There are few foods as widely beloved as pasta, and the Lexington community has plenty of top-notch pasta joints to go around. Whether you’re craving a lasagna that will give your grandma’s recipe a worthy contender, or maybe want to try a fresh spin on an old classic, here are five local restaurants that have you covered.
962 Delaware Avenue
For almost a decade and a half, Pasta Garage has been supplying the Lexington community with all sorts of pasta-related goods and services, from the delicious noodle-based dishes themselves to pasta-making classes and “Pasta Tours.” With both gluten-free and vegan options available and a robust menu variety, it’s no wonder why Pasta Garage is a local favorite. If you don’t believe the hype, just take a look at the testimonials included on their website– their made-from-scratch, in-house Lexington Pasta is truly something special.
110 North Locust Hill Drive
“An Italian Restaurant…With an American Pub” is Sutton’s tagline, and there’s few places besides Sutton’s that you’re likely to find both an extensive list of pastas and a Kentucky Hot Brown on the menu. Of course, there are also sandwiches, burgers, salad, and seafood, just to name a few, so a wide range of tastes will find themselves at home at Sutton’s. They even have a separate lunch menu with smaller portions and lower prices, so you can get your hands on their tasty Italian-American fusion any time of day and still snag a deal.
3715 Nicholasville Road
With three menus, each for food, desserts, and drinks, Bella Notte is pretty much a one-stop shop for fine dining of the Italian variety, complete with gluten-free options in both single servings and family dishes. With a focus on fresh and local ingredients for almost thirty years, it’s a meal you can feel as good about as it tastes. Seriously, though, don’t forget the tiramisu.
4456 Nicholasville Road
Though Giuseppe’s may be hidden behind trees and lush green foliage, the spectacular Italian food served at this Lexington staple is no secret. You’ll even be treated to live music when you pay Giuseppe’s a visit, so between the heavenly pasta and entertainment, it’s no wonder you’ll want to schedule reservations in advance. Even though the restaurant is only open on weekends for dinner, it’s well worth the wait. A quarter-century on, this not-so-hidden hidden gem continues to be a quintessential Lexington dining experience.
Joe Bologna’s Restaurant Italian Pizzeria and Restaurant
120 West Maxwell Street
No list of digs recommended for pasta lovers in Lexington could be complete without Joe Bologna’s. Located in a nineteenth-century building that was once a synagogue, complete with colorful stained-glass windows, Joe Bologna’s maintains something of a cult status among Lexingtonians, and a place in the heart of any visitor who gets the chance to try their delightful garlic breadsticks, killer pizzas, and of course– amazing pasta. You truly can’t go wrong here, whether you’re opting for one of their impressive sub sandwiches or just treating yourself to a classic plate of spaghetti.