A intimate dining room for unforgettable meals.
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Coles 735 Main

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A historic landmark serving eclectic, locally sourced New American cuisine with innovative fusion flavors and a refined dining experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
A intimate dining room for unforgettable meals.

Coles 735 Main

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic landmark serving eclectic, locally sourced New American cuisine with innovative fusion flavors and a refined dining experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Consistently rated as the best in town by serious foodies, offering extreme talent and a memorable culinary journey."

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this popular fine dining destination.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on recommended items like the beef shoulder tender or the black pepper biscuits.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

New American

Price

$$$

Phone

(859) 266-9000

Address

735 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fusion Flavors & Locally Sourced Cuisine

Fusion Flavors & Locally Sourced Cuisine

Experience innovative New American dishes that expertly blend traditional recipes with global influences, all crafted with the freshest local ingredients.

10 Iconic Restaurants to Experience in Lexington
Historic Ambiance & Romantic Setting

Historic Ambiance & Romantic Setting

Dine in a beautifully restored 1938 landmark, offering a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere perfect for special occasions, especially with its charming fireplace.

8 of the Best Restaurants in Lexington, KYMost Romantic Restaurants in Lexington for Valentine's Day
Elegant Outdoor Dining

Elegant Outdoor Dining

Enjoy meals al fresco in their charming gazebo or seasonal outdoor tent, offering a delightful ambiance for warm weather dining.

TikTok8 Great Outdoor Dining Options In Lexington, Kentucky…
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for somewhere to eat in Lexington, this is literally THE BEST! #coles735 #colesonmain #coles #lexingtonky #lexington #restaurant #finedining #finediningrestaurants
@haleigh_flanigan
22 likes • 1.4K views

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this popular fine dining destination.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on recommended items like the beef shoulder tender or the black pepper biscuits.

Consider Off-Peak Times

Visiting during less busy hours can offer a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.

Ask About Specials

Servers are knowledgeable and can guide you through the menu and any daily specials.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this popular fine dining destination.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on recommended items like the beef shoulder tender or the black pepper biscuits.

Consider Off-Peak Times

Visiting during less busy hours can offer a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.

Ask About Specials

Servers are knowledgeable and can guide you through the menu and any daily specials.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Coles 735 Main is lauded for its exceptional fine dining experience, with many praising the fusion flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and the sophisticated yet cozy ambiance. While the food and attentive service are frequently highlighted as standout features, some diners have noted inconsistencies in preparation or experienced service that felt rushed. The price point is considered high, and a few reviews mention concerns about extra fees or less-than-ideal outdoor dining conditions.

"Absolutely fantastic. The Cajun honey shrimp and pork flautas were delicious. The beef shoulder tender was cooked perfectly, and the crab hollandaise and mashed potatoes perfectly complimented its flavor. The desserts really took the experience to another level, making the meal well worth the price."

Luke Hopper

"Was excited to finally try this restaurant as it has been on my list for a while. Lobster bisque was great. Pork flautas a bit smaller than expected. I was most excited for the duck which was good. I wish there was music playing as the restaurant was almost empty and with the few tables seated we could hear each other’s conversations easily. Our server was knowledgeable about the specials and dishes served which was very helpful. The check was given the same time the dessert arrived to the table and we saw more of the server during that time than the whole service. That made the experience feel rushed and a bit uncomfortable."

Makala

"The spanakopita was delicious. My fish had a very mild flavor and didn’t really taste like fish. Strong drinks & sweet server. Fun to try but don’t think I’ll be back since the quality just wasn’t worth the price."

Ali

What People Like

Phenomenal food quality and flavor
Attentive and knowledgeable service
Beautiful historic ambiance

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food preparation
Occasional rushed service
Concerns about extra fees/outdoor comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure you can secure a table, especially during peak times.

The restaurant serves an eclectic, locally sourced New American cuisine, with a focus on fusion flavors that blend traditional recipes with innovative twists.

The Top Restaurants To Try In Lexington, Kentucky

Yes, Coles 735 Main offers outdoor dining in a charming gazebo and a seasonal tent, perfect for enjoying a meal on warmer nights.

8 Great Outdoor Dining Options In Lexington, Kentucky…

Absolutely. The historic ambiance, particularly the fireplace, makes it an ideal spot for romantic dinners and special celebrations.

Most Romantic Restaurants in Lexington for Valentine's Day8 of the Best Restaurants in Lexington, KY

Diners frequently rave about the beef shoulder tender, black pepper biscuits, and the pistachio-crusted pork chop.

Google Review

The restaurant is primarily geared towards adult fine dining and may not be set up for kid-specific meals, with some instances of difficulty accommodating younger guests.

Google Review

Some reviews mention an additional 3% fee for using a credit card, which diners should be aware of.

Google Review

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While the atmosphere is casual, the experience is a fine dining one at Coles 735 Main. Located inside a historic landmark, Coles serves American cuisine with a twist or more specifically, local fare combined with global flavors. It features not only an airy interior brimming with charm but also the perfect summertime seating, an outside gazebo.

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Coles 735 Main seamlessly blends historic charm with modern culinary innovation, making it one of Lexington’s most beloved fine dining destinations. Set in a beautifully restored 1938 landmark, the restaurant honors its Southern heritage while delivering elevated, locally sourced cuisine that surprises and delights. Whether you're looking for a perfectly aged steak, an award-winning wine pairing, or handcrafted cocktails made with house-infused ingredients, Coles offers a refined yet welcoming experience for both locals and visitors.

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You’ll experience an exciting blend of fusion flavors at Coles 735 Main, a culinary gem in Lexington that brings together diverse culinary influences in each delectable dish. The menu at Coles 735 Main is a celebration of fusion cuisine, seamlessly combining traditional flavors with innovative twists that will tantalize your taste buds. One standout dish at Coles 735 Main is their Korean BBQ tacos, which perfectly marry the bold flavors of Korean barbecue with the familiar comfort of a taco.

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Coles 735 Main serves a modern American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, and the menu changes seasonally to reflect the best ingredients available. The restaurant also has an amazing selection of wine and craft cocktails. Here, you and your significant other will find a mix of classic and contemporary decor – along with a stunning fireplace that lends romance and warmth to any special occasion.

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Relative Newcomers (but no less delicious) to this group include Nick Ryan’s, Cole’s 735 Main (home made Key Lime Pie), The Village Idiot (duck & waffles), The Grey Goose (pizzas) and LockBox, located in the awesome New 21C Museum Hotel (um, yes please). These are all downtown-ish, and all great places to relax and refuel or the beginning of a big night out on the town.

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Think “everything done in-house” for this dining experience. Meats cured; vegetables picked that day; bread baked fresh each day kind of dining experience. On the winter menu is a truffle-infused lobster bisque, warm brussels and house-made bacon salad, a hearty Moroccan butternut squash stew and of course, center-cut filet mignon.

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Treat you and your date to a fine dining experience at Coles 735 main. With fresh ingredients from local farms, meats that are cured right inside of the restaurant, and a wide variety of wine and bourbon to choose from, the ambiance is unlike any other. Courting finally going back to the more traditional way of dating.

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Located in a historic 1930s building, Coles 735 Main offers a refined take on classic Southern comfort food. The chef uses locally sourced ingredients, creating a menu that’s as fresh as it is innovative. The restaurant’s intimate ambiance makes it ideal for a romantic dinner or a small gathering with friends.

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Another not-to-be-missed spot is the outdoor gazebo at Coles. It’s a family-run fine dining spot in a historic circa-1938 space on the corner of Main and Ashland that became Executive Chef Cole Arimes’ about eight years ago. It was originally The Stirrup Cup, which served traditional Kentucky classics.

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Situated in a beautifully restored historic building, Coles 735 Main combines casual dining with an upscale vibe. Their menu features American cuisine with a modern twist.

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Coles 735 Main: Eclectic locally sourced American cuisine served in a circa-1938 restaurant space. Closed Sunday and Monday. T-Th 5-9, Friday and Saturday 5-10.

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