Corto Lima (Lexington, KY)

Corto Lima in downtown Lexington is a popular spot for wonderful Latin-inspired meals and delicious margaritas.

Entrance to Corto Lima, a grey painted building with black awning.

What's so clever about the name Corto Lima?

It just so happens to be the address of the restaurant, more or less.

This eatery is located at the corner of Short Street and Limestone in downtown Lexington. Translate Short and Lime into Spanish, and you've got Corto Lima.

Table and chairs on sidewalk outside Corto Lima.

This restaurant features Latin-inspired meals, small plates, and entrées at different price points (it's not budget, but more mid-range). Here's what we found when we visited!

How Can I Get a Table at Corto Lima?

This place doesn't take reservations, but we managed to snag a seat. Soon after we arrived there was a line out the door for most of the night.

Patrons seated at table on sidewalk outside Corto Lima, with others lined up at entrance waiting to be seated.

Arrive ahead of peak meal times for less of a wait! It's a small space, but it does have both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as seats at the bar.

There is a private upstairs room that you can reserve if you're looking to book an event for more than 10 people.

What to Try on the Menu

Corto Lima was voted the place with the “best margaritas in Lexington“ by the Lexington Herald-Leader for several years in a row, so I thought we should definitely try one.

I love a spiced margarita, and their rocoto margarita (featuring a spicy Peruvian pepper) did not disappoint! I do think it was the best margarita I’ve had in Lexington.

Rocoto Spiced Margarita. — Rocoto Spiced Margarita

For the current food and drink menus, visit their website. (There's also a weekend brunch menu!)

Menu for tacos, small plates and entrees at Corto Lima.

We tried one of their daily specials. The Ora king salmon tiradito was New Zealand farm-raised salmon with a mango habanero sauce and sweet pepper salsa. It was phenomenal!

Ora King Salmon Tiradito with mango habanero sauce and sweet pepper salsa. — Ora King Salmon Tiradito

The blue corn empanadas with rock crab and pineapple banana-pepper hot sauce were also delicious.

For our mains we had the Peruvian chicken with yucca fries, as well as the shrimp tacos. The chicken was delicious, and the yucca fries were so good! (I’d never tried yucca before.)

The shrimp tacos were, I think, the best seafood tacos I’ve ever had in my life. The tortillas had a nice texture and didn’t fall apart at all, despite all the sauce in the tacos. The shrimp and other fillings were wonderful.

Shrimp tacos with rice and beans on the side. — Shrimp Tacos

For a final fun touch, the bill came complete with a postcard drawing by our very peppy server.

Decorative card with illustrations of food and drink at Corto Lima.

Between outstanding flavors and great service, this was one of our most memorable dining experiences in Lexington. We recommend it!

Busy indoor dining area with hanging lamps at Corto Lima.

Want more downtown restaurants to try? Some of our other favorites within just a few blocks are Zim's in the old courthouse, Nate's Coffee for a quick break, and Dudley's on Short for something fancy.