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National Exemplar, Cincinnati, OH

National Exemplar

4.6 (1938)
$30 and under
American
6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 23 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
The National Exemplar, located on the first floor of the Mariemont Inn, is a popular neighborhood restaurant. It offers American-style cuisine in its spacious dining room or relaxing outdoor patio. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the National Exemplar offers an outstanding experience.

Southerby’s Pub, located off the lobby, offers dining as well as a cozy place to have a drink and features oversized chairs overlooking one of the original 1920’s fireplaces. In the evening settle down in an over-stuffed sofa and savor a drink with the locals in this intimate lobby pub.

In April of 1983, The National Exemplar began operation in the Mariemont, Ohio landmark, the Mariemont Inn. The Inn was constructed in the mid-1920's as a small piece of the very unique Mariemont community, founded by Mary Emery. The National Exemplar Restaurant was named after learning that Mary Emery once referred to her developing community as the National Exemplar, meaning national model community.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ed P.
  • Catering
    Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
  • Private party facilities
    We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.
  • Neighborhood
    Mariemont
  • Cross street
    Plainville Road
  • Parking details
    Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
  • Entertainment
    Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 1,938 people are saying

National Exemplar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
National Exemplar delights with "excellent food and outstanding service." The diverse menu offers standout dishes like "prime rib" and "Hungarian mushroom soup," complemented by a cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. Frequent diners praise the "fantastic" experience, making it a "go-to" spot for special occasions and regular visits alike.
1,938 Reviews
  1. Dan

    Cincinnati / Dayton1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I loved my filet medium rare, and it was done to perfection!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Miho

    Cincinnati / Dayton8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The dinner were fabulous. They deviled them for us to pick easy. It was a friend birthday party and they gave us a pretty board on the table.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Gordon

    Austin4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter was excellent. The Hungarian Soup is to die for.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robert

    Cincinnati / Dayton30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love your oyster night....food is terrific...Your long time hostess is the very best..always goes out of her way to check on everything...wow can't say enough..we send everybody we know to your establishment...keep up the good work...Jerry McCabe

    Is this helpful?

  5. Roy

    Cincinnati / Dayton2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    This is the 2nd time with this particular server and both times it has been slow, and she is not very accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lydia

    Cincinnati / Dayton3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely spot with an extensive menu and impeccable service

    Is this helpful?

  7. Erin

    New York City2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Branzino was overcooked and under seasoned. Couscous was ok. Prime rib was under par. Over all, the food seemed like it spent a good deal of time under a heating lamp. Service was lovely and charcuterie board (which came out about 20 seconds before our entrees) was absolutely delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  8. JamesS

    South Carolina5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    a very reliable restaurant for good food in pleasant surroundings without lots of noise. Con versions can be comfortable.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Frank VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton274 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The prime rib entree is excellent, a very generous serving of meat with 2 delicious sides.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lisa VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton179 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very enjoyable evening...2 had the salmon and highly recommend..cooked pefectly and nice sized portion. The chicken was delicious but the season risotto was just OK...had very large tough wild mushrooms in it..not the best I've ever had....The mushroom soup is delicious..it came out lukewarm but the quickly remedied that with hot soup...will definitely go back...just wishing they had a few more menu options.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

National Exemplar does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. National Exemplar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 271-2103.

National Exemplar is rated 4.6 stars by 1938 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Cincinnati / Dayton
  4. Cincinnati
  5. Mariemont

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
Google Map for National Exemplar

6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Plainville Road
  • Neighborhood
    Mariemont
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ed P.
  • Entertainment
    Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
  • Private party facilities
    We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.
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