Where to Eat Now: July 2024 – Smiley Pete’s Picks for Lexington’s Crème de la Crème Culinary Experiences

This July, Lexington’s vibrant culinary scene promises an array of tantalizing dining experiences from tapas to tacos, biscuits to biryanis. Smiley Pete Publishing has curated this list of must-visit eateries and cafes making notable waves around town. This culinary treasure hunt will take your taste buds on a delightful journey, allowing the discovery of new dining hotspots. So, appetites at the ready, let’s embark on a gastronomic adventure.

Barzelona’s Tapas & Latin Cuisine

Located at 4371 Old Harrodsburg Rd. Suite 105, Barzelona’s Tapas & Latin Cuisine creates a vivid palette of Latin flavours with its innovative menu of tapas and larger entrees. Owner Tony Saavedra showcases bold Latin fusion dishes ideal for sampling and sharing, from delectable cherry tomato bruschetta to the daring charbroiled octopus. Seafood lovers can also indulge in a range of scrumptious dishes, such as fish tacos or seafood paella.

Bella Café & Grille at Palomar

Bella Café & Grille, located in the Palomar Centre at 3901 Fountain Blue Ln. #130, offers a selection of tempting dishes, combining casual elegance with seasonal favorites. Owned by Kuni Toyoda, the café features a variety of tantalizing salads, sandwiches, and house specialties. One standout is the steak salad with grilled romaine, gorgonzola herb dressing and crumbled crostinis. Dinner options range from halibut with polenta to a succulent Bolognese.

Mazunte Bodega

Set in Lexington’s Distillery District at 903 Manchester St. suite 150, Mazunte Bodega, the Cincinnati-based restaurant group’s first Kentucky location, offers an array of gourmet Mexican dishes to explore. Tacos are the star players at Mazunte Bodega, but tostadas, enchiladas, and empanadas are dish options sure to satisfy all customers. The restaurant assures quick bites with grab and go products, making it a location perfect for fast-paced foodies.

Osha Thai Kitchen & Bar

A fresh take on fine-dining Thai cuisine is offered at Osha Thai Kitchen & Bar. Located at 107 W. Short St., the restaurant features a range of Thai entrees and an ensemble of Japanese and Korean dishes. The interior design allows for the incorporation of the outdoors, retractable garage doors downstairs, and a second-story patio make for a dining experience as unique as the cuisine itself.

The Obstinate Sons

Boasting over 50 years of combined industry experience, owners Cannon Applegate and Dexter Murray launched The Obstinate Sons in February 2024 at 829 Chevy Chase Place. Offering southern comfort fusion cuisine with prime pork chops, deviled eggs, and roasted oysters standing out from the menu, The Obstinate Sons has quickly become a dining favorite in Lexington.

Whether it’s a relaxed lunch date spot, adventurous international flavors, or a refined dining treat you seek, Lexington’s culinary milieu has plenty to offer, each one worth exploring. So, get ready to experience the heights of culinary delight, and don’t forget to share your experiences – as the joy of dining out is best enjoyed together.