Corto Lima is chef Jonathan Lundy’s Latin-inspired restaurant on the corner of Short and North Limestone Streets in downtown Lexington. The name translates those street coordinates into Spanish, and the kitchen reinterprets the cooking of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the American Southwest with a modern hand (Yelp).
The dining room is intimate, with seating for about 45 guests plus 16 seats at the bar (Corto Lima). Warm decor makes the corner space feel cozy in the middle of downtown (FindGlocal). The menu favors shareable plates, and diners regularly mention the tacos and ceviche. Managing partner TJ Cox built the bar program around tequila, mezcal, and rum, so the cocktails deserve as much attention as the food. Diners consistently rate the restaurant highly, with scores of about 4.6 to 4.8 across review platforms (Restaurant Guru).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Because the room is small, book ahead for weekend evenings and for nights with University of Kentucky games or downtown events. Weeknights and earlier seatings are calmer. Couples and solo diners can often find a spot at the bar, where you can watch the cocktails being made. Groups planning celebrations should contact the restaurant directly about larger parties. Afterward, walk to nearby Cheapside, Gratz Park, or the old Fayette County Courthouse. Metered street parking and downtown garages are close by.
