Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Louisville restaurants have opened over the past several months, from familiar names making new concepts to intriguing new kids on the block.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more River City restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
ensō, 1758 Frankfort Ave. | Japanese-southern fusion | Reservations: Yes
Japanese and Southern culture meet at this upscale spot from the minds behind North of Bourbon, including Chef Lawrence Weeks — who draws culinary inspiration from his New Orleans roots. The al la carte menu offers a variety of noodles, sliders, and skewers.
Paseo, 900 Baxter Ave. | Mediterranean | Reservations: Yes
Transport yourself to coastal southern Europe in the heart of the Highlands. This this open-kitchen offers wood-fired dishes from countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, like duck paella, harissa cauliflower, and hummus brulée. It’s also open for brunch on the weekends.
MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, 636 E. Market St. | Mediterranean | Reservations: Yes
“Chopped” winner and Israel native Chef Noam Bilitzer turned his residency at the former Wiltshire on Market into his first full restaurant. The Levantine-focused menu includes large format dishes, like a 28-oz bone-in ribeye, and small plates, including embered beets with goat cheese and haifa hot chicken.
Koko + Rae Caribbean Kitchen, 1511 Bardstown Rd. | Fast-casual Jamaican | Reservations: No
You can’t miss this teal-colored joint on Bardstown Road, which dishes out traditional Caribbean fare including jerk chicken and curry goat + twists on American staples like an Oxtail Grilled Cheese sandwich.
Osteria Italian Seafood,1211 Herr Ln. | Italian seafood | Reservations: Yes
Feel as though you’re dining under the sea in this upscale, relaxed environment where you’re surrounded by nautical nuances, including a giant octopus painting. This Westport Village restaurant took over the former Napa River Grill space, and features seafood dishes with Italian influences.
Gravely Grub, 514 Baxter Ave. | Sandwiches + pub food | Reservations: No
After six years in business, this Phoenix Hill brewery launched its own food concept, and, like its beers, the pub menu is music-themed. It features fast-casual dishes like Major Tom’s Totchos, The Swiftie salad, and Glass Onion Dip.
Renshoku Ramen, 1161 S. 2nd St. | Japanese | Reservations: No
Nestled in Old Louisville, this former pop-up restaurant turned noodle shop oozes Japanese culture, from the anime wallpaper to the branded bowls. You can order chicken- or veggie-based ramen + rice bowls, fried chicken, and more — at the counter for dine-in or online for carry-out or delivery.
Pig Beach BBQ, 1201 River Rd. | BBQ | Reservations: No
Founded in New York City by award-winning pitmasters, Louisville is the fourth location for this smokehouse that boasts five different kinds of smoked meats + traditional sides, like baked beans and coleslaw, all served with waterfront views.
Breakfast AF/Pizza AF, 1008 Goss Ave. | Breakfast + pizza | Reservations: No
Omelets by day, pepperoni pizza by night. This duel restaurant from the owners of Hauck’s Corner, literally around the corner, specializes in breakfast daily, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. then switches to a pizza joint at 4 p.m. Both menus are designed by Allan Rosenberg, the former owner of Papalino’s and Butchertown Pizza Hall.
In addition to wood-fired eats, Hop Atomica will have 20 rotating beer taps.
Photo by @hopatomica_louisville
Coming soon
Hop Atomica, 1318 McHenry St. | Pizza + sandwiches| Project opening: November 2023
A wood-fired oven will be the focal point of this new brewery + micro-distillery’s food operations, which will include appetizers, salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. The Hop Atomica brand is from Savannah, GA, but the new location in Germantown is owned by two Louisvillians who will have full creative license over its beer and food menu.
Beyond the Sun, 1023 Bardstown Rd. | Multi-cuisine | Projected opening: December 2023
Advertised as a modern restaurant and lounge, the menu here runs the gamut — from burgers and chicken wings to tacos and pizza. It will be run by the same owners as Sol Aztecas Mexican Restaurant, who are billing the new operation as a haven for tequila and bourbon.
The Sphinx, 1601 Story Ave. | Southern | Projected opening: TBD
First Roar restaurant group will usher in a new era for a corner building in Butchertown that formerly housed Gold Bar and Butchertown Social. The new owners plan to keep the neighborhood bar vibes and introduce a Southern-inspired menu featuring shareable + handheld items.
Hokkaido Ramen and Sushi, 818 W. Kenwood Dr. | Japanese | Projected opening: January 2024
After a full remodel of the former Biscuit Belly location in Colonial Gardens, Lexington restaurateur Yan-Bo “Alex” Lin will bring a new traditional ramen house franchise to Derby City, which will also serve sushi, bubble tea, and sake. Fun fact: The restaurant is named after an island in Japan.
Costa del Sol, 818 W. Kenwood Dr. | Latin | Projected opening: February 2024
Also opening in a space at Colonial Gardens, Costa del Sol will bring Mexican and Honduran food together under one roof.
The Misfit Lou, 119 S. 7th St. | Sandwiches + sausages | Projected opening: TBD
A husband-and-wife duo with 10+ years of service industry experience are behind this new sandwich and sausage parlor concept, occupying the former Against the Grain Sandwich Shop space downtown. In the same building, just below The Misfit, the couple also operates a 19th-century-inspired cocktail bar called the Hereafter, which is already open.
