ItalianChef Jonathan Lundy$$$downtownLunch Wed-Sun 11:00-15:30; dinner Tue-Sun from 16:00
ItalX rolls scratch-made pastas in Lexington's City Center, chef Jonathan Lundy's Italian room with reimagined small plates and a sommelier-built wine list.
Tip: Lunch runs Wednesday to Sunday, a rarity downtown; dinner from 16:00 suits pre-show Rupp Arena tables.
Steakhouse$$$$downtownSun-Thu 17:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00
Tony's of Lexington runs a Tony Ricci steakhouse on West Main Street, plating prime cuts and seafood a short walk from Rupp Arena's event-night crowds.
Tip: Kitchen closes at 21:00 Sunday to Thursday; book the later Friday and Saturday seatings for a quieter room.
Steakhouse$$$$downtownMon-Thu 17:00-22:00; Fri 16:00-23:00; Sat 16:30-23:00; Sun 16:30-21:00
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse brings the Cincinnati group's USDA Prime programme and live entertainment to West Vine Street, Lexington's flashiest big-night room.
Tip: The macaroni and cheese Food Network singled out is worth the add-on; Friday service starts at 16:00.
Steakhouse$$$lansdowneMon-Sun 11:00-22:00
Malone's cuts USDA Prime steaks at its original Lansdowne room, the Lexington-born steakhouse that grew into the Bluegrass Hospitality Group's flagship.
Tip: Lexington Legend cut portions run big; the Hamburg and Palomar rooms take pressure off weekend waits.
Southern$$$lansdowneMon-Thu 16:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-15:00, 16:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
The Merrick Inn serves Southern dinners and weekend brunch from a former horse-farm manor off Tates Creek Road, a Lexington occasion room of long standing.
Tip: Brunch runs Friday to Sunday 10:00-15:00; the walled patio is the seat to request from May to September.
Contemporary AmericanChef Paula Endara$$$distillery-districtBreakfast daily 07:00-11:00; lunch Mon-Thu 11:00-14:00; dinner Mon-Sat 17:00-22:00, Sun 17:00-21:00
Granddam is the dining hall of Lexington's Manchester Hotel, where Top Chef alum Paula Endara cooks Ecuadorian-inflected American food from breakfast to late.
Tip: Free parking sits directly across Manchester Street until 18:00; brunch runs Friday to Sunday 09:00-14:00.