A guide to London, KY’s best restaurants will spark local debate. Londoners will passionately champion their favorite barbecue joint, biscuit spot, and perfect pie shop, and have strong opinions on every new opening—this city has a proud food scene, so, yes, there’s plenty to talk about, and many places to eat.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
$ | (606) 330-0163 | WEBSITE
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen takes the idea that comfort food is heavy and predictable, and flips it on its head. Located in London, KY, this spot attracts everyone from families to casual diners with its scratch-made, approachable dishes—inspired as much by home cooking as by classic American fare. There’s equal delight in a standout craft strawberry lemonade, a girls’ chicken djon with broccoli cheese casserole, and a bacon cheeseburger and fries that taste as good as they did years ago.
We love that we can have a satisfying meal here in the unique atmosphere with its interesting fan made of oars and beautiful decor, including large clay pots with beautiful foliage and a huge fish aquarium, and still feel ready to head right out afterward, thanks to the prompt, friendly service.
El Dorado
$ | (606) 877-2806 | WEBSITE
You don’t just stumble upon El Dorado on your own. It’s tucked away in London, KY, and is the kind of place you only learn about after a regular insists on taking you and ordering you the best ceviche pina ($14) in town. This dish is a vibrant, citrusy mix of fresh seafood and pineapple, not overwhelmed with spice, freshly prepared to order. It’s served in a generous portion that could easily last for days.
The menu offers various meals for different tastes, but many regulars rarely get past the ceviche pina with their perfectly balanced margaritas ($9 each), lime wedges, and crispy tortilla chips. The environment is extremely family-friendly, with an inviting atmosphere that makes it a great choice for everyone, even as the interior gets updated. Any of these should do the job of making you want to come back again and again.
Dino’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge
$ | (606) 877-2525 | WEBSITE
You can’t go wrong with anything at Dino’s. The Italian-American spot makes pizza and gyros, but we love it for its traditional spaghetti, comforting platters, and standout specialties like the house pizza, Greek Gyro Platter with rice, and especially the cakes, with the White Chocolate Raspberry cake being a must-try.
A visit to this welcoming, briskly run spot should feature any combination of these: popular breadsticks that come complimentary, a pattymelt that hits the spot, gyro meat that’s flavorful, and those amazing cakes that steal the show. And since there are so many paths to a successful lunch or dinner, the friendly staff are always at the ready with quick service, no matter how busy this place gets. Dino’s regulars grabbing a casual meal will enthusiastically agree.
White Castle
$ | (606) 330-0508 | WEBSITE
Along the interstate, each highway exit offers its own quick-dining culture and accompanying cravings. White Castle, from the fast-food chain, attempts to satisfy them all. This clean-and-bright, drive-thru-inspired London restaurant brings in the flavors of slider burgers and sides from breakfast to late night—you get the drift. Turn on your hunger before taking your free moment in the helpful service line.
We follow ours with a piping hot double cheeseburger slider even for those with dental challenges, and then dig into the fresh, quality-driven individual plates. Our standard order: The soft double cheeseburger sliders with melted cheese and steamed buns, hot fries with crispy edges and fluffy centers, onion rings with golden batter and sweet crunch, and a satisfying meal before hitting the highway again.
Masa Hibachi Grill and Sushi
$$ | (606) 657-2269 | WEBSITE
Anyone who visits this always bustling London spot leaves completely smitten. Blame it on their vibrant takes on classic Japanese fare that elevate familiar tastes and presentations. Sizzling from the grill are the must-try Crab Rangoons, the heavenly Tai Red Curry with shrimp, and the interactive hibachi meals that turn dinner into a show. The dining room, which feels spacious and welcoming with its family-friendly layout and accessible design, promises a delightful evening.
Adding to the enjoyment are the accommodating staff, who handle special requests with genuine care. And thanks to the lively chefs at the hibachi tables, dining with kids becomes an absolute pleasure. First-timers should aim for the hibachi experience (around $25 per person) that showcases the kitchen’s flair, while regulars will find comfort in the consistently praised sushi and curry selections.
Old Town Grill of London
$ | (606) 862-1684 | WEBSITE
Since opening its doors, locals and visitors have been filling up the tables at Old Town Grill of London, sometimes even spilling out into the cozy streets of London, KY, and for good reason. Their classic American comfort food is consistently satisfying, and the attentive, friendly service makes you feel right at home. No matter how packed it gets (reservations are recommended on weekends), the rhythm in this bustling dining room always feels smooth.
Servers with trays loaded with sizzling steaks, golden fried pickles, steaming mashed potatoes, and vibrant asparagus walk around and deliver (and check on) hearty plates, while encouraging diners to save room for dessert. More reasons to make it a regular stop: The menu highlights like the perfectly cooked sirloin steak and tender grilled salmon are always available, and for those with a sweet tooth, the blackberry cobbler and cheesecake are must-tries.
Sacred Grounds
$ | (606) 389-5930 | WEBSITE
Ask 10 people in London, KY to recommend their favorite coffee spot, and you’ll get 10 different answers. Ask us, and we’ll tell you Sacred Grounds every time. On weekends, especially, locals travel from all over town to this cozy corner shop to share a table with neighbors for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon treat (expect a line), and dive into this spot’s fantastic drinks, including the popular Cold Salted Caramel Toffee Steamer.
While you’re here, indulge in the variety of delicious homemade baked goods, top-notch lemonade and teas, and kid-friendly options—all served by kind, accommodating staff who make your coffee extra hot upon request and even offer ‘pup cups’ for your four-legged friends.
The Bluegrass Baker, LLC.
$ | (606) 657-2792 | WEBSITE
The Bluegrass Baker’s wonderfully done bakery treats feel at odds with its location. To get here, you must navigate a small strip mall off a busy, unassuming suburban road and head into a modest storefront, where the bakery is tucked away. Once inside, you’re rewarded with delicious, beautifully made cakes and cupcakes served in a warm, inviting space with clean, well-kept counters, cute décor touches, and a friendly staff that goes above and beyond.
The menu changes weekly on Facebook, so there’s always a reason to keep heading back. We still can’t stop talking about the soft, moist cupcakes with flavors that are enjoyable without being overpowering, and the chocolate chip cookies described as the best around—both treats we picked up on our last visit.
Slim Chickens
$ | (606) 657-0034 | WEBSITE
For the last few years, London residents have packed Slim Chickens’ nicely decorated dining room for its lightning-fast service, piping hot food, and fresh, unfussy approach to chicken. It’s hard to define their appeal, but it’s driven by two things: affordable family feeding and delicious sauces. Every classic dish is so satisfying and reliable, we make sure not one goes unordered.
Don’t miss the chicken and waffles that gets crunch from perfectly fried tenders, and flavor from that standout sauce. Some options are outright indulgent, like the Reese’s dessert served in a reusable jar, or the brownie jar in a souvenir glass jar. As tempting as the desserts are, their excellent chicken dishes—like the chicken sandwich and chicken wings we crave endlessly—are creative classics that are necessary for rounding off your family meal or quick dinner.
El Pescador
$ | (606) 260-8382 | WEBSITE
London, KY has long been a community that appreciates good value and hearty meals, so some of the area’s most beloved and reliable restaurants are found here. When we want dependably delicious food with generous portions and friendly service, we turn to the clean, fun atmosphere of El Pescador. If you’re solo or with a friend, the dishes to order again and again include Milo’s Special fish dish, the perfectly cooked steak, and the popular street tacos.
Groups should go for more variety—add a few of the carne asada plates, supplemented with the tasty rice and beans and chips from the salsa bar.
Krystal
$ | (606) 878-5505 | WEBSITE
London runs on sliders, the city’s iconic fast food. A small square of seasoned beef is grilled and tucked into a soft steamed bun, along with mustard, pickles, and diced onions. Among London’s many slider spots, Krystal is an institution that always impresses. Wait your turn to grab the assembled-to-order snack from this counter.
While the burger patty for most sliders in the city is laced with excessive mustard, Krystal bucks the trend, and proves that the condiment isn’t necessary for maximum flavor. Sips of soda will help break the richness as you marvel at the quick service and welcoming atmosphere.
3volution BBQ
$ | (816) 516-5236 | WEBSITE
Smoky flavors from Kentucky’s barbecue tradition come together at this unassuming, rustic London spot, and the resulting combinations keep us coming back for more. 3volution BBQ blends classic techniques with creative twists, with pairings that feel perfectly harmonious, as if they were destined for each other. We return for the tender peach jalapeño brisket, the creamy, boldly seasoned smoked deviled eggs, and generous portions of other mouth-watering meats.
Another thing we love about 3volution BBQ, which is rare for barbecue joints: the owner Ben plays multiple roles, moving between the smoker and dining area to check on tables, and chat with customers about their meal or the passion behind each dish. The cozy interior can get warm from the smokers, so we prefer to sit at the counter where you can watch the action and feel the dedication firsthand.
Koi Express London Restaurant
$ | (606) 389-5507 | WEBSITE
We’d happily set up camp at this fast, affordable spot that feels like you’ve stepped into a clean, welcoming corner of Japan. The main dining area, inspired by quick-service hibachi joints, is where to grab lunch with a colleague or fuel up before heading out, thanks to generous portions and incredibly fresh ingredients. And the whole place feels built for efficient, satisfying meals with its bright lighting, simple decor, and friendly, polite staff.
Much like at the best fast-casual spots, there’s something here for every craving and every budget. We love the crab rangoon, which is fresh and tasty, and the hibachi steak with those deliciously sauced vegetables. The snow angel roll with crab sushi and salmon is non-negotiable.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (606) 864-8888 | WEBSITE
This pizza chain in a family-friendly neighborhood uses no shortcuts, gimmicks, or pretension in its straightforward but satisfying menu of pizzas and wings. They take this specific kind of family dining as a mission, embracing it to deliver as much consistency from the available ingredients as possible. Even orders with special requests reveal attentive, thoughtful service like no-cheese pizza for dairy allergies, or customized toppings for picky eaters.
Some pizzas arrive with slightly undercooked crusts, but ignore the occasional hiccup, focus on the friendly staff, and you’ll see why many of Papa Johns’ regulars choose to have family dinners and casual gatherings in this welcoming dining room once a week.
Love is Real Wellness Café
$ | (606) 401-4100 | WEBSITE
This always-bustling, wellness-focused café and coffee shop introduced London locals to a new approach to coffee and nutrition five years ago. It’s meal replacement shakes that align with the modern palate, protein-packed smoothies included.
Love is Real Wellness Café’s original location was its first in Kentucky, and over the years its menu has expanded, going from mainly straightforward drinks like the classic latte and creamy cappuccino, to more nuanced, specialty creations like the perfectly balanced brown sugar oat milk latte, and espresso considered among the region’s best. We always crave their flavorful coffee and epic protein smoothies.
Love is Real Wellness Café takes advantage of quality ingredients and genuine service to maximum effect, creating something comforting. Which explains why there’s always a cozy spot taken here, or at many of their welcoming tables throughout the café.
Fiesta Mexicana
$ | (606) 862-0893 | WEBSITE
Every time we drive through London’s familiar streets—past the hardware stores, auto shops, and family diners—and pull into Fiesta Mexicana’s parking lot, we feel a warm, comfortable anticipation, like visiting a favorite aunt who always has something good cooking. We can’t pinpoint exactly why this Mexican restaurant ensures we always leave satisfied, but we have some ideas.
For starters, the cheerful dining room radiates a family-friendly vibe with its fun decorations and clean tables, the kitchen turns out consistently good Mexican classics, and everyone and everything feels welcoming during weekend dinners under the bright lights from the overhead fixtures. Order the chicken soup and share plates like the amazing apple desserts as soon as you settle in. We should mention that their delicious (and, yes, perfectly sweet) sweet tea is easily the best in town.
Something’s Brewing Coffee Shop
$ | (606) 878-5578 | WEBSITE
Something’s Brewing Coffee Shop’s 2025 expansion was so well-received, it became a local staple, earned rave reviews, and developed a vibe worthy of its loyal following. The atmosphere is pure comfort, and both the main counter and side tables attract regulars craving butter pecan lattes. They serve up dishes made fresh daily, and flavors that reflect the heart of this welcoming community. Downright delightful consistency defines the simple, reliable menu of satisfying options.
Settle into one of the many cozy seats for the chicken salad, a fresh and flavorful classic, and turkey sandwich with house-made soup. The strawberry dessert is sweet and bright, served with a hint of orange. Everyone saves room for the last bite. We want to praise the whole experience, but we’ll just say to get here with a good book and try everything.
Local Honey
$$ | (606) 657-5964 | WEBSITE
Local Honey’s warmly decorated dining space in London, KY focuses on serving Southern comfort classics off rustic ceramic plates and mason jar glasses that enhance the cozy atmosphere. For a region accustomed to plenty of barbecue, fried chicken, and country cooking, the menu at this charming eatery feels familiar, yet elevated.
It helps that there’s a collection of framed art prints celebrating the cuisine’s foundational ingredients: honey, bourbon, fresh herbs, stone-ground grits, and seasonal produce. Attentive servers arrive with tasting samples of a few signature cocktails before guiding diners through the brunch-centric offerings.
Our favorites: the spectacular Flowers Bakery French Toast, omelets with the best cheesy grits ever, homemade biscuits and gravy, and unarguably the most flavorful herb crusted pork and bourbon glazed chicken with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts in town.