Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Cincinnati / Dayton
  4. Cincinnati
  5. Mariemont
National Exemplar, Cincinnati, OH

National Exemplar

4.7
4.7
1579 Reviews
$30 and under
American
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

    (513) 271-2103

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Jeremy Luers

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Lisa Hopkins: (513) 271-2103

  • 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, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,579 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    Neighborhood gem

  • Cincinnati

    Neighborhood gem

  • Cincinnati

    American

Sort by

  1. ITROCS

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great food and drink at a wonderful location and price
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great except it was very cold in the restaurant
  3. yukiniki

    Cincinnati

    147 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    147 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    We went for a early evening Sunday meal. Our Server was great and did a good job--- can't remember her name. I had the special-- Shepherds pie. Was delicious and I brought half of it home. The mushroom soup is to die for--- I always get a cup! Others had the mushroom pasta dish and if you love mushrooms---- must get. Overall--- dining experience was good! Thank you, will be back!
  4. JimF

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it here! Great atmosphere and food. Definitely a go to.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    It took a while to get served but once we were it was great service and the food was delicious!
  6. WarrenT

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great setting and food. Love the neighborhood. Cant wait to try their breakfast/brunch menu.
  7. EarnestH

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We received great service. They was a tentative, but not overbearing the alcoholic beverages that they presented to us were refreshing very much recommend the firm, which is the name of the alcoholic cocktail that I had. Furthermore, the seafood Alfredo and the mushroom soup was excellent.
  8. Tony

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great and the food even better! It wasn't our first visit; and surely won't be our last. I love their prime rib.
  9. DeniseS

    Switzerland

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The service was excellent! The portions were slim. Atmosphere is warm and relaxing.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    2 issues: 3 scallops comes with the scallop dinner, that’s not enough. We had to wait a good amount in between stages of dinner and to pay. Total time was just short of 2 hours. Otherwise, the experience was really good, and that is usually the case.
  11. meim

    Cincinnati

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter Sebastian was great!
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always the best! TACO TUESDAY!!!
  13. LaTraviata

    Cincinnati

    274 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    274 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The four of us only had oysters and NE's delicious little pork buns and chocolate cake. And all at great value pricing; we would have this meal again anytime. Service by Dominic was excellent and patient over our 2 1\2 hour dining experience win a pleasant comfortable atmosphere.
  14. RWWJR

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. We had a wonderful time. Great food. Great service!
  15. LSP0

    Cincinnati

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The food was very good and it's obvious it's a well beloved spot in the community. The service was also excellent (Sebastian was out server), with various other members of the wait staff helping ensure that our order was delivered to the table promptly. I had the scallops which were seared and juicy; my husband had the prime rib, which one hardly every sees on the menu these days. He was very pleased. We'll definitely go back.
  16. CathyD

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Don't forget to try the carrot cake at the end of your meal - it's amazing!
  17. Jennifer

    Cincinnati

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Host and management staff were excellent. Server was unpleasant. Food was delicious.
  18. LaTraviata

    Cincinnati

    274 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    274 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    N.E. is our go to high level comfort food in a cozy neighborhood family atmosphere with great service from the top down.
  19. Beth

    Cincinnati

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Server was friendly and always there when we needed her. Food was excellent. Fire in fireplace added to ambience.
  20. SharonvilleLisa58

    Cincinnati

    143 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    143 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    This was our second time here. This was far better than our first experience. The only issue tonight was food was not piping hot (the roast chicken with risotto). It was delicious and would be 5 star if served hot !! The drinks, service, and all else was wonderful...
  21. Cici47

    Cincinnati

    236 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    236 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, excellent and cordial service. We’ll be back and will recommend to others.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s always a pleasure to dine the National Exemplar. On Thursday, we feasted on the special, Bolognese. on Sunday I took my six guest to brunch and everyone enjoyed it.
  23. RNP2

    Cincinnati

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    NE just celebrated their 40th anniversary and I have been going there 37 of those years. Kudos to the consistency, food, service and setting!
  24. Cherk

    Cincinnati

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sebastian was our waiter. He gave exceptional service and was very friendly!
  25. Rick

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great, and our server was exceptional, and very attentive to our needs.
  26. ccurran

    Cincinnati

    438 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    438 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    There 40th Anniversary is huge milestone in the restaurant industry . They are consistently good with a welcoming staff.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, diverse menu and well presented. The wedge salad was one of the best one I have had. The pasta dishes were excellent, and I was happy to see 1/2 & full serving sizes.
  28. DJBH

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal! The salmon was expensive for just fish and a bit of mashed potatoes.
  29. EricN

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great as always! The food,drinks and atmosphere are always on point!
  30. CaptJohn

    Cincinnati

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    There's a reason you need to make your reservation days in advance for "Oyster Mondays". Great place.
  31. RandieF

    Cincinnati

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    All of our food was very good other than the French dip that one of our guests got was very dried out, the Salmon was very good but cold & the oysters were very small. Scallops great! Liver great! Desserts great! Server- Alicia excellent!
  32. yukiniki

    Cincinnati

    147 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    147 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for birthday 🥳 celebration 🍾 and they was a nice placard 🪧 one the table with Happy Birthday "! Foods were delicious--- pot roast, filet and bison burger were all tasty and delicious! They even brought out Prosecco for us! We brought a opera cream cake from the BonBonerie , my favorite, and also very tasty. Birthday celebration was very special and thank you for making it great for all of us ! We will return,
  33. LDPoch

    Cincinnati

    70 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My brother and his wife were visiting from Canada and thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance, food and hospitality at the National Exemplar. Will definitely return on their next trip!
  34. JanetS

    Cincinnati

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was excellent as well is the food and setting.
  35. ArtP

    Cincinnati

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Monday Night - Oyster Night -Is a Big Win. Superb oysters at an incredible price along with an excellent dinner. - Thank You!
  36. JanisS

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I believe our server was Mary Y. We were very pleased with her attention to our requests. Our meal arrived promptly and hot. The oyster Monday was a treat. All servers were courteous. The only negative would be the music selections…were they for the kitchen or for the guests. If you would read the room I believe you would find that different music would have been in order.
  37. JonB

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal, as always! Friendly, attentive service!
  38. BarbaraZ

    Cincinnati

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The scallops were fantastic! And our server, Andrew, was so kind and friendly. This restaurant remains one of our very favorites!!
  39. Bobby

    Cincinnati

    342 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    342 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We go here a lot. We order the same items every time. Why? Because they’re so darn good. Best Prime Beef ever, Mushroom soup is to kill for. Sebastian is our current favorite server any where. Fireplace is so welcome on these past few chilly evenings. Highly recommend this restaurant.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We went here to celebrate my birthday. I really like this type of ambiance and picked it based off of what I've heard about this restaurant. The hostess was very nice and took us to the table. The server was ok. Not too friendly. Not welcoming. She was just ok. The food was good but not what I thought we were getting. I got the arugula and kale salad. I didn't see any kale. Just not impressed. If we come back we may just do burgers. They looked good from what we saw other tables having.

    National ExemplarResponded on March 22, 2023Thank you for the thoughtful feedback, we appreciate it. We are disappointed our service and food did not meet our typical standards. We would like to hear more about it. Please call us directly at the restaurant at 513-271-2103 so we can get more information to help make us better. Thank you kindly in advance. We appreciate you dining with us and hope to see you again.

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 4.7 stars by 1579 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 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

  • 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

    Jeremy Luers

  • Entertainment

    Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (513) 271-2103

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Lisa Hopkins: (513) 271-2103

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo