It’s good to be hungry in Northern Kentucky. The region’s always-evolving dining scene has something for everyone. In this year’s new Neighborhood Eats guide, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite dining spots from across the region, handpicked by NKY Magazine staff. The restaurants listed in this issue serve up mouthwatering local and international cuisine—from Dutch-inspired steak dinners to the Southern comfort of fried chicken to regional specialties like goetta. Whether you’re looking for a familiar favorite or an all-new experience, your next great meal is in these pages.
Purple Poulet
846 York St., Newport
purplepoulet.com
859-916-5602
Hours: Tu-Sa, 5-9 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday
Restaurant type: Southern cuisine
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting, with New Orleans jazz background music
Price range: $13-15 (appetizers), $24-45 (entrees)
Opened: 2016
Delivery/Takeout: Carryout available over the phone
Most popular menu items: Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, oysters, barbecue ribs, Kentucky coq au vin
Why you should go: To enjoy classic Southern foods, an amazing bourbon selection (over 500 to choose from), great service and hospitality at reasonable prices
Lisse Steakhuis
530 Main St., Covington
lisse.restaurant
859-360-7008
Hours: Tu-Thu 5-10 p.m., F-Sa 5-11 p.m.,
closed Sunday and Monday
Restaurant type: Dutch-influenced American steakhouse
Atmosphere: Upscale, airy, elegant
Price range: $26-98 (entrees)
Opened: 2016
Delivery/Takeout: No
Most popular menu items: New Amsterdam strip steak, Van Gogh filet steak, bitterballen (meatball appetizer)
Why you should go: Perfectly cooked steak in an open but intimate environment, with a nod to Dutch cuisine
Conserva
225 Elm St., Ludlow
conservatapasbar.com
859-261-0680
Hours: We-Th 5-9 p.m., F-Sa 5-10 p.m., closed Su-Tu
Restaurant type: Spanish, tapas
Atmosphere: Intimate and comfortable with live Spanish music
Price range: $9-15 (tapas plate), $16-45 (boards)
Opened: 2023
Delivery/Takeout: No
Most popular menu items: Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp with sherry sauce), tortilla española (a Spanish tortilla made with potato, onion, egg and olive oil)
Why you should go: Authentic Spanish food and friendly service
‘Wich Doctor
Locations in Florence and Newport
getwichdoctor.com
859-261-9424
Hours: Vary by location
Restaurant type: Quick-service lunch spot with made-to-order sandwiches
Atmosphere: Grab-and-go
Price range: $9-12 (sandwiches and salads)
Delivery/Takeout: Available through website, phone and DoorDash
Most popular menu items: Cubano, double decker sandwich, conjurer salad
Why you should go: A tasty, reliable lunch spot with fast service and a varied menu
Behle Street by Sheli
2220 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell
behlestreetbysheli.com
859-341-8888
Hours: Su-M 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tu-Th 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., F-Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Restaurant type: American
Atmosphere: Bustling restaurant with live music every night, outdoor seating available
Price range: $12-30 (lunch entrees), $30-50 (dinner entrees)
Opened: 2015
Delivery/Takeout: Available by phone
Most popular menu items: Crab cakes, parmesan-crusted grouper, meatloaf
Why you should go: Pleasant service, lively atmosphere and comfort food favorites.
