Two Nights???

We live about an hour and half from Louisville and come to the city about twice a month. However, we do not have all the inside information and would like your help in finding some great dining experiences.

We are going to be in Louisville for two nights next month and would like some help on finding two great restaurants.

We love Italian and we would really like to find a place that is interesting with great food for the first night.

We are thinking seafood for the second night but we would like to have an original experience more so than anything else.

Any suggestions????

First Night: Volare or Primo

Second Night: Seviche

wow...what a quick response

any recommendations from the menus?

Hey Steve, Don't know what Ron's favorites are but at Volare here are two favorites of my bride and I:

Gnocchi Alla Tartufo: Gnocchi tossed with a black truffle cream sauce, prosciutto di parma and peas

Risotto Fattoria: Creamy arborio rice with gorgonzola, peas and chicken.

Enjoy your visit!

Welcome, Steve! I would have to second Ron's suggestions...

The chef at Primo does a weekly menu, so all the ingredients are seasonal and fresh. He has been featured on Secrets of Louisville Chef's recently and just received a four star review.

For your second night, I would try either Seviche for seafood or Palermo Viejo for Argentinian food (delicious grilled meats!!). I know delicious grilled meats weren't listed as a preference, but I think Palermo is one of Louisville's best and most uniquerestaurants, with flavorful selections and a comfortable atmosphere.

Palermo Viejo and Primo both accept reservations for any size party on opentable.com.

ok...i think i am definite on volare (did some online research and the place looks cool)

what about lunch spots?

lunch spots:

Granville Inn (college bar with great burgers)
Brownings (brew pub at Slugger Field)
Vietnam Kitchen (the best vietnamese food ever)
Santa Fe Grill (authentic mexican food)
Bristol Bar & Grille (green chile wontons)
Blue Dog Bakery (gourmet sandwiches)

[Robin Garr]

lunch spots:

Granville Inn (college bar with great burgers)
Brownings (brew pub at Slugger Field)
Vietnam Kitchen (the best vietnamese food ever)
Santa Fe Grill (authentic mexican food)
Bristol Bar & Grille (green chile wontons)
Blue Dog Bakery (gourmet sandwiches)

Or take it the other direction and enjoy lunch at some places where you wouldn't mind having dinner: Jack Fry's, Proof on Main, Primo ...

thanks for the great info....

I am looking forward to coming down...may have to come down Saturday night to start enjoying your recommendations.

Thanks!

Forgot to mention Mojitos for FANTASTIC paella which is worth a special trip.

tell me more about Mojitos and the paella

Ohh I second Mohitos or Havana Rumba it's sister restaurant! Wonerful wonderful.

Porcini is another possibilty for the first night. Favorite among some locals and Rick Pitino. Volare is always an excellent choice.

If you are thinking talian for lunch Mellilo's is a nice choice, Artemesia sometimes is over looked and Cafe Lou Lou is a fun spot.

For breakfast - Lynn's Paradise Cafe

For night number two, you need to consider Equus
Other great choices Jack Fry's, Limestone Grill, Z's Oyster Bar, asiatique

I have to echo the sentiments of the other posters, you won't go wrong with the choices in the stream. We are blessed with some great restaurants.

Last night, my wife and I drove into Louisville for a new dining experience and we were quite pleased with the experience we had a Volare.

We had reservations at 8:30. We showed up at 8:10 and were promptly sseated. The service was excellent and the food was a big hit. My wife had entree envy but one of usually gets it when we try a new restaurant. She had a penne special with sausage, peppers and onions and the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer. She was happy with the meal but it was not what she had pictured in her mind when she ordered. I sampled the dish and thought it was very good. I prefer a little heat in my dishes so it would have not been a good dish to order for me. I had the "fruit of the sea" dish and I would have to say it is one of the best dishes I have had in a restaurant.

We really liked the atmosphere at Volare.

We will be back in two weeks to try another restaurant.

There are three restaurants that I can recommend that I don't think anyone has mentioned. First, is Palermo Viejo. Hands down my favorite place in town. Although it is an Argentine restaurant, there are definitely Italian influences in the menu. I really only go there to order things that I can dip in their chimichurri, anyway.
Next, for seafood, I suggest Maido. I know that sushi is probably not what you had in mind when you said seafood, but the fact of the matter is that you won't find any better or fresher seafood in town.
The last place I would suggest, for more traditional seafood fare, is L&N Wine Bar and Bistro. If you go, order the L&N Fish and Chips. It's a twist on the classic with pan seared snapper, fingerling potatoes, etc. It is to die for, seriously. I had my rehearsal dinner there and that was my only request for the menu. So, there you go. Three different restaurants, but honestly three of the best tables in town.