Best Restaurants in Cincinnati

Cincinnati boasts a vibrant dining scene with various dining concepts dotted throughout the city. The city was best known for its beer culture, featuring over 36 breweries dating to 1860 before the Prohibition period. Nevertheless, the city still features a few microbreweries and restaurants that have sprung up over the last decade. Regardless of their dining needs, diners can always find a befitting restaurant in the city, from sophisticated, upscale establishments to simple neighborhood restaurants. Also, the city offers globally inspired cuisines with flavors from all over the world, including Italian, French, Greek, Japanese, and American specialties. This article highlights 28 of the best restaurants in Cincinnati.

The OpenTable Team

27 Restaurants

Updated January 18, 2022

Restaurants:	Alfio's buon cibo, Artemis Mediterranean Bistro, Bakersfield - OTR…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Mediterranean, American…
Neighborhoods:	Hyde Park, Montgomery, Over the Rhine…

Alfio's buon cibo

$$$$

Italian

Hyde Park

4.9

2673 reviews

It is unexpected to find a restaurant that blends Argentine and Italian cuisines in Cincinnati; however, Alfio's Buon Cibo has managed to do just that since its debut in 2016. Nestled in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Alfio's Buon Cibo serves contemporary Italian flavors with Argentine twists. The restaurant is named after chef Alfio Gulisano, who draws inspiration from his Italian roots and upbringing in Argentina. Alfio's offers a vast menu featuring fresh seafood, house-made pasta, creative desserts, signature entrees, short rib ravioli, and chicken marsala. Also, the restaurant provides a chic, laidback yet welcoming atmosphere, including vibrant mustard walls, paintings of Mediterranean houses, and dark wood furniture, ideal for a remarkable dining experience. Moreover, the restaurant has a comprehensive drinks menu, offering fine Italian wine labels, curated cocktails, and beer. The restaurant boasts several awards and recognition from national publications, such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce "Community Award" in 2015.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Artemis Mediterranean Bistro

$$$$

Mediterranean

Montgomery

4.8

322 reviews

Tucked off the beaten path but nestled in the heart of the Montgomery neighborhood is Artemis Mediterranean Bistro, a chic Turkish-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is restaurateur Mehmet Coskun's dining concept debuted in 2019, serving fusion-influenced Mediterranean fair, including Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek flavors. Artemis is helmed by Coskun and his wife, Serpil Gunduz, Turkish natives who boast over 50 years of experience in the culinary scene. The two blend their Istanbul heritage and rich culinary experience to provide inventive Middle Eastern specialties. Diners can try out the restaurant's local favorites, such as Lamb Chops, Baklava, and Lamb Shish Kebab. Also, the restaurant provides vegan and child-friendly options fitting every palate. Moreover, Artemis boasts an upscale full-service bar, featuring an extensive selection of drinks to complement its dishes, including beers, cocktails, and wine lists. Artemis features a warm, welcoming atmosphere, including ambient dining spaces with dim hanging light fixtures, cool blue and cream hues, and a sleek wooden finish.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bakersfield - OTR

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.8

582 reviews

Bakersfield OTR is a chic neighborhood bar serving inventive Mexican flavors. The dining concept is influenced by Bakersfield, a modest agricultural town influenced by rich Mexican culture. Bakersfield OTR offers a vast menu specializing in Mexican-inspired street fare, including over 100 tequilas, tacos, and whiskeys. The Mexi-Cali bar has been a staple in the Cincinnati dining scene since its debut in 2013, helmed by two brothers, Joe and John Lanni. Also, Bakersfield OTR boasts an ambient, chic yet welcoming atmosphere, featuring a rustic wooden finish with hanging light fixtures and a glass cowboy boot filled with beer that pays homage to the Bakersfield country heritage.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BOCA

$$$$

Contemporary European

Central Business District

4.9

4782 reviews

Nestled in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, BOCA is a chic trattoria concept that debuted in 2012. The restaurant is restauranteur and chef David Falk's homage to Europe, blending classic Italian and French flavors with contemporary American styling to offer a remarkable dining experience. BOCA provides a sophisticated and warm setting with a sleek wooden finish, lovely chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing ample natural light during the day. The restaurant features a vast, chef-inspired menu specializing in prime steak, and fresh seafood, influenced by locally sourced farm-to-plate ingredients. Moreover, Boca serves vegetarian and gluten-free options, ideal for allergic and vegan diners. BOCA has a wide selection of drinks to complement the inventive dishes, including fine wines, curated cocktails, and beers. The restaurant boasts a fair share of accolades and recognition by reputable national publications, such as featuring in OpenTable's "Top 100 Restaurants in the United States."

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Carlo & Johnny

$$$$

Steakhouse

Montgomery

4.9

7309 reviews

Carlo & Johnny restaurant is Jeff Ruby's steakhouse concept serving inventive Italian delicacies. The restaurant is nestled in a historic 1930 building in the Montgomery neighborhood that once served as a stagecoach casino and illegal gambling casino. The restaurant pays homage to two officers involved in the controversial raid at the casino in 1949. Upon entering the restaurant, diners are greeted by an ambient atmosphere which antique décor and rustic touch, which evokes an old-style Chicago backroom feel. The restaurant specializes in USDA-prime dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and classic Italian sides. To complement the diverse menu at the restaurant is a bar with a wide range of drinks, impeccable service, and exciting live music.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Crown Republic - Gastropub

$$$$

American

Cincinnati

4.7

1013 reviews

Since its debut in 2018, Crown Republic – Gastropub has been offering American Gastro cuisines at the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The restaurant is a dining concept by four buddies who met at Johnson and Wales, a culinary school in Providence. Also, Crown Republic features a vast, diverse menu helmed by chef Anthony Sitek, who uses fresh ingredients and in-house delicacies. Diners can try out the best sellers and local favorites at the restaurant, such as Crab Avocado Toast and Farro Salad. Moreover, the restaurant offers a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, beers, and wines, to complete a remarkable dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Al-Posto Italian Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

Hyde Park

4.6

20 reviews

Dear Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant helmed by Cincinnati natives Ashely and Austin Heidt which debuted in 2020. The restaurant is nestled in the Hyde Park neighborhood and serves contemporary American cuisine inspired by chef Brian Young. The restaurant's dishes are influenced by seasonal locally sourced ingredients, creating inventive flavors, including salmon, pork belly chop, and, truffled chicken cushion. Also, Dear Restaurant provides a comprehensive sommelier-curated wine list and cocktails to complement the specialties. The butchery section of the restaurant offers fresh meat cuts, including pork, chicken, high-quality beef, and local lamb.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Forno Osteria & Bar Montgomery

$$$$

Italian

Montgomery

4.7

1116 reviews

Forno Osteria is restaurateur and chef Cristian Pietoso's dining concept that debuted in 2018. Nestled in the heart of the Olde Montgomery neighborhood, the restaurant offers inventive classic Italian dishes inspired by Pietoso's upbringing in Italy and professional expertise. Forno boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere with a rustic finish and a vintage Italian wood-burning oven highlighting the interior space. Diners can savor the restaurant's local favorite specialties at the chef's table, such as gnocchi, tagliatelle bolognese, and octopus. Also, the restaurant boasts an extensive selection of drinks to accompany the savory dishes, including craft cocktails and fine wines.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Ghost Baby

$$$$

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Over the Rhine

4.6

789 reviews

The Ghost Baby is a quirky bar tucked in an underground tunnel in the Over the Rhine neighborhood initially used by the Cincinnati brewing company to cool and age beer. The bar, helmed by Josh Heuser, exploits the city's iconic brewing heritage, creating a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience in Cincinnati. Ghost Baby maintains the vintage feel of the tunnel structure, with rustic décor, high ceilings and arches, lovely drapes, and sleek chandeliers. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, from craft beers to curated cocktails and wines, ideal for a remarkably intimate experience adorned by live music.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Goose & Elder

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.7

627 reviews

Goose & Elder is a casual American dining concept by chef Jose Salazar serving inventive contemporary American comfort food in historic Findlay Market. The restaurant opened its doors in 2019, providing a warm, inviting setting featuring a mid-century modern and rustic design, an ambient retro bar, and a scenic sidewalk patio. Goose & Elder offers brunch, lunch, and dinner servings, with a diverse, seasonal market-driven menu which emphasizes fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients. Some of the popular dishes at the restaurant include Duck Leg Confit, Veggie Burger, and Cheese Burger.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grand Finale Restaurant

$$$$

Steakhouse

Glendale

4.5

2453 reviews

Grand Finale is Larry and Cindy Youse's dining concept that has graced the Cincinnati culinary scene since 1975. The restaurant is nestled in a historic Victorian building in the Glendale neighborhood, offering a vintage charm. Also, Grand Finale serves inventive steakhouse specialties, French-inspired crepes, and an extensive selection of signature desserts. The restaurant provides a wide range of beverages, and a chic yet inviting ambiance, completing a memorable dining experience.

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Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Cincinnati

$$$$

Steak

Central Business District

4.8

6810 reviews

Named after its owner, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse is a 1999 debutant serving inventive classic steakhouse cuisine alongside fresh seafood. The restaurant offers a vast menu, helmed by chef Dylan Jones, offering quality aged beef cuts, with signature specialties such as ribeye steak and Wagyu beef. Also, the restaurant boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere combined with nightly live music and quality service, creating a memorable dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Losanti

$$$$

Steakhouse

Over the Rhine

4.8

1594 reviews

Launched in 2019, Losanti is a boutique steakhouse serving savory treats in the Over the Rhine neighborhood. The restaurant boasts an elegant, welcoming atmosphere, offering a modern twist to the typical white-tablecloth concept, a unique blend of rustic industrial décor and cool color hues. Losanti provides a vast menu steered by chef and co-owner Anthony Sitek, specializing in inventively charred prime steaks and chops. Also, the restaurant serves vegan and gluten-free dishes, fitting even the pickiest diner. Losanti features a cocktail program that focuses on classic cocktails and good execution, accompanying its delectable meals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Louvino Cincinnati OTR

$$$$

Southern

Over the Rhine

4.5

626 reviews

Louvino is a Louisville-based restaurant by Chad and Lauren Coulters nestled in the Over the Rhine neighborhood. The restaurant is helmed by chef Sarah Rockwell, a Cincinnati native, and serves inventive Southern-inspired tapas. Also, the 2018 debutant offers a wide selection of premium wines by the glass, allowing diners to savor obscure wines typically sold by the bottle. Louvino boasts a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance with a rustic touch and tranquil outdoor patio, ideal for a relaxing dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Mita's

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Cincinnati

4.9

2391 reviews

In 2015, chef Jose Salazar, a New York Restaurant School graduate, debuted his culinary concept Mita's in downtown Cincinnati. The Spanish-inspired restaurant is named after Salazar's Columbian grandmother, Mita. The cuisine at Mita's is as stunning as the dining room's striking yet welcoming atmosphere, which features a sleek, warm wooden finish, soft lighting, and flanked by massive floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic street views. Mita's provides a diverse, fresh ingredient-inspired menu, focusing on contemporary Spanish and Latin American flavors. Diners can savor the local favorite dishes at the restaurant, including Ceviche de Dia, Tostones y Guacamole, and Patatas Bravas.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Oriental Wok - Cincinnati

$$$$

Chinese

Cincinnati

4.7

994 reviews

Oriental Wok is a family-owned Chinese restaurant tucked in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Since its debut in 1977, the restaurant owned by the Wong family has been a local favorite for inventive Chinese classics. The restaurant boasts an ambient, welcoming atmosphere, featuring classic Chinese furnishing, red-themed dining spaces, and traditional Chinese art, paying homage to the owners' Chinese roots and heritage. Oriental Wok offers a vast, 10-course menu helmed by executive Guy Burgess, providing savory Chinese-inspired specialties for every palate, including vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant has a comprehensive drinks list with beers, wines, and cocktails to complement the meals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pepp & Dolores

$$$$

Italian

Over the Rhine

4.9

2674 reviews

Nestled in the Over the Rhine neighborhood, Pepp & Dolores is a casual Italian restaurant that debuted in 2019. The restaurant is a tribute to family Sunday dinners at co-founders Joe and John Lanni's grandparents' house, inspired by the hospitality and spirit of the family's special Sunday evenings. Also, the restaurant boasts an upscale yet inviting atmosphere, with a classic mid-20th century charm. The restaurant provides a vast menu featuring a fine blend of family recipes with inventive Italian flavors. Some of the popular dishes at the restaurant include house-made ricotta, limone, and meatballs. Moreover, Pepp & Dolores offers a diverse drinks selection, with over 40 wines, beers, and cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Primavista

$$$$

Italian

Cincinnati

4.8

5309 reviews

Since its debut in 1989, Primavista has been serving inventive Italian specialties in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The award-winning restaurant boasts an upscale, inviting setting, with a spectacular view of the city's skyline. Primavista offers a vast, diverse menu helmed by chef Christopher Prince, featuring fine Italian dishes from all regions, including vegan and gluten-free options. Diners can try out local favorites at the restaurants, including warm fried calamari, arugula salad, and side pasta. Also, the restaurant provides a wide range of drinks to accompany the meals, including beers, cocktails, and wines.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rosie's Italian Kitchen

$$$$

Italian

Central Business District

4.7

384 reviews

Tucked in downtown Cincinnati, Rossie's Cocktails & Pie is a chic restaurant serving inventive pies. The 2021 debutant helmed by executive chef Anthony Sitek specializes in East Coast-style pies prepared using fresh dough and seasonally-inspired ingredients. Diners can also customize the pie flavors by adding their preferred toppings and sauces. Some of the popular dishes worth savoring at the restaurant include the classic tomato pie, honey pie, and truffle mac and cheese. The pies are paired with carefully curated cocktails and desserts to complete a memorable dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sacred Beast Diner

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.7

1411 reviews

Sacred Beast Diner is Jeremy and Bridget Lieb's dining concept nestled in the Over the Rhine neighborhood. The restaurant, which debuted in 2018, offers contemporary French delicacies with an American twist. Also, the restaurant features a sophisticated yet inviting interior with a cool color theme, counter seating, and black furnishings. Diners can try out the restaurant's local favorites such as devilled eggs, wedge salad, and chicken schnitzel. Also, the restaurant has a full-service bar serving beers, wines, and cocktails to accompany the dishes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Salazar

$$$$

American

Cincinnati

4.8

751 reviews

Salazar, named after owner and chef Jose Salazar, opened its doors in 2013, serving Latin Spanish-inspired delicacies. The restaurant features a seasonally changing menu influenced by fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Diners can savor the best-sellers at the restaurant, including falafel, local grass-fed burger, and arborio risotto. The restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a scenic outdoor patio, ideal for enjoying chef-inspired meals while admiring exciting views. Also, the restaurant provides a full-service bar serving beers, wines, and cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sotto

$$$$

Italian

Central Business District

4.9

6147 reviews

Sotto is an Italian dining concept nestled in the Cincinnati Central Business District neighborhood. The restaurant debuted in 2013 and boasts a unique underground dining setting, with brick walls and an old-age wood finish, evoking a rustic finish. Sotto serves chef-inspired Italian specialties helmed by chef Danny Combs, with local favorites such as short rib Cappellacci, Polenta, and Cacio e Pepe. Also, the restaurant features a bar serving fine wines and curated cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sugar n' Spice Diner - OTR

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.6

463 reviews

Sugar n' Spice Diner is an iconic restaurant that has graced the Cincinnati dining scene since 1941. The restaurant has grown and maintained its reputation by serving inventive comfort food with Greek, French, and American twists. Some of the restaurant's popular dishes worth a try include French toast, chicken bacon ranch wrap, and home fries. Nestled in the Over the Rhine neighborhood, the restaurant features a chic, inviting atmosphere blended with quality service to provide a remarkable dining experience.

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The Eagle - OTR

$$$$

Southern

Over the Rhine

4.8

767 reviews

The Eagle is a Southern-inspired restaurant by Joe and John Lanni, which debuted in the Over the Rhine neighborhood in 2013. Since then, the restaurant has been serving inventive dishes focused on cage-free, all-natural chicken paired with fries and its signature in-house hot honey sauce. The Eagle boasts an upscale yet inviting atmosphere adorned by a blues music soundtrack alongside craft beers to spruce up the dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Mercer OTR

$$$$

Contemporary American

Over the Rhine

4.6

1270 reviews

The Mercer OTR is a 2014 debutant serving Tuscan-inspired specialties in the heart of the Over the Rhine neighborhood. The restaurant is a dining concept by Jon Zipperstein, offering a simple yet classy atmosphere with wooden café chairs, dim lighting, and chic half-circle booths, evoking a Euro charm. The Mercer provides a vast, diverse menu inspired by chef Corey Graham focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with specialties such as ricotta bruschetta, the Mercer Burger, and salmon. Also, the restaurant provides a full-service bar serving an extensive selection of drinks, including wines, beers, and cocktails.

Not available on OpenTable

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The Precinct

$$$$

Steak

Hyde Park

4.9

7384 reviews

The Precinct is a historic dining gem tucked in the Hyde Park neighborhood owned by renowned restauranteur Jeff Rubby. The restaurant debuted in 1981 and has continuously served savory steakhouse cuisine. Also, the restaurant boasts an elegantly ambient interior, featuring wall art hangings, vibrant lighting, and sleek wooden flooring. Some of the popular dishes worth savoring at the restaurant include Cowboy Steak, Steak Burrow, and Greek salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tony's of Cincinnati

$$$$

Steakhouse

Cincinnati

4.8

4562 reviews

Tony's of Cincinnati is a dining concept by Tony Ricci nestled in the Cincinnati Central Business district. Since its debut in 2010, the restaurant has been serving classic American steakhouse specialties with a signature paprika seasoning. The restaurant boasts a reputation of providing chef-inspired USDA prime steak alongside fresh seafood steered by chef Ryan Montgomery, including popular dishes such as The Fillet, Chilean Sea Bass, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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