Louisville’s dining scene just got another does of national attention with Meesh Meesh being named one of Yelp’s Best New Restaurants of 2024. But get this. It ranked third on the list! Talk about impressive.
This achievement puts it alongside restaurants in larger culinary hotspots like New York and Los Angeles, showcasing Louisville’s rising reputation as a foodie hotspot.
But with all the locals raving and craving, can we really be that surprised?
Yelp’s list highlights standout restaurants opened in the past 18 months, and Meesh Meesh’s spot is well-earned. Helmed by Israel native Chef Noam Bilitzer, the restaurant offers dishes inspired by the diverse cuisines of the Levant, including flavors from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Chef Bilitzer, known locally for his work at Proof on Main and Red Hog, transitioned Meesh Meesh from pop-up events into a full-fledged restaurant in July 2023 after taking over Wiltshire on Main.
The menu is concise but delicious, featuring small plates, mains, and shareable large-format dishes. Highlights include the shawarma-spiced chicken thighs, tender and crisp with Levantine spices and served with house-made schug—a Yemeni jalapeño-based condiment. Another standout is the salatim, a platter of eight vibrant condiments paired with warm, Brooklyn-imported pita.
Meesh Meesh also embraces local ingredients, with dishes like Barr Farms okra and tomato stew and embered beets garnished with dates and pine nuts. While prices can climb, small plates and sides offer budget-friendly ways to experience the bold, authentic flavors.
If you haven’t visited yet, it’s time to add this culinary gem to your dining bucket list!
This article appears in Dec 4-17, 2024.
