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Corto Lima, a mid-scale Latin inspired restaurant, specializes Latin cuisine a modern interpretation in an intimate dining room. Celebrated Chef Jonathan Lundy introduces Lexington diners to the cuisine of Mexico, The Caribbean, Central and South America along with the American Southwest. The beverage program, by Managing Partner TJ Cox, focuses on Tequilas, Mezcals, Rums and wines of Latin origin. A specialty cocktail menu accompanies the base spirits, including Lexington’s best Margarita & Latin classics. Cheerful and warm, the interior combines with weathered wood floors with vibrant woven textiles and hand crafted fixtures. Hand-made concrete tiles complete a contemporary design adding color and visual interest to a steel topped bar.
Imaginative, eclectic Latin-inspired dishes by an acclaimed chef in a cozy space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 101 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 317-8796
Website: https://cortolima.com/
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Corto Lima – Lexington
Corto Lima · 101 West Short St · Lexington, KY 40507 · · 859.317.8796 · @CortoLimaLex · Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: · 11:30 am-10 pm.
Corto Lima | Lexington KY – Facebook
A corner, downtown hotspot serving Latin-inspired cuisine by celebrated chef Jonathan Lundy with a f. Latin American Restaurant · $$ · (859) 317-8796.
Corto Lima Restaurant (@cortolimalex) · Lexington, KY – Instagram
9190 Followers, 310 Following, 1414 Posts – Corto Lima Restaurant (@cortolimalex) on Instagram: “Latin-inspired cuisine and cocktails by Chef Jonathan Lundy …
Reviews
Katelyn Joy Moore
I had a PHENOMENAL experience today at Corto y Lima.
First of all, the happy hour deal was amazing. The happy hour drinks are each $5, which is a great deal for the quality of the beverages. The margarita, especially, was wonderful. I also quite enjoyed my food. I had a crunchwrap that was filling and delicious, as well as the Nachos with queso and black beans. All of this was less than $30 during the happy hour. Definitely a deal to check out! It was also very filling. I ate about 9 hours ago now, and I am still full!
The decor and atmosphere of the place is also lovely. Very peaceful and earthy, but bright and open! I spent some time reading and relaxing, and it was perfect!
My server, Alex, was wonderful, helpful, kind, and made me feel very welcomed! I really enjoyed Corto y Lima and I can definitely understand why I continue to see it recommended as a great Lexington dining option!
… moreFirst of all, the happy hour deal was amazing. The happy hour drinks are each $5, which is a great deal for the quality of the beverages. The margarita, especially, was wonderful. I also quite enjoyed my food. I had a crunchwrap that was filling and delicious, as well as the Nachos with queso and black beans. All of this was less than $30 during the happy hour. Definitely a deal to check out! It was also very filling. I ate about 9 hours ago now, and I am still full!
The decor and atmosphere of the place is also lovely. Very peaceful and earthy, but bright and open! I spent some time reading and relaxing, and it was perfect!
My server, Alex, was wonderful, helpful, kind, and made me feel very welcomed! I really enjoyed Corto y Lima and I can definitely understand why I continue to see it recommended as a great Lexington dining option!
Eric Larson
This place surprised me. I was walking by, and it looked busy, so I stopped for lunch. The giveaway for a Mexican tequila bar is the tequila on the shelf. If most of it is low quality, the food is usually not good. Good tequila bars have nearly 100% additive-free tequilas on the shelf. This place has Tequila Ocho, G4, and Cazcanes, which are all excellent, but they also had a lot of low-quality tequilas full of additives.
The lunch special was $20 with tax, which included chips, guacamole, rice and beans, and two street tacos. The food was really good, and the portion was solid for the price.
The service was not great, but they were busy prepping the bar, so they were probably distracted. They also have their own house-made hot sauces. The flavor is good, but they are not spicy.
Overall, it was really good and a bit surprising. I would stop in again.
… moreThe lunch special was $20 with tax, which included chips, guacamole, rice and beans, and two street tacos. The food was really good, and the portion was solid for the price.
The service was not great, but they were busy prepping the bar, so they were probably distracted. They also have their own house-made hot sauces. The flavor is good, but they are not spicy.
Overall, it was really good and a bit surprising. I would stop in again.
Jessica Keane
If you’re looking for a good taco place look no further! My husband and I came here for an early dinner around 5:30 pm on a Friday and didn’t have to wait for a table inside. There are also some tables outside.
They’re known for their margaritas, and I got the watermelon one on the rocks. It was delicious! We got the queso without chorizo. It was nice and thick! It could have used a little more flavor though. The chips were good but a little salty.
I got smoked pork tacos which were very tasty. I got the honey jalapeno salsa on the side, which I was glad I did because it was a little hot for me. They put a lot of meat on the tacos, so I think you’re getting a good deal for the price. I would come back here again!
… moreThey’re known for their margaritas, and I got the watermelon one on the rocks. It was delicious! We got the queso without chorizo. It was nice and thick! It could have used a little more flavor though. The chips were good but a little salty.
I got smoked pork tacos which were very tasty. I got the honey jalapeno salsa on the side, which I was glad I did because it was a little hot for me. They put a lot of meat on the tacos, so I think you’re getting a good deal for the price. I would come back here again!
Joseph Shoemate
Great spot for a quick meal. Easy options to choose. I excellent blend of Latin flavors and a fresh atmosphere. Only been once but looking forward to another visit.
… moreWarren Chumley
We dined at Corto Lima Saturday, 8/16/2025 and had yet another great experience!! We started with cocktails and had the chips with guacamole and queso (split order), then had the tamales and Chicken Chicharron and Crispy Shrimp Tacos. She had a peach margarita and I had a mojito then habanero peach margarita. We love the atmosphere and the staff are consistently SPECTACULAR!! Mads (Madison), our waiter, recommended the hot sauce with champagne base and it was so good I couldn’t stop using it on my food despite tearing so much it looked like I was crying!! We can’t wait to go back; small plates are FUN PLATES!!
… moreT S
What an amazing place! Probably the best Mexican food in Lexington! Atmosphere is incredible, place is nice and cozy. Decorating looks great! seating by the window were nice and comfortable. Literally EVERYTHING on the menu looks and tastes amazing. Presentation was great too. Service was fast and friendly. We loved the experience.
… moreEmily Carter
Literally the best. Love coming here for both food and cocktails. Only downside is they don’t take reservations, but if there’s a wait we just pop over to Georgie’s and it’s honestly never an issue. Worth it every time!
… moreKishore Singirikonda
This place was suggested by a colleague and sure enough it was in the top places that Yelp recommended as well. It is located in downtown and right on the corner. Inside is well arranged and has a nice ambiance!
The food was good but what stood out was the margaritas!!
Our waiter said they were #1 in town for Margaritas and that definitely felt right once we tasted ours.
Their Guacamole was fresh and tasty. I think the best way to go is to order Tacos. We loved Falafel tacos, Machette Quesadilla was great in presentation but OK in taste. Peruvian chicken was flavorful and a large portion too. Overall service was kind of OK. When we asked for our 2nd Margarita they got busy and I guess the waiter made it and it wasn’t as great as the first one. Hope they will not cut corners to get by busy times like this.
… moreThe food was good but what stood out was the margaritas!!
Our waiter said they were #1 in town for Margaritas and that definitely felt right once we tasted ours.
Their Guacamole was fresh and tasty. I think the best way to go is to order Tacos. We loved Falafel tacos, Machette Quesadilla was great in presentation but OK in taste. Peruvian chicken was flavorful and a large portion too. Overall service was kind of OK. When we asked for our 2nd Margarita they got busy and I guess the waiter made it and it wasn’t as great as the first one. Hope they will not cut corners to get by busy times like this.
Abigail F
This was a fantastic experience for my first time! Everything was so flavorful and great quality. We put our name on the list, then went to the neighboring place. Our table was ready in 20minutes for 4 ppl. You are pretty closely packed with tables when its full of people. There is also a long bar in the building. The margaritas were strong and tasty. The salsa trio was so so good!! I actually liked all 3 salsas which sometimes doesn’t happen. They bring you little baggies with the chips and I loved that style of chips. Cheese dip was also delish. We got tacos and didn’t realize how spicy they would be. I like spice but my friend did not. We were stuffed to the brim.
The bathroom was a single door/room for female and single one for males. Please fix the door or door handle to the female restroom as it doesn’t really make you feel secure.
… moreThe bathroom was a single door/room for female and single one for males. Please fix the door or door handle to the female restroom as it doesn’t really make you feel secure.
Angela & Avery Presley
We were searching for a new place to try for my birthday so we decided to travel to Lexington and check out the down town area. Corto Lima is absolutely adorable! The food was phenomenal, the staff was excellent and the atmosphere was very relaxed. They have the best queso ever! I highly recommend trying it!!
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