Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Lexington

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Lexington? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Caproni's on the River

4.9

4.9 (172)

$31 to $50

American

Maysville

About the restaurant

Traditional Italian, Kentucky Classics and the best of American Cuisine.. Our approach is to utilize the freshest ingredients and support our community of local growers and producers while providing a memorable dining experience.

Starting back in 1930's as a sandwich shop for railroad workers and travelers, Caps quickly became a favorite in the region! Today diners from across the country seek Caproni's and our river town out for the best dining, art, shopping and history.

Top review

Tod

Dined 7 days ago

The Easter buffet was delicious; great variety also. The service was impeccable.

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

4.9

4.9 (31)

$31 to $50

Sri Lankan

Lexington

About the restaurant

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop is the brick-and-mortar restaurant from nationally-acclaimed Chef Sam Fore in Lexington, Kentucky. Fore began her culinary career with pop-ups in 2016 and grew to travel around the country cooking in Michelin-starred and James Beard-recognized kitchens. She was recently recognized as a Finalist for Best Chef: Southeast for the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards and has been honored by multiple national publications.

Deeply influenced by Fore’s upbringing and culinary journey, Tuk Tuk Snack Shop’s menu thoughtfully marries Sri Lankan techniques and ingredients with classic Southern dishes categorized into unique mains, sandwiches, snacks, sides, and desserts.

Top review

MarieVIP

Dined 5 days ago

We went for my birthday dinner and loved it. They have gluten free pasta so I got the crab curry. It was so good and a generous portion too. The staff is always willing to go the extra mile and so personable. Love this place

Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Lexington

4.9

4.9 (5936)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

Lexington, KY loves its legends and Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse has quickly become one since opening in 2019. Proudly offering nationally-acclaimed U.S.D.A. Prime Steaks, fresh Seafood & Sushi, Impeccable Service, and Live Entertainment, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse provides the perfect backdrop for an upscale, energetic, and elegant evening on the town. Opulent interiors pay homage to Art Deco luxury while still feeling uniquely Lexington. Hospitality reigns king here and being treated like royalty is a hallmark of our service. Private dining available for intimate gatherings up to larger groups looking to celebrate life. Outdoor dining is a lovely option on our decorated, temperature controlled patio. Delivery, Take Out, and Meal Kit options also available at JeffRuby.com. We can't wait for you to enjoy your next Jeff Ruby Experience!

Top review

Steve

Dined 6 days ago

The dining experience was top of the line. Service was excellent, food was absolutely delicious and price very reasonable.

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4.8

4.8 (1196)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Midway

About the restaurant

At Holly Hill Inn, we offer a unique dining experience which showcases our seasonal and innovative use of local ingredients and heritage Kentucky foods. Our reservations for each service are limited so that our guests may enjoy their time with us to the fullest.

Relax in an art-filled dining room and savor a leisurely dinner or brunch, enhanced by our award-winning wine list, craft cocktail menu, and curated bourbon collection. Our culinary team is led by founder and chef Ouita Michel and Culinary Director Tyler McNabb.

Holly Hill Inn has been featured in Garden and Gun, Southern Living and the N.Y. Times.

For more information, visit www.hollyhillinn.com. To receive our newsletter and explore recipes and stories, visit www.hollyhillandco.com.

Top review

Luis

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful experience! Truly a great dining experience. Great food, good service at a very reasonable price.

Rodney's on Broadway

4.7

4.7 (1155)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

Rodney's on Broadway is located in a historic 1840's home in the heart of downtown Georgetown, Kentucky. The restaurant has been beautifully restored to commemorate the best that "The Bluegrass" has to offer.

Rodney's on Broadway has been featured in such magazines, newspapers, and other publications as: Southern Living, Discover Horses, Kentucky Monthly, AceWeekly, The Lexington Herald-Leader, Louisville's Courier-Journal and Keeneland Magazine.

Top review

Brianna

Dined 4 days ago

Such a nice restaurant with amazing food and even more amazing people. We loved our server Kat. Plus, it was our anniversary and they left us a sweet card and wrote on our dessert. Definitely will be back!

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New York Strip (14oz)

Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano

4.9

4.9 (4532)

$31 to $50

Italian

Lexington

About the restaurant

There’s a quiet country road hiding near one of Lexington’s busiest intersections. Tucked down the lane in a tree-lined cove, Giuseppe’s has been serving great Italian cuisine serenaded by live music for the last 25 years. Renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, hand-cut steaks, traditional and contemporary pasta dishes, homemade desserts and extensive wine list, Giuseppe’s captures its guests with the ambiance of candlelight, easy sounds of slow jazz and a taste of passion which flows from your fork, making every dish its own invitation to return. Whether you prefer a table in the main dining room, the lounge, or the patio, Giuseppe’s is the perfect romantic spot for dates and anniversaries, and it’s also a favorite for large gatherings of family and friends. Giuseppe’s Private Dining Room provides a relaxed, intimate venue for business and social events. That is how something so hidden still stands out, and that is why those who find us return again and again.

Top review

HerbVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great food and service. Wonderful dining experience.

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Popular dish

Oven Roasted Sea Bass

Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

Malone’s - Palomar

4.8

4.8 (3162)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

Named one of the Great Steak Houses of North America, Malone’s is Lexington’s premier steakhouse. Less than two percent of beef processed in the world is rated as “prime beef.” Malone’s is pleased to offer the widest selection of fresh, hand-cut USDA Prime steaks. In addition to their steak selection, the diverse menu offers something for everyone. Enjoy freshly made salads, fresh fish and seafood selections, sandwiches, house favorites and seasonal chef features. Malone’s is the perfect destination for lunch or dinner with family and friends, professional meetings, and celebrations. Malone’s has been celebrating meals and milestones since 1998.

Top review

MarittaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a wonderful experience! The service was first rate and the food perfect!

Blue Heron Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (2187)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Lexington

About the restaurant

The Blue Heron Steakhouse is located in the thriving historic Jefferson Street corridor. We offer an excellent menu with steakhouse classics and modern Southern fare with specialties such as fresh oysters, the finest cuts of beef, shrimp and grits and more. Our restaurant started as a hand-crafted cocktail bar and consumer demand made it obvious that we needed to expand to a full-service kitchen. The Blue Heron is situated in a renovated home with exposed brick, a beautiful, locally crafted chandelier, a roaring two-sided fireplace in the colder months. Locally owned and loaded with character, The Blue Heron is a perfect setting for an intimate date, an evening with friends or simply a casual dinner while watching the game.

Top review

LorneVIP

Dined on Apr 16, 2025

Fantastic food and service. Favorite place in Lexington for a great meal.

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Dark Chocolate Mousse

Granddam

4.7

4.7 (390)

$31 to $50

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Granddam, nestled within The Manchester Hotel, is a captivating Bluegrass dining hall that pays homage to its eponymous matriarchal racehorse. While Granddam may be past her prime, she continues to live the dream through the restaurant's unique ambiance and offerings.

Step into the world of Granddam and let her spirit envelop you. The menu features reimagined Bluegrass fare, sourced from local purveyors, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience.

Conveniently located just off the hotel's lobby, Granddam invites you to savor the flavors of the Bluegrass region and relish in the legacy of a spirited racehorse. It's a place where traditions are celebrated and memories are made, all under the watchful gaze of Granddam herself.

Top review

JamieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food and drinks were all delicious. The peach chicken was incredible !!

Carson's on Main

4.8

4.8 (6426)

$30 and under

American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Carson's Food & Drink features new and exciting chef-driven recipes and cocktails that combine rustic refinement with classic Kentucky elegance in a casual, yet comfortable atmosphere.

One of Lexington Kentucky's finest restaurants; Multi Year Winner of OpenTable's "Diners' Choice" (2017,18,19,20,21,22) and included in RestaurantNews 'Top 100 Restaurants in America 2018'.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great as always! Looking forward to our next visit.

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