The food and outdoor patio make this restaurant a regular go-to for me especially when entertaining. The porkchop and salmon dishes are terrific and the fried green tomatoes are a must order. I've always found the service to be solid as well and on a beautiful day the patio is sublime!. My ONLY issue.....horrible cellular service and wifi. I know it's an old building but you can fix the wifi issue even if you can't fix the cellular service. :)
(4)
Virga H.
This is a really cool place to go! There are a variety of areas to eat, a bar in the basement with a jukebox... The third floor has a patio and a book/ record shop where you can listen to music and drink and then shop! There are two areas outside to eat... And the food is very interesting and flavorful...so why two stars? The waiter was awful, he was slow, disappeared, less than helpful, and the drinks were expensive and not very generous... I will probably go back and give it another chance but definitely getting a different waiter...
(2)
Jenny J.
The mussels are to die for. Best idea ever had. And the fried green tomatoes are OUT OF THIS WORLD. the cornmeal Genoise dessert is so light but decadent. So flavorful and delicious. The pork chop was fine, nothing to write home about. But everything else was great. Love the added touch of giving the popcorn of the day at the end. Also loved the wild grain salad. The atmosphere is unbeatable. Beautiful bar and patio.
(5)
David H.
Interesting menu that has some unique twists on some classic items but the unique menu also makes the selection a bit hit or miss depending on your selection. None of the appetizers called my name but we had some good pasta dishes as shared appetizers, the black garlic linguine with oyster mushrooms and agnolotti with a buttermilk lemon flavor were both worth a try. Be sure and get seconds and thirds on their biscuit bread, it's unique and amazing. The wood grilled pork chop was tasty and had an interesting orange flavor but was a bit too fatty for my taste. Too many restaurants somehow think "fatty pork chops mean better pork" no, y'all, fatty pork chops mean less meat and a potentially hungry customer. The cocktail selection is interesting here and you can't go wrong with their bourbon drinks. Service is friendly without being pretentious despite the "foodie" vibe here. I enjoyed this place and would come back but the prices are a bit steep to make this an every week kind of place.
(4)
Brady R.
Only giving it two stars cause of the service. William was great! Why it's not five: 1- my date's steak was spongy- it looked like it was disgusting and sickly. It was also not cooked well. 2- I'm a vegetarian and they had a set 3-course meal for Derby without any veggie options so they made some specifically for me which was great. BUT they literally gave me a pile of couscous and three pieces of cauliflower. Granted, it was delicious seasoning. But still, for how pricy the meal was, give me at least something more than that. 3- the owner came up and apologized for the inconvenience which was nice but he placed the blame on us and said that it was my date's fault that he didn't like it and that they "only use the best meat in town." He kept going on and on in an annoying manner, making it feel as though it was our fault.
(2)
Max K.
Super cozy spot near downtown louisville ky. The menu seem to be modified daily. The white cloth sit down restaurant with fantastic service at a responsible price. Smaller size but broad selection. We dinned in on Friday night and there was a live Jazz band downstairs.
(5)
Mike O.
My wife and I are simply flavor junkies. We've traveled and eaten a lot... forever searching for truly inventive and well developed flavors. More often than not, we're disappointed with what we find. Maybe our standards are too high. Or, maybe most restaurants just don't get it. Decca GETS IT! Start to finish, there wasn't a bite we put in our mouths that didn't excite and delight. We love (and rarely find) dishes that have us asking each other...what are they using in this? From the sublimely smooth McFarlane's Holiday cocktail, the inventive smokey mussels served with amazing toasted foccacia, and the amazing toasted almond and anchovy flavored broccoli, our meal was fantastic. So fantastic, in fact that we overlooked the lifeless, newbie server and apathetic bartender. Excellent service is a hallmark of a great restaurant experience for us, and Decca's service left us scratching our heads...but honestly, the food was so good that it completely overshadowed the sub par service staff. Atmosphere is great, albeit a bit loud. The outdoor area is beautiful and the downstairs lounge cozy. We've been looking for a place just like this in Louisville for a long time. Bravo!
(5)
Emily H.
Why, oh why, has it been so long since I was last here? I'm perplexed. I'm sad. I'm ashamed -- and even more so because of the excellent meal I just had at Decca. How many great meals have I been missing out on? But at least now that I'm reminded of what I've been missing, I hope to become more regular of a customer. Allow me to explain. My boyfriend and I ended up at Decca this week, on the search for dinner. There are so many great places to eat at in NuLu, and I convinced him to venture outside of our normal favorites. I ordered the pan-seared diver scallops, which come with lentils and and a celery cream sauce. He got the slow-braised pork cheek, with beans, fennel, prunes and caraway. And then on the side, we got the wood-grilled broccoli and spaghetti squash with hazelnuts. The pork cheek was delicious, but I think I won with the scallops, which had a nice sear and were decently sized. I got three scallops on my plate. And the cream sauce was a nice compliment. And while the scallops were amazing, the side dishes were the stars of the meal. And really you could make a meal out of a couple of the side dishes. These are meant to be shared, so they are a larger serving. The spaghetti squash was my absolute favorite. I've had some bland squash -- this was anything but bland. And I loved the addition of the hazelnuts, which you don't see very often. The broccoli had a definite grilled and almost smoky taste to it. All in all, a nice fall-to-winter meal. (Decca changes its menu seasonally, according to the waiter.) And to finish the meal off, we shared Decca's ice cream sandwich. Now, let me say that this was a premium meal that carried a premium cost. For this food, plus two beers and a coffee, we paid nearly $100. And I'm not sure I would have been satiated had I just gotten the scallops by themselves ($27). But the food was worth it. We might just save dinners at Decca for special occasions. And in the meantime, I look forward to attending the special events Decca has in its posh, brick cellar bar, as well as in its beautiful courtyard space. Decca has an upscale feeling all it's own and is definitely worth the trip and money.
(5)
Rhonda G.
Arrive a little early to start your evening in the Cellar. We loved the dim but hip and comfortable atmosphere. The Waysider cocktail was our favorite of the evening. Head upstairs where our party started with the mussels appetizer with grilled bread. Who would think grilled bread would be so memorable? You should order two. Our server was attentive and ready when asked for suggestions. We shared the roasted beets, which was disappointing in portion size but not in flavor, and the wood-grilled broccoli. Amazing! To top off the evening, I had the pan seared diver scallops. they were excellent. My only warning to you would be that if you had only an entree without the appetizer and vegetable sides, you might find yourself still a bit hungry. Because of the portion sizes, I'm going with 4 stars when Decca is so very close to 5.
(4)
Doug M.
It was a beautiful day, so I went to this restaurant, thinking they would have a large outdoor deck. Be forewarned that this place - - even though named "Decca" - - does not have a deck as advertised. Almost everyone knows that "Decca" is how "deck" sounds when speaking Italian. Anyway, we sat in the basement, and the ambience was fantastic! This was only matched by the food and quality of service as well. We enjoyed a great deal of beverages and food, especially the fried green tomatoes. This is depicted below in my picture. Although you cannot sit on a deck here, I highly recommend sitting in Decca!
(5)
Mary Kate G.
This is what trendy five star places are made of! I had the opportunity to tag along with a discerning group of friends and family nicknamed "The Finer Things Club" and Decca did not disappoint. Our group had reservations made at 7pm on a Saturday night. We arrived a few minutes early, and even though our table was ready, we decided to head downstairs to check out their basement bar area and have a pre-dinner cocktail. I opted for an oaky Chardonnay (Stoller Family Estate) and it was a generous, refreshing pour. The atmosphere was funky, intimate, and had plenty of seating groups to encourage conversation and prevent the noise level from becoming too loud. My husband got a gin martini that he said was fantastic with a good London gin, only wishing the olives were more flavorful. My father-in-law got the Waysider and it was a favorite for our group. Once we made our way to the second floor for our meal, our waiter was attentive without hovering. Two of our dining companions had been to Decca before and suggested the mussels appetizer, which was excellent. Tip: order two sides of bread to sop up all of the broth goodness! We also switched things up a little bit and ordered table vegetables prior to our entrees, which turned out very well portion and timing-wise. We had the roasted beets with creme-fraiche and the broccoli. All of the food was inventive, with well-executed flavors that excited the palate. For my entree, I got the (bone-in) pork chop special. It was a generous portion of pork, without being an overwhelming hunk of meat. With dinner I had the French Bordeaux blend wine which augmented and elevated the flavors. There were several components to this dish, each adding it's own unique and complementary profile. Every ingredient on the plate added value to the dish as a whole. Ladled against the chop was a radicchio slaw with a carrot puree, which was beautiful in both color and texture. The chop itself was cooked beautifully and had a dollop of smoked cumin/mustard/butter deliciousness. As indicated in my 'tip' upon checking in, I was sad that this meal had to end, and decided against the unladylike display of gnawing on one's finished meat bone. Dessert was a treat (ha!), my husband and I shared the Affogato, which was fantastic, with a very good quality espresso. The other couples at the table split ice cream sandwiches. For more general observations, the scallop dish that my husband and mother-in-law ordered was wonderful, but left my husband in particularly still hungry at the end of the meal. Some reviews cited a noise issue, and while I could see that being problematic, I was here during a peak time and was still able to hear my dining companions quite well. There are pocket doors in the second floor dining room that were shut either for a private party or for noise containment, but they were unobtrusive, decorative, and functional. All in all, Decca is a super neat place, a gem in NuLu. We will definitely be sure to consider Decca for any future fine dining experience.
(5)
Jeff S.
The atmosphere and service was excellent, but way over priced compared to portion and other NuLu venues
(3)
Sidra Z.
Writing an update to my last review from a few years ago: Decca has now become one of my favorite restaurants. With jazz a few nights a week, gorgeous cocktails, and impeccable food, I would suggest this place to anyone. My boyfriend and I went here for Valentine's Day this past year and proceeded to enjoy the best three-course meal my tastebuds have ever been treated. Great service as well. The dining room still might be loud, but the outdoor patio and bar are good retreats if you get overwhelmed.
(5)
Christian C.
Really disappointing. Went on a Monday night, so maybe the b-team was cooking, but the food was almost inedibly salty. Ordered the mushroom linguini and rabbit cavatelli, and both had the same problem. On the plus side, the atmosphere was lovely, the service was fine, and the cocktails were excellent. Would not recommend the food, however.
(2)
Greta S.
I tend to forget about Decca and I don't know why. It has a large footprint with many chairs to fill but somehow it doesn't always show up on my radar. That's too bad considering the food is excellent, the service good and the wine, cocktail and beer selection outstanding. It's good for big groups--especially out on the courtyard where the music is fun and the nights pleasant. Should be one of my favorites--and when I think about it--it is. Love the lima beans.
(4)
Randy H.
I can't say anything that you haven't read in the other reviews. Decca is excellent, food and service is simply perfect. That said, the tables on the main level are a bit too close together. We basically waited for our neighbors to leave before we could have a conversation. Pork cheeks, Texas red fish, and spaghetti squash were awesome, but you already knew that. Prices - well, I don't complain about prices for good food or drink, as it's our vice...but if you're hungry and thirsty, it'd be easy to spend $100/person here (thinking two drinks and three courses). A drive to Chicago & reservations at Girl & The Goat or the Publican might be cheaper.
(4)
Nicole I.
We didn't have a reservation so we decided to go hang out at the bar downstairs while we waited for a table. The bartender was really nice and walked thru a few specials for the night. Once we got our table upstairs, our experience took off. The "new years goodies" aka a mozzarella small plate, was amazing. The mozzarella tasted so fresh! For dinner I had the diver scallops and my date had the redfish. Both dishes are delectable. Dessert was no different, we had the apple pie with sea salted caramel ice cream. AMAZING. The outside patio was open and had a fire pit lit. The patio is gorgeous and although it was too cold to go outside and enjoy the scenery, i plan to this summer. i will absolutely be back.
(5)
Ron B.
I think this is really about the service experience. Every aspect of the attention to detail was impeccable. Went here with a group of eight friends, all out of towners so there wasn't any sense of what we were getting ourselves into besides the menu before showing up. Everything was presented well, the food was quite good. The menu won't appeal to everyone and it's certainly not for the faint of heart per se, but if you're looking for a unique dining experience -- especially to sit outside and to enjoy on a nice day -- you can't go wrong here.
(5)
Jim G.
Despite the fact I know a host of folks who frequent Decca, I've never had a meal here, and this review will not cover the fare served at this establishment. What this review does cover is Decca as a small musical venue and an occasional "Pop Up Record Shop" (most recently on 7/26/14). As I learned on the 26th, there's a nicely appointed 2nd floor room accessible via the side stairs that on occasion transforms into a "record shop." At the July 26th version of the "shop" I was able to acquire some choice LPs from any of four vendors, two of whom are notable musicians, and another of whom is an elite record collector. On Friday, July 18th, I attended a live performance in the limestone cellar by Louisville's (IMO) hottest, most promising band, which goes by the name Tropical Trash. Now, if you've seen this space I know what you're thinking, amplified music in a stone cellar...that doesn't sound like a very good idea. And, if soundcheck were done carelessly or arrogantly, you'd be right. On this occasion, I arrived early and witnessed the care of the sound check this trio did, and the resulting sound was the best live show (local or not) sound I've seen in many long time. I've also seen DJ sets at Decca, also in the basement, which has a fully stocked bar, adequate bar seating and a very cozy assortment of plush sofas and armchairs around which lighthearted comity can easily take place. Highly recommend any musical event at Decca that catches your eye.
(5)
Ryson W.
I went to Decca's first Hip Hop Taco Shop and it was a blast. Their cellar environment is perfect for a little event like this. There were a good amount of people there but it wasn't too busy. The $3 potato taco might have been one of the best tacos I have ever had, definitely worth trying. The drinks specials are the only things I could complain about. They were more "dive bar" drinks (like a tecate and shot of tequila) than Decca standard drinks, but you can't ask for much for $5. The DJ was fun as well. Overall a great experience.
(5)
Duke Sparks S.
Exceptional and creative dishes. They elevate sprouts and pasta to a whole new level to please your palate.
(4)
Chuck M.
Since this place was one of many participating restaurants for Dining Out for Life, I ate here with two other people. Upon entering then lobby area, I noticed that this had a very quaint dinner area with nice, dark floors and a low lighting. We met the third person downstairs in the comfortable lounge area complete with a bar, lounge seating, and a video screen. Good for relaxing and catching up. The dining room was a little small as noticed by how close the seating was, but dinner was delicious. We started out with a goat cheese appetizer that we used to spread on the cold, but crusty bread. I ordered the pan fried chicken, which was moist and seasoned well. One other member had the pappardelle, which was a little small on the potion size, but tasty nonetheless. The third member ordered the pork chop, which was deliciso, but could have been a bit warmer. Seems as though they forgot to set it under a warming light. Along with the great service and fancy espresso machine, this place made for a great dining experience.
(4)
Jim S.
I took the wife here on Date Night and we started with well-conceived signature drinks. The Kate Jackson reminds me of a bitter Manhattan - VERY tasty - assuming you like Manhattans - which I do of course. The Waysider is a bit less severe tasting so start there if you're unsure. It's like a Bourbon Mojito with Whiskey, Mint, Lime, and Ginger Beer. My wife had the Beauty School Dropout - Gin/Grapefruit/Bubbly - I had a taste...very nice but I had already ordered a Kate Jackson and wanted to keep my Man-Card. (Plus these drinks are around $10/ea - a fair market price but still...) For Aps, we shared Grilled romaine salad with anchovies and Steamed Mussels. Both were outstanding however the salad left me wanting more than was plated. The mussels were top notch - one word of CAUTION - beware of SPLATTER. The mussels are in a tasty sauce that I eventually - inadvertently - let my shirt taste. (It liked it too) The main course did not disappoint. I had the Wood Grilled Rack of Lamb paired with Summer Squash, mint, pistachio and a white bean puree. The meat was cooked perfectly and well seasoned. Chef Ramsay would approve. (It's NOT for anyone afraid of rare meat) When I saw my wife's Seared Divers Scallops with a potato/yogurt/cucumber/paprika mixture my first thought was - I hope she's getting full. Sure enough, I got to try a nice sampling of her plate and I recall closing my eyes while savoring the flavors on her plate. Service was TOP NOTCH - almost to the point of me wanting to complain - I DON'T need you to fold my dirty napkin when I excuse myself for the washroom...but if THAT's my biggest complaint I'm pretty darn happy. We heard live music after dinner downstairs and checked out the cool Upstairs - I won't give it away but if you're a Retro Music fan don't miss it.
(5)
Dan G.
Market Street is such a hip and cool section of Louisville where we always seem to find another place we really like. So, after my wife hit the winner of the Preakness during our day at Churchill we thought we'd have a round of drinks before going across the street for dinner. We scored a choice table in the gorgeous outside patio. After a few sips of our drinks sprinkles turned into a downpour and the rain we had managed to avoid all weekend caught us and we ducked inside seeking shelter. The downstairs lounge and bar had a band setting up while we finished our drinks. I love seeing live bands, but I don't know that I'd miss the chance to enjoy one of the nicer patios you will ever see.
(4)
Melissa C.
Want to stop in for drinks after work? Decca. Need a place to meet your girlfriend's parents for the first time? Decca. Want to listen to incredible musicians for free? Decca It is a special space that creates so many different kinds of perfect memories. The menu changes with season because Chef Annie wants to serve local, in season produce so you can make this your new fave restaurant and never get bored. Make sure you arrive before your reservation so you can savor a cocktail in the sultry cellar.
(5)
B K.
My wife and I meet another couple there last night. There was plenty of parking around the place, which coming from NYC is a huge plus to any establishment. The ambience & atmosphere was super cool, and laid back. The food was AMAZING!! omg you have to try the rustic potatoes, with some official cream sauce. I had the steak, wifey had the fish, other couple had the steak and chicken. All was amazing. It's kinda pricey, with drinks, apps, dinner and dessert it came out to about 50$ per person, which honestly isn't that terrible. The music room after dinner is super legit. I'd def go back.
(4)
Diana L.
Can you say cocktails, came to Decca looking for just that and got some yummy different cocktails while sitting out side by a real nice fire pit on a Monday of all days, live jazz in the cellar and the app I had black garlic linguine was pretty good hot or cold, i Had to try it both ways, so all in all a good time had by all.
(4)
Mozil L.
Yes. Yes. Yes. And more yes. After 4 long years living here in Louisville I finally took the plunge ans visited Decca for dinner. Shame on me for waiting so long! A truly fantastic dinner. Although I just had 2 starters the arugala salad and then the roasted mussels were superb. Flawless. I also had their signature house cocktail the Sidewinder (??) ginger and bourbon mix really was refreshing on a hot July eve. And dessert? Whoa, Nellie...fresh peach cobbler with just the right size dollop of ice cream...perfect portion control. Bravo, Decca. Bravo. Double espresso with a Bolivian varietal. Perfect ending to a wondrous meal. Also impeccably attentive service from Cam, my server/bartender Don't walk --- run to Decca, folks...
(5)
Lynn D.
We just visited this restaurant for the first time. We really enjoyed it. The mussels and Brussels sprout salad was fabulous. We sampled two different pastas and the main entrees were outstanding. We will revisit.
(5)
Amy L.
I totally wish it wouldn't have been raining last night so we could have enjoyed the lovely outdoor area at Decca- but the inside is pretty freakin cool too. My husband and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary there last night and had a wonderful experience. I started with a fun cocktail that I am sure was named after me, "The Last Word." It was a tasty concoction of gin and fresh minty things served martini style. We shared the steamed mussels for an appetizer and they were salty, but delicious. The grilled bread served on the side was amazing. For my entree, I had the wild shrimp a la plancha and man oh man was it good. Flavored with bits of chorizo, fennel and a yogurt sauce, this dish had my taste buds popping. The flavor profiles at Decca are unique which I appreciate. It is so refreshing to have a fine-dining experience that isn't the standard meat and potatoes. My husband had the New York Strip which was cooked to perfection. Strangely enough, my favorite part of the meal was our shared side of wood grilled broccoli with toasted almonds and anchovy. So unique and so incredible. Our service was also great. Attentive without being annoying. After dinner, we went to the basement bar for a glass of wine and some live music. This would be a five star review if it weren't for the prices. The food is not that expensive for what you get, but the drink prices put a dent in the wallet for sure. $14 for one glass of wine and $9 for an Anchor Steam beer. Ouch!
(4)
Missy M.
I would like to update this review. I was contacted by Decca and offered an apology for the miscommunication. I appreciate that.
(4)
Susan B.
I was repeatedly blown away by Decca. I was in Louisville with three of my girlfriends and one of them made reservations here. I'm a vegan and always have to double check the menu to make sure I won't be stuck eating hummus and mixed greens for dinner on vacation. It didn't look like I had many options, so I emailed Decca to see if they'd be open to accommodating me by going off the menu. The reply was a cheerful "Of Course!" and they asked for the reservation name to make sure the server and chef knew I was there. When we arrived, the host double checked that there was a vegan in our party. At the table, our server made sure to know who was vegan and REPEATEDLY and CHEERFULLY ran down (a spiral staircase) to the kitchen to double check that everything I was ordering was completely vegan. Exceptional service. Our server was Mitchell, and I can't say enough great things about him. He was genuine, helpful, knowledgeable, patient and sweet. I want to hang out with him. He was also sneaky when called for. It was our friend's birthday dinner and when she stepped away from the table we conspired with him that we wanted to pay but knew she wouldn't agree so to just refuse her card. Instead, he suggested he take her card so she wouldn't suspect anything and just not run it. MITCHELL. For the conspiratorial win. For drinks I had the McClane cocktail which featured grapefruit and mint and was tart and refreshing. We shared several appetizers- the only one that was vegan was the Fried Green Tomatoes (w cheese on the side)- which were delicious! They were seasoned so well and had awesome flavor and texture. They weren't soggy and the breading held up to being cut. For dinner I ordered a seasonal farmers market dish: Plenty of fresh veggies and potatoes sauteed over marinated lentils. Insane. The best meal I had in Louisville, by far. Everything was perfectly cooked and seasoned. My girlfriends raved over their dishes, as well...from what I can remember: Mussels, Corn Risotto, Linguine Verde, and Scallops. TL;DR: Insanely delicious food, fantastic service. Best food and service we had in Louisville.
(5)
Bern S.
Living near Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, I was a fan of chef Annie Pettry at the amazing Moss Room & was sad at their recent change in ownership. Thus my delight at coming to Louisville for a conference & learning that Annie was thriving here @ Decca. Though tempted by other attractive venues along Market St on an easy 1 mile stroll from downtown, I went to Decca on both nights of my stay in town. Front of house very friendly, with telling details such as holding the front door open for patrons, but of course the draw was the food, which was delicious. Definitely coming back the next time I'm in town!
(5)
Steve S.
I was disappointed in the portion size of the entree...as were others in our party of 6. Service was very good but couldn't overcome the feeling of over paying. Side dishes were larger and good but, again, felt overpriced.
(2)
Meghan M.
We were told to visit this place after we mentioned how much we loved NuLu and had a great experience at another NuLu restaurant. This place disappointed in every way possible. What a let down. From high priced meals that were little portions, we all felt that this place did not deserve a thumbs up. In fact after spending nearly $60 a person on food, we ended up going to ANOTHER place to eat because we were all still hungry. I thought the atmosphere was cool with the tall doors, but that was about it. Please go a million other places in Louisville before checking out this place.
(1)
Barbara G.
"Please, sir, may I have some more?" I joined a group of friends at Decca at 6:30 this past Friday evening-a first Friday, to be sure. The restaurant was busy, but not chaotic. There was a fairly large wedding party celebrating upstairs. My dinner companions, mostly Louisville natives, recognized and greeted a number of patrons, all of whom arrived after we did and were served before we were. (You can probably guess where this is going.) We were served drinks and wine and a delightful moist but crusty bread. Our server was aware that we were waiting for two other friends and indicated that he was poised to take orders on their arrival. He was not. The last of our party arrived at 7:30. And we waited. Our server did finally return to take orders.....and we waited some more. More bread was dropped onto our bread plates. We began to get a bit antsy We were offered more bread. We had more wine. Some of us were offered more drinks. No appetizers had arrived, no pre-plates, nothing but plates of bread. We mentioned this to the waiter, along with requests for dinner. After the third request, one member of our party included the mild observation that we were hungry. Our server, not a bit perturbed, asked, "Would you like more bread?" At this point, we declined. (The third and fourth offerings of bread were left untouched.) At 8:40, a gentleman in our party had to leave to catch a plane-we were still not served. The table next to us had eaten and gone and a new party was seated. I asked if our friend (who had not eaten all day) could be given a doggie bag, "some pasta he had ordered, perhaps? A cold salad?" The waiter went to ask the chef, as I waited (literally!) by the kitchen door. The chef refused to offer even some cold dish or pasta, despite the fact that the order had been placed in plenty of time to have this ready, others had been served and gone and there was an entire wedding party above enjoying copious amounts of food and flowing drink. (Some of us had been watching.) "The chef says he can give him some bread, " the waiter said. I took it-stunned, really, that the chef couldn't come up with even a PBJ. The bread was, of course, declined by our gentle friend who left. Hungry. Another member of our party drove him to the airport. On her RETURN from the airport,.....we were still waiting for food! We began to eye the bread remaining on the table anxiously, wondering if that might be all we would have, and how it might taste dipped in wine. Our meals and appetizers finally arrived at 9:40. No! I take that back. Some meals and appetizers arrived. Others were delivered later. Shrimp was a good combination of flavors. There were four. Four shrimp, that is. Rather small, relatively tasty in a bed of cold cucumber, fingerling potatoes and a decent cream sauce. Wood grilled broccoli had an interesting sweet, dark smoky taste, sprinkled with charred cashews. Salad was a fresh, but not particularly inspiring, mix of lettuce with thin shaved radish and pecorino cheese in a mild vinaigrette. I didn't get to taste the beets, but they were a big hit with my companions, as was the pate. Overall the food was good-not excellent and certainly not worth the treatment we received. And the portions were very small. I would feel more merciful if our server had shown the slightest bit of remorse-other than when a member of the party threatened to leave if we weren't served within five minutes. But he didn't. Not even some perfunctory hand wringing or mild despair. And he smiled each time he offered more bread. As compensation our table was offered a minor discount, but hell will freeze before I will return to Decca on my own. Possibly, if a group insisted, I would return, but I'd be sure to bring my own dinner. I mean, if I go out to a restaurant, I want to eat! As one friend remarked, "If you want bread, you can go to Olive Garden."
(1)
Janet V.
Decca is decadent in my opinion. Have eaten here two times in the last few weeks and both times the food was amazing! The mussels are some of the best I have had and the portion is really large. The sliced potatoes in the broth and the ham really add nice dimension to the dish. The redfish is super good. The wine selection is really large. We happened in on half price bottle night on our second visit which was a really nice bonus. Lawrence is a jewel. He has made sure our dinner is flawless each time. The water is always refilled and empty plates are whisked quickly away. He has made our dining experience go over the top. This restaurant must emphasize team work because from front door until our exit we were treated like old friends. The Ricotta Cavatelli is ridiculously delicious! Truly an outstanding dish. The Devil's Food Cake with chocolate mousse and coffee ice cream was the perfect end to a truly high end dining experience.
(5)
Zain K.
Haven't eaten here yet, but the cellar is a nice, intimate space for a drink with a friend or a date. The live jazz is nice, but IMO a little loud for the small space.
(4)
Michael M.
creative dishes with local ingredients, inventive and fun drinks, and a great patio which always has great music playing when there is not a live bad. My favorite reason to go is the basement bar that sometimes has small jazz bands playing. The bar has clever mixed drinks, but I don't drink alcohol. So at most bars I have the guy drinking watered down over priced ginger ale. Not so here, they have a number of mixed drinks that are designed without alcohol and are still really good! I could go here just for the drinks but the food is great too. They make a kind of corn bread biscuit baked in a cake pan that has a strong olive oil taste which is wonderful. We have enjoyed everything we have ordered here and the friendly staff is open to stay away or hang around and talk abit, which every you happen to want at the time. The outdoor patio area is calming with a small fountain when it's warm and a gas fireplace when it's cooler. They are always playing a great mix on the sound system and also have a stage outside for live bands although I've never been thiere when a band was playing.
(4)
Liz L.
Delish food and super posh restaurant. Has a New York feel to it. Prices are high but nice die special occasions. Husband had steak and he loved it and j had very tasty fish. We got the royal treatment there and then headed downstairs to their Dj bar with comfy couches to sit on and good drinks to sip. Very different spot that Louisville needed!
(3)
Melissa M.
I can't believe the best prepared mussels I've had we're in land-locked Kentucky, at Decca! Incredible deal too at $12 and it could've been a whole meal with the bread and yummy broth and aioli ... But the menu was simply too creative to stop there. Rabbit pasta that was buttery and just perfect, fried green tomatoes that were sweet and spicy-but-not-too-spicy, and my husband said his pork chop was the best he's had in a looooong time. The only disappointment was the lima beans--sorry Decca, Mayan Cafe owns the market on limas on Market!
A little concerned with the okay reviews but a local friend recommended it and this place was amazing! I got the steak, husband got the redfish, split polenta and potato sides, everything was so delicious! Highly recommend. Basement bar looked like an amazing place to come back to later too.
(5)
Erin H.
Adorable place. Service was great. But the food was terrible. We have never, ever sent food back, but both of our entrees were just not enjoyable due to the saltiness. Not sure what happened and odd that it was so with two different entrees. Incredibly disappointing as I was very excited to take my boyfriend to dinner there for a date night while visiting Louisville. Would come back, but only for the lounge.
(1)
Amanda F.
Okay so I will come right out and say it, Decca is expensive. However it's worth every single penny. The food is art. The drinks are stiff and delicious. The staff is friendly and helpful all while being efficient. The atmosphere is great and is only accentuated by the magnificent old Louisville architecture. Start with a drink in the basement, work your way out to the back patio area where you can enjoy some live music, then grab a bite to eat on the second floor porch which is a quick trip up the exterior spiral staircase. Your wallet will take a beating, but get over it and enjoy the ride.
(5)
Amit M.
No good... Portions ok or very small bases on what you order. One scallop for $13 is a joke. Barely 5 oz of New York strip for $30 is even more ridiculous. The table next to us didn't help, the most obnoxious and loud table you could have asked for our anniversary. Not worth the $200 for 2....
(1)
M E.
The highlights: wine list, brussel sprout/ manchego salad, MONDAY JAZZ NIGHT in the cellar. I really wish you could grab a small bite downstairs, because I really prefer that atmosphere to the slightly loud, a touch too brightly lit dining room. Still, I'm a fan. 11/9/14 Yay! Food available downstairs! Fabulous! Now, if we can just use that outdoor space for brunch!
(4)
Suzanne B.
Summation: great location, building and concept. Entertaining for people watching. "Meh" service, "Meh" on some of the dishes. "Holy something-or-other!" on the prices. I've been pleased with most places in the NuLu district and had high hopes for Decca when I visited recently. The atmosphere was fantastic. We sat outside and it felt like we were on a friend's patio. The bugs were quite the nuisance, though. Even with the bug spray that our server brought out, most of us spent time swatting at little critters throughout the meal. I love jazz music but the band that night was just too loud for the small space and trying to make conversation with your table mates. The drink menu is extensive, and even includes a good selection of mocktails with cute names like "Nojito". I highly recommend the whiskey smash if you decide you want something alcoholic. I like the idea of the food being locally and sustainably sourced. The terrine appetizer is a must-try if you go there. We also ordered mussels, and most were great but every so often there was one that just tasted . . . off. Mind you I'm not saying they were bad, and I didn't have any stomach issues after eating. Just one or two of the eight I ate weren't delectable. My entree was great (spaghettini) and even though it was a "medium" sized dish, it was still just as much food as was on the "large" dishes, and about $10 cheaper. Service was just alright. There were a couple of times that orders got mixed up when they were being delivered, which those of us dining fixed unobtrusively. What did irk me was how long it took for empty bottles, glasses, and plates to be cleared. Our table already felt like it was too full with the number of people squished around it, and having the extra items on the surface didn't help with any claustrophobia. I do have to mention that prices are eye-watering here. Take a quick trip down to the lounge in the basement if you visit. It has an old West feel when you first walk in and see the longhorn skull on the wall. I was so in this mindset that when I first glanced at the record-player, I thought that the lined-up records under the glass case looked like an armadillo. Tuck and roll!
(2)
A A.
I can't understand why Decca doesn't have a higher rating. The beef cheek might be the best thing I've ever eaten. No matter what I order, I will always get a side of the broccoli. the love-letter ravioli is light, but amazing. Yes, some of the portions are small, but the servers will let you know how much food will be filling. Decca's food is clean, fresh, and creative. I've been here a dozen times and have never had a bad meal. The building is remarkable, and the patio and the grotto make it one of my favorite places to grab a happy hour or after dinner drink. Best of all, the record shop in the back of the restaurant might have some of the hottest deals on vinyl.
(5)
Merry B.
I normally don't take the time to review but this meal was the best I think I have ever had in Louisville. We split 2 of the pasta dishes and 3 of the table vegetables. All were a treat for the taste buds in how the flavors blended. The apple cobbler with ice cream was beyond description. The outside eating area had a great vibe on a nice night in early fall. I can't wait for my next visit here.
(5)
Leigh W.
I've been here for happy hour, drinks, desserts and coffee and dinner, and I've never been disappointed. I've also experienced all three settings that the restaurant has to offer - the beautiful patio with babbling water feature, the underground dark bar and lounge and the high-ceilinged, sparse dining room. This location has everything you could be looking for. The cocktail menu is unique, with many ginger beer concoctions. I applaud them for offering several signature non-alcoholic cocktails for the non-drinkers/designated drivers in your group. For dinner, we've had the mussels, mustard green salad, pumpkin pasta, roasted chicken and the root vegetable gratin. The portion of mussels is gigantic. You could easily make an entree out of that one. Everything was delicious, but I probably wouldn't order the mustard green salad again due to the peanut brittle sprinkled on it. It was an interesting idea, but it didn't suit my taste. The bread was melt-in-your-mouth good. It must be made with butter or lard to get that nice greasy crust. And they bring you as much as you want! Heaven! The desserts are lovely and most come accompanied with terrific house-made ice creams. On our last visit, we were treated to cinnamon, sea salt, caramel popcorn at the end of our meal. It was so good that I wanted to order an entire bag to take home. Too bad it's not a menu item.
I've only been Decca once so far and I want to start and say plan to give it another shot. This review reflects my first visit where I ordered pretty light. I started with their most robust red wine by the glass which I think was the Foxglove and it was good. I then ordered spaghettini and the side of their broccoli. Before the meal came they brought us fresh-baked focaccia which was good but unremarkable. All of our meal came at the same time which was fine and expected. The Spaghettini and all the pastas were said to be made in house. It was was tossed with fresh peas and roasted garlic and sea urchin. Despite my excitement about a dish using sea urchin, the flavor was uncomplicated and not really there. The pasta was on the softer side, not al dente. The garlic aroma was there but overpowered by a kind of slightly sticky gummy sauce but did not evoke the flavor of sea urchin. While I appreciate small portion sizes because I think portions in the United States are obnoxious, the size of this portion and it's ingredients in relation to the price and quality was equally obnoxious. What I did appreciate and find very tasty was the side of broccoli which was tossed with anchovy and surface crushed almonds. The broccoli was perfectly tender almost juicy and absolute perfection. I devoured it like it was steak. Because of the broccoli, I plan to give Decca another shot. I may go in and just order all their vegetable sides. We finished with a yogurt panna cotta with pomegranate and pistachio. This as well was well done. Slightly tart, creamy, and not too heavy it was a perfect ending to a meal. In the end i may have just ordered the dud dish on the menu. Since other pieces of the meal performed well, I'm anxious to try again. Perhaps I will file this place as somewhere with potential.
(3)
Terrae S.
Great food, great service and great atmosphere! Highly recommend!
(5)
Brad J.
I'll preface this by saying that I have worked in the restaurant business for over 15 years (more than six of those as a general manager in upscale and fine dining) and I admit that I am harder to impress than some others. That stated, I have never been more upset after spending money for an evening out before. The night started well enough with friendly greetings at the door and prompt seating for three on a Thursday night around 8 p.m. We were informed that the wines were offered at half price for the night - a pleasant surprise for all of us. I should have questioned our server when I had to repeat the first wine selection twice and then point at the listing to convey my order of our wine. We ordered starters for the table consisting of scallop crudo, duck terrine, and mussels. All were nice with special emphasis on the mussels. They were certainly the highlight of the evening. When the starters were delivered, I ordered a bottle of red (once again having to point at the listing to our server). The wine was delivered and simply placed on the table without being opened. Entrees were ordered and the wait began. 30 - 40 minutes lapse and plates began to appear sporadically, by various staff (none of which was our server). When the final dish was served we began to eat. My pork chop was actually "ok". My dinner guests ordered the lamb pasta and the New York "steak". We all searched the plate for the lamb that was promised to be served, only to find a miniscule amount. The "steak" was served with perhaps 4 - 5 oz (overcooked) and blanketed by shoestring pomme frites, prompting a game of find the meat in the haystack At this point it was as if our table was shrouded by a curtain that rendered us invisible. Not one employee stopped by to check on our meals, After sitting without touching our food for over 25 minutes, a kind employee (a busser?) inquired if he may clear our dishes. I said yes! He was the only one to ask how we enjoyed our meals and I responded "very underwhelming". Seemingly confused by my answer, he asked me to repeat myself, I did so. Here is where my mood switched from frustration to bewilderment. I must assume that this busser informed SOMEONE of my statement. However, not one person stopped by to investigate. The next time our server appeared it was to offer desserts. I told him we would be "drinking our desserts" (safer than trying anything else from the kitchen) and were presented with cordial lists. He received an order from my dinner guests and attempted to scurry off. I had to speak up twice to get his attention so that I may order a glass of port as well. Sadly, this experience will certainly keep me from recommending this establishment to any of my friends or customers. I sincerely hope that the owners and management at Decca will invest more of their time in training of the staff that are the ambassadors of their brand. However, I will not visit again.
(1)
Ashley E.
Not worth it. I don't mind paying a lot for great food, but Decca was not great. We went on a Friday night before a show. I had a decent gin cocktail but nothing spectacular. My husband and I shared the scallops and strawberry and arugula salad. Scallops were gross, (and we love scallops) salad was just alright. The New York steak and russet potatoes were very good, but we will not be back. Just too many other better restaurants in Louisville.
(2)
Suzanne Y.
Great atmosphere. Cool building with lots of places to eat. Indoor. Outdoor. Private outdoor. Fabulous service and the food is awesome. 9 people and everyone loved the food! Bar in the cellar had great atmosphere! I would come to eat here and have a great experience in a heartbeat.
(4)
Sandy G.
When I'm new to an establishment, I ALWAYS ask the waitstaff their opinions on what they offer. A group of us sauntered into this place for some after dinner drinks. I was looking forward to something magnificent, especially when I noticed all the fresh herbs and fruit behind the bartender. So, I naturally asked him to to prepare something for me that he was proud of since I was new to Decca. He responded gladly and in a few minutes handed me a handsome glass of orange liquid with a thick orange peel. I smiled thinking this would be good...oh boy! Tyke, our bartender ( I refrain from giving him the title mixologist), made one of the most offensive drinks that I have ever passed through my lips. I politely asked him what the beverage was called and he proudly stated it's name and followed with "it's a manly drink, often to be had with a cigar." Now, the others had some of it and we all agreed it was not drinkable. This beverage tasted like a cigar. Who needs a cigar when you can have it in liquid form? But no one wants to be ingesting a freaking cigar! Sheesh! Well, he did leave an impression...I'll give him that. I give this place three stars because the other beverages that were ordered from the menu were decent. Oh, and instead of asking if I liked it, he says to me: " Pepper sprinkled on top is pretty good with it" so I ask, "do you have any" he says: "um no. I'd get you some but I'm the only bartender and I have to fill these orders." Note to Tyke: if you don't have something-DON'T MENTION IT. Kinda silly.
(3)
Rakesh G.
I went for Decca's Garden Get Down with a friend. Not only was there seating available, we were arbitrarily told we weren't allowed to sit there. But what really takes the cake is they advertised $2 featured beers, half off wine bottles, and cocktail specials. I made the assumption that a beer on draft was featured. It definitely wasn't at $7 a beer. The only featured beer was Miller High Life which was listed nowhere. They also did not have a noticeable beer list. I'll take a knock for not asking, but the advertising seemed false at best to me.
(1)
Trinity C.
Decca never disappoints. Their service is on point and the drinks are made from fresh in house ingredients.
(5)
Megan P.
Good though very pricey for the amount and quality of what you receive. Had a very small salad, fire roasted cabbage, and cocktail for something around $40. Their entrees also are small & come in around $30. The cocktail was the best part of the meal. Overall, wouldn't shy people away, maybe would encourage they come with their bellies full and pockets full of $$$$ If I was choosing between this and other nulu restaurants at similar price points I'd choose mayan cafe (across the st).
(3)
Brian P.
Limited selection on the menu and all of the food is overpriced for the quality & portion sizes. I ordered the steak for $31. It was two small pieces total of around 6oz with 1/3 of that being fat. Other entries at the table appeared the same. Service was great. As a whole the group of 4 left hungry and disappointed. We will not return.
(2)
Susan R.
Just a really interesting menu, vegetable heavy (good thing), great flavors. We had one of the simplest starters, the escarole salad, but it was so delicious! Great cocktails, too.
(5)
Edward R.
My part, of our party of eight, arrived a few minutes late and we found the staff to be helpful and we were seated immediately. As we were in a decent sized party I expected the service to spotty through the night and really the beginning when we were ordering so many different cocktails is the only time I had to wait a little long for anything and that was understandable (bourbon cocktail, wine, rocks drinks, more cocktails). We ordered our apps and entrees at staggered times and our server, and the back of the house, had no problem getting food out to us in acceptable intervals. I ordered both the appetizer and the entree specials which were a salmon carpaccio, and a bone-in pork chop. Both were above my standards and were very flavorful. I would say my only critique would be a finer knife work on the carpaccio. The bone-in pork chop was a great quality cut of meat and had just the right amount of fat. The myriad of other drinks, apps, and entrees that I tried were all great. I will however say that I am not a fan of aoli with my mussels, the aoli overpowers the flavor of the mussels to much. My favorite entree, other than mine, was the braised pork cheek. The flavor and texture were spot on, maybe it could be served with a little more garnish so as to not be so lonely on the plate though. My friend who ordered the cheek looked at my plate and was jealous of my portion. Although in the end he was very satisfied. I tried the Meyer Lemon Pot de Creme for dessert and was a little underwhelmed. I was expecting the strong scent and flavor that you get when you cut into a fresh Meyer Lemon and it just wasn't there. Overall would come back and would recommend.
(4)
B. C.
I know they mean well but I really didn't like my experience here. The Lima Beans were dull, however I enjoyed them though I was the only one at the table that felt that way. The Fingerling Potatoes were good but average. I found the Diver Scallops and the New York Steak overpriced and average for fine dining. The ambiance indoors was good, but we were sat outside on jazz night where the music was great but far too loud to enjoy your company.
(2)
Paul D.
Decor: Spectacular Price:Really expensive Food:Sucks and not even worth it if it were cheap Recommendation: Go to impress a date but only have a drink(any more than one and you need to get a second mortgage) on the patio or in the basement bar.
(2)
Steve N.
Wish I had a lower choice. The Cheft has an attitude that belongs somewhere other than Louisville. Waiter's response to my simple request to add vegetables to the risotto..Waiter: "Chef says no". Food mediocre at best. I eat all over the world, this is off my list of recommendations ..Expensive , small and tasteless portions. So many great places in Louisville to eat, this is not one of them.
(1)
donald g.
Decca was a strikingly fresh concept for dining in an historic building in louisville -- specifically, the trendy "NU-Lu" section off market. Lighting and ambience was great; busy but not overly so. Food choices were ok, but nothing spectacular. I had the shrimp as an entree which was actually barely ok. Six medium sized grilled shrimp with the vein still left in - nothing like a mouthful of grit - served with lime, peanut chili sauce over a plate of polenta. The polenta was a bit over done and had the consistacy of thickened mayonnaise -- for 25 bucks, I have seriously had a bevy of way better entrees. The squash soup, however was amazing. The cheese plate we had was ok. . . but, a much better plate (in similiar style) can be found a block or two up the road at another restaurant -- by a name that rhymes with smarvest. One of the members at our table had a side of broccoli -- it was pretty, but tasted dreadful. The sharpness of the vegetable paired with anchovy and then "smoked" was so unbalanced it was acerbic -- almost metallic tasting. The malted ice cream was phenomenal. All in all, for the money, the restaurant was a bit of a fail for me. I have had much better food at half the price in at least as good an atmosphere. Still, there is something to be said about the impeccable ambiance. I suppose this spot would be a complete win for a large party, gallery opening, or even brunch. However, I prefer my favorite restaurants to be more concerned about what I'm eating, rather than where.
(3)
Ward C.
We came here since it has been the only restaurant that we haven't eaten at in the NULU area. This will be the last time as well. First, the building is beautiful inside and out. It has been meticulously restored, including the bar in the cellar, although too dark for my tastes. The outdoor patio might be the best in Louisville and is a great place to have a drink. It's just too bad the service, food and price don't live up to the ambience. All of the servers walk around like Zombies. They don't smile, they don't say hello. Picture if Lurch of the Addams Family had children. Pretentiousness abounds, I was embarassed for my hometown. The waitress stated that they didn't have a house wine, and referred us to the wine list. I had a bourbon drink that was terribly weak. The waitress told us of 2 specials, but they were all sides, no special entre'. Surprising since the menu is sparce. I ordered the advertised NY Steak at $31. I was given 2 pieces of steak ( this is a trend in restaurants, if you are advertising 'steak' and then giving steak 'pieces', then that's how it ought to be on the menu) of about 5 ounces. I ordered medium, but it was MR, which was no big deal. It just wasn't enough. I also had the grilled cabbage (that was an extra $7 dollars) that was good. Potatoes were another $7. So, $100 later for the 2 of us, we left. The food is fine. But go to Mayan, Loop 22, Harvest or Hammerheads for better food at a cheaper price.
(2)
Amy G.
Hmmmm. Generally, I had a nice experience. Would I make this a regular choice on my culinary radar? No. *It is a beautifully designed space. *The basement bar area was cool, although it kinda reminded me of high school parties at my rich friends houses. *Service was good *Absolutely too loud. It wasn't even to capacity and we had to shout across the table. This is the most annoying thing about most new restaurants in this city. *Not one vegetarian entree. I am not a vegetarian, but I also don't always eat steak, pork chops, etc. The pasta is considered a "second course" and not entree size. They had one interesting veg pumpkin thing, but well, I was hungry and that was not going to cut it. On to the food...I ended up with kale brussel sprout salad. It was $12. Seriously. The salad was good. Lots of baby kale and not much brussel sprout or nuts or fruit. The concept was a good one, translation on the plate a bit rough. It is hard to eat, and I resorted to using my fingers a few times to pick up the sprigs of baby kale to bite off the leaves. I ordered the shrimp, chorizo, gigante beans entree. Man alive SAAAALLLLTTTTYYYYY. Whoa. I am puffy just typing this review and hope my blood pressure has returned to it's normal self. I expected the chorizo to be a bit salty. And don't get me wrong...this girl LOVES her salt. But, it was also the beans. The table ordered a side of beans as well, and I tried those...yes, lil salt bombs...to the point they were almost inedible. The table also ordered the roasted squash side. It was good. It was more sweet than savory. Butter was the strong winner in the squash with sweetness being second. They have a great wine list and cocktail list. They brought out the cocktail with a wood like stirrer. I asked for a straw and was informed they do not use straws for environmental reasons. I told the server that was hilarious. Shouldn't serve steak for environmental reasons, too, but it 's on the menu. I am all for green, but really? All in all, we all enjoyed ourselves. Service was fine. It isn't a place that totally wow'ed me. Would I go back? mmmmm....maybe, but only if it was a suggestion from others that wanted to meet up. It wouldn't be on my immediate list. I stared out at Mayan Cafe and thought the next time I want to drop some coin on a fancy dinner...I will go there. It's hands down one of the best restaurants in the city.
(3)
T K.
Wonderful meal at the bar. Food was spot on. Friendly and super knowledgable bar staff. Really enjoyed my short stay. The bartender was an absolute pleasure. Thank you Decca!
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Yep! Good! Yes! Decca is a great spot! The downstairs bar (grotto) is perfect for a happy hour or a late night drink. And sometimes they have live music which is awesome. The restaurant is huge with two floors for dining, plus this downstairs bar. Wow. My only complaint about the atmosphere is the noise. With all hardwood it can get a bit noisy in the space on a crowded night. The noise did not take away from the amazing food, though. We started with the asparagus appetizer (get it, you will not be sorry) with a great citrus cream sauce. I then had the beef cheek for dinner. An awesome meat that has the consistency of pot roast but with a super rich flavor. The sides are served family style so we went with autumn squash. I don't much care for squash typically but LOVED this. It was delightful. We then finished off the meal with a lemon poppyseed cake that was quite tasty. While this is not some place that will do for a weekly meal due to the expensive prices, it is the perfect spot for a special occasion meal or night out on the town.
(4)
Richard L.
This rating is mainly for the horrendous service my group and I received. It started out fine -- the reservationist seemed more than willing to try to accommodate a fairly large group of us at a very short notice. Kudos for trying. Six of us were seated around 7:30pm. We were expecting at least 5 more to show up, and they were to be seated at a separate table right next to us. About 20 minutes go by before a server asks if they were coming because they had another reservation. We asked for a few more minutes. Another 15 minutes go by and we're asked again, at which point, we decide to give the table away. But... no other reservation ever shows up at that table. And the restaurant kept emptying up. Our question was, why so pushy??? It took ONE hour to get our entrees after we finished our appetizers. They served the wrong entrees at one point, which was fine... but they made it extremely awkward. They thought this was the downfall of the night, for some reason. Three of us ordered the Wayfinder drink... It was terrible. The server didn't notice that we didn't like the drink until I asked for something else with my drink still about 60% full. She said she would have given me something else... but never did. Hmm, weird. The server was polite, but definitely not very perceptive or observant. A colleague is vegetarian and asked for vegetarian options. She said she'd check with the chef, but listed off a few items off the menu (salads, which were appetizers, and ravioli, also a small plate). She never checked with the chef for a vegetarian entree, so my colleague ordered the ravioli. It was 4 to a plate. She said it'd be small -- but most restaurants I've ever been to offered to "up" the portion size to be entree-appropriate. There were knat flies EVERYWHERE. And nobody on the staff did anything about it. Each staff member pretended it didn't exist as we were swatting for our lives. Food overall: good. Portion sizes too small for the price. Steak was literally two slivers. It was cooked well, but came with a weird "shoestring frites" which were hard to eat. Overall, a terrible experience. I think the servers just need to be trained a little bit. They need to be more observant. ESPECIALLY with the wait time. One hour is too much. They didn't even apologize for that. Instead, they apologized (and gave 6 of us one small chocolate cake) for the wrong dishes being served (which was minor compared to everything else).
(1)
Jamie B.
Made reservations online for birthday. No special table or dessert. Actually no table was even ready for us. Side dishes are huge, but entrees are very small. Not ideal for splitting a meal. Service is mediocre. Hope you don't mind sitting 6" from table next to you. Wine & cocktails are overpriced. I would not recommend this restaurant or return for dinner. Downstairs club looks cool, but drinks are expensive.
Decca never disappoints. Food quality, service, wine service, selection, ambiance are all terrific. We started with the house salad shared, plus the duck liver tureen. It was the fist time my daughter ever tried a tureen and it's always delicious. For entrees we had a pork chop done to perfection on a palenta base, New York Strip and fresh caught salmon that was also done perfectly. For desert we shared the strawberry rhubarb cobbler that was the height of the evening. We could have each had our own. We ended with espressos and a cappuccino. It was my daughter's birthday so she got a candle on the desert. I had noted this on Yelp and the restaurant responded. We try to go to Decca as often as we can when we want something special.
(5)
Eye Am V.
That food was really good! 6:6 of us really like what we ordered and how it was prepared. Liked the ambiance of the older house. Liked the turntable and vinyls. Liked the 2ndary wait staff. Good stuff. Not cheap...
(5)
Jennifer W.
I went to Decca on a Saturday night to grab a drink with friends. The staff was always there to open doors for us throughout our visit (they seemed to come out of nowhere!). They directed us to the bar, which was downstairs. It was a small bar with maybe 12ish seats but the actual room downstairs was a good size and had lots of comfy looking couches to sit on. My friends and I decided to take our drinks outside instead since the weather was nice (and because the crowd at the bar looked a lot more serious and older than we did). The outdoor area was awesome with lots of seating. It wasn't very crowded so we were able to get a table right away. There was a band playing, not sure who but they were good. Nice night + nice atmosphere = perfect. The food menu (and drink menu) was pretty expensive, but when you go to a place like that it is more about entertainment/experience than getting a ton of food for your money :)
(4)
Rachel M.
I am behind on trying out new places- mostly cause I work in this industry and sometimes on my day off my goal is to not put on real clothes- so me and my raisin bran snuggle up on the couch for dinner.so last night I finally went to Decca. The staff was great and inviting- the music was not. It was a distraction- and it's weird that I even noticed it as I hardly ever do. We started off with some drinks- the non- cocktail section was nice- I am not a drinker but I like to have something other than water. Our server was great- the entire time. Our food was ok. :( I had the grilled romaine salad and the flavors were nice but my lettuce got really slimy. I also had the scallop appetizer and if you know me you know I love scallops- and I was not impressed. At all. The fried green tomatoes were ok but I make them better. (I am a chef so that might not be a fair statement.) So, will I go back? I am not opposed to it, but I am not excited either.
(3)
Heather K.
Service was excellent. The staff was very attentive. One suggestion would be to to have black napkins available for individuals wearing dark trousers- white lint from white napkins is unacceptable when spending this kind of money for a meal. The food was underwhelming. Menu was innovative, but the food lacked in flavor and depth. I don't know if I will give it another try because there are other more exciting dining alternatives in the NuLu area.
(3)
Doug D.
We went last night (2/23/13) with family to celebrate my 41st birthday, as well as take advantage of the 502 Restaurant Week deals. We had a reservation and were seated within seconds of walking in the door. We started the evening with a few of the house bourbon mixed drinks The Waysider and the Bitchy (something or other). Im not a huge fan of Bourbon but these two drinks are both awesome and a great way to start the evening. Our table did a mixture of the two offered appetizers from the 502 menu, the onion and white bean soup, and the beet salad. I personally had the onion and white bean soup with chicken fat croutons and it was delicious. My 10 month old daughter who, accompanied us for dinner, was also a huge fan of the soup. Dinner for the evening was a choice of either skirt steak or a roasted chicken. While the meats in both courses were delicious and well prepared I think the stand outs were the sides. The steak was served with sweet creamed carrots that when mixed with the chimichurri suace from the steak was out of this world. The same for the creamy polenta served with the chicken, incredible. Over all the staff were amazingly prompt and attentive. The service was exemplary and they were very accommodating of us dining with our ten month old daughter. The only thing keeping them from 5 stars was the lack of a changing table/platform in either the men's or ladies restrooms to change our daughter on prior to heading home. We are huge fans will definitely be back.
(4)
Rebeka M.
We came here on a Thursday night in July for a drink. The cellar bar is pretty swanky, and the bartender with the handlebar mustache was a sweetheart. We ordered the $5 drink special, bourbon punch. It was damn delicious and a well made cocktail. Every thing else looked a little overpriced. We took our drinks up to the patio. The atmosphere was nice and a varied mix of people were there enjoying the live music. My only gripe is that it was so expensive.
(3)
david l.
Without reservations on a Saturday night we were seated immediately downstairs adjacent to a girls night out table well into their evening. We couldn't hear a word between us. We moved upstairs where it was quiet, eerily quiet but nice. Service was on the slow side but attentive and friendly. Once we established we would like bread the plates were replenished many times. The bibb lettuce salad was too small to split easily between two but the mussels were plentiful to share. We passed on the entrees since they were all in the $23 to $29 level. The hit of the evening were the side plates of giant lima beans and smoked broccoli. We all shared second plates of pasta which offered a nice selection of tastes and ingrediants. Drinks were "New York" expensive with all glasses of wine $10 to $14. The bourbon selection is meager for a restaurant in Louisville with its expensive pretensions. Meager portions here as well. Good service with a very interesting and attentive staff. The patio was booked but would be the spot to be. Poor value for what you get.
(2)
Jenny O.
A group of my friends and I went on a Saturday evening to celebrate a birthday. We sat on the patio, which was a great space considering it is inside of NuLu. The ambiance was great and there was a stage for some musical entertainment. It took the band a long time to set up so we didn't get to enjoy that. The drinks were pretty expensive. I ordered my usual of a glass of Malbec, which was priced at $12. The menu is pretty small. The table ordered the broccoli and lima beans to share and both were good (not fantastic, but good). The bread melted in your mouth and didn't need additional butter. I ordered the steak and my first bite was very fatty. I had several bites that were extremely fatty. When I pay $26 or $27 for a steak, I want to be able to eat it. A friend got the Walleye fish entree -- she said it tasted good but it was a very small portion. Another friend ordered the pork entree and also said it was pretty fatty. To summarize, ambiance and facility was great, waitress was awesome, food was just ok and was overpriced (along with the overpriced drinks).
(3)
Tamia J.
Visited this restaurant 3 weeks ago for my birthday dinner and it was AMAZING! It was a refreshing new venue to the usual Louisville restaurant scene. I thoroughly enjoyed the Waysider signature cocktail and the beautifully ornate atmosphere that Decca offered. It was such a romantic setting to a wonderful birthday dinner. Also wanted to mention that there was a live jazz set playing as well as an additional bar in the basement. The bartender with the red handlebar mustache was lively and entertaining too. I will definitely be back again for a visit!
(5)
Beth S.
This place is wonderful. The food was absolutely delicious. The service was impeccable. I came in by myself. Nathan and Lawrence took very good care of me. They also gave me information on the area. Lawrence showed me around the the building. They have private rooms for parties, a separate bar down stair(must see), and outdoor dinning. I love everything about Decca.
(5)
Carl F.
Absolutely wonderful experience. Wonderful service by a very attentive, knowledgable staff. Started our evening with drinks and a starter of mussels with spiced garbanzos and a lemon aioli (everything was good, but the mussels I especially enjoyed) Mussels were perfectly prepared and the perfect beginning for our entre of braised pork cheeks (wife's choice) and the seared black grouper for me. We capped of the meal sharing a chocolate devils food cake with coffee ice cream. Decca is now one of our favorites in Louisville!
(5)
Melanie K.
Multiple floor restaurant lounge with multiple experiences. When you walk into Decca you are greeted by a host in a large foyer. At this time you have an option to head to the patio, lounge, or dining area. Each area of Decca's elaborate building gives its own unique experience, so I will break them down by area. My boyfriend and I attended on a busy Friday night with another couple for our first dinner date. The lounge area is in the basement. The lounge is open a little later then the dining area to accommodate the post dinner crowd. We did not stay long in the lounge but the way it was furnished with couches and comfortably lit by candles made it very appealing. We got our first warning about the cost of the restaurant from a young Nulu 20 something explaining it was $12 for a decent glass of Chardonnay. The acoustics were enhanced by stone walls and between the bar guests, singer, and conversations it was pretty loud. We referenced this area of as the Euro experience. The Lobby/Main Floor has a open dining area, kitchen, and patio. The patio is gorgeous and fenced in. There is a large fountain running through a portion of it and I was told a stage in the back for more live music. It was still a little chilly for our April night, but never fear there is a large gas fire pit with a wrap around bench for new and current friends to huddle around while waiting for a table. We called this patio area the Midsummer experience. The second floor, which you will need an escort to get to, contains more dining tables, an addition patio, and a small room with nostalgia items. We had our dinner service on this floor. The whole seating space arrangement was perfect, no one was on top of each other, but there was a solid placing of tables. We made reservations and got sat immediately even though the restaurant was almost full. Obviously this place is aware of customer service and it's size because we waited for nothing and were attended regularly. I love restaurants were I am clearly drinking my water, but my glass is never empty, yet some how I never see it filled. I call this excellent attention to detail Ninja Service. The Food...Our group did not order complimentary bread, but I saw them baking it in sheets and cutting it up for each table. I am sure the freshly baked bread was delicious. Our group tried the mussels, five minute egg salad, and the Nicoise salad for appetizers. The mussels were amazing and had some type of citrus sauce. The salads were delicious, but price wise should have been cut in half. Portions are side salad size but cost is full salad size. Really $12 for an egg and croutons... For drinks the menu has a full choice of cocktail, wine, and beer. As a motto we always try for a perfect check and we each got different drinks that were well suited for us. For dinner we had Beef Cheek that melted in your mouth, the Shitake Mushroom Pasta that was well textured, and Shrimp and Chorizo which is one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. I am not certain how they got their beans on the Shrimp and Chorizo so moist and flavorful, but I will be back again to have this savory dish! For dessert the table shared the chocolate cake and stated even the small slice was rich enough to satisfy there taste buds. We called this experience Dantes' Paradiso. When the bill came we were dismayed at the cost. We were not shocked, because the prices are clearly listed, but this is definitely not going to be a restaurant that everyone can attend regularly. However, this restaurant has sunk in the personnel, the atmosphere, the square feet, and above else the menu to demand a solid price. If you get what you pay for then at Decca you get it all, we call this experience having your cake and eating it too.
(4)
Jamie C.
I'll give this place one more try but my group of 7 had a very bad experience here, service-wise. The food, however, was awesome. But since my husband and I's bill was 160 bucks just for the two of us, and the serivce was terrible, it gave us a pretty bad taste in our mouths and it's plain unacceptable when we're spending that kind of money and we were entertaining from friends from NYC. Our very expensive leftover food was thrown away, there was some rudeness going on, reservations were screwed up, 45 minutes for our drinks which came AFTER dinner was finished, once our food was served we were totally forgotten about, and apparently the server thought we skipped out on the bill when asking where we were to our friends and we were outside smoking and the whole rest of our party was still at the table. I know this a new place but that is not ok ever when you pay that kind of money for dinner. Maybe some better training should have taken place. Like I said earlier though, the food is awesome. But I've also heard from others, if you want rude service, go to Decca. I'll maybe try it, one more time for a second chance. We could have had a much finer experince at Proof or Jack Fry's with IMPECCABLE service for the same amount of money.
(2)
Jesse B.
We went for a last minute dinner on a Tuesday night. Made reservations through Opentable on the way to the restaurant. When we walked in the door, the host's reaction made it seem like they had been expecting us for weeks. We were seated at a small two top in the first dining room on the second floor. The whole space was very nicely and simply decorated, with just a few pieces of art tastefully arranged on the subtle off-white walls. My only criticism on the the design of the space would probably be the art itself, which was modern in an amateurish and pandering way, but I usually get shushed for being too critical of small details like this, so it is unlikely that most diners would even notice it. Service was very prompt and attentive in spite of the fact that our server was also handling an eight-top birthday party with an infant and small child right next to us. Waters were brought promptly and drink order was taken and filled with the same speed. We ordered mussels, duck liver, and quail to start with. The mussels were an interesting take on moules frites, which would have worked better if the four peppercorns were more apparent in the broth. Also, the aioli was a little out of place and stiff enough that you could only scoop it up with the crispy potato coins. If you tried to use the mussels, you'd just end up rolling the whole dollop around the plate. The quail was perfectly cooked, which can be easy to overdo with such a small, lean bird, but everything on the plate was seasoned so sparingly that there just wasn't much flavor, which is not what I had expected from a dish with a caramelized fennel puree as a major component. While both of those two dishes were OK but not great, the duck liver terrine was excellent: the cherry mostarda and pickled vegetables were perfect accoutrement and while I'm sure the staff is inundated with requests for extra bread, I would implore you to go with the provided number of slices. The quality of the bread is excellent, but too much of it would obscure the flavor and texture of the terrine, which as I said before, was well nigh perfect. For our pasta course, we had the pappardelle with lamb sugo and the spaghettini with sea urchin and fresh peas. From looking at the menu beforehand, we already knew we wanted the spaghettini as we are both big sea urchin fans. This dish was everything I had wanted it to be. Rich and creamy with nice sweetness from the spring peas and a briny depth from the urchin. The only possible drawback would be that there was a little more fat than the pasta could handle and it left a small pool of oil in the bottom of the bowl, which I personally wouldn't even count as a criticism in a dish with an ingredient as rich as sea urchin. Our server recommended the pappardelle for our second pasta on the merits of the sugo. The braised lamb was extremely tender and perfectly season, the preserved lemon was assertive without being overwhelming and provided a nice acidic brightness, and the pappardelle itself was among the best fresh pasta I've ever had. We chose the white shrimp a la plancha and the slow braised beef cheek for our main courses, both of which were excellent. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the chorizo, gigante beans, and chermoula could not have worked any better together than they did in this dish. The beef cheek was also excellent, just barely fork tender and with the beefy buttery quality I usually associate with this dish balance with a touch of spice and acidity from the horseradish creme fraiche. The watercress was a nice accompaniment, but was a little light and didn't provide the starchy vehicle for sauce and shredded meat that I usually like with a braised dish of this kind. We had anticipated that from the menu description and had ordered a side of polenta with our mains to fill that gap, but in the only real service misstep of the evening, our polenta never arrived and by that point we had consumed enough food that we weren't really missing it enough to remind our server we had asked for it when we made our initial order. Fortunately, our missing starch and the leisurely pace we afforded ourselves (and the staff did a great job of not rushing) for the meal allowed us to convince ourselves we had room for coffee and one dessert. Both the coffee and espresso (available only in double shots, which most people with barista experience in restaurants will know is a good sign) were excellent and the devil's food cake with coffee ice cream and meringues was a very good accompaniment to them. The meringues were of the delicate crispy kind and were served almost like a light candy garnish to the dish. The coffee ice cream had a very strong, very well defined coffee flavor that went well with the rich chocolate flavor of the cake. All in all, one of the best meals we've had in Louisville in a long time.
(4)
Kane K.
My husband and I were in town for Thunder and we picked this place to try after reading about it in Food and Wine. Being from NYC, I guess you can say we have a high bar of standard and we don't like to make excuses such as "well, considering this restaurant is in X, the food was good". We took my MIL as well and we were seated promptly even though we were about 15 minutes early. The decor as industrial/light. No bulky furniture or tables. I loved the bar area. Service was curteous and prompt. I ordered a Ladybird cocktail to start, and then another, and then stayed on an Oregon rose. We ordered the duck terrine, kale salad, and spaghettini with clams to share. It was all good. My MIL loved the spaghettini. For my main course, I ordered the lamb, my MIL ordered scallops, and my husband ordered the pork cheeks. The pork melted in your mouth. My lamb was good but it was sinewy and a bit tough to cut and eat (which is why my rating isnt 5 stars). I have to say that everything was PERFECTLY seasoned. Nothing left us saying "it could have used more salt" or the opposite. The noise level can get a bit loud but I would definitely enjoy coming here again when I am in town.
(4)
Robyn S.
I really liked Decca a lot. I went there with a friend for dinner. The food was fresh, the service attentive, and the decor really interesting - lots of architectural salvage. Good, clean, pleasant and I'd happily return.
(5)
David M.
Food was amazing - there were four of us. Scallops, pork check, pork chop, and another fish entry plus chocolate mousse for dessert.. Highly recommend!
(5)
Wendy F.
Great food, great ambiance, great staff. Went with a friend of mine last week: we decided that to get to taste as much of the menu as possible, we would split 4 courses, which was more than enough food - as tempting as the panna cotta sounded, by the time dessert rolled around, we were stuffed. (ultimately though, ordering the panna cotta was a good decision!) We each started with a cocktail: mine was good, but forgettable, hers is no longer on the menu. Mussels were superb (and I'm not big on seafood) They are served with small, fried potato medallions & a light aioli; the broth was delicious to dip their house bread in. Cavatelli was also great, but now that I've tried it, I'd probably go with something else over a $12, small-portion pasta dish. The beef cheek was out of this world: unbelievably tender. Checked out the lounge downstairs: perfect date setting. Went upstairs to see the lovely private dining room & soon-to-be-open upstairs patio seating. Can't wait for their gorgeous ground-level patio to open!
(5)
Plastic Palace A.
Note: this is a review for a slow Monday night. My hotel suggested this place. Dining alone. Not the warmest welcome (more like "Dining alone? That's sad") whatever hipster hostess. Real nice room jazz band downstairs piped into the restaurant made for a nice vibe. Salad: mustard greens, peanut brittle, etc. v tasty. Biggest disappointment was the seared black cod. Room temperature, rubbery not flakey. Nothing else on the plate really helped (roasted grapes, carmalized cauliflower, I swear I think this was a leftover they were keeping warm. ) all sounded good on paper. Very meh on the plate. Veggie gratin side VERY salty. And I like me some cheesy and salty but this was ridiculous. Could only get through half the cod. Ordered pumpkin agnolotti to try and salvage the meal. Now, as slight as it was, that was a winner. But as all the other guests left and I was last person in the dining room, I did feel like an afterthought. Very average service. Very "let's get this guy out of here so we can go home." check just slapped down, no "thank you", no nothing. I spent a nice chunk of change and left regretting my decision to dine here. Maybe an off night. Maybe you really need to order the meat. Whatever. I went down to Rye for a drink and the place was still humming. Should have eaten at Rye!!! Felt it would have been a more complete experience. Ate solo at proof the night before and had a 5-star experience. And with only two nights in town, I'll be kicking myself for wasting one of them here.
(2)
Nj B.
The food was amazing and the atmosphere was so relaxed and modern. The garden dinning was so beautiful and romantic and the basement grotto was so unique and intricate! Probably the best date spot in Louisville..... Did I mention the food was exquisite ?
(5)
Brian M.
Instant four stars for any restaurant bar that has a proper Absinthe pour! Yes, it got weird on a Wednesday night!
(4)
Lara S.
Disappointing. I feel like they are trying too hard with the food. Building was awesome! I love the library inside the restaurant.
(2)
M R.
Decca is probably the best place for fine dining in Louisville. I've been a few times (I wish I could afford to go more often) and the food has always been superb. The starters are always interesting and flavorful (my favorite was the quail which I wish they would bring back). Probably my favorite dishes are the pasta ones. This area though, is why I give the restaurant four stars instead of five. The taste is five star, but the portions for the pasta dishes are very, very small. The servers always say that the pastas are more of a middle and not a main dish. I do not understand why they don't make it a main dish! I wish there were the option, as there is in many Italian restaurants, to pay more for a full pasta portion, which I would be more than willing to do. If you get a starter, pasta, AND main dish, then it is a bit too much both in food and in expense. Yet if you get a starter and a pasta only, you will leave hungry. So my suggestion for Decca management is to offer the pasta as a main dish! The restaurant is also VERY loud (a problem for most NULU restaurants - I do not understand why they don't invest in sounding deadening materials) so it is preferable to eat on the terrace or balcony. This space is amazing though. In warm weather, it is so pleasant!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lori M.
The food and outdoor patio make this restaurant a regular go-to for me especially when entertaining. The porkchop and salmon dishes are terrific and the fried green tomatoes are a must order. I've always found the service to be solid as well and on a beautiful day the patio is sublime!. My ONLY issue.....horrible cellular service and wifi. I know it's an old building but you can fix the wifi issue even if you can't fix the cellular service. :)
(4)Virga H.
This is a really cool place to go! There are a variety of areas to eat, a bar in the basement with a jukebox... The third floor has a patio and a book/ record shop where you can listen to music and drink and then shop! There are two areas outside to eat... And the food is very interesting and flavorful...so why two stars? The waiter was awful, he was slow, disappeared, less than helpful, and the drinks were expensive and not very generous... I will probably go back and give it another chance but definitely getting a different waiter...
(2)Jenny J.
The mussels are to die for. Best idea ever had. And the fried green tomatoes are OUT OF THIS WORLD. the cornmeal Genoise dessert is so light but decadent. So flavorful and delicious. The pork chop was fine, nothing to write home about. But everything else was great. Love the added touch of giving the popcorn of the day at the end. Also loved the wild grain salad. The atmosphere is unbeatable. Beautiful bar and patio.
(5)David H.
Interesting menu that has some unique twists on some classic items but the unique menu also makes the selection a bit hit or miss depending on your selection. None of the appetizers called my name but we had some good pasta dishes as shared appetizers, the black garlic linguine with oyster mushrooms and agnolotti with a buttermilk lemon flavor were both worth a try. Be sure and get seconds and thirds on their biscuit bread, it's unique and amazing. The wood grilled pork chop was tasty and had an interesting orange flavor but was a bit too fatty for my taste. Too many restaurants somehow think "fatty pork chops mean better pork" no, y'all, fatty pork chops mean less meat and a potentially hungry customer. The cocktail selection is interesting here and you can't go wrong with their bourbon drinks. Service is friendly without being pretentious despite the "foodie" vibe here. I enjoyed this place and would come back but the prices are a bit steep to make this an every week kind of place.
(4)Brady R.
Only giving it two stars cause of the service. William was great! Why it's not five: 1- my date's steak was spongy- it looked like it was disgusting and sickly. It was also not cooked well. 2- I'm a vegetarian and they had a set 3-course meal for Derby without any veggie options so they made some specifically for me which was great. BUT they literally gave me a pile of couscous and three pieces of cauliflower. Granted, it was delicious seasoning. But still, for how pricy the meal was, give me at least something more than that. 3- the owner came up and apologized for the inconvenience which was nice but he placed the blame on us and said that it was my date's fault that he didn't like it and that they "only use the best meat in town." He kept going on and on in an annoying manner, making it feel as though it was our fault.
(2)Max K.
Super cozy spot near downtown louisville ky. The menu seem to be modified daily. The white cloth sit down restaurant with fantastic service at a responsible price. Smaller size but broad selection. We dinned in on Friday night and there was a live Jazz band downstairs.
(5)Mike O.
My wife and I are simply flavor junkies. We've traveled and eaten a lot... forever searching for truly inventive and well developed flavors. More often than not, we're disappointed with what we find. Maybe our standards are too high. Or, maybe most restaurants just don't get it. Decca GETS IT! Start to finish, there wasn't a bite we put in our mouths that didn't excite and delight. We love (and rarely find) dishes that have us asking each other...what are they using in this? From the sublimely smooth McFarlane's Holiday cocktail, the inventive smokey mussels served with amazing toasted foccacia, and the amazing toasted almond and anchovy flavored broccoli, our meal was fantastic. So fantastic, in fact that we overlooked the lifeless, newbie server and apathetic bartender. Excellent service is a hallmark of a great restaurant experience for us, and Decca's service left us scratching our heads...but honestly, the food was so good that it completely overshadowed the sub par service staff. Atmosphere is great, albeit a bit loud. The outdoor area is beautiful and the downstairs lounge cozy. We've been looking for a place just like this in Louisville for a long time. Bravo!
(5)Emily H.
Why, oh why, has it been so long since I was last here? I'm perplexed. I'm sad. I'm ashamed -- and even more so because of the excellent meal I just had at Decca. How many great meals have I been missing out on? But at least now that I'm reminded of what I've been missing, I hope to become more regular of a customer. Allow me to explain. My boyfriend and I ended up at Decca this week, on the search for dinner. There are so many great places to eat at in NuLu, and I convinced him to venture outside of our normal favorites. I ordered the pan-seared diver scallops, which come with lentils and and a celery cream sauce. He got the slow-braised pork cheek, with beans, fennel, prunes and caraway. And then on the side, we got the wood-grilled broccoli and spaghetti squash with hazelnuts. The pork cheek was delicious, but I think I won with the scallops, which had a nice sear and were decently sized. I got three scallops on my plate. And the cream sauce was a nice compliment. And while the scallops were amazing, the side dishes were the stars of the meal. And really you could make a meal out of a couple of the side dishes. These are meant to be shared, so they are a larger serving. The spaghetti squash was my absolute favorite. I've had some bland squash -- this was anything but bland. And I loved the addition of the hazelnuts, which you don't see very often. The broccoli had a definite grilled and almost smoky taste to it. All in all, a nice fall-to-winter meal. (Decca changes its menu seasonally, according to the waiter.) And to finish the meal off, we shared Decca's ice cream sandwich. Now, let me say that this was a premium meal that carried a premium cost. For this food, plus two beers and a coffee, we paid nearly $100. And I'm not sure I would have been satiated had I just gotten the scallops by themselves ($27). But the food was worth it. We might just save dinners at Decca for special occasions. And in the meantime, I look forward to attending the special events Decca has in its posh, brick cellar bar, as well as in its beautiful courtyard space. Decca has an upscale feeling all it's own and is definitely worth the trip and money.
(5)Rhonda G.
Arrive a little early to start your evening in the Cellar. We loved the dim but hip and comfortable atmosphere. The Waysider cocktail was our favorite of the evening. Head upstairs where our party started with the mussels appetizer with grilled bread. Who would think grilled bread would be so memorable? You should order two. Our server was attentive and ready when asked for suggestions. We shared the roasted beets, which was disappointing in portion size but not in flavor, and the wood-grilled broccoli. Amazing! To top off the evening, I had the pan seared diver scallops. they were excellent. My only warning to you would be that if you had only an entree without the appetizer and vegetable sides, you might find yourself still a bit hungry. Because of the portion sizes, I'm going with 4 stars when Decca is so very close to 5.
(4)Doug M.
It was a beautiful day, so I went to this restaurant, thinking they would have a large outdoor deck. Be forewarned that this place - - even though named "Decca" - - does not have a deck as advertised. Almost everyone knows that "Decca" is how "deck" sounds when speaking Italian. Anyway, we sat in the basement, and the ambience was fantastic! This was only matched by the food and quality of service as well. We enjoyed a great deal of beverages and food, especially the fried green tomatoes. This is depicted below in my picture. Although you cannot sit on a deck here, I highly recommend sitting in Decca!
(5)Mary Kate G.
This is what trendy five star places are made of! I had the opportunity to tag along with a discerning group of friends and family nicknamed "The Finer Things Club" and Decca did not disappoint. Our group had reservations made at 7pm on a Saturday night. We arrived a few minutes early, and even though our table was ready, we decided to head downstairs to check out their basement bar area and have a pre-dinner cocktail. I opted for an oaky Chardonnay (Stoller Family Estate) and it was a generous, refreshing pour. The atmosphere was funky, intimate, and had plenty of seating groups to encourage conversation and prevent the noise level from becoming too loud. My husband got a gin martini that he said was fantastic with a good London gin, only wishing the olives were more flavorful. My father-in-law got the Waysider and it was a favorite for our group. Once we made our way to the second floor for our meal, our waiter was attentive without hovering. Two of our dining companions had been to Decca before and suggested the mussels appetizer, which was excellent. Tip: order two sides of bread to sop up all of the broth goodness! We also switched things up a little bit and ordered table vegetables prior to our entrees, which turned out very well portion and timing-wise. We had the roasted beets with creme-fraiche and the broccoli. All of the food was inventive, with well-executed flavors that excited the palate. For my entree, I got the (bone-in) pork chop special. It was a generous portion of pork, without being an overwhelming hunk of meat. With dinner I had the French Bordeaux blend wine which augmented and elevated the flavors. There were several components to this dish, each adding it's own unique and complementary profile. Every ingredient on the plate added value to the dish as a whole. Ladled against the chop was a radicchio slaw with a carrot puree, which was beautiful in both color and texture. The chop itself was cooked beautifully and had a dollop of smoked cumin/mustard/butter deliciousness. As indicated in my 'tip' upon checking in, I was sad that this meal had to end, and decided against the unladylike display of gnawing on one's finished meat bone. Dessert was a treat (ha!), my husband and I shared the Affogato, which was fantastic, with a very good quality espresso. The other couples at the table split ice cream sandwiches. For more general observations, the scallop dish that my husband and mother-in-law ordered was wonderful, but left my husband in particularly still hungry at the end of the meal. Some reviews cited a noise issue, and while I could see that being problematic, I was here during a peak time and was still able to hear my dining companions quite well. There are pocket doors in the second floor dining room that were shut either for a private party or for noise containment, but they were unobtrusive, decorative, and functional. All in all, Decca is a super neat place, a gem in NuLu. We will definitely be sure to consider Decca for any future fine dining experience.
(5)Jeff S.
The atmosphere and service was excellent, but way over priced compared to portion and other NuLu venues
(3)Sidra Z.
Writing an update to my last review from a few years ago: Decca has now become one of my favorite restaurants. With jazz a few nights a week, gorgeous cocktails, and impeccable food, I would suggest this place to anyone. My boyfriend and I went here for Valentine's Day this past year and proceeded to enjoy the best three-course meal my tastebuds have ever been treated. Great service as well. The dining room still might be loud, but the outdoor patio and bar are good retreats if you get overwhelmed.
(5)Christian C.
Really disappointing. Went on a Monday night, so maybe the b-team was cooking, but the food was almost inedibly salty. Ordered the mushroom linguini and rabbit cavatelli, and both had the same problem. On the plus side, the atmosphere was lovely, the service was fine, and the cocktails were excellent. Would not recommend the food, however.
(2)Greta S.
I tend to forget about Decca and I don't know why. It has a large footprint with many chairs to fill but somehow it doesn't always show up on my radar. That's too bad considering the food is excellent, the service good and the wine, cocktail and beer selection outstanding. It's good for big groups--especially out on the courtyard where the music is fun and the nights pleasant. Should be one of my favorites--and when I think about it--it is. Love the lima beans.
(4)Randy H.
I can't say anything that you haven't read in the other reviews. Decca is excellent, food and service is simply perfect. That said, the tables on the main level are a bit too close together. We basically waited for our neighbors to leave before we could have a conversation. Pork cheeks, Texas red fish, and spaghetti squash were awesome, but you already knew that. Prices - well, I don't complain about prices for good food or drink, as it's our vice...but if you're hungry and thirsty, it'd be easy to spend $100/person here (thinking two drinks and three courses). A drive to Chicago & reservations at Girl & The Goat or the Publican might be cheaper.
(4)Nicole I.
We didn't have a reservation so we decided to go hang out at the bar downstairs while we waited for a table. The bartender was really nice and walked thru a few specials for the night. Once we got our table upstairs, our experience took off. The "new years goodies" aka a mozzarella small plate, was amazing. The mozzarella tasted so fresh! For dinner I had the diver scallops and my date had the redfish. Both dishes are delectable. Dessert was no different, we had the apple pie with sea salted caramel ice cream. AMAZING. The outside patio was open and had a fire pit lit. The patio is gorgeous and although it was too cold to go outside and enjoy the scenery, i plan to this summer. i will absolutely be back.
(5)Ron B.
I think this is really about the service experience. Every aspect of the attention to detail was impeccable. Went here with a group of eight friends, all out of towners so there wasn't any sense of what we were getting ourselves into besides the menu before showing up. Everything was presented well, the food was quite good. The menu won't appeal to everyone and it's certainly not for the faint of heart per se, but if you're looking for a unique dining experience -- especially to sit outside and to enjoy on a nice day -- you can't go wrong here.
(5)Jim G.
Despite the fact I know a host of folks who frequent Decca, I've never had a meal here, and this review will not cover the fare served at this establishment. What this review does cover is Decca as a small musical venue and an occasional "Pop Up Record Shop" (most recently on 7/26/14). As I learned on the 26th, there's a nicely appointed 2nd floor room accessible via the side stairs that on occasion transforms into a "record shop." At the July 26th version of the "shop" I was able to acquire some choice LPs from any of four vendors, two of whom are notable musicians, and another of whom is an elite record collector. On Friday, July 18th, I attended a live performance in the limestone cellar by Louisville's (IMO) hottest, most promising band, which goes by the name Tropical Trash. Now, if you've seen this space I know what you're thinking, amplified music in a stone cellar...that doesn't sound like a very good idea. And, if soundcheck were done carelessly or arrogantly, you'd be right. On this occasion, I arrived early and witnessed the care of the sound check this trio did, and the resulting sound was the best live show (local or not) sound I've seen in many long time. I've also seen DJ sets at Decca, also in the basement, which has a fully stocked bar, adequate bar seating and a very cozy assortment of plush sofas and armchairs around which lighthearted comity can easily take place. Highly recommend any musical event at Decca that catches your eye.
(5)Ryson W.
I went to Decca's first Hip Hop Taco Shop and it was a blast. Their cellar environment is perfect for a little event like this. There were a good amount of people there but it wasn't too busy. The $3 potato taco might have been one of the best tacos I have ever had, definitely worth trying. The drinks specials are the only things I could complain about. They were more "dive bar" drinks (like a tecate and shot of tequila) than Decca standard drinks, but you can't ask for much for $5. The DJ was fun as well. Overall a great experience.
(5)Duke Sparks S.
Exceptional and creative dishes. They elevate sprouts and pasta to a whole new level to please your palate.
(4)Chuck M.
Since this place was one of many participating restaurants for Dining Out for Life, I ate here with two other people. Upon entering then lobby area, I noticed that this had a very quaint dinner area with nice, dark floors and a low lighting. We met the third person downstairs in the comfortable lounge area complete with a bar, lounge seating, and a video screen. Good for relaxing and catching up. The dining room was a little small as noticed by how close the seating was, but dinner was delicious. We started out with a goat cheese appetizer that we used to spread on the cold, but crusty bread. I ordered the pan fried chicken, which was moist and seasoned well. One other member had the pappardelle, which was a little small on the potion size, but tasty nonetheless. The third member ordered the pork chop, which was deliciso, but could have been a bit warmer. Seems as though they forgot to set it under a warming light. Along with the great service and fancy espresso machine, this place made for a great dining experience.
(4)Jim S.
I took the wife here on Date Night and we started with well-conceived signature drinks. The Kate Jackson reminds me of a bitter Manhattan - VERY tasty - assuming you like Manhattans - which I do of course. The Waysider is a bit less severe tasting so start there if you're unsure. It's like a Bourbon Mojito with Whiskey, Mint, Lime, and Ginger Beer. My wife had the Beauty School Dropout - Gin/Grapefruit/Bubbly - I had a taste...very nice but I had already ordered a Kate Jackson and wanted to keep my Man-Card. (Plus these drinks are around $10/ea - a fair market price but still...) For Aps, we shared Grilled romaine salad with anchovies and Steamed Mussels. Both were outstanding however the salad left me wanting more than was plated. The mussels were top notch - one word of CAUTION - beware of SPLATTER. The mussels are in a tasty sauce that I eventually - inadvertently - let my shirt taste. (It liked it too) The main course did not disappoint. I had the Wood Grilled Rack of Lamb paired with Summer Squash, mint, pistachio and a white bean puree. The meat was cooked perfectly and well seasoned. Chef Ramsay would approve. (It's NOT for anyone afraid of rare meat) When I saw my wife's Seared Divers Scallops with a potato/yogurt/cucumber/paprika mixture my first thought was - I hope she's getting full. Sure enough, I got to try a nice sampling of her plate and I recall closing my eyes while savoring the flavors on her plate. Service was TOP NOTCH - almost to the point of me wanting to complain - I DON'T need you to fold my dirty napkin when I excuse myself for the washroom...but if THAT's my biggest complaint I'm pretty darn happy. We heard live music after dinner downstairs and checked out the cool Upstairs - I won't give it away but if you're a Retro Music fan don't miss it.
(5)Dan G.
Market Street is such a hip and cool section of Louisville where we always seem to find another place we really like. So, after my wife hit the winner of the Preakness during our day at Churchill we thought we'd have a round of drinks before going across the street for dinner. We scored a choice table in the gorgeous outside patio. After a few sips of our drinks sprinkles turned into a downpour and the rain we had managed to avoid all weekend caught us and we ducked inside seeking shelter. The downstairs lounge and bar had a band setting up while we finished our drinks. I love seeing live bands, but I don't know that I'd miss the chance to enjoy one of the nicer patios you will ever see.
(4)Melissa C.
Want to stop in for drinks after work? Decca. Need a place to meet your girlfriend's parents for the first time? Decca. Want to listen to incredible musicians for free? Decca It is a special space that creates so many different kinds of perfect memories. The menu changes with season because Chef Annie wants to serve local, in season produce so you can make this your new fave restaurant and never get bored. Make sure you arrive before your reservation so you can savor a cocktail in the sultry cellar.
(5)B K.
My wife and I meet another couple there last night. There was plenty of parking around the place, which coming from NYC is a huge plus to any establishment. The ambience & atmosphere was super cool, and laid back. The food was AMAZING!! omg you have to try the rustic potatoes, with some official cream sauce. I had the steak, wifey had the fish, other couple had the steak and chicken. All was amazing. It's kinda pricey, with drinks, apps, dinner and dessert it came out to about 50$ per person, which honestly isn't that terrible. The music room after dinner is super legit. I'd def go back.
(4)Diana L.
Can you say cocktails, came to Decca looking for just that and got some yummy different cocktails while sitting out side by a real nice fire pit on a Monday of all days, live jazz in the cellar and the app I had black garlic linguine was pretty good hot or cold, i Had to try it both ways, so all in all a good time had by all.
(4)Mozil L.
Yes. Yes. Yes. And more yes. After 4 long years living here in Louisville I finally took the plunge ans visited Decca for dinner. Shame on me for waiting so long! A truly fantastic dinner. Although I just had 2 starters the arugala salad and then the roasted mussels were superb. Flawless. I also had their signature house cocktail the Sidewinder (??) ginger and bourbon mix really was refreshing on a hot July eve. And dessert? Whoa, Nellie...fresh peach cobbler with just the right size dollop of ice cream...perfect portion control. Bravo, Decca. Bravo. Double espresso with a Bolivian varietal. Perfect ending to a wondrous meal. Also impeccably attentive service from Cam, my server/bartender Don't walk --- run to Decca, folks...
(5)Lynn D.
We just visited this restaurant for the first time. We really enjoyed it. The mussels and Brussels sprout salad was fabulous. We sampled two different pastas and the main entrees were outstanding. We will revisit.
(5)Amy L.
I totally wish it wouldn't have been raining last night so we could have enjoyed the lovely outdoor area at Decca- but the inside is pretty freakin cool too. My husband and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary there last night and had a wonderful experience. I started with a fun cocktail that I am sure was named after me, "The Last Word." It was a tasty concoction of gin and fresh minty things served martini style. We shared the steamed mussels for an appetizer and they were salty, but delicious. The grilled bread served on the side was amazing. For my entree, I had the wild shrimp a la plancha and man oh man was it good. Flavored with bits of chorizo, fennel and a yogurt sauce, this dish had my taste buds popping. The flavor profiles at Decca are unique which I appreciate. It is so refreshing to have a fine-dining experience that isn't the standard meat and potatoes. My husband had the New York Strip which was cooked to perfection. Strangely enough, my favorite part of the meal was our shared side of wood grilled broccoli with toasted almonds and anchovy. So unique and so incredible. Our service was also great. Attentive without being annoying. After dinner, we went to the basement bar for a glass of wine and some live music. This would be a five star review if it weren't for the prices. The food is not that expensive for what you get, but the drink prices put a dent in the wallet for sure. $14 for one glass of wine and $9 for an Anchor Steam beer. Ouch!
(4)Missy M.
I would like to update this review. I was contacted by Decca and offered an apology for the miscommunication. I appreciate that.
(4)Susan B.
I was repeatedly blown away by Decca. I was in Louisville with three of my girlfriends and one of them made reservations here. I'm a vegan and always have to double check the menu to make sure I won't be stuck eating hummus and mixed greens for dinner on vacation. It didn't look like I had many options, so I emailed Decca to see if they'd be open to accommodating me by going off the menu. The reply was a cheerful "Of Course!" and they asked for the reservation name to make sure the server and chef knew I was there. When we arrived, the host double checked that there was a vegan in our party. At the table, our server made sure to know who was vegan and REPEATEDLY and CHEERFULLY ran down (a spiral staircase) to the kitchen to double check that everything I was ordering was completely vegan. Exceptional service. Our server was Mitchell, and I can't say enough great things about him. He was genuine, helpful, knowledgeable, patient and sweet. I want to hang out with him. He was also sneaky when called for. It was our friend's birthday dinner and when she stepped away from the table we conspired with him that we wanted to pay but knew she wouldn't agree so to just refuse her card. Instead, he suggested he take her card so she wouldn't suspect anything and just not run it. MITCHELL. For the conspiratorial win. For drinks I had the McClane cocktail which featured grapefruit and mint and was tart and refreshing. We shared several appetizers- the only one that was vegan was the Fried Green Tomatoes (w cheese on the side)- which were delicious! They were seasoned so well and had awesome flavor and texture. They weren't soggy and the breading held up to being cut. For dinner I ordered a seasonal farmers market dish: Plenty of fresh veggies and potatoes sauteed over marinated lentils. Insane. The best meal I had in Louisville, by far. Everything was perfectly cooked and seasoned. My girlfriends raved over their dishes, as well...from what I can remember: Mussels, Corn Risotto, Linguine Verde, and Scallops. TL;DR: Insanely delicious food, fantastic service. Best food and service we had in Louisville.
(5)Bern S.
Living near Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, I was a fan of chef Annie Pettry at the amazing Moss Room & was sad at their recent change in ownership. Thus my delight at coming to Louisville for a conference & learning that Annie was thriving here @ Decca. Though tempted by other attractive venues along Market St on an easy 1 mile stroll from downtown, I went to Decca on both nights of my stay in town. Front of house very friendly, with telling details such as holding the front door open for patrons, but of course the draw was the food, which was delicious. Definitely coming back the next time I'm in town!
(5)Steve S.
I was disappointed in the portion size of the entree...as were others in our party of 6. Service was very good but couldn't overcome the feeling of over paying. Side dishes were larger and good but, again, felt overpriced.
(2)Meghan M.
We were told to visit this place after we mentioned how much we loved NuLu and had a great experience at another NuLu restaurant. This place disappointed in every way possible. What a let down. From high priced meals that were little portions, we all felt that this place did not deserve a thumbs up. In fact after spending nearly $60 a person on food, we ended up going to ANOTHER place to eat because we were all still hungry. I thought the atmosphere was cool with the tall doors, but that was about it. Please go a million other places in Louisville before checking out this place.
(1)Barbara G.
"Please, sir, may I have some more?" I joined a group of friends at Decca at 6:30 this past Friday evening-a first Friday, to be sure. The restaurant was busy, but not chaotic. There was a fairly large wedding party celebrating upstairs. My dinner companions, mostly Louisville natives, recognized and greeted a number of patrons, all of whom arrived after we did and were served before we were. (You can probably guess where this is going.) We were served drinks and wine and a delightful moist but crusty bread. Our server was aware that we were waiting for two other friends and indicated that he was poised to take orders on their arrival. He was not. The last of our party arrived at 7:30. And we waited. Our server did finally return to take orders.....and we waited some more. More bread was dropped onto our bread plates. We began to get a bit antsy We were offered more bread. We had more wine. Some of us were offered more drinks. No appetizers had arrived, no pre-plates, nothing but plates of bread. We mentioned this to the waiter, along with requests for dinner. After the third request, one member of our party included the mild observation that we were hungry. Our server, not a bit perturbed, asked, "Would you like more bread?" At this point, we declined. (The third and fourth offerings of bread were left untouched.) At 8:40, a gentleman in our party had to leave to catch a plane-we were still not served. The table next to us had eaten and gone and a new party was seated. I asked if our friend (who had not eaten all day) could be given a doggie bag, "some pasta he had ordered, perhaps? A cold salad?" The waiter went to ask the chef, as I waited (literally!) by the kitchen door. The chef refused to offer even some cold dish or pasta, despite the fact that the order had been placed in plenty of time to have this ready, others had been served and gone and there was an entire wedding party above enjoying copious amounts of food and flowing drink. (Some of us had been watching.) "The chef says he can give him some bread, " the waiter said. I took it-stunned, really, that the chef couldn't come up with even a PBJ. The bread was, of course, declined by our gentle friend who left. Hungry. Another member of our party drove him to the airport. On her RETURN from the airport,.....we were still waiting for food! We began to eye the bread remaining on the table anxiously, wondering if that might be all we would have, and how it might taste dipped in wine. Our meals and appetizers finally arrived at 9:40. No! I take that back. Some meals and appetizers arrived. Others were delivered later. Shrimp was a good combination of flavors. There were four. Four shrimp, that is. Rather small, relatively tasty in a bed of cold cucumber, fingerling potatoes and a decent cream sauce. Wood grilled broccoli had an interesting sweet, dark smoky taste, sprinkled with charred cashews. Salad was a fresh, but not particularly inspiring, mix of lettuce with thin shaved radish and pecorino cheese in a mild vinaigrette. I didn't get to taste the beets, but they were a big hit with my companions, as was the pate. Overall the food was good-not excellent and certainly not worth the treatment we received. And the portions were very small. I would feel more merciful if our server had shown the slightest bit of remorse-other than when a member of the party threatened to leave if we weren't served within five minutes. But he didn't. Not even some perfunctory hand wringing or mild despair. And he smiled each time he offered more bread. As compensation our table was offered a minor discount, but hell will freeze before I will return to Decca on my own. Possibly, if a group insisted, I would return, but I'd be sure to bring my own dinner. I mean, if I go out to a restaurant, I want to eat! As one friend remarked, "If you want bread, you can go to Olive Garden."
(1)Janet V.
Decca is decadent in my opinion. Have eaten here two times in the last few weeks and both times the food was amazing! The mussels are some of the best I have had and the portion is really large. The sliced potatoes in the broth and the ham really add nice dimension to the dish. The redfish is super good. The wine selection is really large. We happened in on half price bottle night on our second visit which was a really nice bonus. Lawrence is a jewel. He has made sure our dinner is flawless each time. The water is always refilled and empty plates are whisked quickly away. He has made our dining experience go over the top. This restaurant must emphasize team work because from front door until our exit we were treated like old friends. The Ricotta Cavatelli is ridiculously delicious! Truly an outstanding dish. The Devil's Food Cake with chocolate mousse and coffee ice cream was the perfect end to a truly high end dining experience.
(5)Zain K.
Haven't eaten here yet, but the cellar is a nice, intimate space for a drink with a friend or a date. The live jazz is nice, but IMO a little loud for the small space.
(4)Michael M.
creative dishes with local ingredients, inventive and fun drinks, and a great patio which always has great music playing when there is not a live bad. My favorite reason to go is the basement bar that sometimes has small jazz bands playing. The bar has clever mixed drinks, but I don't drink alcohol. So at most bars I have the guy drinking watered down over priced ginger ale. Not so here, they have a number of mixed drinks that are designed without alcohol and are still really good! I could go here just for the drinks but the food is great too. They make a kind of corn bread biscuit baked in a cake pan that has a strong olive oil taste which is wonderful. We have enjoyed everything we have ordered here and the friendly staff is open to stay away or hang around and talk abit, which every you happen to want at the time. The outdoor patio area is calming with a small fountain when it's warm and a gas fireplace when it's cooler. They are always playing a great mix on the sound system and also have a stage outside for live bands although I've never been thiere when a band was playing.
(4)Liz L.
Delish food and super posh restaurant. Has a New York feel to it. Prices are high but nice die special occasions. Husband had steak and he loved it and j had very tasty fish. We got the royal treatment there and then headed downstairs to their Dj bar with comfy couches to sit on and good drinks to sip. Very different spot that Louisville needed!
(3)Melissa M.
I can't believe the best prepared mussels I've had we're in land-locked Kentucky, at Decca! Incredible deal too at $12 and it could've been a whole meal with the bread and yummy broth and aioli ... But the menu was simply too creative to stop there. Rabbit pasta that was buttery and just perfect, fried green tomatoes that were sweet and spicy-but-not-too-spicy, and my husband said his pork chop was the best he's had in a looooong time. The only disappointment was the lima beans--sorry Decca, Mayan Cafe owns the market on limas on Market!
(5)James M.
I've eaten at Decca many times this summer and mostly enjoyed the experience with family and friends on the patio. Currently this is the best restaurant patio in Louisville but no longer overcomes another shortcoming. Decca's food is good and generally well-prepared but it's a very limited menu. Six entrées to choose from so if you have any dietary restrictions, you may have only 2 choices. Adding to that limitation, is their policy of no substitutions. So for example, if you want the salmon served over bulgar wheat but ask for polenta instead, the answer is 'no.' Worse, the servers always sheepishly say "our chefs won't allow it." Really? Who are these precious chefs who limit the menu to six not very extraordinary preparations and won't accommodate a very common dietary restriction by substituting the starch? That's arrogance by a bunch of petty dictators in the kitchen. I wonder if these dietary dictators have any equity in the restaurant. Last night we both ordered the salmon, sans bulgar wheat. An hour passed before we saw our meal and the salmon was over cooked, a challenge itself with that particular fish. We arrived at 6:15. The restaurant was not particularly crowded so I have to assume the delay in service was the result of all the substitutions the chefs were accommodating at other tables. Fortunately, we have other patio dining options in Louisville.
(3)Marli B.
A little concerned with the okay reviews but a local friend recommended it and this place was amazing! I got the steak, husband got the redfish, split polenta and potato sides, everything was so delicious! Highly recommend. Basement bar looked like an amazing place to come back to later too.
(5)Erin H.
Adorable place. Service was great. But the food was terrible. We have never, ever sent food back, but both of our entrees were just not enjoyable due to the saltiness. Not sure what happened and odd that it was so with two different entrees. Incredibly disappointing as I was very excited to take my boyfriend to dinner there for a date night while visiting Louisville. Would come back, but only for the lounge.
(1)Amanda F.
Okay so I will come right out and say it, Decca is expensive. However it's worth every single penny. The food is art. The drinks are stiff and delicious. The staff is friendly and helpful all while being efficient. The atmosphere is great and is only accentuated by the magnificent old Louisville architecture. Start with a drink in the basement, work your way out to the back patio area where you can enjoy some live music, then grab a bite to eat on the second floor porch which is a quick trip up the exterior spiral staircase. Your wallet will take a beating, but get over it and enjoy the ride.
(5)Amit M.
No good... Portions ok or very small bases on what you order. One scallop for $13 is a joke. Barely 5 oz of New York strip for $30 is even more ridiculous. The table next to us didn't help, the most obnoxious and loud table you could have asked for our anniversary. Not worth the $200 for 2....
(1)M E.
The highlights: wine list, brussel sprout/ manchego salad, MONDAY JAZZ NIGHT in the cellar. I really wish you could grab a small bite downstairs, because I really prefer that atmosphere to the slightly loud, a touch too brightly lit dining room. Still, I'm a fan. 11/9/14 Yay! Food available downstairs! Fabulous! Now, if we can just use that outdoor space for brunch!
(4)Suzanne B.
Summation: great location, building and concept. Entertaining for people watching. "Meh" service, "Meh" on some of the dishes. "Holy something-or-other!" on the prices. I've been pleased with most places in the NuLu district and had high hopes for Decca when I visited recently. The atmosphere was fantastic. We sat outside and it felt like we were on a friend's patio. The bugs were quite the nuisance, though. Even with the bug spray that our server brought out, most of us spent time swatting at little critters throughout the meal. I love jazz music but the band that night was just too loud for the small space and trying to make conversation with your table mates. The drink menu is extensive, and even includes a good selection of mocktails with cute names like "Nojito". I highly recommend the whiskey smash if you decide you want something alcoholic. I like the idea of the food being locally and sustainably sourced. The terrine appetizer is a must-try if you go there. We also ordered mussels, and most were great but every so often there was one that just tasted . . . off. Mind you I'm not saying they were bad, and I didn't have any stomach issues after eating. Just one or two of the eight I ate weren't delectable. My entree was great (spaghettini) and even though it was a "medium" sized dish, it was still just as much food as was on the "large" dishes, and about $10 cheaper. Service was just alright. There were a couple of times that orders got mixed up when they were being delivered, which those of us dining fixed unobtrusively. What did irk me was how long it took for empty bottles, glasses, and plates to be cleared. Our table already felt like it was too full with the number of people squished around it, and having the extra items on the surface didn't help with any claustrophobia. I do have to mention that prices are eye-watering here. Take a quick trip down to the lounge in the basement if you visit. It has an old West feel when you first walk in and see the longhorn skull on the wall. I was so in this mindset that when I first glanced at the record-player, I thought that the lined-up records under the glass case looked like an armadillo. Tuck and roll!
(2)A A.
I can't understand why Decca doesn't have a higher rating. The beef cheek might be the best thing I've ever eaten. No matter what I order, I will always get a side of the broccoli. the love-letter ravioli is light, but amazing. Yes, some of the portions are small, but the servers will let you know how much food will be filling. Decca's food is clean, fresh, and creative. I've been here a dozen times and have never had a bad meal. The building is remarkable, and the patio and the grotto make it one of my favorite places to grab a happy hour or after dinner drink. Best of all, the record shop in the back of the restaurant might have some of the hottest deals on vinyl.
(5)Merry B.
I normally don't take the time to review but this meal was the best I think I have ever had in Louisville. We split 2 of the pasta dishes and 3 of the table vegetables. All were a treat for the taste buds in how the flavors blended. The apple cobbler with ice cream was beyond description. The outside eating area had a great vibe on a nice night in early fall. I can't wait for my next visit here.
(5)Leigh W.
I've been here for happy hour, drinks, desserts and coffee and dinner, and I've never been disappointed. I've also experienced all three settings that the restaurant has to offer - the beautiful patio with babbling water feature, the underground dark bar and lounge and the high-ceilinged, sparse dining room. This location has everything you could be looking for. The cocktail menu is unique, with many ginger beer concoctions. I applaud them for offering several signature non-alcoholic cocktails for the non-drinkers/designated drivers in your group. For dinner, we've had the mussels, mustard green salad, pumpkin pasta, roasted chicken and the root vegetable gratin. The portion of mussels is gigantic. You could easily make an entree out of that one. Everything was delicious, but I probably wouldn't order the mustard green salad again due to the peanut brittle sprinkled on it. It was an interesting idea, but it didn't suit my taste. The bread was melt-in-your-mouth good. It must be made with butter or lard to get that nice greasy crust. And they bring you as much as you want! Heaven! The desserts are lovely and most come accompanied with terrific house-made ice creams. On our last visit, we were treated to cinnamon, sea salt, caramel popcorn at the end of our meal. It was so good that I wanted to order an entire bag to take home. Too bad it's not a menu item.
(5)Jeff W.
This was my first trip to Decca, located on Market St. in the mess of restaurants, bars and galleries in Nulu. It was a lovely evening to eat on the massive patio Decca has (with some very good live music to boot) but we opted for inside. As we left we did watch the band for a few minutes and it must be said that Decca has an extremely nice outdoor area. For drinks and music, I would recommend it. Decca is also quite nice inside with some excellent décor and warm and inviting dining room. Tables were very close together in many spots but we managed to get a small 2 person table off away from others and we were pleased with that. The menu at Decca is quite small but features a selection of appetizers, middle courses, and main entrees. We were going to have the diver scallop appetizer but the waitress was sure to inform us that these scallops were raw and cold (I assume a number of people didn't realize that as well). That wasn't quite to our tastes so we opted for a side of Zucchini a la Plancha ($7) and a middle course of Buttermilk Ricotta Ravioli ($14) as appetizers instead. The zucchini was served with pine nuts and mint and was quite tasty. The ravioli is served with a tomato broth instead of sauce and mint as well. It consisted of 4 large ravioli that were served perfectly and tasty. However they were simply overpriced. If they were priced as an appetizer I would say they were a fair deal. But at $14 it was pretty pretentious. For entrees my wife chose the Seared Diver Scallops ($24). The waitress informed us they were served "medium rare" which we assumed would be ok after giving each other curious glances. As it turns out, they were cooked just like any normal scallop so we were a bit confused why they were described as medium rare. However the entrée consisted of only 3 scallops and a small pile of fingerling potatoes. While delicious, it certainly wasn't a filling entrée. I wish I had read the many reviews here on Yelp complaining of the same thing BEFORE we had chosen that entree. I chose the Wood Grilled Pork Chop ($25) served with polenta and seared peaches. In contrast to my wife's meager portion, the pork chop was huge and provided a filling meal. I requested medium well on my pork chop (which should be tender and slightly pink inside) but I received a very well done chop instead. The top of the pork chop was very charred and added an unpleasant bitterness to the pork. Removing the worst of the char helped, but the chop was gray and a bit chewy throughout. It was disappointing to say the lease. The polenta, however, was excellent as were the peaches. Too bad the polenta was served underneath the pork chop. While it tasted excellent with the juices of the pork, it also tended to get more and more stuck to the charred pork chop as I ate my meal. Scraping the polenta from the bone and meat only filled the polenta with the charred bits of my overdone chop. Service was friendly but sometimes scarce. Our waitress disappeared for long stretches without checking on us and we had to flag her down for the check after finishing our meal. Of course she was busy with the table next to us. We noticed them poking and fussing over the plate of grilled salad between them they had chosen for an appetizer. When we inquired they began laughing and showed us the grilled spider that had been inadvertently been served underneath a large piece of lettuce. The couple didn't make a huge fuss about it and it was promptly replaced by staff with several apologies. A cocktail, glass of wine, a middle course, a side course and two main courses came to $98. While the pork (if it had been cooked correctly) and polenta was fairly priced, the scallops were too expensive to recommend. I'm pretty sure the couple next to us received more protein from that spider than my wife did from those scallops. I would also same the same of the ravioli. It was good but certainly not a good value for your money. I'm unaware if they have a dessert menu, none was offered to us. I'm not sure if I would go back to Decca. With so many choices in Louisville, it's hard to stand out considering the several issues we witnessed and/or experienced with our meals. I left disappointed in my meal and my wife was just plain hungry still. If I were to be invited by friends there for drinks I wouldn't complain but I doubt it would be a restaurant I would recommend to anyone.
(3)Colette H.
I've only been Decca once so far and I want to start and say plan to give it another shot. This review reflects my first visit where I ordered pretty light. I started with their most robust red wine by the glass which I think was the Foxglove and it was good. I then ordered spaghettini and the side of their broccoli. Before the meal came they brought us fresh-baked focaccia which was good but unremarkable. All of our meal came at the same time which was fine and expected. The Spaghettini and all the pastas were said to be made in house. It was was tossed with fresh peas and roasted garlic and sea urchin. Despite my excitement about a dish using sea urchin, the flavor was uncomplicated and not really there. The pasta was on the softer side, not al dente. The garlic aroma was there but overpowered by a kind of slightly sticky gummy sauce but did not evoke the flavor of sea urchin. While I appreciate small portion sizes because I think portions in the United States are obnoxious, the size of this portion and it's ingredients in relation to the price and quality was equally obnoxious. What I did appreciate and find very tasty was the side of broccoli which was tossed with anchovy and surface crushed almonds. The broccoli was perfectly tender almost juicy and absolute perfection. I devoured it like it was steak. Because of the broccoli, I plan to give Decca another shot. I may go in and just order all their vegetable sides. We finished with a yogurt panna cotta with pomegranate and pistachio. This as well was well done. Slightly tart, creamy, and not too heavy it was a perfect ending to a meal. In the end i may have just ordered the dud dish on the menu. Since other pieces of the meal performed well, I'm anxious to try again. Perhaps I will file this place as somewhere with potential.
(3)Terrae S.
Great food, great service and great atmosphere! Highly recommend!
(5)Brad J.
I'll preface this by saying that I have worked in the restaurant business for over 15 years (more than six of those as a general manager in upscale and fine dining) and I admit that I am harder to impress than some others. That stated, I have never been more upset after spending money for an evening out before. The night started well enough with friendly greetings at the door and prompt seating for three on a Thursday night around 8 p.m. We were informed that the wines were offered at half price for the night - a pleasant surprise for all of us. I should have questioned our server when I had to repeat the first wine selection twice and then point at the listing to convey my order of our wine. We ordered starters for the table consisting of scallop crudo, duck terrine, and mussels. All were nice with special emphasis on the mussels. They were certainly the highlight of the evening. When the starters were delivered, I ordered a bottle of red (once again having to point at the listing to our server). The wine was delivered and simply placed on the table without being opened. Entrees were ordered and the wait began. 30 - 40 minutes lapse and plates began to appear sporadically, by various staff (none of which was our server). When the final dish was served we began to eat. My pork chop was actually "ok". My dinner guests ordered the lamb pasta and the New York "steak". We all searched the plate for the lamb that was promised to be served, only to find a miniscule amount. The "steak" was served with perhaps 4 - 5 oz (overcooked) and blanketed by shoestring pomme frites, prompting a game of find the meat in the haystack At this point it was as if our table was shrouded by a curtain that rendered us invisible. Not one employee stopped by to check on our meals, After sitting without touching our food for over 25 minutes, a kind employee (a busser?) inquired if he may clear our dishes. I said yes! He was the only one to ask how we enjoyed our meals and I responded "very underwhelming". Seemingly confused by my answer, he asked me to repeat myself, I did so. Here is where my mood switched from frustration to bewilderment. I must assume that this busser informed SOMEONE of my statement. However, not one person stopped by to investigate. The next time our server appeared it was to offer desserts. I told him we would be "drinking our desserts" (safer than trying anything else from the kitchen) and were presented with cordial lists. He received an order from my dinner guests and attempted to scurry off. I had to speak up twice to get his attention so that I may order a glass of port as well. Sadly, this experience will certainly keep me from recommending this establishment to any of my friends or customers. I sincerely hope that the owners and management at Decca will invest more of their time in training of the staff that are the ambassadors of their brand. However, I will not visit again.
(1)Ashley E.
Not worth it. I don't mind paying a lot for great food, but Decca was not great. We went on a Friday night before a show. I had a decent gin cocktail but nothing spectacular. My husband and I shared the scallops and strawberry and arugula salad. Scallops were gross, (and we love scallops) salad was just alright. The New York steak and russet potatoes were very good, but we will not be back. Just too many other better restaurants in Louisville.
(2)Suzanne Y.
Great atmosphere. Cool building with lots of places to eat. Indoor. Outdoor. Private outdoor. Fabulous service and the food is awesome. 9 people and everyone loved the food! Bar in the cellar had great atmosphere! I would come to eat here and have a great experience in a heartbeat.
(4)Sandy G.
When I'm new to an establishment, I ALWAYS ask the waitstaff their opinions on what they offer. A group of us sauntered into this place for some after dinner drinks. I was looking forward to something magnificent, especially when I noticed all the fresh herbs and fruit behind the bartender. So, I naturally asked him to to prepare something for me that he was proud of since I was new to Decca. He responded gladly and in a few minutes handed me a handsome glass of orange liquid with a thick orange peel. I smiled thinking this would be good...oh boy! Tyke, our bartender ( I refrain from giving him the title mixologist), made one of the most offensive drinks that I have ever passed through my lips. I politely asked him what the beverage was called and he proudly stated it's name and followed with "it's a manly drink, often to be had with a cigar." Now, the others had some of it and we all agreed it was not drinkable. This beverage tasted like a cigar. Who needs a cigar when you can have it in liquid form? But no one wants to be ingesting a freaking cigar! Sheesh! Well, he did leave an impression...I'll give him that. I give this place three stars because the other beverages that were ordered from the menu were decent. Oh, and instead of asking if I liked it, he says to me: " Pepper sprinkled on top is pretty good with it" so I ask, "do you have any" he says: "um no. I'd get you some but I'm the only bartender and I have to fill these orders." Note to Tyke: if you don't have something-DON'T MENTION IT. Kinda silly.
(3)Rakesh G.
I went for Decca's Garden Get Down with a friend. Not only was there seating available, we were arbitrarily told we weren't allowed to sit there. But what really takes the cake is they advertised $2 featured beers, half off wine bottles, and cocktail specials. I made the assumption that a beer on draft was featured. It definitely wasn't at $7 a beer. The only featured beer was Miller High Life which was listed nowhere. They also did not have a noticeable beer list. I'll take a knock for not asking, but the advertising seemed false at best to me.
(1)Trinity C.
Decca never disappoints. Their service is on point and the drinks are made from fresh in house ingredients.
(5)Megan P.
Good though very pricey for the amount and quality of what you receive. Had a very small salad, fire roasted cabbage, and cocktail for something around $40. Their entrees also are small & come in around $30. The cocktail was the best part of the meal. Overall, wouldn't shy people away, maybe would encourage they come with their bellies full and pockets full of $$$$ If I was choosing between this and other nulu restaurants at similar price points I'd choose mayan cafe (across the st).
(3)Brian P.
Limited selection on the menu and all of the food is overpriced for the quality & portion sizes. I ordered the steak for $31. It was two small pieces total of around 6oz with 1/3 of that being fat. Other entries at the table appeared the same. Service was great. As a whole the group of 4 left hungry and disappointed. We will not return.
(2)Susan R.
Just a really interesting menu, vegetable heavy (good thing), great flavors. We had one of the simplest starters, the escarole salad, but it was so delicious! Great cocktails, too.
(5)Edward R.
My part, of our party of eight, arrived a few minutes late and we found the staff to be helpful and we were seated immediately. As we were in a decent sized party I expected the service to spotty through the night and really the beginning when we were ordering so many different cocktails is the only time I had to wait a little long for anything and that was understandable (bourbon cocktail, wine, rocks drinks, more cocktails). We ordered our apps and entrees at staggered times and our server, and the back of the house, had no problem getting food out to us in acceptable intervals. I ordered both the appetizer and the entree specials which were a salmon carpaccio, and a bone-in pork chop. Both were above my standards and were very flavorful. I would say my only critique would be a finer knife work on the carpaccio. The bone-in pork chop was a great quality cut of meat and had just the right amount of fat. The myriad of other drinks, apps, and entrees that I tried were all great. I will however say that I am not a fan of aoli with my mussels, the aoli overpowers the flavor of the mussels to much. My favorite entree, other than mine, was the braised pork cheek. The flavor and texture were spot on, maybe it could be served with a little more garnish so as to not be so lonely on the plate though. My friend who ordered the cheek looked at my plate and was jealous of my portion. Although in the end he was very satisfied. I tried the Meyer Lemon Pot de Creme for dessert and was a little underwhelmed. I was expecting the strong scent and flavor that you get when you cut into a fresh Meyer Lemon and it just wasn't there. Overall would come back and would recommend.
(4)B. C.
I know they mean well but I really didn't like my experience here. The Lima Beans were dull, however I enjoyed them though I was the only one at the table that felt that way. The Fingerling Potatoes were good but average. I found the Diver Scallops and the New York Steak overpriced and average for fine dining. The ambiance indoors was good, but we were sat outside on jazz night where the music was great but far too loud to enjoy your company.
(2)Paul D.
Decor: Spectacular Price:Really expensive Food:Sucks and not even worth it if it were cheap Recommendation: Go to impress a date but only have a drink(any more than one and you need to get a second mortgage) on the patio or in the basement bar.
(2)Steve N.
Wish I had a lower choice. The Cheft has an attitude that belongs somewhere other than Louisville. Waiter's response to my simple request to add vegetables to the risotto..Waiter: "Chef says no". Food mediocre at best. I eat all over the world, this is off my list of recommendations ..Expensive , small and tasteless portions. So many great places in Louisville to eat, this is not one of them.
(1)donald g.
Decca was a strikingly fresh concept for dining in an historic building in louisville -- specifically, the trendy "NU-Lu" section off market. Lighting and ambience was great; busy but not overly so. Food choices were ok, but nothing spectacular. I had the shrimp as an entree which was actually barely ok. Six medium sized grilled shrimp with the vein still left in - nothing like a mouthful of grit - served with lime, peanut chili sauce over a plate of polenta. The polenta was a bit over done and had the consistacy of thickened mayonnaise -- for 25 bucks, I have seriously had a bevy of way better entrees. The squash soup, however was amazing. The cheese plate we had was ok. . . but, a much better plate (in similiar style) can be found a block or two up the road at another restaurant -- by a name that rhymes with smarvest. One of the members at our table had a side of broccoli -- it was pretty, but tasted dreadful. The sharpness of the vegetable paired with anchovy and then "smoked" was so unbalanced it was acerbic -- almost metallic tasting. The malted ice cream was phenomenal. All in all, for the money, the restaurant was a bit of a fail for me. I have had much better food at half the price in at least as good an atmosphere. Still, there is something to be said about the impeccable ambiance. I suppose this spot would be a complete win for a large party, gallery opening, or even brunch. However, I prefer my favorite restaurants to be more concerned about what I'm eating, rather than where.
(3)Ward C.
We came here since it has been the only restaurant that we haven't eaten at in the NULU area. This will be the last time as well. First, the building is beautiful inside and out. It has been meticulously restored, including the bar in the cellar, although too dark for my tastes. The outdoor patio might be the best in Louisville and is a great place to have a drink. It's just too bad the service, food and price don't live up to the ambience. All of the servers walk around like Zombies. They don't smile, they don't say hello. Picture if Lurch of the Addams Family had children. Pretentiousness abounds, I was embarassed for my hometown. The waitress stated that they didn't have a house wine, and referred us to the wine list. I had a bourbon drink that was terribly weak. The waitress told us of 2 specials, but they were all sides, no special entre'. Surprising since the menu is sparce. I ordered the advertised NY Steak at $31. I was given 2 pieces of steak ( this is a trend in restaurants, if you are advertising 'steak' and then giving steak 'pieces', then that's how it ought to be on the menu) of about 5 ounces. I ordered medium, but it was MR, which was no big deal. It just wasn't enough. I also had the grilled cabbage (that was an extra $7 dollars) that was good. Potatoes were another $7. So, $100 later for the 2 of us, we left. The food is fine. But go to Mayan, Loop 22, Harvest or Hammerheads for better food at a cheaper price.
(2)Amy G.
Hmmmm. Generally, I had a nice experience. Would I make this a regular choice on my culinary radar? No. *It is a beautifully designed space. *The basement bar area was cool, although it kinda reminded me of high school parties at my rich friends houses. *Service was good *Absolutely too loud. It wasn't even to capacity and we had to shout across the table. This is the most annoying thing about most new restaurants in this city. *Not one vegetarian entree. I am not a vegetarian, but I also don't always eat steak, pork chops, etc. The pasta is considered a "second course" and not entree size. They had one interesting veg pumpkin thing, but well, I was hungry and that was not going to cut it. On to the food...I ended up with kale brussel sprout salad. It was $12. Seriously. The salad was good. Lots of baby kale and not much brussel sprout or nuts or fruit. The concept was a good one, translation on the plate a bit rough. It is hard to eat, and I resorted to using my fingers a few times to pick up the sprigs of baby kale to bite off the leaves. I ordered the shrimp, chorizo, gigante beans entree. Man alive SAAAALLLLTTTTYYYYY. Whoa. I am puffy just typing this review and hope my blood pressure has returned to it's normal self. I expected the chorizo to be a bit salty. And don't get me wrong...this girl LOVES her salt. But, it was also the beans. The table ordered a side of beans as well, and I tried those...yes, lil salt bombs...to the point they were almost inedible. The table also ordered the roasted squash side. It was good. It was more sweet than savory. Butter was the strong winner in the squash with sweetness being second. They have a great wine list and cocktail list. They brought out the cocktail with a wood like stirrer. I asked for a straw and was informed they do not use straws for environmental reasons. I told the server that was hilarious. Shouldn't serve steak for environmental reasons, too, but it 's on the menu. I am all for green, but really? All in all, we all enjoyed ourselves. Service was fine. It isn't a place that totally wow'ed me. Would I go back? mmmmm....maybe, but only if it was a suggestion from others that wanted to meet up. It wouldn't be on my immediate list. I stared out at Mayan Cafe and thought the next time I want to drop some coin on a fancy dinner...I will go there. It's hands down one of the best restaurants in the city.
(3)T K.
Wonderful meal at the bar. Food was spot on. Friendly and super knowledgable bar staff. Really enjoyed my short stay. The bartender was an absolute pleasure. Thank you Decca!
(4)Elizabeth B.
Yep! Good! Yes! Decca is a great spot! The downstairs bar (grotto) is perfect for a happy hour or a late night drink. And sometimes they have live music which is awesome. The restaurant is huge with two floors for dining, plus this downstairs bar. Wow. My only complaint about the atmosphere is the noise. With all hardwood it can get a bit noisy in the space on a crowded night. The noise did not take away from the amazing food, though. We started with the asparagus appetizer (get it, you will not be sorry) with a great citrus cream sauce. I then had the beef cheek for dinner. An awesome meat that has the consistency of pot roast but with a super rich flavor. The sides are served family style so we went with autumn squash. I don't much care for squash typically but LOVED this. It was delightful. We then finished off the meal with a lemon poppyseed cake that was quite tasty. While this is not some place that will do for a weekly meal due to the expensive prices, it is the perfect spot for a special occasion meal or night out on the town.
(4)Richard L.
This rating is mainly for the horrendous service my group and I received. It started out fine -- the reservationist seemed more than willing to try to accommodate a fairly large group of us at a very short notice. Kudos for trying. Six of us were seated around 7:30pm. We were expecting at least 5 more to show up, and they were to be seated at a separate table right next to us. About 20 minutes go by before a server asks if they were coming because they had another reservation. We asked for a few more minutes. Another 15 minutes go by and we're asked again, at which point, we decide to give the table away. But... no other reservation ever shows up at that table. And the restaurant kept emptying up. Our question was, why so pushy??? It took ONE hour to get our entrees after we finished our appetizers. They served the wrong entrees at one point, which was fine... but they made it extremely awkward. They thought this was the downfall of the night, for some reason. Three of us ordered the Wayfinder drink... It was terrible. The server didn't notice that we didn't like the drink until I asked for something else with my drink still about 60% full. She said she would have given me something else... but never did. Hmm, weird. The server was polite, but definitely not very perceptive or observant. A colleague is vegetarian and asked for vegetarian options. She said she'd check with the chef, but listed off a few items off the menu (salads, which were appetizers, and ravioli, also a small plate). She never checked with the chef for a vegetarian entree, so my colleague ordered the ravioli. It was 4 to a plate. She said it'd be small -- but most restaurants I've ever been to offered to "up" the portion size to be entree-appropriate. There were knat flies EVERYWHERE. And nobody on the staff did anything about it. Each staff member pretended it didn't exist as we were swatting for our lives. Food overall: good. Portion sizes too small for the price. Steak was literally two slivers. It was cooked well, but came with a weird "shoestring frites" which were hard to eat. Overall, a terrible experience. I think the servers just need to be trained a little bit. They need to be more observant. ESPECIALLY with the wait time. One hour is too much. They didn't even apologize for that. Instead, they apologized (and gave 6 of us one small chocolate cake) for the wrong dishes being served (which was minor compared to everything else).
(1)Jamie B.
Made reservations online for birthday. No special table or dessert. Actually no table was even ready for us. Side dishes are huge, but entrees are very small. Not ideal for splitting a meal. Service is mediocre. Hope you don't mind sitting 6" from table next to you. Wine & cocktails are overpriced. I would not recommend this restaurant or return for dinner. Downstairs club looks cool, but drinks are expensive.
(1)Morgan Z.
I posted a rave review of this place on their facebook page. My partner and I loved our dinners. The service was excellent and the décor is amazing. Definitely check out the bar downstairs, the cocktails are great. If you're in the immediate area on East Market check out Joe Ley Antiques, hit the coffee shop across the street, and then later head to Decca. Thanks to the staff for a great evening!
(5)Myles M.
Decca never disappoints. Food quality, service, wine service, selection, ambiance are all terrific. We started with the house salad shared, plus the duck liver tureen. It was the fist time my daughter ever tried a tureen and it's always delicious. For entrees we had a pork chop done to perfection on a palenta base, New York Strip and fresh caught salmon that was also done perfectly. For desert we shared the strawberry rhubarb cobbler that was the height of the evening. We could have each had our own. We ended with espressos and a cappuccino. It was my daughter's birthday so she got a candle on the desert. I had noted this on Yelp and the restaurant responded. We try to go to Decca as often as we can when we want something special.
(5)Eye Am V.
That food was really good! 6:6 of us really like what we ordered and how it was prepared. Liked the ambiance of the older house. Liked the turntable and vinyls. Liked the 2ndary wait staff. Good stuff. Not cheap...
(5)Jennifer W.
I went to Decca on a Saturday night to grab a drink with friends. The staff was always there to open doors for us throughout our visit (they seemed to come out of nowhere!). They directed us to the bar, which was downstairs. It was a small bar with maybe 12ish seats but the actual room downstairs was a good size and had lots of comfy looking couches to sit on. My friends and I decided to take our drinks outside instead since the weather was nice (and because the crowd at the bar looked a lot more serious and older than we did). The outdoor area was awesome with lots of seating. It wasn't very crowded so we were able to get a table right away. There was a band playing, not sure who but they were good. Nice night + nice atmosphere = perfect. The food menu (and drink menu) was pretty expensive, but when you go to a place like that it is more about entertainment/experience than getting a ton of food for your money :)
(4)Rachel M.
I am behind on trying out new places- mostly cause I work in this industry and sometimes on my day off my goal is to not put on real clothes- so me and my raisin bran snuggle up on the couch for dinner.so last night I finally went to Decca. The staff was great and inviting- the music was not. It was a distraction- and it's weird that I even noticed it as I hardly ever do. We started off with some drinks- the non- cocktail section was nice- I am not a drinker but I like to have something other than water. Our server was great- the entire time. Our food was ok. :( I had the grilled romaine salad and the flavors were nice but my lettuce got really slimy. I also had the scallop appetizer and if you know me you know I love scallops- and I was not impressed. At all. The fried green tomatoes were ok but I make them better. (I am a chef so that might not be a fair statement.) So, will I go back? I am not opposed to it, but I am not excited either.
(3)Heather K.
Service was excellent. The staff was very attentive. One suggestion would be to to have black napkins available for individuals wearing dark trousers- white lint from white napkins is unacceptable when spending this kind of money for a meal. The food was underwhelming. Menu was innovative, but the food lacked in flavor and depth. I don't know if I will give it another try because there are other more exciting dining alternatives in the NuLu area.
(3)Doug D.
We went last night (2/23/13) with family to celebrate my 41st birthday, as well as take advantage of the 502 Restaurant Week deals. We had a reservation and were seated within seconds of walking in the door. We started the evening with a few of the house bourbon mixed drinks The Waysider and the Bitchy (something or other). Im not a huge fan of Bourbon but these two drinks are both awesome and a great way to start the evening. Our table did a mixture of the two offered appetizers from the 502 menu, the onion and white bean soup, and the beet salad. I personally had the onion and white bean soup with chicken fat croutons and it was delicious. My 10 month old daughter who, accompanied us for dinner, was also a huge fan of the soup. Dinner for the evening was a choice of either skirt steak or a roasted chicken. While the meats in both courses were delicious and well prepared I think the stand outs were the sides. The steak was served with sweet creamed carrots that when mixed with the chimichurri suace from the steak was out of this world. The same for the creamy polenta served with the chicken, incredible. Over all the staff were amazingly prompt and attentive. The service was exemplary and they were very accommodating of us dining with our ten month old daughter. The only thing keeping them from 5 stars was the lack of a changing table/platform in either the men's or ladies restrooms to change our daughter on prior to heading home. We are huge fans will definitely be back.
(4)Rebeka M.
We came here on a Thursday night in July for a drink. The cellar bar is pretty swanky, and the bartender with the handlebar mustache was a sweetheart. We ordered the $5 drink special, bourbon punch. It was damn delicious and a well made cocktail. Every thing else looked a little overpriced. We took our drinks up to the patio. The atmosphere was nice and a varied mix of people were there enjoying the live music. My only gripe is that it was so expensive.
(3)david l.
Without reservations on a Saturday night we were seated immediately downstairs adjacent to a girls night out table well into their evening. We couldn't hear a word between us. We moved upstairs where it was quiet, eerily quiet but nice. Service was on the slow side but attentive and friendly. Once we established we would like bread the plates were replenished many times. The bibb lettuce salad was too small to split easily between two but the mussels were plentiful to share. We passed on the entrees since they were all in the $23 to $29 level. The hit of the evening were the side plates of giant lima beans and smoked broccoli. We all shared second plates of pasta which offered a nice selection of tastes and ingrediants. Drinks were "New York" expensive with all glasses of wine $10 to $14. The bourbon selection is meager for a restaurant in Louisville with its expensive pretensions. Meager portions here as well. Good service with a very interesting and attentive staff. The patio was booked but would be the spot to be. Poor value for what you get.
(2)Jenny O.
A group of my friends and I went on a Saturday evening to celebrate a birthday. We sat on the patio, which was a great space considering it is inside of NuLu. The ambiance was great and there was a stage for some musical entertainment. It took the band a long time to set up so we didn't get to enjoy that. The drinks were pretty expensive. I ordered my usual of a glass of Malbec, which was priced at $12. The menu is pretty small. The table ordered the broccoli and lima beans to share and both were good (not fantastic, but good). The bread melted in your mouth and didn't need additional butter. I ordered the steak and my first bite was very fatty. I had several bites that were extremely fatty. When I pay $26 or $27 for a steak, I want to be able to eat it. A friend got the Walleye fish entree -- she said it tasted good but it was a very small portion. Another friend ordered the pork entree and also said it was pretty fatty. To summarize, ambiance and facility was great, waitress was awesome, food was just ok and was overpriced (along with the overpriced drinks).
(3)Tamia J.
Visited this restaurant 3 weeks ago for my birthday dinner and it was AMAZING! It was a refreshing new venue to the usual Louisville restaurant scene. I thoroughly enjoyed the Waysider signature cocktail and the beautifully ornate atmosphere that Decca offered. It was such a romantic setting to a wonderful birthday dinner. Also wanted to mention that there was a live jazz set playing as well as an additional bar in the basement. The bartender with the red handlebar mustache was lively and entertaining too. I will definitely be back again for a visit!
(5)Beth S.
This place is wonderful. The food was absolutely delicious. The service was impeccable. I came in by myself. Nathan and Lawrence took very good care of me. They also gave me information on the area. Lawrence showed me around the the building. They have private rooms for parties, a separate bar down stair(must see), and outdoor dinning. I love everything about Decca.
(5)Carl F.
Absolutely wonderful experience. Wonderful service by a very attentive, knowledgable staff. Started our evening with drinks and a starter of mussels with spiced garbanzos and a lemon aioli (everything was good, but the mussels I especially enjoyed) Mussels were perfectly prepared and the perfect beginning for our entre of braised pork cheeks (wife's choice) and the seared black grouper for me. We capped of the meal sharing a chocolate devils food cake with coffee ice cream. Decca is now one of our favorites in Louisville!
(5)Melanie K.
Multiple floor restaurant lounge with multiple experiences. When you walk into Decca you are greeted by a host in a large foyer. At this time you have an option to head to the patio, lounge, or dining area. Each area of Decca's elaborate building gives its own unique experience, so I will break them down by area. My boyfriend and I attended on a busy Friday night with another couple for our first dinner date. The lounge area is in the basement. The lounge is open a little later then the dining area to accommodate the post dinner crowd. We did not stay long in the lounge but the way it was furnished with couches and comfortably lit by candles made it very appealing. We got our first warning about the cost of the restaurant from a young Nulu 20 something explaining it was $12 for a decent glass of Chardonnay. The acoustics were enhanced by stone walls and between the bar guests, singer, and conversations it was pretty loud. We referenced this area of as the Euro experience. The Lobby/Main Floor has a open dining area, kitchen, and patio. The patio is gorgeous and fenced in. There is a large fountain running through a portion of it and I was told a stage in the back for more live music. It was still a little chilly for our April night, but never fear there is a large gas fire pit with a wrap around bench for new and current friends to huddle around while waiting for a table. We called this patio area the Midsummer experience. The second floor, which you will need an escort to get to, contains more dining tables, an addition patio, and a small room with nostalgia items. We had our dinner service on this floor. The whole seating space arrangement was perfect, no one was on top of each other, but there was a solid placing of tables. We made reservations and got sat immediately even though the restaurant was almost full. Obviously this place is aware of customer service and it's size because we waited for nothing and were attended regularly. I love restaurants were I am clearly drinking my water, but my glass is never empty, yet some how I never see it filled. I call this excellent attention to detail Ninja Service. The Food...Our group did not order complimentary bread, but I saw them baking it in sheets and cutting it up for each table. I am sure the freshly baked bread was delicious. Our group tried the mussels, five minute egg salad, and the Nicoise salad for appetizers. The mussels were amazing and had some type of citrus sauce. The salads were delicious, but price wise should have been cut in half. Portions are side salad size but cost is full salad size. Really $12 for an egg and croutons... For drinks the menu has a full choice of cocktail, wine, and beer. As a motto we always try for a perfect check and we each got different drinks that were well suited for us. For dinner we had Beef Cheek that melted in your mouth, the Shitake Mushroom Pasta that was well textured, and Shrimp and Chorizo which is one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. I am not certain how they got their beans on the Shrimp and Chorizo so moist and flavorful, but I will be back again to have this savory dish! For dessert the table shared the chocolate cake and stated even the small slice was rich enough to satisfy there taste buds. We called this experience Dantes' Paradiso. When the bill came we were dismayed at the cost. We were not shocked, because the prices are clearly listed, but this is definitely not going to be a restaurant that everyone can attend regularly. However, this restaurant has sunk in the personnel, the atmosphere, the square feet, and above else the menu to demand a solid price. If you get what you pay for then at Decca you get it all, we call this experience having your cake and eating it too.
(4)Jamie C.
I'll give this place one more try but my group of 7 had a very bad experience here, service-wise. The food, however, was awesome. But since my husband and I's bill was 160 bucks just for the two of us, and the serivce was terrible, it gave us a pretty bad taste in our mouths and it's plain unacceptable when we're spending that kind of money and we were entertaining from friends from NYC. Our very expensive leftover food was thrown away, there was some rudeness going on, reservations were screwed up, 45 minutes for our drinks which came AFTER dinner was finished, once our food was served we were totally forgotten about, and apparently the server thought we skipped out on the bill when asking where we were to our friends and we were outside smoking and the whole rest of our party was still at the table. I know this a new place but that is not ok ever when you pay that kind of money for dinner. Maybe some better training should have taken place. Like I said earlier though, the food is awesome. But I've also heard from others, if you want rude service, go to Decca. I'll maybe try it, one more time for a second chance. We could have had a much finer experince at Proof or Jack Fry's with IMPECCABLE service for the same amount of money.
(2)Jesse B.
We went for a last minute dinner on a Tuesday night. Made reservations through Opentable on the way to the restaurant. When we walked in the door, the host's reaction made it seem like they had been expecting us for weeks. We were seated at a small two top in the first dining room on the second floor. The whole space was very nicely and simply decorated, with just a few pieces of art tastefully arranged on the subtle off-white walls. My only criticism on the the design of the space would probably be the art itself, which was modern in an amateurish and pandering way, but I usually get shushed for being too critical of small details like this, so it is unlikely that most diners would even notice it. Service was very prompt and attentive in spite of the fact that our server was also handling an eight-top birthday party with an infant and small child right next to us. Waters were brought promptly and drink order was taken and filled with the same speed. We ordered mussels, duck liver, and quail to start with. The mussels were an interesting take on moules frites, which would have worked better if the four peppercorns were more apparent in the broth. Also, the aioli was a little out of place and stiff enough that you could only scoop it up with the crispy potato coins. If you tried to use the mussels, you'd just end up rolling the whole dollop around the plate. The quail was perfectly cooked, which can be easy to overdo with such a small, lean bird, but everything on the plate was seasoned so sparingly that there just wasn't much flavor, which is not what I had expected from a dish with a caramelized fennel puree as a major component. While both of those two dishes were OK but not great, the duck liver terrine was excellent: the cherry mostarda and pickled vegetables were perfect accoutrement and while I'm sure the staff is inundated with requests for extra bread, I would implore you to go with the provided number of slices. The quality of the bread is excellent, but too much of it would obscure the flavor and texture of the terrine, which as I said before, was well nigh perfect. For our pasta course, we had the pappardelle with lamb sugo and the spaghettini with sea urchin and fresh peas. From looking at the menu beforehand, we already knew we wanted the spaghettini as we are both big sea urchin fans. This dish was everything I had wanted it to be. Rich and creamy with nice sweetness from the spring peas and a briny depth from the urchin. The only possible drawback would be that there was a little more fat than the pasta could handle and it left a small pool of oil in the bottom of the bowl, which I personally wouldn't even count as a criticism in a dish with an ingredient as rich as sea urchin. Our server recommended the pappardelle for our second pasta on the merits of the sugo. The braised lamb was extremely tender and perfectly season, the preserved lemon was assertive without being overwhelming and provided a nice acidic brightness, and the pappardelle itself was among the best fresh pasta I've ever had. We chose the white shrimp a la plancha and the slow braised beef cheek for our main courses, both of which were excellent. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the chorizo, gigante beans, and chermoula could not have worked any better together than they did in this dish. The beef cheek was also excellent, just barely fork tender and with the beefy buttery quality I usually associate with this dish balance with a touch of spice and acidity from the horseradish creme fraiche. The watercress was a nice accompaniment, but was a little light and didn't provide the starchy vehicle for sauce and shredded meat that I usually like with a braised dish of this kind. We had anticipated that from the menu description and had ordered a side of polenta with our mains to fill that gap, but in the only real service misstep of the evening, our polenta never arrived and by that point we had consumed enough food that we weren't really missing it enough to remind our server we had asked for it when we made our initial order. Fortunately, our missing starch and the leisurely pace we afforded ourselves (and the staff did a great job of not rushing) for the meal allowed us to convince ourselves we had room for coffee and one dessert. Both the coffee and espresso (available only in double shots, which most people with barista experience in restaurants will know is a good sign) were excellent and the devil's food cake with coffee ice cream and meringues was a very good accompaniment to them. The meringues were of the delicate crispy kind and were served almost like a light candy garnish to the dish. The coffee ice cream had a very strong, very well defined coffee flavor that went well with the rich chocolate flavor of the cake. All in all, one of the best meals we've had in Louisville in a long time.
(4)Kane K.
My husband and I were in town for Thunder and we picked this place to try after reading about it in Food and Wine. Being from NYC, I guess you can say we have a high bar of standard and we don't like to make excuses such as "well, considering this restaurant is in X, the food was good". We took my MIL as well and we were seated promptly even though we were about 15 minutes early. The decor as industrial/light. No bulky furniture or tables. I loved the bar area. Service was curteous and prompt. I ordered a Ladybird cocktail to start, and then another, and then stayed on an Oregon rose. We ordered the duck terrine, kale salad, and spaghettini with clams to share. It was all good. My MIL loved the spaghettini. For my main course, I ordered the lamb, my MIL ordered scallops, and my husband ordered the pork cheeks. The pork melted in your mouth. My lamb was good but it was sinewy and a bit tough to cut and eat (which is why my rating isnt 5 stars). I have to say that everything was PERFECTLY seasoned. Nothing left us saying "it could have used more salt" or the opposite. The noise level can get a bit loud but I would definitely enjoy coming here again when I am in town.
(4)Robyn S.
I really liked Decca a lot. I went there with a friend for dinner. The food was fresh, the service attentive, and the decor really interesting - lots of architectural salvage. Good, clean, pleasant and I'd happily return.
(5)David M.
Food was amazing - there were four of us. Scallops, pork check, pork chop, and another fish entry plus chocolate mousse for dessert.. Highly recommend!
(5)Wendy F.
Great food, great ambiance, great staff. Went with a friend of mine last week: we decided that to get to taste as much of the menu as possible, we would split 4 courses, which was more than enough food - as tempting as the panna cotta sounded, by the time dessert rolled around, we were stuffed. (ultimately though, ordering the panna cotta was a good decision!) We each started with a cocktail: mine was good, but forgettable, hers is no longer on the menu. Mussels were superb (and I'm not big on seafood) They are served with small, fried potato medallions & a light aioli; the broth was delicious to dip their house bread in. Cavatelli was also great, but now that I've tried it, I'd probably go with something else over a $12, small-portion pasta dish. The beef cheek was out of this world: unbelievably tender. Checked out the lounge downstairs: perfect date setting. Went upstairs to see the lovely private dining room & soon-to-be-open upstairs patio seating. Can't wait for their gorgeous ground-level patio to open!
(5)Plastic Palace A.
Note: this is a review for a slow Monday night. My hotel suggested this place. Dining alone. Not the warmest welcome (more like "Dining alone? That's sad") whatever hipster hostess. Real nice room jazz band downstairs piped into the restaurant made for a nice vibe. Salad: mustard greens, peanut brittle, etc. v tasty. Biggest disappointment was the seared black cod. Room temperature, rubbery not flakey. Nothing else on the plate really helped (roasted grapes, carmalized cauliflower, I swear I think this was a leftover they were keeping warm. ) all sounded good on paper. Very meh on the plate. Veggie gratin side VERY salty. And I like me some cheesy and salty but this was ridiculous. Could only get through half the cod. Ordered pumpkin agnolotti to try and salvage the meal. Now, as slight as it was, that was a winner. But as all the other guests left and I was last person in the dining room, I did feel like an afterthought. Very average service. Very "let's get this guy out of here so we can go home." check just slapped down, no "thank you", no nothing. I spent a nice chunk of change and left regretting my decision to dine here. Maybe an off night. Maybe you really need to order the meat. Whatever. I went down to Rye for a drink and the place was still humming. Should have eaten at Rye!!! Felt it would have been a more complete experience. Ate solo at proof the night before and had a 5-star experience. And with only two nights in town, I'll be kicking myself for wasting one of them here.
(2)Nj B.
The food was amazing and the atmosphere was so relaxed and modern. The garden dinning was so beautiful and romantic and the basement grotto was so unique and intricate! Probably the best date spot in Louisville..... Did I mention the food was exquisite ?
(5)Brian M.
Instant four stars for any restaurant bar that has a proper Absinthe pour! Yes, it got weird on a Wednesday night!
(4)Lara S.
Disappointing. I feel like they are trying too hard with the food. Building was awesome! I love the library inside the restaurant.
(2)M R.
Decca is probably the best place for fine dining in Louisville. I've been a few times (I wish I could afford to go more often) and the food has always been superb. The starters are always interesting and flavorful (my favorite was the quail which I wish they would bring back). Probably my favorite dishes are the pasta ones. This area though, is why I give the restaurant four stars instead of five. The taste is five star, but the portions for the pasta dishes are very, very small. The servers always say that the pastas are more of a middle and not a main dish. I do not understand why they don't make it a main dish! I wish there were the option, as there is in many Italian restaurants, to pay more for a full pasta portion, which I would be more than willing to do. If you get a starter, pasta, AND main dish, then it is a bit too much both in food and in expense. Yet if you get a starter and a pasta only, you will leave hungry. So my suggestion for Decca management is to offer the pasta as a main dish! The restaurant is also VERY loud (a problem for most NULU restaurants - I do not understand why they don't invest in sounding deadening materials) so it is preferable to eat on the terrace or balcony. This space is amazing though. In warm weather, it is so pleasant!
(4)