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Bella Notte
3715 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503 · 859-245-1789
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Evoking a Tuscan farmhouse, this inviting restaurant boasts plaster walls, rustic beams, touches of greenery and wrought iron, and even a life-sized "tree" growing from the floor. In keeping with the name ("beautiful night"), cut-out stars hang above, and small, white lights add nocturnal ambience. The menu was designed for both group or individual dining (portions come "solo" or "family") and includes such rustic fare as Tuscan roasted chicken, grilled marinated smoked pork chops, beef tenderloin spiedini, steaks, and fresh fish. Wood-fired pizzas and plenty of pastas are also available, and a full bar accommodates with wines and other appropriate beverages.
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Bellini's
115 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 · 859-388-9583
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Stylish, much-loved Bellini's cultivates a faithful following, who appreciate its well-prepared fare and romantic ambience. Beneath a pressed-metal ceiling, they dine on veal saltimbocca, a grilled house rib-eye, and a boneless, center-cut pork chop served with risotto. A long list of pastas offers ingredients like gorgonzola, prosciutto, eggplant, clams, and asparagus. Regulars agree that the chocolate torte is a perfect dessert option, and the bar makes for ideal mingling when evening comes. Pricey but popular.
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Enza's Italian Cafe
1301 Winchester Rd, Ste 25, Eastland Shopping Center, Lexington, KY 40505 · 859-233-2339
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This casual eatery takes as its slogan the phrase "from Naples to your table," and the spirit of authentic Italian cooking carries through the menu. Start with a caprese salad or a loaf of stuffed bread – filled with cured meats and cheeses and served with pizza sauce – before you try a hearty meatball sandwich or a margherita pizza. More substantial fare includes eggplant parmesan, chicken cacciatore, and ziti with olive oil and garlic. Desserts range from imported gelati and cannoli to Kentucky Dew Cake, made with the well-known citrus soda.
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A favorite with locals, Giuseppe's sits just off busy Nicholasville Road, not far from Fayette Mall. Its comfortable setting is as pleasant as its accomplished cuisine, which finds favor again and again. The menu promises something for everyone, from osso buco to oven-roasted salmon, fettucine carbonara, and grilled beef tenderloin. Pork, shellfish, chicken, and veal can also be found, and the celebrated tiramisu is a must-have. Italian, domestic, and international wines are available by the glass and the bottle.
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Joe Bologna's
120 W Maxwell St, Lexington, KY 40508 · 859-259-0495
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Occupying a former Jewish temple, this Lexington mainstay still sports stained glass windows, chandeliers, and other features from the building's late 19th century origin. These days, however, college students and locals munch pizza in the sanctuary and order beer from the pulpit's old location. Homemade pastas, sub sandwiches, and crisp salads round out the menu, but the pizza harks back to Joe B's origins and remains a long-lived favorite. Make sure to try their awesome breadsticks, too, homemade and delicious!
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Although it's somewhat unassuming, this family-owned restaurant serves some of the area's best Italian fare. A varied menu guarantees that diverse tastes are satisfied, and a cozy dining room makes special dinners or everyday meals a pleasure. Chicken cacciatora, veal saltimbocca, baked manicotti, Tuscan chicken, shrimp primavera, and lasagna prove tempting by mention alone, and the real things are even better. Fresh fish and a children's menu are available as well. You'll find a second location at 1765 Alexandria Drive (859-260-7722).
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Dim, atmospheric, and trendy, Pazzo's definitely adds to the cool quotient along South Limestone. The multi-leveled pizzeria is a favorite of college students and makes for a great hang-out any time of day. Constantly busy, the casual place serves up tempting pies in three sizes. Build your own, or choose from one of the standards. Hoagies, salads, and calzones lend some depth to the menu, and lunch specials find favor with area professionals. Three dozen brews are on tap, and a full bar offers other options, should your inclinations alter.
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Portofino
249 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 · 859-253-9300
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Upscale and elegant, this spacious restaurant shares quarters with professional offices in a renovated warehouse. Its candlelit dining rooms still retain the building's rustic charms while adding white linens and intriguing local art. Bustling and popular, Portofino also has a way with food, marrying Italian tradition with California innovation. Tempting pastas, fresh fish, tender steaks, and incredible seared scallops and steamed mussels offer proof of the gourmet menu, and a well-stocked bar offers great wines, cognacs, and bourbons. Opt for the wonderful outdoor patio when the weather accommodates.
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Begun in Indianapolis, this regional chain built its reliably strong business on pizza, pastas, and salads. The assortment of pies ranges from the Southwest-inspired Cactus Delectus (no cactus) to the Bar 20 (barbecued chicken, red onions, smoked gouda) to the Shrimp Santori (enlivened with sesame chili oil and fresh basil). Meat-free options can also be ordered, and pasta dishes are broad as well. You'll find everything from diavolo to cacciatore to vodka cream varieties to tempt your taste buds. Calzones, salads, and sandwiches also make welcome appearances.
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Sal's Chophouse
3373 Tates Creek Rd, Lansdowne Shoppes, Lexington, KY 40502 · 859-269-9922
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While Sal's bills itself as a chophouse, it also offers an Italian-inflected menu that does culinary double duty. A classic margherita pizza serves as a savory appetizer, while a good selection of pastas and risottos is enlivened with rock shrimp, wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and roasted garlic. You can also indulge in chicken parmesan and a Tuscan bone-in veal chop, which has a kicky, slightly spicy sauce. And of course, the steaks and chops are excellent.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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