Louisville's MeeshMeesh Mediterranean Named Top 100 Restaurant by Yelp

The popular NuLu eatery lands on prestigious national list.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, a Louisville restaurant known for its creative take on Mediterranean cuisine, has been named one of the top 100 restaurants in the country by Yelp. The restaurant, which opened in 2021, was praised for its "love letter to Jerusalem and Kentucky" and its chef Noam Bilitzer's recent James Beard Award semifinalist nomination.

Why it matters

This recognition is a major accomplishment for the young Louisville restaurant scene, highlighting the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination. It also showcases the success of MeeshMeesh's unique fusion of Mediterranean and Kentucky flavors, which has resonated with diners nationwide.

The details

MeeshMeesh Mediterranean is located in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood and opened in 2021. The restaurant is known for its creative take on Mediterranean cuisine, blending flavors and ingredients from the Middle East with locally-sourced Kentucky produce and proteins. Chef Noam Bilitzer was recently nominated as a James Beard Award semifinalist, further cementing MeeshMeesh's reputation for culinary excellence.

  • MeeshMeesh Mediterranean opened in 2021.
  • Chef Noam Bilitzer was recently nominated as a James Beard Award semifinalist.

The players

MeeshMeesh Mediterranean

A Louisville restaurant known for its creative take on Mediterranean cuisine, blending flavors and ingredients from the Middle East with locally-sourced Kentucky produce and proteins.

Noam Bilitzer

The chef of MeeshMeesh Mediterranean who was recently nominated as a James Beard Award semifinalist.

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The takeaway

This recognition from Yelp showcases Louisville's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the success of restaurants like MeeshMeesh that are blending global influences with local ingredients to create unique dining experiences.