If you’re planning a trip to Frankfort, Kentucky, then you may be surprised at the sheer choice of fabulous restaurants available - from authentic Vietnamese fare to perfectly cooked steaks, the capital city of the state offers an array of culinary delights.

You’ll find our pick of the very best restaurants in Frankfort that will make your trip extra special and have you keen to return to the city as soon as possible!

Ginza
Located on Westridge Drive, Ginza is well-loved for its exquisite Asian, specifically Japanese, cuisine and boasts a multitude of glowing reviews from Frankfort locals and visitors to the city alike.

Stepping into the restaurant, diners will immediately be struck by the ambiance of the dining room: heavy wooden tables and simple, sleek restaurant chairs make the perfect backdrop against which the traditional Japanese art and decorative elements shine. As well as the Asian and sushi bar, guests can also order from the hibachi grill selection to enjoy the theater of a meal prepared table-side by the highly-talented chefs of the establishment.

Customer favorites include the Crazy Flying Dragon (spicy tuna with tempura flakes and eel), Drunken Lobster (avocado-topped tempura lobster served with spicy crab, cooked shrimp, vegetables, and a garlic sauce), and E-Town (fresh tuna, scallops, crab, and cream cheese, deep fried and served with red tobiko and scallion).

The team at Ginza are utterly focused on providing a great experience for every single diner: from the quality of the ingredients to the spectacular presentation and the well-stocked bar, this restaurant is a true culinary gem in Frankfort’s crown.

Goodwood
Found on West Main Street, Goodwood Brewing and Spirits began life in 2005, and, as well as a tempting selection of craft beers and spirits; the establishment offers a culinary-driven menu inspired by the traditions of southern food.

Diners can enjoy their meals either in the inside dining space or on the patio overlooking the river. Friendly service and a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude are the name of the game at Goodwood, and you’ll feel right at home as you peruse the menu. Choose from such delights as fried green tomatoes, juicy steaks cooked perfectly to order, buffalo cauliflower, ‘Drunken’ Chicken, and grilled cheese baskets. And, of course, the drinks menu is as awe-inspiring as you’d expect.

Goodwood is frequently cited as one of the best eateries in the city; it’s great value for money, too, and portions are definitely on the generous side! This restaurant is a must-visit and, to make things even easier, it’s dog and kid-friendly.

Mai Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
Mai Saigon is a family-owned and managed restaurant that’s been running for over thirty years, and a love of the craft is evident in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of every dish.  

This establishment is something of a hidden gem, but once it’s discovered, diners become regular guests, returning time and again for the warm welcome and the delicious, authentic Vietnamese fare.

Standout dishes include the Spicy Korean Noodle Soup, Shaken Beef Rice Plate, Grilled Chicken Lemongrass and Egg Roll Noodle Bowl, and the legendary Vietnamese Sandwich.

Thai Smile
Widely regarded as the purveyors of the best chicken fried rice in the city, Thai Smile can be found on US-127 and offers guests a unique dining experience. Offering great value and large portions (leftovers are perfect for taking home for late-night snacking!), some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items include Garlic Chicken, Crab Rangoons, Volcano Chicken, and Pineapple Fried Rice. The Thai iced tea makes for a wonderful accompaniment to your meal and is highly recommended.

With its cozy interior and service, which is friendly and fast, be prepared to book a table or arrive early to secure one to avoid disappointment -Thai Smile tends to fill up quickly! Should you not be lucky enough to get a table, it’s worth knowing that the restaurant offers take-out, too, which can be ordered online.

Best of all, if you visit regularly, expect staff to remember your name and favorite dishes.

Serafini
Offering an intimate dining experience and located opposite the old State Capitol, a visit to Serafini won’t disappoint. The use of local ingredients is key to this restaurant’s ethic: its cuisine is a wonderful, innovative fusion of traditional Italian cooking with the flavors of the south. Tenderloin Cognac, Pesto Chicken, and Fried Catfish are just a taster (pun intended) of the richly eclectic menu.

The restaurant is passionate about its support of local farmers, producers, and businesses, and this is evident in the high quality and freshness of the ingredients that make up the dishes on offer. As well as an extensive lunch and dinner menu, guests may wish to view the establishment's Bourbon List: as well as Kentucky Bourbons; there are ranges of Kentucky Moonshines and American Whiskeys to consider, which could make for a perfect ending to a perfect meal.

And if you’re visiting the city as part of a special celebration? The Governor’s Room, or even the entire restaurant, can be booked for a banquet so that you can enjoy a private dining experience like no other.