LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two Louisville spots are among the best new Southern restaurants in the U.S., according to Yelp.
Meesh Meesh
Meesh Meesh in NuLu was ranked the second-best new restaurant in the South by Yelp. Meesh Meesh opened in August 2023 and offers shareable and family-style dishes encompassing Mediterranean flavors with a southern twist.
Meesh Meesh, owned and operated by chef Noam Bilitzer, is a space for community where everyone can break bread and gather over great food and tasty drinks.
The restaurant has a smoked lamb hummus on their menu which features a classic garbanzo spread while honoring the Kentucky barbecue tradition of smoked mutton. They also have an heirloom tomato knafeh, which is intended on being a play on Southern tomato pie.
Every main course is served with salatim—small plates of salads and dips that offer creamy, crunchy and spicy varieties of flavor throughout your dining experience.
According to Yelp, "Yelpers" who have dined at Meesh Meesh recommend bringing friends to share and sample several dishes.
For reservations or more information about Meesh Meesh, click here.
Enso
Enso on Frankfort Avenue was ranked the 15th-best new restaurant in the South. Enso opened in October 2023 and serves dishes that connect the parallels in culture between Japan and the American South.
Chef and partner Lawrence Weeks combines his Creole-Cajun heritage, his knowledge of Southern cooking and love of Japanese food to create a unique menu at Enso.
Octopus hushpuppies, Japanese fried chicken with smoked Cajun sauce, and tempura-coated Nashville hot shrimp are prime examples of how Enso blends Southern and Japanese food together.
There is also a raw bar and an 8-top chef’s table in the kitchen, where you can watch Chef Weeks at work.
If you're interested in making a reservation at Enso or learning more about the restaurant, click here.
You can find the rest of the restaurants included on Yelp's Best New Restaurants in the South 2024 list here.
