ItalX, an avant-garde Italian restaurant, is now open for weekend lunch and dinner six days a week at City Center.
The restaurant is located at 160 West Main Street. The team draws inspiration from Italy’s emphasis on simple, fresh, quality ingredients and inspired hospitality in a warm and inviting space. A twist on traditional Italian fare, the menu will feature multiple scratch-made pastas, reimagined small plates, vegetarian and gluten-free offerings, and everyone’s favorite desserts. Popular Italian dishes will be reinvented with elegant presentation. ItalX’s bar program offers extensive Italian wines from all regions of ‘the Boot’ and an inventive cocktail list, backed by house-made ingredients and Italian liqueurs.
Mixed reviews on food quality; some dishes praised as excellent while others were criticized for being bland or poorly prepared.
Service
Service received high marks for attentiveness and professionalism, though some customers reported rude or unhelpful staff.
Atmosphere
Generally positive feedback on the restaurant's ambiance, described as upscale and inviting, though some noted noise levels could be an issue.
Pricing
Many customers found the prices to be on the higher side, with some feeling the quality did not justify the cost.
Authenticity
Concerns about the authenticity of Italian cuisine, with several customers expressing disappointment in the preparation of traditional dishes.
TM
Tammy Martinez
Nov 13, 2025
4.0
Stopped by with a group of friends for lunch and service was quick and friendly. I ordered the lunch special which was a margarita pizza with a house salad. Both were delicious. Atmosphere was inviting. Overall I enjoyed dining at Italx and am looking forward to going again.
ZL
Zachary Lloyd
Nov 9, 2025
4.0
Service was unobtrusive, polite, and attentive. I got a half dish of Cacio E Pepe, which was actually a surprisingly normal proportion, it was creamy and enjoyable. We were given plenty of food for the price, rather reasonable. The cappucino was good too, I had that with the Cannolis, which had the perfect balance of chocolate and citrus flavor, as the description had suggested. I also shared half a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with someone else I was with, it was balanced, tasty, and not as heavy as I worried, though still filling. The atmosphere was smooth and contemporary, though I'm not fond of the style, I think it was well done. Parking was reasonable for downtown, I parked in the City Center Garage, which was only a single floor from the restaurant. It was $7 on the Sunday I visited.
SS
S.R.
Oct 30, 2025
5.0
This restaurant is SPECTACULAR. The food is excellent. The service is excellent. What a relief to have a waiter that can clear the table between courses, truly a rare experience. My fiancee and I travel to Lexington 1-2 times a year, and we almost always stop here. The people eating at the restaurant are also sophisticated and interesting, which is a lovely environment. The menu options are creative and unusual, and incredibly intentional. Looking forward to the next visit!
EM
Erin Marcum
Oct 18, 2025
1.0
Hospitality? Never heard of her.
We arrived early for our reservation - crazy, I know. We didn’t expect to be seated right away, just hoped to grab a drink at the bar and relax on the benches. By running this plan by the hostess with the leastest, you’d think I’d just critiqued her wrinkly, polyester blouse.
The host stand vibe was less “welcome to dinner” and more “how dare you exist.” No smiles, no effort, just a collective sigh that said, “you’re ruining our night by showing up for yours.” After a few moments of this frosty charm, we took the hint and left.
If you enjoy condescension with a side of hostility, you’ll feel right at home. Otherwise, plenty of places nearby will happily take your reservation - and your money - without the attitude.
CW
Chuck Wells
Oct 12, 2025
5.0
We love the vibe here. We started with burata and meatballs and they were fantastic. The lasagna and chicken piccata were amazing. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive. We’ll be back!
ItalX is located at 160 West Main Street, inside the Residence Inn at City Center, at the corner of Main Street and Upper Street in downtown Lexington.
What type of cuisine does ItalX offer?
ItalX offers avant-garde Italian cuisine featuring scratch-made pastas, reimagined small plates, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and elegant presentations of traditional Italian dishes.
What are the operating hours of ItalX?
ItalX is open Tuesday from 4 PM to 10 PM, Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
Does ItalX accept reservations and how can I make one?
Yes, ItalX accepts reservations which can be made up to 30 days in advance. For parties larger than 6 (up to 12 guests), please call 859.407.5100 to make a reservation.
Does ItalX offer delivery or takeout services?
ItalX does not offer delivery services but has takeout available.
What payment options does ItalX accept?
ItalX accepts American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
What is the dress code at ItalX?
The dress code at ItalX is dressy.
Are there notable places near ItalX that I can visit before or after my meal?
Yes, nearby places include the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington, a hotel and art gallery; Infinity Rooftop Restaurant and Bar for additional dining options; and The Grove Lex, a popular pub and cocktail bar.
Is there convenient parking available near ItalX?
Yes, there is paid street and lot parking available near ItalX.
How can nearby amenities enhance my visit to ItalX?
Nearby amenities such as Central Bank ATM and Peoples Bank offer convenient banking options; after dining, you can enjoy drinks at surrounding bars like Sawyer's Downtown Bar and Grill or Fable Charcuterie and Wine; and cultural sites like Transylvania College Old Morrison provide a local landmark experience.