636 E Market St., NuLu, Louisville, KY
Don’t miss: the whipped labneh made with mint, olive oil, za’atar, and garlic confit
Owned and operated by James Beard Award finalist Noam Bilitzer, this cozy restaurant features Levantine flavors in a polished yet comfy and informal setting. Reservations are a must to ensure a seat in this cozy space, which specializes in shareable small plates, dips, vegetables, and larger dishes seasoned with bold spices, fresh herbs, tahini, amba, schug, sumac, and lots of veggies.
741 East Oak St., Shelby Park, Louisville, KY
Don’t miss: the family-style chef’s dinner experience, which features three surprise courses
Boasting a menu that stands in a category of its own, this open-kitchen restaurant features dishes that blend European techniques with the occasional touch of Filipino flavors, and entirely seasonal ingredients. Available picks from the intimate eatery’s ever-evolving menu might include anything from vegan chilled curry carrot soup made with caramelized banana, coconut chili crunch, and mint oil to a pork chop served with corn chowder, hen of the woods, and house-made crème fraîche. Reservations are recommended, though the garden bar, Segreto, is always open on Fridays and Saturdays for walk-ins.
1540 Frankfort Ave., Butchertown, Louisville, KY
Don’t miss: Sting Like A Bee, an ode to Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali: this signature pie features pepperoni cups, milled organic San Marzano tomatoes, house hot honey, aged mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano
Set inside a restored 1860s brick building, Pizza Lupo serves authentic Neapolitan-style pies cooked in a wood-fired oven from Italy; regulars say each one is close to what one might find in the land of la dolce vita. In addition to a dozen pizza picks, the menu also features pastas, salads, and a curated selection of natural wine and Italian Amari.