Holly Hill Inn: A Culinary Landmark Rooted in Kentucky’s Heartland

In the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, where thoroughbred farms roll across gentle hills and small towns preserve a proud culinary heritage, Holly Hill Inn delivers an unforgettable dining experience infused with warmth, history, and thoughtful hospitality. Just a short drive from Versailles, this storied restaurant sits nestled in Midway, a destination revered for its connection to local farms and the famed Bourbon Trail.

Owned by celebrated chef and author Ouita Michel and her husband Chris, Holly Hill Inn embodies the spirit of Kentucky hospitality. From the stone path leading to its 1845 Greek Revival-style house to the last sip of a finely crafted bourbon cocktail, every element feels deeply considered and expertly executed. Recognized as a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality, this restaurant upholds a legacy built on passion, community, and fresh, locally grown ingredients.

Historic Charm and Southern Elegance

The restaurant occupies a stately historic home on North Winter Street, where original woodwork, soft lighting, and curated artwork create a dining atmosphere that is both intimate and welcoming. Inside, the rooms glow with understated refinement. Tables are dressed with care, and diners are greeted like old friends. Chef de Cuisine Hannah Arvin and General Manager Jackie Anthony help continue a longstanding tradition of excellence, ensuring guests receive not just service, but genuine care.

The setting plays a quiet but crucial role in the experience. There’s an immediate sense of place. This is Kentucky horse country, where pride in land and community informs every detail. From the herbs clipped straight from the restaurant’s gardens to the seasonal menus shaped by local produce, the land speaks clearly through the plate.

Seasonal Menus with Purpose

Holly Hill Inn’s menu rotates with the rhythms of Kentucky’s farms and gardens. The kitchen’s philosophy is grounded in simplicity and freshness, relying on ingredients that come straight from surrounding fields. Executive Chef and Culinary Director Tyler McNabb designs menus that speak to the region’s bounty while reflecting a refined, modern approach to Southern cooking.

Recent offerings have included tender quail paired with earthy root vegetables, creamy crab and cheddar amuse-bouches, and rich desserts like chocolate cake and vanilla cheesecake that close the evening on a high note. For brunch, diners have delighted in selections like corn pudding, pressed coffee, and seasonal scones crafted with precision.

Every course is thoughtfully plated and portioned to highlight ingredient quality. Optional wine pairings, curated from the restaurant’s award-winning list, complement each dish with balance and intention. With over 100 bourbons housed in the restaurant’s dedicated library, whiskey lovers can explore Kentucky’s spirit in style.

A Dining Experience That Celebrates the Community

This is a restaurant that honors its roots. Many of the herbs and vegetables come directly from Holly Hill’s own garden, designed by David Wagoner and lovingly maintained by the DirtWorks team. These details matter. They speak to a commitment that extends beyond the plate.

Chef Ouita Michel’s ethos is deeply embedded in every part of the experience. A James Beard semifinalist in her own right, Michel has created a network of restaurants that uphold Kentucky flavors and values. In addition to Holly Hill Inn, her culinary family includes Wallace Station, Windy Corner Market, Honeywood, Zim’s Cafe, Smithtown Seafood, Midway Bakery & Cafe, and The Thirsty Fox.

Diners can take a piece of the experience home thanks to Michel’s celebrated cookbook, Just a Few Miles South. In its pages, she captures the culinary voice of Kentucky with recipes and reflections on community, agriculture, and shared meals.

Reviews That Speak Volumes

Holly Hill Inn has drawn both critical praise and honest feedback from its guests. Visitors consistently highlight the ambiance, historic setting, and deep sense of place. While some reviewers have noted inconsistencies in service pace or specific dishes, many more return for the overall warmth and thoughtfulness that define the experience.

Praise includes:

• “Fine dining with local flavors and warm hospitality”
• “A Lexington-area must-do”
• “Exceptional experience with outstanding service”

Even when feedback calls out slower pacing or price sensitivity, the underlying theme remains constant: Holly Hill Inn makes an impression that lasts.

Dining Details and Booking Information

Address: 426 North Winter Street, Midway, KY 40347
Phone: (859) 846-4732
Hours:

• Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday, 6 PM to 9 PM
• Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 2 PM
  Reservations Recommended

Guests can also explore gifts, curated foods, and house favorites through the Holly Hill online shop or via Goldbelly for nationwide delivery. Gift cards are available in multiple denominations and redeemable at any of the Holly Hill Restaurant Group’s establishments.

A Lasting Culinary Legacy

Whether savoring a weekend brunch after a horse farm tour or indulging in a multi-course dinner on a summer evening, Holly Hill Inn offers something rare: a restaurant that speaks to its region with integrity and grace. Its charm lies not in grandeur, but in consistency, attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to celebrating Kentucky’s foodways.

Those who seek authenticity, flavor, and the care that defines true hospitality will find it in full bloom at Holly Hill Inn.