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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Nicholasville

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of 33 Staves restaurant
4.1
Excellent(217)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Lexington
33 Staves in Lexington offers a quintessential American dining experience, blending modern Southern charm with a celebration of local flavors. Nestled inside the Origin Hotel Lexington, this establishment is synonymous with culinary excellence, as echoed by a diner's praise, "Fantastic food, awesome staff." The menu, rich with seasonally crafted dishes using handpicked local ingredients, truly showcases the authenticity and quality of American cuisine. Patrons continually rave about the "best ever fried green tomatoes" and the highly recommended brisket mac and cheese. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with a meticulous selection of craft cocktails and bourbons, ensures that 33 Staves is not just a meal, but a memorable American dining adventure.
A photo of AZUR Restaurant & Patio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2088)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Lexington
Booked 27 times today
AZUR Restaurant & Patio in Lexington offers a transcendent fusion/eclectic dining experience, designed to evoke a sense of European elegance while celebrating local flavors. The cuisine, described as a blend of New American and Heirloom Contemporary, is "locally influenced, but worldly inspired," ensuring every dish is a delightful surprise. Patrons rave about the "creative menu and surprising flavors" and the exceptional dishes like the seafood risotto and lobster crêpe. The restaurant's ambiance, highlighted by its bold décor and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, complements the innovative menu, making AZUR a must-visit for those seeking a unique and exquisite culinary adventure.
A photo of Bella Cafe & Grille (Fountains at Palomar) restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(224)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Lexington
Booked 32 times today
Bella Cafe & Grille in Lexington truly embodies the spirit of exceptional café cuisine. Renowned for its "always delicious food" and a menu prepared with meticulous attention to quality, this charming café is a local favorite for both its culinary creativity and the warm, inviting atmosphere. Patrons frequently praise dishes like the "new mango panna cotta," described as "DELICIOUS and a must try!" and the consistently lauded salmon salad, known for its perfect preparation. The service at Bella Cafe is also a standout, with guests noting the staff's knowledge and attentiveness, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether it's for a casual meal or a special occasion, Bella Cafe & Grille promises a delightful culinary journey with every visit.
A photo of Castle Farm restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3630)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lexington
Booked 31 times today
At Castle Farm in the picturesque Lexington-Versailles area, diners delight in the essence of Contemporary American cuisine, elevated by a farm-to-table ethos that champions locally sourced ingredients. Executive Chef Karl Lowe masterfully crafts dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also pay homage to Kentucky's rich culinary heritage. Guests rave about the unique experience, mentioning, "The pork belly Benedict was amazing!" and "The food was fantastic! Everything so fresh and delicious." The serene ambiance of The Kentucky Castle adds a regal touch to dining, making each meal a memorable occasion. Whether it's a special brunch or a celebratory dinner, Castle Farm consistently impresses with its exceptional food, service, and atmosphere, promising an exquisite dining adventure in a breathtaking setting.
A photo of Granddam restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(305)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lexington
Booked 28 times today
Nestled in the heart of Lexington, Granddam is a Wine Bar renowned for its exceptional offerings and delightful ambiance, perfectly situated within The Manchester Hotel. Patrons consistently praise its "exquisite food" and "crafted cocktails," emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviewers are captivated by the "beautiful atmosphere and wonderful service," with special mentions of dishes like the "Lamb Wellington" and "country ham ravioli," which pair wonderfully with their curated wine selections. Whether it's for a casual dining experience or a special occasion, Granddam stands out as a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
A photo of Lockbox at 21c Hotel restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1262)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lexington
Booked 12 times today
Located in Lexington’s 21c Museum Hotel, Lockbox showcases a commitment to sourcing local, high-quality ingredients. Lockbox uses thoughtful yet simple preparations and cooking techniques in a contemporary brasserie setting. Designed by Deborah Berke Partners, the Lockbox space highlights historic features like original marble floors, decorative plaster details, large arched windows and even a historic safe deposit vault that is used for private dining.
A photo of Blue Heron Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2098)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lexington
Booked 18 times today
Blue Heron Steakhouse in Lexington's historic Jefferson Street corridor is a beacon of Southern cuisine excellence. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, declaring it "one of THEE best experiences" with unbeatable Southern staples like shrimp and grits, and "the best fried chicken in Lexington period." The charm of the renovated home setting adds to the Southern flair, making every meal feel intimate and special. The consistent high praise for both the food and the ambiance, such as the "outstanding" service and the "perfectly cooked" steak, underscores why Blue Heron is a top destination for lovers of genuine Southern dining.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • nsb2323VIP
    Central Kentucky •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoyed a really enjoyable evening at the Lockbox last night. Very comfortable seating in a peaceful, sophisticated environment. Wait staff was helpful and available as needed. I loved the variety and inventiveness of the menu…there’s something for everyone on the menu.
    More info
    Lockbox at 21c HotelPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lexington
    4.6
  • Teddy
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I’m so sad this restaurant is closing. The brunch menu was absolutely fantastic; the Elote dip I had was well seasoned and served with fresh tortilla chips, and the south by southwest omelette was loaded with flavor from the elote on the top and the sausage. Everything was served hot in generous portions and came out at a perfect pace. My server, Kelsey, was kind, attentive, and kept the coffee and water flowing. I can’t wait to eat here for Christmas Eve dinner, and highly recommend checking them out before the close at the end of the year!
    More info
    AZUR Restaurant & PatioPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Lexington
    4.6
  • Kelsey
    East Tennessee •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was such a lovely experience. The waitstaff, the managers, and the hostess all came around at various times to make sure everything was to our liking. Our server, Parker, was very helpful and very efficient and the same goes for the bartender. Jordan. The meal itself was presented so beautifully and was absolutely satisfying. We can’t wait to celebrate here more!
    More info
    Castle FarmPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Lexington
    4.5
  • J
    Central Kentucky •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Charming but classy atmosphere with a variety of seating options. Exceptional wine list with adequate choices at reasonable prices. Entrees were greatly limited by our reservation time at 7:30 but each and every time we have had the opportunity to indulge in their culinary masterpieces they have been memorable. The only reason the other entree choices including specials was due to the fact that the restaurant chooses to utilize fresh, high quality ingredients keeping cost under control by limiting their orders on daily quantities. Just keep this note in mind and reserve your table at an earlier time of evening. Kelly/Kellie was an exceptional server; it was readily apparent that she had a broad base of skills to ensure that your dining experience reflected the quality this restaurant claims to hold as priority.
    More info
    Bella Cafe & Grille (Fountains at Palomar)Price: Moderate• American• Lexington
    4.8
  • Mary H
    Central Kentucky •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    Had a lovely waitress named Deb who was very attentive, friendly & funny. Also had her for breakfast!! Awesome. Food was absolutely amazing. We had extra plates for sharing with other family members. Her suggestions were right on target. Will definitely come back here!! Don’t miss!!
    More info
    33 StavesPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Lexington
    4.1
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