— Best Food Shop
- And the winner is...
- Paul’s Fruit Market
The Basics
Opened: 1945
Neighborhood: Multiple locations, including St. Matthews and Middletown
Self-description: “Paul’s Markets have roots in the Louisville area that extend back to the early farm-to-market days of the 1890s.”
Website: paulsfruit.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 5
Total wins: 4
First win: 1991, Best Produce Market
Also won: 2017, Best Place to Buy Fresh FruitThe Voting Academy Says
“Their deli is wonderful, and I’m pretty certain my children would starve without their banana bread.”
- And the other nominees are...
- Highland Fish Market
The Basics
Opened: 1995
Neighborhood: Multiple locations, including Middletown and Lori’s in St. Matthews
Self-description: “From catfish to clams, from salmon to swordfish.”
Website: highlandfish.com, lorisfish.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“I often request two six- or seven-ounce pieces of Verlasso salmon with the skin removed or two seven-ounce pieces of halibut cut in the same approximate thickness for ease in preparation. Who does that? They do, with nary a complaint or raised eyebrow. The market also offers various seasonings, olive oils and frozen items, and if you need an ice pack, no problem. Way better than Whole Foods, which used to be good until bought by Bezos.”
- Lotsa Pasta
The Basics
Opened: 1982 (current location since the early 1990s)
Neighborhood: St. Matthews
Self-description: “The best food the world has to offer: pastas, breads, cheeses, meats, oils, spices, olives, peppers, chutneys, salsas, rices, capers, tomatoes….”
Website: lotsapastalouisville.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 12
Total wins: 4
First wins: 1994, Best Pasta, Best Specialty Food
Also won: 1999, Best Most Authentic New Orleans MuffulettaThe Voting Academy Says
“Much of what they sell is rarely or never seen anywhere else in the area.”
- Rainbow Blossom
The Basics
Opened: 1977
Neighborhood: Multiple locations, including St. Matthews, Springhurst and the Highlands
Self-description: “We guarantee our foods are free of synthetic preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.”
Website: rainbowblossom.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 11
Total wins: 3
First nomination: 1994, Best Vegetarian Food
Also nominated: 2007, Best Take-Out Salad Bar
Past win: 2000, Best Health-Food StoreThe Voting Academy Says
“SUPER fresh.”
- ValuMarket
The Basics
Opened: 1978
Neighborhood: Multiple locations, including Iroquois and the Highlands
Self-description: “Louisville’s neighborhood grocery store. We live here in your community.”
Website: valumarket.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 6
Total wins: 2
First nomination: 1986, the inaugural Best of Louisville, Best Grocery
Past win: 2016, Best “Attention, Shoppers!”The Voting Academy Says
“I discovered the Highlands ValuMarket killing time before a movie and was amazed at the inventory.”