CURED Restaurant — Restaurant in Louisville

Last night, my wife and I decided to dine at CURED Restaurant & Salumeria, a modern eatery with a European flair, nestled in the NuLu area of Louisville. Walking in, the ambience was like a fresh slice of prosciutto - simply divine. With a bar that made us feel right at home, leather chairs that embraced us like a warm hug, and tables set just the right distance apart - the setting was primed for a five-star experience.

The service was the cherry on top of this charcuterie board, with the hostess and our server being the epitome of kindness and helpfulness. The menu read like a dream of the Old World, and the cocktails mixed up a storm of flavor. A tip of the hat to the lavender gin and tonic - it really raised the 'bar'.

However, the appetizer round had us feeling like we'd ordered a missing platter - our first choice was unavailable, leading us to the recommended Spanish Burgers. Here's where the meal started to feel a bit... cured. My wife's burger had an irony twist that didn't sit well, and the gamey notes of the house-cured chorizo hit my palate with more force than finesse. The texture? Let's just say it was a 'rare' miss in the 'medium' of expectations - it was undercooked. fortunately, the sweet potato fries came to the rescue, and inspired us to try some entrees.

Moving on to the main course, the carbonara's sauce was broken and the cassoulette, sadly, left us with a less than 'bean-tastic' impression, with a scarcity of beans that had us questioning the recipe. It was with heavy hearts and heavier stomachs that we signaled for the check, feeling a sick to our stomachs under the weather after the culinary storm.

In a gesture that was meant to be as smoothing as finely sliced lardo, they attempted to call the owner regarding our Cassoulette conundrum, but alas, our unsettled tummies couldn't weather that wait.

In short, CURED is a restaurant with all the right ingredients - stunning interior, top-notch staff, and a concept that could easily cure any culinary boredom in Louisville. While I usually relish my cured meats like a fine wine, the chorizo and Cassoulette left us wanting.

I'd still recommend swinging by for one of their killer cocktails and a nibble on an appetizer - let your own taste buds decide. Just maybe steer clear of the more adventurous meats until they've had a bit more time...

CURED Restaurant & Salumeria is an elegant and high-end establishment that promises an exceptional dining experience, and it truly delivers on that promise. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance and atmosphere exuded sophistication and polish, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

The service we received was nothing short of exceptional. Our server was not only attentive but also remarkably knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant's offerings. They guided us through our dining experience with grace, answering any questions we had and making recommendations that perfectly complemented our evening.

For our appetizers, we couldn't resist trying the empanadas and the charcutier board. The latter was a revelation, a meat-lover's dream. It was undeniably heavy on the meat side, which is entirely expected from a place that cures their own ham and sources their products locally. Each slice of cured meat on the board was a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the chefs at CURED. The flavors were rich and distinct, making it impossible for us to resist devouring the entire board.

While the menu at CURED is not extensive, it's important to note that there are multiple pork options that prominently feature the ham cured in-house. This focus on quality and the art of curing is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to their craft. For those who appreciate the nuance of cured meats, CURED Restaurant & Salumeria is a must-visit.

In terms of pricing, it's fair to say that CURED leans on the high side. However, the elegance and atmosphere of the place more than justify the cost. Dining here is not just a meal; it's an experience, and the attention to detail in both the cuisine and the ambiance makes it worth the investment.

In conclusion, CURED Restaurant & Salumeria offers a dining experience that is both refined and indulgent. The ambiance is elegant, the service exceptional, and the cured meats a true delicacy. While it may not be an everyday dining spot due to the pricing, it's certainly a place to consider for special occasions or when you're in the mood for a truly elevated...

Not a bug review guy but cannot let folks come here if my experience was normal… I was so excited to go with my fiancé for our anniversary. My fiancé made reservations a week ago, mind you. When we arrive and say we have a reservation we are met with “oh… we don’t have any tables left. Can you sit at the bar?” Which we are not picky on placement but definitely off putting with making a reservation that early. We aren’t allowed to sit before menus are handed to us but the menus are thrown on the bar top and the hostess walks off…. Again, not a big deal but a lot of things added up to make me even consider a review. After this, we were met with a 10-15 minute wait on a drink order for a 6 top bar. It was busy BUT the restaurant is priced out to be one of higher service standards, in my opinion. We finally ordered our food where we got the prosciutto montaditos that was absolutely the most bland food I have ever had….. zero flavor, freezing cold, and proportions made no sense in my mind. When our dinner came out, my fiancés arrived 5 minutes before mine. Again, not a big deal but we both wait for each others food to arrive so that is a personal thing too but just doesn’t make sense as a former service industry employee myself. The salad had so much vinegar on it that we couldn’t even get past the first bite. The mashed potatoes felt like they were the microwaveable bob Evan’s from Kroger (college life lol😂). The carbonara al dente was so undercooked it was crunchy…..

All this to say: I really really hope this was an off night. I, by no means, am aiming to stifle business here because the set up and potential of this spot is sooooo high. I am just disappointed in spending $137 for something that started on the wrong foot and kept going down hill. I genuinely hope this helps improve others experiences because this menu is right up my alley but it was not what the prices reflect for the reviews reflect, SO let’s hope this was...