Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Cincinnati

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Cincinnati? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Cafe Mediterranean - Hyde Park

4.9

4.9 (923)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Hyde Park

About the restaurant

At Cafe Mediterranean, we believe in quality and simplicity. We prepare and cook truly authentic Mediterranean food.Not only is Cafe Mediterranean's food healthy, it is food that you will savor with every bite. Food is bursting with flavor and nutrition, made fresh and served fast. Eat in or take out and enjoy.

Top review

Michaelvip

Dined 6 days ago

Incredible! We heard the food was fantastic and decided to try it for ourselves. Wow! The food is great. They offer a diverse menu of Mediterranean classics. We tried several appetizers. The hummus was to die for, the octopus was delicious, and the feta cheese rolls were binge worthy. Enjoyed spinach/mozzarella wrapped in filo dough (amazing!), moussaka, and chicken kebabs for entrees. The cinnamon flan with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream for dessert was a perfect ending to an outstanding meal. I think the secret to their success is the freshness of all their ingredients which makes the food burst with flavor, the incredible swiftness and efficiency of their service (plates never lingered and were discretely removed quickly), and the joy of their service staff. Their team seems to enjoy bragging about the food and love sharing it with you. We will be repeat customers for sure! This is the best Mediterranean food we have enjoyed in all of Ohio.

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4.9

4.9 (290)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Bellevue

About the restaurant

The Cork N Crust Pizzeria and Wine bar is located in the Bellevue Entertainment District close to cute shops, pubs, and restaurants. There are umbrella tables out front for outdoor dining as well as cozy couches on the back patio...the perfect spot to enjoy the "Big Reds" or one of the other wine flights, a charcuterie board, and our Chef's Famous Mozzarella. Recognized as one of the top 10 new Cincinnati restaurants by CityBeat readers...Cork N Crust features over 20 wines available by the glass, a great selection of wines from all over the world, and a full bar. The Crust Old Fashioned is a local favorite, and the "Cork's Coolers" are perfect on a warm day. The Specialty Pizzas are the main attraction...the "best" is a matter of opinion, but the "Bellevue" and "The "Chardonnay" run head to head each week to be the top seller. The Cork N Crust also has a Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten Free Menu.

Top review

Lydia

Dined 5 days ago

Wings and board was delicious! I really loved the hot honey pizza! Service was extremely quick and friendly! I’d love to come back!

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Friday Happy Hour in the Bar

Somm Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (504)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Somm is the Incline Districts favorite American Bistro and Wine Bar. Offering an indoor dining room, full bar, and Cincinnati's favorite outdoor dining on an acclaimed garden patio, Somm Wine Bar features approachable, curated wine selections and an ever-expanding menu highlighting the region's best eclectic cuisine. Fine dining elements abound on this renewed and bustling neighborhood corner touchstone, vibrantly adorned with new age artwork and classic Cosmopolitan hardwood decor. Beautiful charcuterie, weekday features, unique events, and weekend live music make this Cincinnati's top date-night and celebration dining destination.

Top review

Rhondavip

Dined 2 days ago

Always top notch! West side favorite that always mixes it up … that chef is brilliant! You won’t be disappointed!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Frankie's Sips & Savories

4.8

4.8 (159)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Ahlan wa Sahlan (WELCOME), We’re so happy you’re considering dining with us. Nestled in between OTR and the Financial District, tucked away in Cincinnati’s historic Garfield Park. Frankie’s Sips & Savories serves up Mediterranean inspired Craft Cocktails and Small Plates from a cozy dining room and beautiful alley with a view to the park.
Must Try – Our Award Winning (Cincinnati Business Courier June 21) - Crispy Arancini / Risotto / Braised Lamb & Whipped Feta.
In addition, we offer a unique array of Wines from around the world and local Craft Beers on tap.
Be it, date night, a business gathering or if you just want to feel appreciated and welcomed, join us at Frankie’s for a comfortable, relaxing restaurant atmosphere. Looking to Celebrate Life a little more, stay for the fun until we close with great sounds and weekly special events, (Dancing is Highly Recommended).
Lead by Chef Riston and the Family, Let’s share the joy and savor the moments together at Frankie’s Place !

Top review

Davidvip

Dined 6 days ago

Enjoyed dinner at the bar, food and drinks were excellent.

Pho Lang Thang

4.8

4.8 (86)

$30 and under

Vietnamese

Over the Rhine

About the restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant located on Race St. by Findlay Market.

Top review

tcv1vip

Dined on Oct 3, 2024

This is one of our favorite go to places. Tonight however it seemed the kitchen was very salt happy. The sauce for the salad roll was extremely salty snd the server said there was not another batch available to replace it. The chicken wings were also very salty though still eatable. The pho, when it arrived seemed flavorless in comparison We will be back but likely choose a day when the main chef is in the kitchen.

Arnold's Bar and Grill

4.7

4.7 (679)

$30 and under

American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Always eager to show of it's 150 plus years of history, Arnold's Bar and Grill is Cincinnati's oldest continuously operated Tavern. Here are a few of Arnold's more recent awards and Accolades... Citybeat 2016: Best Live Music While You Eat, Thrillist 2015: The Most Iconic Bar in Ohio, The Daily Meal 2015: The 150 Best Bars in America, Cincinnati Magazine 2015: Top 45 Burgers in Cincinnati, Cityvoter 2015: Top 5 Beer Selection, Citybeat 2014: Best Outdoor Dining, Esquire Magazine 2013: Best Bars in America, Buzzfeed 2013: List of America's Oldest and Coolest Bars

Top review

Johnvip

Dined 7 days ago

Food was very good. Drinks are a little expensive. Enjoyed the music but a little too loud for the outside venue

LaLo Chino-Latino

4.7

4.7 (446)

$30 and under

Latin American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

LaLo is where Latin and Asian food collide. LaLo offers you a unique experience with fusion dishes full of flavor, asian and latin inspired drinks, and lively exciting latin music.

Top review

amyvip

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Fusion cuisine at its finest! The pad Thai was delicious. The portions are huge but save room for the Tres leche cake.

20 Brix

4.6

4.6 (2632)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Milford

About the restaurant

The 20 Brix wine bar and restaurant features over 100 selections by the glass or bottle. Along with an extensive wine list, the restaurant has an impressive assortment of premium liquors and specialty beers.
20 Brix also includes a patio with comfortable seating areas for customers to enjoy. 20 Brix has created an environment that not only provides a unique wine and food experience to patrons, but also a relaxing backdrop to enjoy every last sip and bite.

The knowledgeable staff is ready to offer suggestions and tastes of the available wines at any time. Part of the pleasure of visiting the 20 Brix wine bar and restaurant is pairing your favorite wine with one of the contemporary entrees, salads, or pizzas.

Top review

vicki

Dined 2 days ago

The food and service were good, our server Teresa was terrific.

Rusty Bucket - Liberty Center

4.6

4.6 (312)

$30 and under

American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Rusty Bucket is a casual neighborhood tavern serving the highest quality food and beverage in a “come as you are” setting. Scratch kitchens, fresh cocktails, and the perfect pour are our craft. Our associates are welcoming, and our hospitality naturally makes us the local hub where friends and family frequently gather to share in a good time.

Top review

John

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

Excellent service by Matthew. He kept our drinks refilled and was pleasant and professional.

Revolution Rotisserie

4.5

4.5 (366)

$30 and under

American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Revolution Rotisserie is a lively neighborhood restaurant nestled in the heart of Pleasant Ridge. The cuisine is new American, putting a fresh twist on chicken sandwiches, burgers & wings while offering a wide array of shareable small plates & appetizers. The menu prominently features rotisserie chicken dishes such as the Pollo a la Brasa, Freestyle Bird & curated seasonal dishes. The atmosphere is casual with a cozy neighborhood feel unlike anything else in town. Revolution is a great place to grab a drink with dinner. The craft bar program features rotating draft beers, seasonal & classic cocktails as well as a nice wine list. Great for dates, small parties & business lunches.

NOTABLE AWARDS
- Best Chicken (Top 3)
- Best Chicken Sandwich (Top 3)
- Best New Restaurant 2018 (Top 10)

Revolution Rotisserie got its start as a pop-up at Findlay Market back in 2014. Pesola Hospitality Group also owns & operates the following loca

Top review

Pris

Dined on Sep 18, 2024

The chicken sandwich that I had was super. The chicken was juicy, the lightning sauce was yummy, and the combination of flavors was delicious. I don’t usually eat fried chicken but this sandwich was outstanding. We shared the cauliflower with lightning sauce before ordering our entrees, so I knew I wanted something with that sauce- it had just the right spiciness!! And our waitress was friendly and efficient. If I ever get back to Cincinnati, I’d surely stop here to eat.

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Popular dish

Cali Burger

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