News Summary
A new upscale steakhouse named Ember is set to open in downtown Lexington at 101 W. Main St. in late May 2025. The team behind Ember, including well-known restaurateurs, aims to elevate the dining experience with expertly aged steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and a curated wine selection. The cozy yet upscale atmosphere is designed for memorable dining occasions, complemented by ongoing renovations. Ember will be a significant addition to Lexington’s growing food scene and is seeking to hire talented staff ahead of its opening.
Exciting News for Food Lovers: New Steakhouse Ember Coming to Downtown Lexington
Attention, Lexington residents! A new upscale steakhouse, Ember, is gearing up to make its grand entrance in the heart of downtown. With an anticipated opening date set for late May 2025, this culinary hot spot is sure to ignite your taste buds and tantalize your senses!
Prime Location for a Culinary Gem
Located at 101 W. Main St., right at the bustling corner of W. Main and Church streets, Ember will take over the space formerly occupied by Alodia’s Italian restaurant, which bid farewell in April 2024. This prime location is perfect for both locals and visitors looking to indulge in a remarkable dining experience.
Meet the Team Behind Ember
Behind this exciting new venture are some well-known names in the restaurant world. The trio of restaurateurs from the Midlands, including Steve Cook, Joe Walker III, and Ryan Jones, are passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences. Cook is already famous for his esteemed fine dining establishments like Saluda’s and Arroyo in Five Points, while Walker brings experience as a former Richland County Councilman and franchisee of popular chains Marco’s Pizza and Scooter’s Coffee. Rounding out the team, Jones has honed his skills as the former general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia.
An Experience Like No Other
At Ember, the vision is clear: a steakhouse should be more than just a meal; it should be an experience that lingers long after the last bite. The restaurant will prioritize using seasonal ingredients, combining classic cooking techniques with a commitment to sourcing with integrity. Guests can look forward to a menu brimming with expertly aged, hand-cut steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and delightful house-made pastas. A thoughtfully curated selection of wines will provide the perfect accompaniment to every dish, with offerings that include everything from elegant sparkling options to robust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
A Cozy Yet Upscale Atmosphere
Renovations are currently underway at the Ember location, and the talented team from Boyer Construction is pulling out all the stops to create a welcoming yet sophisticated ambiance. The interior design will feature moody and warm elements combined with stylish mixed metals, setting the stage for an upscale yet comfortable dining atmosphere.
Guests can also expect both private and semi-private dining areas, making it an ideal spot for special occasions, celebrations, or intimate gatherings with loved ones. One striking feature will be the exquisite wine cellar that will serve as a centerpiece, offering a plethora of wines by the glass.
A Growing Dining Scene in Downtown Lexington
The opening of Ember is timely, as downtown Lexington continues to thrive with a vibrant scene of restaurants, bars, and shops. With beloved establishments like O’Hara’s Public House and Keg Cowboy nearby, Ember is set to complement the evolving culinary landscape of this charming city, catering to the growing dining needs of residents and visitors alike.
Join the Ember Team!
As excitement builds leading up to its opening, Ember is also looking to hire talented staff to join their team. Interested individuals can apply for various positions through the Ember website, emberlexington.com, and potentially become a part of creating something truly special in downtown Lexington.
So mark your calendars and keep your appetite ready for when Ember opens its doors in May 2025. This is sure to be a spot you’ll want to visit time and time again, and who knows—maybe you’ll find your new favorite steak or pasta dish while you’re at it!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Hotel Planned for Downtown Lexington, SC
New Courtyard by Marriott Hotel to Enhance Downtown Lexington
Columbia Addresses Water Quality Issue Amid High Chlorite Levels
Mediterranean Café Wins Fresh on the Menu Award in Lexington
New Hotel and Steakhouse Planned for Downtown Lexington, S.C.
Lexington County Celebrates 250 Years of Revolutionary History
Columbia’s Evolving Dining Landscape
DNR Enhances Fish Habitats in Lake Murray
Columbia Faces Water Service Disruptions This Weekend
New Hotel and Restaurants Set to Open in Lexington, S.C. by 2025
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily
- Wikipedia: Steakhouse
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Ember restaurant Lexington
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Steak restaurants Lexington
- AOL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steakhouse
- The State
- Google News: new steakhouse Downtown Lexington

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


