This stylish Louisville eatery was named the best new restaurant in Kentucky

Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Louisville's food scene got a shout-out in a new set of awards from Southern Living.

The House of Marigold in Louisville was named the best new restaurant in Kentucky, according to a list chronicling "The Best New Restaurant In Every Southern State 2024."

"This stylish restaurant got its start as a catering company. Now it’s one of the most popular tables in Louisville, especially for brunch," reads the Southern Living story. "House of Marigold is family-run (Kristopher Cole is the chef, and his wife, Adrienne, handles front of house) and fun, with dishes like “build your own” deviled eggs, chicken and Belgian-style waffles with hot honey, and creme brulee cheesecake for dessert."

Peaches and cream waffles at The House of Marigold in Louisville.
Peaches and cream waffles at The House of Marigold in Louisville.

In a series of surveys searching for the South's best cities, best new restaurants and best barbecue joints, among other categories, more than 20,000 Southern Living readers voted on their favorite places. The results for the South's Best of 2024 were announced Wednesday.

Louisville also got some love from Southern Living's rank of "The South's Best Cities of 2024," but more hype went to another Kentucky city. Lexington was named the 11th best city in the South, according to the voters. Louisville trailed slightly behind in 17th place.

The top of the list included Savannah, Georgia, Nashville, Tennessee and New Orleans. Charleston, S.C. was voted the No. 1 best city in the South.

"The South's Best" issue of Southern Living features Matthew and Camila McConaughey on the cover.
"The South's Best" issue of Southern Living features Matthew and Camila McConaughey on the cover.

On another list, counting down the "South's Best Cities on the Rise," Bowling Green was ranked seventh out of 25 cities.

"Home to Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green continues to attract students, residents, and even international companies," stated the Southern Living story about the awards. "A Japanese electric vehicle battery manufacturer is set to open a $2 billion factory here in 2025. The riverfront has changes on the horizon too; plans include an outdoor adventure park, hotel, and brewery/restaurant."

When it comes to the best barbecue restaurants in the South, the list featured Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn in Owensboro. And Bardstown was recognized as the best small town in Kentucky.

To see all the winners of "The South's Best 2024," visit southernliving.com/souths-best.

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: House of Marigold in Louisville lands on best of Southern Living list