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National Exemplar, Cincinnati, OH

National Exemplar

4.7 (1927)
$30 and under
American
6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • 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

What 1,927 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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    American

  • Cincinnati

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
National Exemplar delights with "fantastic food" and "outstanding service." Known for its "prime rib," mushroom soup, and cozy ambiance, it's a "go-to" spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy diverse menu options and reliable cocktails in a welcoming, historic setting that's perfect for special occasions or a casual meal.

1,927 Reviews
  1. Cheri VIP

    Cincinnati61 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    National Exemplar is always a good experience. Food is very consistently tasty

    Is this helpful?

  2. Matt

    Cincinnati1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    2nd anniversary dinner there. Great restaurant for a nice date night out.

    Is this helpful?

  3. TomC VIP

    Cincinnati72 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Had an Old Fashioned drink and it was below average for my taste. Liked the wedge salad. Both of us had the large prime rib and it was good. Neither of us were served horseradish as shown on the menu. Broccolini was served on top of the mashed potatoes and was kind of messy when combined together. Would have expected that my companion whose birthday was known to the restaurant would have been provided with a dessert. That wasn’t the case unfortunate. All in all average experience. Expected better actually.

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  4. Robert

    Cincinnati29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best oysters in town, great people...Our host always checks on us to make sure we are taken care of.Thanks for years of service..

    Is this helpful?

  5. Charles VIP

    San Diego16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We come here once or twice a year to visit family in Cincinnati. Food is always very good and the service is always excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jenny

    Charleston1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Food was exceptional! Service was great, all around wonderful evening.
    National ExemplarResponded on May 15, 2025
    Jenny, thank you for the feedback but we are confused. Your feedback reads that everything was exceptional except you only marked 1 Star. We hope this was a mistake and your dining experience with us was indeed great. Please let us know if we are missing something and we hope to serve you again soon. Thanks Jenny. The National Exemplar.

    Is this helpful?

  7. TRACY VIP

    Cincinnati1 review

    3.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was very slow. Took an hour to get our food. Prime rib was raw. They did give us another one to take home. Sandwiches are too expensive for size. French dip was $19. Not worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jacqueline VIP

    Los Angeles21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my favorite places to dine while in Cincinnati. It’s easily as good as Lawry’s in Beverly Hills. Always dependably great food, outstanding cocktails, and good value. Service is always on point. Can’t wait to come back in June!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Stephanie VIP

    Cincinnati28 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Our service was not up to usual standards. 30 minutes before anyone came to take our order, or, tell us about nightly special. Perhaps under staffed? Didn’t have time (not were we offered) dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Tom VIP

    Raleigh28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The Exemplar continues to deliver excellent food and service. The menu is diverse to provide plenty of choices. It is a "go to" restaurant.

    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 4.7 stars by 1927 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
7:00 PM
Booked 17 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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