"Louisville's go-to Italian for a special night — chef Josh Moore's farm-sourced pasta and lobster risotto, named to USA Today's 2026 Restaurants of the Year."
About Volare
Volare sits on Frankfort Avenue in the Clifton corridor of Louisville, and it has become the city's reference point for special-occasion Italian. Executive chef and managing partner Josh Moore grows much of his own produce on a farm outside the city, and that supply chain runs through a seasonal menu of house-made pasta and breads.
The recognition is real and recent: USA Today named Volare to its 2026 Restaurants of the Year list, and Louisville Magazine readers have voted it the city's best Italian for years running.
The Kitchen
The kitchen leans on what the farm and local suppliers send in. House-made pastas anchor the menu, lobster risotto is a signature, and the entrée list runs to hearty steaks and seasonal Italian plates. Josh Moore makes the desserts in house too — tiramisu, cannoli, vanilla-bean panna cotta and a flourless chocolate torte.
It is generous, classic Italian-American cooking lifted by genuine sourcing rather than reinvention.
The Room
The dining room is warm and clubby, with a busy bar that has a loyal following of its own and a patio for warmer evenings. It strikes a comfortable middle register — dressed-up enough for a celebration, relaxed enough for a regular Friday.
Service is polished and familiar; many of the staff have been here for years.
Not for
Not for a quick casual bite or a tight budget — it is a dinner-only, special-occasion Italian room where you settle in for a full meal with wine.
Frequently Asked
What is Volare known for?
Farm-to-table Italian cooking from chef Josh Moore — house-made pastas, lobster risotto and in-house desserts — using produce from his own farm outside Louisville.
Where is Volare in Louisville?
At 2300 Frankfort Avenue in the Clifton corridor, on the city's main restaurant row a short drive from downtown.
How much does dinner cost?
It sits in the $$$ range, with entrées roughly $28–$55 plus pasta, wine and dessert — a special-occasion bill rather than a casual one.
Has Volare won any awards?
Yes — USA Today named it to its 2026 Restaurants of the Year list, and Louisville Magazine readers have repeatedly voted it the city's best Italian.
Do I need a reservation?
It is dinner only and booking is recommended, especially at weekends. The bar takes walk-ins.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Volare
Dinner only; booking is recommended for weekends. The bar takes walk-ins and has its own loyal following.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address2300 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
NeighbourhoodClifton / Crescent Hill
CuisineItalian
PriceEntrées roughly $28–$55; house-made pasta
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingWarm dining room with a lively bar and patio
ReservationDinner only; booking recommended for weekends
