Holly Hill Inn

Absolutely fantastic! The flavors just burst from the fresh vegetables to the main entrée. A night we will remember for a long time.

Excellent meal and service in a unique and romantic setting! We dos the Around the World Irish tasting menu this weekend and everything was delicious and beautifully prepared. And you can’t beat $ 45 for a four course meal!

Our tour guide, Jerry, from Mint Julep Tours brought us here for a private lunch after our bourbon tour at the Woodford distillery. It was a charming old mansion and the food was wonderful. We had a three course meal and I had the creamy winter vegetable soup with creamy pureed potatoes, root vegetables and red bell peppers, garnished with sliced scallions. For the entrée, I had the pan-​roasted chicken breast with mushroom and veloute, Weisenberger cheese grits and little french green beans. It was cooked to perfection, the chicken was moist and tender, the grits was rich and creamy I would be happy just to have it as is! As for desert, I had the ultimate mouthwatering apple sour cream streusel pie! I highly recommend this restaurant, great for groups as well!

Stopped in for lunch. Had the sole casserole, prix fix, pear salad and mouse. For $ 20 bucks it’s a steal. Dress is a bit fancy, Henry our waiter was a doll. Highly recommend the Sole, girlfriend had the stuffed pepper and parents had the pork– we agreed the sole was the better choice.

My brother lives in Lexington and my mom and I came down to visit him from the NW Ohio/​SE Michigan area. We wanted to take my mom out for a nice dinner for her 60^th birthday. Wow! Holly Hill Inn didn’t disappoint.
Every dish was unique and delicious. We tried foods we’ve never eaten before and combinations we wouldn’t dream of. Expensive but worth it for a special dinner.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in town, for brunch. I have never once had bad service and the food is always above expectations. The house definitely has that «grandmas house» feel to it. I see how some people see that as a negative, but I think it’s part of the charm.
The menu changes with the seasons, although an eggs Benedict always seems to stick around. It’s always a little different depending on what ingredients are fresh, but always excellent. It’s a prix fixe menu and while not cheap, I always leave full and find its a great value.
If I was just reviewing the brunch, it would be 5 stars. No question about it.
Dinner on the other hand does not deserve the same rating in my opinion. It’s also a seasonal prix fixe menu, but a 4 – 5 course meal (4 course, but they usually bring out some little hors d’œuvre, a small bites worth). The service is slower, I believe intentionally to let people take their time and enjoy themselves. Don’t plan to be in and out quickly. I wouldn’t make any plans for the rest of the night. There is nothing wrong with that in my opinion, just something to be aware of.
So why wouldn’t dinner get 5 stars as well? I don’t think the food is quite as good as the brunch, and it’s expensive. Really expensive.
Every time I’ve been there has been one course that I would prefer to do without. On my last visit it was a choice of tomato bisque (my wife had the soup, it wasn’t all that bad, I’m just not a fan. She liked it.) and a melon salad with a funky dressing that I really disliked. It’s as much me as it is them, just because I don’t like something doesn’t make it bad for all of you reading this, but is a consistent thing for me.
While the brunch has value, dinner does not; at least not in terms of taste/​dollar. It’s $ 45/​person before drinks or any extras. It’s usually around $ 125 for two people in my experience before tip. That’s steep for Lexington and there are better options around for that price.

Every Time I visit the food reminds me why. Excellent local selection, wonderful pairings beautiful setting.

What an all out Treat to spend the evening here! We were invited by our friends to the wine tasting and stayed for dinner. This is by far the Best Wine tasting in the area. Steve, the man that provided the teaching on the wines, is the most informative lecturer on the subject that I have had the pleasure of attending. The menu for dinner was Superb, Rabbit Nantua, Seafood Beignets, Snapper and Veal. Each dish was executed with precision and excellence. This is definitely an all around 5 star establishment, the staff went far beyond in service to make sure it was a memorable evening.

I’ve long been a fan of Chef Ouita. We had brunch at Holly Hill for Mothers Day. The meal started with a delicate lagniappe, a little salmon puff, and a basket of biscuits and scones with dried fruit and bits of white chocolate. We had the asparagus soup, a bowl of creamy green goodness, topped with asparagus tips and a swirl of crème fraiche. The Eggs Chesapeake — the most perfect poached eggs on crispy crab cakes (all crab no filler) with Hollandaise were outstanding. The color of the yolks told me that the chickens that laid the eggs were royally fed. Alongside were perfectly cooked asparagus spears and Ouita’s perfect grits (Wiesenberger, of course). I am not overusing the word perfect here? Several years ago, I asked Ouita for the secret of her grits, and she went through the entire recipe with me. While mine have never quite measured up to Ouita’s, they’re 100% better than this Yankee had previously made. I could not entertain the idea of eating my dessert until later in the day, so I took it home. A light lemony pie with a crust of coconut, whipped cream and mint. My daughter had the divine chocolate bourbon pie ((which I’ve previously enjoyed). Of course, I stabbed a piece of it with my fork.
The house itself and the grounds lend a special air to meals at Holly Hill. I’ve never had anything there that didn’t satisfy my taste buds, whether lunch, dinner or special events. Ouita and Holly Hill are gems of Midway.
A big thank you to Donna for fitting us in on a busy Sunday.

While we do like to eat here on occasion, our favorite thing about Holly Hill Inn is the monthly wine guild. Every month, they offer a tasting of 6 wines following a theme that usually runs the entire year. The theme for 2015 is Falling into Place, comparing wines from similar regions. January was comparing wines from the Loire and Rhone Valleys; February was comparing Russian River and Dry Creek Valleys; March was comparing the wines of Spain and Portugal. The cost of the tasting is $ 35, which covers the wine, cheese and crackers, tax and gratuity. We’ve learned a ton attending these tastings every month and have met some wonderful friends as well.
Before I discuss the food, I want to mention that HHI does a «prix fixe menu», meaning they offer an entire meal for the one price. They usually offer at least 2 options for a 1^st course, 2 options for a 2^nd course, several options for an entrée including a vegetarian option, and 2 choices for dessert. They’ll also offer appetizer options for an additional charge but I have found that you can swap out an appetizer for a 1^st course option, if there is an appetizer you’d rather have. Just ask your server. I’ve never had an issue doing that. The food served at Holly Hill Inn is very good but I married a «meat & potatoes» kind of guy and more often than not, their limited course options are a little bit more adventurous than he’s willing to try. They usually do offer a red meat entrée option but it is always for an additional $ 10. If I had one «beef» with HHI (see what I did there??) that would have to be it. I really wish they could find a way to serve a steak entrée within the same price range of their other entrees, instead of charging extra… but I get it. Good beef, especially local beef, is probably quite spendy.

I took my husband here for his 35^th birthday, we had brunch. It was a three course meal that was very reasonable in price. I had made reservations a few days before for 12:30 PM, but we arrived a bit earlier and they were able to seat us (how great!) The service was wonderful, and the Inn is beautiful. I had a Bloody Mary (it was delicious!), and my husband and I both had coffee which was also very good and our drinks were always topped off (which is probably the most important part of service at a restaurant). We never had to ask for a refill. I had a bean soup for my first course and it was creamy and really light, nothing over the top and my husband had the garden salad. They did bring out a side of dressing with his and it was quite a bit (he isn’t a dressing eater) but that is not really a complaint. My entrée was the ship and grits, I love shirmp and grits and Holly Hill prepared them beautiuflly. The grits (which I believe are the hardest part of the dish) were creamy yet light. They blended well with the sauce and seasoning and the shrip were very fresh. I cannot remember what my husband had but I believe it was pork and a plumb sauce, it was also delicious.

3.5 stars. We had a very nice brunch here. I loved that the menu was more focused and the three-​course meal was a steal at $ 18. Service was also very nice. I started with the clam chowder, which was just okay. It wasn’t as creamy as I would have liked, nor was it very flavorful. However, my seafood cakes benedict was amazing — absolutely delicious. I wished that there was a dessert option that wasn’t a sugary dessert — I would have loved just some fresh fruit.
Unlike others, I am not a huge fan of the «B&B» feel. The restaurant is in a beautiful historic house, however, that also meant for a tight waiting area and servers carrying food through that crowded waiting area to the different dining areas. Everything felt a little old and stuffy to me — like having breakfast at grandma’s house.
But again, for the most part, the food was great and at the end of the day, that is the most important thing!

I love this spot! It’s a fine dining experience for sure! The waiting staff is amazing for sure! I have been here numerous times, now it’s time for me to leave a review!!! I have always had a great experience every time I have ever been here. The way it works is this. They don’t have a set menu. They typically have four chef inspired dishes to choose from. Ive gone for lunch and they always offer a three course meal as the basic option. But you can opt in for a four course meal as well. So you place your entire order up front. They do not offer any «plain» type meals they are all definitely creative! They typically have a vegetarian type dish available of the four options. The cuisine is typically based upon what’s available locally. They are Kentucky Proud for sure!!! I tools pics of everything however my dessert arrived and taking pictures flew out the window… I dug right into that and forgot all about y’all!!! So I hope you like everything else!!! :)

I don’t know what happened to my life that I can not remember the last time I got dressed up for a dinner out with my man. Last Sunday, however, was one very special occasion: Holly Hill Inn hosted its Seventh Annual Classic Cassoulet Dinner. I made our reservations about one hot minute after I saw the email announcing the dinner, and I am very glad I did! Cassoulet is a dish that defies explanation. It is homey yet elegant, a wonderful combination of duck, garlic sausage, lamb, and white beans that requires more than two weeks of preparation. We arrived, in the rain, at a house filled with light, music, and the happy chattering of people who know they are in for a real treat.
Our meal began with sparkling wine and oysters, followed by a small goat cheese tart (that I could eat, quite happily, every day for the rest of my life), a simple salad, and the star of the show: cassoulet.
I have never been to France. I have never had the pleasure of tasting cassoulet at an ancient wooden dining table, surrounded by people who have been eating this dish for hundreds of years. But I imagine, if I had done, it would have tasted exactly like this. The layers of flavor were incredible and I did something I have never done before: I stopped eating halfway through my main course because I didn’t feel I could appreciate more bites the way I had appreciated their predecessors and it was just too beautiful not to be appreciated.
Well done, Chef Michel, and many many thanks to you and your amazing and talented staff. What an outstanding dining experience and a beautiful start to the holiday season. Looking forward to next year’s Cassoulet Dinner :-)
p. s. I took my leftover cassoulet to work the next day, heated it carefully, mouth watering from the aroma… walked back to my desk and had one glorious bite… then my employers’ dog, sneaky old thief that he is, ate the rest! Never, ever, will I stop eating halfway through a good meal again!

Chef Ouita Michel NAILED it. Gorgeous location, local and seasonal ingredients, & good people. Being southern — this place made me feel so at home.
Chef Michel and her husband transformed this old inn into an intimate restaurant with a seasonal menu and dishes that utilize simple ingredients but are executed flawlessly. We enjoyed a Saturday lunch and for $ 18 you can enjoy a 3 course meal for lunch.
We started with the fried green tomato from scratch just like anyone from the south remembers their grandmother mastering. Next I had a crisp salad with radishes heirloom tomatoes and house made dressing. It hit the spot. For my appetizer I had the trout almandine. Oh. My. Gawd. I ate it super slow to enjoy every bite. My fiancé had the pork loin with roasted fruits — equally perfect. My trout almandine was accompanied by perfectly roasted fingerling potatoes and root vegetables. I was in fall heaven. To complete this majestic meal — I had the chocolate cheesecake with caramel and sea salt drizzle. Again, perfectly executed.
We paired the meal with a glass of dreaming tree white and a Leif nut brown ale. I was also tempted by the line of creative bourbon cocktails they had — true to southern fashion.
In addition to the food the inn itself is gorgeous. Complete with ferns and twinkly lights — it’s a must see. The drive to midway from Cincy is about 1.5 hours but totally worth it for a day away. Plus buffalo trace distillery is 10 minutes away — so make a day trip of it :)

Took my wife for birthday and we weren’t disappointed. It great to make reservation and not have to wait. It has so much charm and the food is well prepared and staff were wonderful. They gave her a birthday card signed by all the staff and desert was delicious. We are already planning a return visit

Incredible food, outstanding ambience, and friendly staff. I tried almost everything on the menu and the mushroom dish was to die for. The rabbit pasta was also unique and tasty. This was one of the best meals for the money I’ve had. We spent $ 70 for a 4 course meal, 2 bourbons, and a coffee. I will absolutely be back if I ever come this way again.

We were looking for a nice place to have dinner near our hotel in Frankfort. We found this place thanks to fellow Unilocal reviewers! We had an awesome experience here. We loved how quaint the B&B feels, yet the dining room is beautiful and exquisite. The prices are very reasonable for a pre-​fix menu. The wine pairings are separate but those very reasonably priced as well. The service was very attentive, we never had to wait long for our courses, and someone was always refilling our water, asking us how the food was, but without being overbearing at the same time. The food was very good, very fresh and delicious! We had such a wonderful time here and we would highly recommend this place!

My husband and I live in Arizona, but we’ve visited Holly Hill Inn three times (twice for dinner and once for brunch). Granted, we’re in KY to visit family, but the food always lures us back. We still talk about the roasted squab with a winter fruit/​riesling reduction that we had 6+ years ago. Every meal has been worth the drive, and the brunch is a downright bargain. We also love Wallace Station, and we can’t wait to try their new bakery.

I really enjoyed this place. It is quite old, but quaint. I loved the asparagus bisque and the blackened grouper. The deserts, including hummingbird care were excellent as well. I was part of a large group and the service was quite good. If I ever pass through Lexington, I would be happy to come here again.