10 Top Italian Restaurants in Lexington KY (2023)

Welcome to the heart of the Bluegrass State, Lexington, KY, where you can embark on a culinary journey through the rich flavors of Italy. If you’re craving Italian cuisine, you’re in luck! Lexington boasts a vibrant food scene, with many Italian restaurants waiting to satisfy your taste buds. This article takes you on a gastronomic adventure, highlighting the ten best Italian restaurants in Lexington KY.

Restaurants in Lexington KY

Below here are the ten top Italian restaurants in Lexington KY

1. Bella Napoli Italian Restaurant

Step into Bella Napoli, a family-owned gem, and let the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces transport you to Italy. This charming trattoria offers a menu brimming with classic Italian dishes made with love.

Don’t miss Bella Napoli Italian Restaurant’s signature lasagna, a comforting blend of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Bella Napoli Italian Restaurant tops the list of the ten best Italian restaurants in Lexington KY.

• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 am-10 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 3801 Dylan Pl, Lexington, KY 40514
• Contact: (859) 245-1789

2. Portofino Italian Restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown, Portofino brings a touch of sophistication to Lexington’s Italian dining scene. Their elegant ambiance and impeccable service set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Indulge in their melt-in-your-mouth osso buco, a traditional Italian braised veal shank served with risotto.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 5 pm-10 pm; Friday-Saturday: 5 pm-11 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 249 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
• Contact: (859) 253-9300

3. Paisano’s Italian Restaurant

Paisano’s is a beloved neighborhood spot where you can enjoy Italian comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. Each bite is a celebration of Italian flavors, from their hand-tossed pizzas to their hearty pasta dishes.

Be sure to try Paisano’s gnocchi al pesto, a delightful combination of tender potato dumplings and fragrant basil pesto. Also, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant ranks third among the ten top Italian restaurants in Lexington KY.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 am-9:30 pm; Friday-Saturday: 11 am-10:30 pm; Sunday: 12 pm-9:30 pm
• Address: 2417 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503
• Contact: (859) 275-4811

4. Brasabana Cuban Cuisine & Italian Flavors

While specializing in Cuban cuisine, Brasabana offers a unique fusion of Cuban and Italian flavors. This eclectic restaurant is known for its creative dishes, such as the Cuban-inspired spaghetti carbonara. The blend of Italian pasta, smoky bacon, and Cuban spices creates a harmonious taste explosion.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 am-9 pm; Friday-Saturday: 11 am-10 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 841 Lane Allen Rd, Lexington, KY 40504
• Contact: (859) 303-5573

5. Puccini’s Smiling Teeth Pizza & Pasta

If you’re in the mood for a casual yet delicious Italian meal, head to Puccini’s Smiling Teeth. This local favorite serves up mouthwatering pizzas loaded with fresh toppings and hearty pasta dishes.

Puccini’s Smiling Teeth Pizza & Pasta’s baked ziti, a cheesy pasta blend, meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella, is a definite crowd-pleaser. However, Puccini’s Smiling Teeth Pizza & Pasta ranks fifth among the ten top Italian restaurants in Lexington KY.

• Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 am-9:30 pm; Friday-Saturday: 11 am-10 pm
• Address: 833 Chevy Chase Pl, Lexington, KY 40502
• Contact: (859) 269-0404

6. Bella Notte Italian Restaurant

Experience the charm of an Italian trattoria at Bella Notte, where rustic décor and soulful food create an inviting ambiance. Bella Notte Italian Restaurant’s menu boasts a variety of Italian classics, but their spaghetti aglio e olio steals the show. This simple yet flavorful dish combines al dente spaghetti with garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 4:30 pm-9 pm; Friday-Saturday: 4:30 pm-10 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 3715 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503
• Contact: (859) 245-1789

7. Tony’s of Lexington

A Lexington institution, Tony’s of Lexington has been serving fine Italian cuisine since 1947. Tony’s of Lexington is one of the ten top Italian restaurants in Lexington KY.

With its timeless elegance and impeccable service, Tony’s of Lexington is a go-to for special occasions. In their mouthwatering veal piccata, tender medallions of veal sautéed in a lemon-butter sauce and finished with capers.

• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 5 pm-10 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 401 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
• Contact: (859) 243-0210

8. Sav’s Grill & West African Cuisine

While primarily known for its West African fare, Sav’s Grill offers a tantalizing selection of Italian dishes. Try their unique take on chicken Alfredo, where tender grilled chicken is smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with African spices. It’s a delightful fusion that will leave your taste buds craving more.

• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 am-8 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 304 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
• Contact: (859) 368-7287

9. Sal’s Chophouse

If you’re seeking a steakhouse with an Italian twist, Sal’s Chophouse is the perfect choice. Sal’s Chophouse features prime cuts of meat prepared with Italian-inspired flavors and techniques.

The bistecca alla Fiorentina, a juicy T-bone steak seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, will transport you to the trattorias of Florence. However, Sal’s Chophouse is also mentioned among the ten top Italian restaurants in Lexington KY.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 4 pm-10 pm; Friday-Saturday: 4 pm-11 pm; Sunday: 4 pm-9 pm
• Address: 3373 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502
• Contact: (859) 335-6500

10. Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano

Wrap up your culinary journey at Giuseppe’s, a charming Italian restaurant known for its warm ambiance and traditional dishes. Their penne alla vodka, perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce, is a crowd favorite. Pair it with a glass of wine from their extensive selection to complete the experience.

• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 4 pm-10 pm; Friday-Saturday: 4 pm-11 pm; Sunday: Closed
• Address: 4456 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
• Contact: (859) 272-4269

Conclusion

In Lexington KY, regarding Italian restaurants, the options are plentiful, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional dishes or innovative culinary fusions, these ten Italian restaurants in Lexington KY have you covered. From the cozy neighborhood spots to the upscale dining establishments, each venue on our list showcases the essence of Italian cuisine.