Located about a mile and a half south of downtown in historic Old Louisville, 610 Magnolia's location in a very low-key frame house belies the culinary gifts waiting inside. The décor is streamlined with contrasting colors of grays and white, interesting art and lots of fresh flowers.
Price: ExpensiveSet up in the parking lot of the Bardstown Road Presbyterian Church, this Highlands neighborhood farmers market has nearly 40 vendors selling fresh produce and prepared foods. Coffee, pastries, baked goods, produce, flowers, meats and cheeses.
Saturdays 8a to 1p, April to November
Price: Least ExpensiveBendoya offers a respite from downtown's typical deli and cafe fare with its authentic and beautiful sushi bar. Located in a small storefront with minimal "decor" Bendoya offers a half dozen wooden tables and the 10-seat sushi bar.
Price: Least ExpensiveBistro 301 is located across from the convention center and serves American cuisine in a casual setting with exposed brick walls, wood floors and tables. There is a separate bar area with a long mahogany counter, tables and mosaic tile floors.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLocated on the first floor of a downtown office building, the Bristol offers a solid lunch and dinner option with its diverse bistro-style menu, casual, stylish setting and spacious bar. There are a few booths but most seating is via black tables and wooden chairs.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis quick casual cafe chain located in the Taylorhurst Shopping Center offers California style eats in a cheerful and modern setting with bright colors and light woods. The selection of wraps, salads, paninis, sandwiches and smoothies is a much needed alternative to the plethora of fast food joints in the area.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis café/deli is a convenient, casual and quick dining spot for those looking for solid eats at affordable prices. The menu is soup and sandwich focused with a solid vegetarian offering. Of the 3 City Cafe locations, this is the only location open for dinner.
This cafe/deli is a convenient, casual and quick lunch spot for those staying downtown. The menu is soup and sandwich focused with a solid vegetarian offering.
Price: Least ExpensiveHosted by Harper's Restaurant, this market offers gourmet cheese, honey and other items sold by local farmers.
Fresh produce, plants, fruit, honey, cheeses and other goodies. Harper's chef serves up baked goods in the morning.
Saturdays 9 to 1 pm June through Aug
Hillbilly Tea lives up to its name with a modern hillbilly look that is country yet rustic and stylish. This all organic food stop is enclosed by walls of stone, brick and cream and boasts tables and benches sourced from Appalachian wood.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveJack Fry's offers gourmet cuisine in a smoke-free environment that is lively, comfortable and "old school" (think classic saloon or upscale Speakeasy) with its black and white tile floors, dark brown walls, and cozy booths.
Price: ExpensiveEclectic, quirky and casual, this eatery with its kitschy décor, Southern hospitality and breakfast all-day menu is a three meal favorite. It's not the lightest nor the healthiest menu, but it's fun, creative and there are good options for calorie counters.
Price: Least ExpensiveAt Maido Japanese fusion cuisine is served in a fairly small, minimalist and zen like dining room. The vast menu emphasizes small plates that are perfect for tasting, sharing and customizing the perfect meal. The sake has earned rave reviews.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveMayan is cozy and eclectic with its warm brown walls, colorful photo-art and closely spaced tables. The location in the East Market Gallery means ample browsing opportunities nearby.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveNorth End is located in two renovated houses on historic Frankfort Avenue. With local artists' works decorating the walls, high ceilings, light woods and exposed red brick walls, this café is bright, relaxing and hip. There is also a lounge and patio for outdoor dining.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveWe don't typically make a habit of recommending Olive Garden restaurants, but some locales demand this type of listing. If you are residing on the city's Eastside, the pickings tend to be rather slim, so an old friend like Olive Garden may be just what you need.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis low-key eatery is popular for its big menu, speedy lunch service and value pricing. Pesto's serves Italian and Persian cuisine in a relaxing setting with warm brown walls and unusual Persian art. The lunch menu is primarily Italian, while dinner has much more Persian flavor.
Price: Least ExpensiveAlong with the organic produce and other grocery items, Rainbow offers prepared foods and a fresh salad bar. Take it to go or grab a seat at one of the tables.
Price: Least ExpensiveBustling with activity and attracting an eclectic crowd with its expansive International menu and funky diner-like décor, Ramsi's is a local favorite for veggie packed ethnic cuisine and hearty comfort food. About one third of the menu is vegan or can be made as such, but carnivores need not despair because Ramsi's offers plenty of animal protein as well.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis somewhat upscale restaurant serves Persian delicacies in a pleasing setting with white table cloths, flowers, walls of varying earth tone and color and vibrant artwork. The lighting is soft and the atmosphere welcoming.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveLocated in the Stoneybrook Shopping Center (strip mall), this Mongolian Grill isn't fancy, but the buffet style system of picking your own carbs, veggies and protein has definite athletic-minded potential.
Price: Least ExpensiveDespite the unoriginal name this café is anything but boring. The friendly casual eatery offers inside and outside seating. The outside seating is made up of mismatched patio furniture and rainbow umbrellas, while the inside continues the quirky theme of mismatched, with multicolored antiques.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis funky, neighborhood eatery in Old Louisville serves up homemade café fare that will satisfy light, hearty and vegetarian eaters. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with lots of windows that look out to tree lined streets, a large mural of old Louisville Victorian homes on one wall, casual furnishings, and an overall coffee house vibe. When the weather is nice, consider one of the sidewalk tables for an al fresco meal. The menu is quite large and vegetarian dishes are noted.
Price: Least ExpensiveVincenzo's is an upscale and sophisticated Italian restaurant with an intimate and elegant dining room that is conducive to conversation.
Price: ExpensiveCome for the healthy prepared foods, fresh salad bar, and organic juice and java bar. This location is massive and also boasts a spacious cafe.
Lots of gourmet goodies for all.
Open daily: Mon – Sat: 8am to 10pm; Sundays: 8am to 9pm
This vegetarian eatery offers Asian inspired cuisine. Located on the main floor of a quaint blue house with white trim and run by two Vietnamese women, the dining room is low key, and fairly sparse with a few Asian flourishes.
Price: Least Expensive