

PALERMO VIEJO this one goes hand in hand with seviche for me. the paradilla is one of the best dishes in louisville. the bar is thoughtfully stocked, and the staff is amiable. great sangria.

VOLARE Mahjid has turned this restaurant into what was needed on fankfort avenue. the best italian restaurant in town. lively atmosphere and wonderful cuisine.

Z'S OYSTER BAR AND STEAKHOUSE when Mehrzod opened this spot years ago, the service was shoddy and i wondered if the restaurant would last 2 years. what a difference 1 year makes. not only did service match the cuisine, it surpassed it. wanna see action on derby night- come here

THE ENGLISH GRILL for a genteel dining experience, nothing beats old world dining at this spot. the chefs table is an experience not to miss in one's life

610 MAGNOLIA when ed gerber sold this business to ed lee, the restaurant lost the most creative chef in louisville. what it did not lose was the beautiful dining room and a forward thinking approach not seen elsewhere in louisville

COME BACK INN on a cool evening, this place is impossible to beat. the italian dishes are turned out with methodical greatness and i don't think there is a time you can go when there is no wait.

PAT'S STEAKHOUSE you might be able to find a little better atmosphere at jeff ruby's (total opposite style) or a slightly better steak at ruth's chris- but the intangibles keep this dining institution on the list (albeit at the bottom) the owner is always there, he cuts his own beef, the place is like going back in time, its not a chain, and the atmosphere is irish- which is at least original.


there were so many that could've fell right onto this list on a different day- lilly's, park place, buck's. but for now, this is the list. love it or hate- lists always make for good conversation. cafe perussa has a lot of potential, as does a few other new comers. if they stay the course, they'll be fine AE