Skip to main content

Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in Cincinnati / Dayton

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in Cincinnati / Dayton? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Sotto restaurant

4.9

4.9 (8598)

$50 and over

Italian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Open Limited Hours on Friday, July 4 - 3pm - 8pm.

It is a concept of casual intimacy and communal romance. Sotto is the art of simplicity, a steward of restraint. It’s undressed, gutsy and human. It is fire, meat, wheat, and laughter. Above all, Sotto is Italian.

Now Open for Lunch Service Monday - Friday, 11am - 2pm

Top review

L

lanieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Every dish was excellent and server was knowledgeable and personable and made recommendations. We can't wait to return!

Discover more

A photo of ricotta doughnuts of a restaurant

ricotta doughnuts

A photo of cappellacci of a restaurant

A photo of goat cheese hazelnut honey grilled bread of a restaurant

goat cheese hazelnut honey grilled bread

A photo of Alfio's buon cibo restaurant

Alfio's buon cibo

4.9

4.9 (3571)

$50 and over

Italian

Hyde Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Alfio's Buon Cibo, an award-winning Italian restaurant located in the heart of Hyde Park Square.

Chef Alfio Gulisano leads our chef-driven kitchen and he's dedicated to providing you with the highest quality ingredients, expertly prepared to perfection.
Our menu boasts hand-cut steaks, fresh pasta, and Argentinian flavors that are the perfect touch to Alfio's cooking style.
Pair your meal with one of our 350+ bottles of wine, expertly curated by our three in-house sommeliers.
And don't forget to save room for our house-made desserts and "Chef's Blend" Coffee.

Top off your experience with one of our expertly crafted cocktails, such as the classic Negroni or our Mixologist signature Maple Manhattan. Our upscale atmosphere is perfect for romantic nights out or celebratory dinners with friends and family.

For a high-end steakhouse alternative, Alfio's Buon Cibo is the obvious choice. Come dine with us and experience the best Italian cuisine in Cincinnati.

Top review

J

justinVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful experience. Waiter very knowledgeable with great service. Food was exceptional. Frequently dine in Cincinnati and this may be the best restaurant imo. Highly recommend Alfio’s

Discover more

A photo of Grilled Lamb Chops of a restaurant

Grilled Lamb Chops

A photo of Short Rib Ravioli of a restaurant

Short Rib Ravioli

A photo of Empanadas Cuatro of a restaurant

Empanadas Cuatro

A photo of Pepp & Dolores restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4490)

$30 and under

Italian

Over the Rhine

About the restaurant

INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT AND SENSE OF HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCED AT SUNDAY SUPPER IN THE HOME OF OUR GRANDPARENTS, PEPP & DOLORES IS A CASUAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO FAMILY AND TO THE FOOD THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER. FEATURING HOUSEMADE PASTAS, CAREFULLY CURATED WINES, AND A BALANCE OF CHERISHED FAMILY RECIPES WITH FRESH, VIBRANT FLAVORS THAT MAKE US FEEL: THIS IS HOME.

Top review

A

Andres

Dined 2 days ago

Went in solo as my first time dining here and I have to say, I can understand why this place is rated so highly! The decor and the lighting of the place is amazing. The staff are very attentive and the food is outstanding! Had the Homemade Ricotta, Arancini and Spicy Vodka and all of them were very delicious. I will definitely be here again.

Discover more

A photo of Agnello of a restaurant

A photo of Limone of a restaurant

A photo of Housemade Ricotta of a restaurant

Housemade Ricotta

A photo of Nicola's Ristorante restaurant

Nicola's Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (2934)

$50 and over

Italian

Over the Rhine

About the restaurant

Nicola's Ristorante is a fine-dining Italian restaurant in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, serving guests for almost 30 years. Step inside to experience a warm ambiance and the delightful aroma of freshly prepared dishes. Our extensive menu features housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and a rotating 5-Course Chef Crafted Grand Tasting Experience. Complement your meal with selections from our exceptional wine list, featuring Italian and international options, selected by our in-house Sommelier. We have private dining rooms available for parties of up to 80 guests. Sourcing only the freshest ingredients, both locally and imported, Nicola's Ristorante is the perfect destination for your next business dinner, date night, celebration, or excuse to get out of the house! Our warm and welcoming team is excited to take you on a culinary journey through Italy, without ever having to get on a plane!

Top review

G

Georgia

Dined 2 days ago

We love Nicola’s. The service is wonderful. The food is always top notch. A great experience!

Discover more

Cincinnati Opera Tasting Menu

A photo of Bolo-Monday of a restaurant

A photo of Chef's Grand Tasting Experience of a restaurant

Chef's Grand Tasting Experience

A photo of Mama's on Main restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1636)

$31 to $50

Italian

Covington

About the restaurant

Mama's on Main
Offering authentic northern and southern Italian fare, including house-made pastas

Top review

B

Brent

Dined 2 days ago

Took my new boss and co-workers here for a dinner. I was pleasantly surprised by this little hidden gem. Very crowded on a Monday and I now know why...food was outstanding and the atmosphere...casual, chic and welcoming. Even a case of the Mondays couldn't keep the fans of Mama's on Main away. The bread service was delicious as was the gnocchi and chicken parmesan. I'll be back. With guests. This is a new favorite for a certified food snob.

Discover more

A photo of Ricotta Gnocchi of a restaurant

Ricotta Gnocchi

A photo of Chicken Parmesan of a restaurant

Chicken Parmesan

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Rosie's Italian Kitchen restaurant

Rosie's Italian Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (1171)

$30 and under

Italian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Welcome to Rosie's Italian!
Bringing traditional East Coast Italian to Cincinnati!
Specializing in house made pasta, hand-tossed pizza, as well as craft spritzes and cocktails, Rosie's Italian offers a slice of traditional, family-oriented Italian cooking with elevated care and attentiveness.

We offer reservations for both our standard seating and bar counter, both options are available through our OpenTable page.

Top review

L

Lakeycia

Dined 2 days ago

It was a lovely experience. The food was so delicious .

A photo of Caruso's Ristorante & Bar restaurant

Caruso's Ristorante & Bar

4.8

4.8 (1225)

$31 to $50

Italian

Springdale

About the restaurant

Caruso’s is a rebirth of a restaurant that was created by Rakan Shteiwi in the 1979. Many of the original Spinning Fork recipes came from the original Caruso’s which was located in downtown Cincinnati. We look to merge classic and modern flavors inspired by traditional Italian and American Italian cuisines.

Top review

S

Sharon

Dined 6 days ago

I took my mother to have the best lasagna I've ever had. It was her 90th birthday. From the young man who seated us to the manager coming to wish mom a happy birthday all employees were great. Our server was so nice to my mom. She earned a big tip from me. Just an overall great experience!

A photo of Primavista restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6448)

$31 to $50

Italian

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Experience fine Italian dining with breathtaking views at Primavista, a premier restaurant in Cincinnati. Located atop East Price Hill, Primavista offers an unforgettable culinary journey with award-winning Italian dishes and stunning vistas of the city skyline and Ohio River. Indulge in Chef Chris Prince's creations, featuring Northern Italian specialties and fresh seafood. From classic Veal Picatta to Chicken Formaggio, each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and a passion for authentic flavors. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Complement your meal with selections from our extensive wine list, showcasing premium Italian and international vintages. Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect pairing. The ambiance at Primavista is as captivating as the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic vistas from every table, creating a romantic setting. Our warm staff ensures you feel at home, making every visit special. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a memorable dinner, Primavista awaits you.

Top review

T

Tim

Dined 3 days ago

Great food. Focused and very well done. View was outstanding.

Discover more

A photo of Spaghetti and Veal Meatballs of a restaurant

Spaghetti and Veal Meatballs

A photo of Goat cheese of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken "Formaggio" of a restaurant

Chicken "Formaggio"

A photo of Maggiano's - Cincinnati restaurant

Maggiano's - Cincinnati

4.6

4.6 (5643)

$30 and under

Italian

Madeira

About the restaurant

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Cincinnati and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Our location compliments the premier shopping at Kenwood Towne Centre with our beautiful patio in the warmer months and our collaboration with Santa during the holiday season. Visit us at 7875 Montgomery Rd. and book your reservation today!

Top review

T

TobyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Carmen was great server, delish food, fun. Upbeat place

A photo of Via Vite restaurant

4.7

4.7 (5411)

$31 to $50

Italian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Via Vite: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Cincinnati Located on Fountain Square, Via Vite offers a contemporary Italian dining experience that delights the senses and transports you to Italy. Chef Cristian Pietoso's passion for Italian cuisine is evident in every dish. From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, each bite showcases the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The diverse menu features classic dishes like Mama's Eggplant Parmigiana and innovative options such as "Lumache alla Vodka." Don't miss the signature Tagliatelle Bolognese, a traditional meat sauce that will leave you craving more. With a modern and elegant ambiance, the restaurant is ideal for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends. Enjoy live music every night and soak in the vibrant energy of Fountain Square. The friendly and attentive staff at Via Vite are dedicated to ensuring a memorable dining experience, ready to help you choose the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.

Top review

A

AllisonVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent service and great quality food, friendly waiter and nice ambiance

Discover more

A photo of Tagliatelle Bolognese of a restaurant

Tagliatelle Bolognese

A photo of Mama's Eggplant Parmigiana of a restaurant

Mama's Eggplant Parmigiana

A photo of Octopus of a restaurant

Explore Diners' Choice best of Cincinnati / Dayton

Best Overall

Best Food

Best Service

Best Ambiance

Best Value

Explore more Diners' Choice lists

Discover

OpenTable

About Us
Blog
Careers
Press

More

OpenTable for iOS
OpenTable for Android
Affiliate Program
Contact Us

Our sites

Businesses

Restaurant Management Solutions
Restaurant Reservation Software
Restaurant Marketing Software
Restaurant Event Software
OpenTable For Restaurants
OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
Restaurant Resources
OpenTable Pricing & Plans

Join us on

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Cookie Preferences

Copyright © 2025 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.