15 Incredible Restaurants in NuLu, Louisville to Try Out a Wide Variety of Local Favorites

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NuLu in Louisville is an incredible place to go to in Kentucky because of its vibrancy, art, and bright atmosphere. There are plenty of art galleries, antique shops, local stores, upcoming restaurants, and so much more that you need to see for yourself. If you’re feeling hungry as you’re going through your day looking around NuLu, make sure to check out these top fifteen amazing restaurants right now!

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Come check out these fifteen amazing NuLu restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky as soon as you can!

1. Biscuit Belly

Want to go to one of the best breakfast restaurants in NuLu? You’ll have to come here!

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📍 900 E Main Street | NuLu | biscuitbelly.com

Are you looking for an amazing breakfast place that is known for their breakfast sandwiches and more? Then you have to come to Biscuit Belly as soon as you can for an amazing breakfast that you can’t pass up! Southern cooking with unique flavors is just what you need to get your day started off right, and this is the perfect place to do it too.

Come to Biscuit Belly right now to try out the rockwell supreme breakfast sandwich, bonuts, the mama’s boy sandwich, pancake corn dogs, the belly buster, eggs, bacon, sausage, and other classic breakfast favorites that you will fall in love with instantly. Come to Biscuit Belly today for a meal you won’t forget!

“Biscuit Belly was a delightful surprise. I loved the quick ordering process and their little numbers you can put in pegs at the table. Our wait was not long for food and it came out looking fresh and delicious!” - Yelp Review

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2. Los Aztecas Mexican Restaurant

Serving authentic Mexican dishes in Kentucky since 1997 in NuLu, Louisville!

📍 445 E Market St | NuLu | losaztecasnulu.com

Customers can feel right at home in this restaurant that brings classic Mexican food and flavors to their Kentucky table. If you’re looking for a restaurant in NuLu that has great hospitality in addition to great food, you’ve found it!

On the menu at Los Aztecas, you’ll find quesadillas, burritos, tacos, tamales, fajitas, enchiladas, and so much more for both lunch and dinner! You can also order catering for when you want to celebrate a special occasion with food from your favorite restaurant.

“We grab Los Aztecas all the time for work lunches!! I've never gotten a bad dish served to me! They have great lunch specials. All of their staff is INCREDIBLY friendly and accommodating… The service is always fast as well.” - Yelp Review

3. The Cheesecake Factory

Great location of a classic restaurant chain in NuLu, Louisville serving the best dessert!

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📍 5000 Shelbyville Rd | Louisville | locations.thecheesecakefactory.com

The Cheesecake Factory is a popular chain because there’s so much to choose from, and this location is no different. With over 250 dishes made fresh daily and over 40 different kinds of cheesecake and dessert to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find something to satisfy your cravings.

You can make a reservation, but this restaurant also saves a lot of their seats for walk-in guests and serves their full menu at the bar, so it’s the perfect place to stop in for dinner when you don’t know your exact schedule. You can also order for pick-up, curbside pick-up, and delivery if you so choose!

“This place has so many options you will find yourself having trouble choosing… If everyone wants something different, this is definitely the place to go. They literally have something for everyone.” - Yelp Review

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4. Mayan Cafe

Farm-to-table Mexican and Pan-Latin eats are perfect for everybody to try out!

📍 813 E Market Street | NuLu | themayancafe.com

Are you looking for some new flavors to enjoy in NuLu, Louisville? Consider trying out the Mayan Cafe right now for their delicious flavors for Mexican and Pan-Latin dishes! You can enjoy a lot of essential ingredients and flavors unique to Mayan cooking that you truly don’t want to miss out on too.

Come to the Mayan Cafe if you’re looking for some amazing dishes to try out, such as cochinita pibil, scallop ceviche, a vegetarian burrito, a Mayan salad, roast pork salbute, veggie burritos, black bean cakes, grilled cactus, and even a Mayan burger. Make sure to check out the Mayan Cafe as soon as you can for a meal that you won’t want to pass up!

“One of my coworkers who's a major foodie told me about Louisville's excellent food scene, and Mayan Cafe was one of the first places she mentioned… So, high expectations to start, but this place definitely exceeded them!” - Yelp Review

5. Feast BBQ

If you love barbecue, then this restaurant is beyond perfect for you to go to!

📍 909 E Market Street | NuLu | feastbbq.com

Are you looking for some of the best BBQ restaurants in NuLu, but just not sure where to go? Make sure that you check out Feast BBQ as soon as you can for some amazing food that you won’t be able to pass up! Feast BBQ is a southern restaurant that has some of the best BBQ dishes, sandwiches, tacos, and so much more that you just have to see to believe.

At Feast BBQ, you can try out everything from pulled pork sandwiches, pork cakes, brisket sandwiches, smoked tofu, BBQ salads, chicken BBQ sandwiches, chicken tacos, baby back ribs, and so much more. Come to Feast BBQ right now for some amazing food you can’t possibly go without!

“I ordered takeout the other night and it was ready 15 minutes before it said it was going to be ready. It was seamless and they were really nice when they delivered it to my car.” - Yelp Review

6. Emmy Squared Pizza

Craving some delicious pizza options? Come check out this restaurant as soon as you can!

📍 825 E Market Street | NuLu | emmysquaredpizza.com

Are you craving a delicious slice of pizza in NuLu, but just not sure where to go? If so, then you have to stop what you’re doing and check out Emmy Squared Pizza as soon as you can! Emmy Squared Pizza is known for their signature Detroit-style pizza with its square shape, crispy crust, fresh toppings, and so much more. 

Emmy Squared Pizza is the perfect place to go to because you can try out everything from pepperoni pizza, margherita pizza, hot chicken pizza, deluxe pizza, vodka pizza, and so much more. Make sure to pay a visit to Emmy Squared Pizza for an incredible pizza that you won’t want to miss out on!

“Love this place! The pizza was absolutely delicious! It is a little on the pricey side but is definitely worth it, being from Michigan I love any place that serves a Detroit style pizza. They also had an amazing playlist.” - Yelp Review

7. Galaxie

Globally-inspired tacos may just be what gets you through the day, so make sure to come here!

📍 732 E Market Street | NuLu | galaxiebar.com

Finding the best food around NuLu can be difficult at times, but we think once you step foot into Galaxie, you’ll know that you’re making the right decision! Galaxie is an amazing globally-inspired taco restaurant where they also serve cocktails and beer to perfectly complement your meal too.

At Galaxie, you need to try out their signature wakatakas, or flatbread tacos, chipotle chicken tacos, spinach saag and crispy potato tacos, shrimp and chorizo tacos, Galaxie loaded nachos, vader fries, and lots of other tasty goodies too. Make sure to check out Galaxie as soon as you can for some delicious tacos and other dishes you will love!

“The food presented was very pleasing to the eyes and everything was very fresh and juicy as well as being extremely delicious as what one would expect with other Louisville taco places.” - Yelp Review

8. Grind Burger Kitchen

Award-winning burgers in a great NuLu restaurant!

📍 829 E Market St | NuLu | grindburgerkitchen.com

This popular restaurant in NuLu got its start as a food truck in 2012, and first opened as a permanent location in 2014. Grind Burger Kitchen, now a thriving brick and mortar restaurant, has gained attention both in the area of NuLu and on the national scale via many awards and good press.

Grind Burger Kitchen serves burgers, of course, but also other sandwiches, salads, and sides, not to mention the beer menu! This restaurant has a full bar and over 75 bourbons to choose from!

“We stopped by here for food and it was a great decision! Attentive staff and the cocktails were amazing. We ordered the "Chai to Stay on the Beet" and "With Regards to Pie Season" and they were both delicious.” - Yelp Review

9. Pho Ba Luu

Unique Vietnamese dishes with French influences right in NuLu, Louisville!

📍 1019 E Main St | NuLu | phobaluu.com 

Pho Ba Luu puts a contemporary twist on traditional techniques. At this restaurant, it’s all about quality— the ingredients are fresh, and the staff takes great care in preparing each individual dish with daily visits to the produce market to ensure they only serve the best of the best.

This restaurant serves spring rolls, crispy rolls, pho, wings, noodle bowls, rice bowls, salads, and banh mi sandwiches for you to choose from.

“Staff was very friendly and helpful while ordering. They have plenty of other options if you are not in the mood for pho…It looks like they have a wonderful outdoor seating area.” - Yelp Review

10. Garage Bar

Great food and drink at a historic location in NuLu, Louisville!

📍 700 E Market St | NuLu | garageonmarket.com 

Formerly an auto service garage, this downtown Louisville restaurant has both great food and a great atmosphere that come together to give you the dining experience you’re looking for in the wonderful NuLu neighborhood.

The wood-fired brick oven pizzas are undoubtedly the stars of the show at Garage on Market, but there’s also small plates on the menu for you to enjoy. And as far as drinks go at this NuLu restaurant, customers can choose from the following:

• Ice cold draft beers
• Bottled craft beers
• Seasonal cocktails
• Wine
• Kentucky Bourbons

“Garage bar has a really great vibe and seems like an awesome place to hang out to get some food and drinks (and play ping pong lol). Like a lot of Louisville they had an impressive mural and picnic tables outside.” - Yelp Review

11. Lou Lou on Market

New Orleans-style food that is famous for their gumbo, along with live entertainment in NuLu!

📍 812 E Market Street | NuLu | loulouonmarket.com

If you’re looking for some classic Southern food, such as New Orleans-style fare, cajun, or even Mediterranean, there is nothing better in NuLu than Lou Lou on the Market. Their food is specifically focused on the New Orleans-style with tons of spice and heat. Their famous gumbo attracts many locals and even tourists to the restaurant.

Lou Lou on the Market offers a wide variety of delicious food that is perfect for any outing. They offer their customers everything from jambalaya, bone-in pork chops, gumbos, crab cakes, creole seafood fettuccine, she crab bisque, and tons of other spicy dishes with some beignets for a sweet treat afterwards.

“Lou Lou on Market is hands down my favorite upscale Cajun in Louisville! You're welcome to an inviting, cost and colorful interior. If you choose to eat outside you often get to enjoy live music and luscious greenery.” - Yelp Review

12. La Bodeguita De Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar

Try out some Cuban cuisine with a cocktail or two for happy hour in NuLu!

📍 725 E Market Street | NuLu | labodeguitademima.com

NuLu, Louisville in Kentucky is a top spot for a unique dining experience where you can try different types of cuisine from all over the world. If you’re interested in having Cuban food, then La Bodeguita De Mima is the best place to be. With a 1950s Cuba theme, you’ll be able to smell authentic Cuban cuisine as soon as you walk in the door with food that is made fresh daily and with just the right amount of spice and flavor you’re looking for.

La Bodeguita De Mima offers a wide variety of Cuban dishes that are all authentic in taste, paying homage to the homemade dishes from their home country. They serve tons of tasty dishes ranging from vaca fritas, ropa vieja en lata, arroz con pollo, Cuban sandwiches, plantain crusted mahi mahi, and even tostones rellenos.

“Wow! I would drive to Louisville just to come back here. It is quite busy and you should get reservations. We saw the tostones rellenos because we saw them go by and they were as delicious as they look.” - Yelp Review

13. Royals Hot Chicken

Everyone loves a good chicken sandwich, so get it with some spice at this NuLu hotspot!

📍 726 E Market Street | NuLu | royalshotchicken.com

If you are someone who loves chicken, there’s no better place to go to in NuLu, Louisville than Royals Hot Chicken. Since 2015, Royals Hot Chicken has been serving Louisville’s favorite chicken that is dipped in a very spicy sauce packed with heat. They offer Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, as well as savory sides and other dipping sauces for those who are afraid to dive straight into the hot chicken.

Royals Hot Chicken offers a wide variety of chicken dishes, sides, milkshakes, and local beer. Some of their most popular menu items include loaded potato wedges, cheesy chicken poppers, a crispy jumbo chicken tender kale salad, mac n’ cheese, and chicken sandwiches with your preference on how hot you want it.

“Really love the chicken sandos here. They can get pretty spicy or you can dial back the heat. Either way, they have a unique seasoning I really like. Generally the food comes out fast and hot.” - Yelp Review

14. MeeshMeesh Mediterranean

Enjoy an upscale setting serving delicious Mediterranean recipes for a special occasion!

📍 636 E Market Street | NuLu | meeshmeesh.com

The best part about visiting NuLu, Louisville in Kentucky is the wide variety of dining options that are available where you can try something new from a different country every day. MeeshMeesh Mediterranean is a popular dining option in NuLu that offers nutrient-rich dishes in an upscale setting perfect for date night, or another special occasion.

MeeshMeesh Mediterranean packs their dishes full of greens, protein, and other essential nutrients that are important in your everyday diet, and they also taste delicious too. They offer dishes that range from smoked lamb, brown butter knafeh, crispy cauliflower, hot chicken, tuna tartare, chicken liver toast, and even harissa grilled shrimp.

“Food was delicious, the service was great-(go Colton!) and everything was perfect! Flavors you never had anywhere else, special ambiance, and so welcoming in many different ways! Great cocktails too!” - Yelp Review

15. Merle’s Whisky Kitchen

Bourbon, Southern cooking, and live music, oh my!

📍 122 W Main Street | NuLu | merleswhiskeykitchen.com

Sometimes going out for some delicious American bar food, a couple drinks, and some live entertainment with friends or family is the best way to spend a night. Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen is the top spot to check out in NuLu, Louisville when you’re looking for a good time out. Merle’s is most well-known for being a bourbon bar, serving brands from local distilleries, but they also have plenty of other mixed drinks, beer, or even non-alcoholic options.

Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen offers a wide variety of bourbon and other alcoholic beverages, but their food is a staple for many. Serving classic Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, green chili pork tacos, brisket tacos, candied bourbon maple bacon, a classic cheeseburger, and even a cheesy mac n’ cheese with a crispy herb crust, there is something for everyone to fill up on and enjoy the live music this hotspot has to offer. 

“I visited This establishment for the first time and have been blown away by the hospitality I received from Haley! She did an amazing job and I can't wait to return. The food was also amazing. seasoned well and the music while I ate was amazing!” - Yelp Review

Searching for the best restaurant to check out in NuLu, Louisville is essential whenever you’re visiting the area. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, so make sure to check out one of these top 15 ones that we recommend today!

Is there a restaurant in NuLu that you love, but we didn’t mention? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!