Our guide to great restaurants in Cincinnati will have your tastebuds tingling in no time. This culturally diverse city is renowned for its food scene and boasts an impressive array of eclectic eateries.
From fine dining bistros and ritzy steakhouses to homestyle diners dishing up Southern classics, there’s cuisine to suit even the pickiest palate. There’s no wonder that many decorated chefs have flocked to “Queen City”. We suggest one precondition: come hungry.
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Boca
Fine dining in the beating heart of city centre
- Couples
- Food
- Luxury
Founded by chef and restaurateur David Falk, Boca has set a culinary precedent in Cincinnati with its lavish décor and elegant European cuisine. Melding French and Italian flavours, this is a dinner-only restaurant—a place to indulge yourself in style come evening.
Located in a former maisonette in vibrant city centre, Boca offers small bites and sharing dishes, as well as a decadent desserts list. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, a flute of champagne, or a swanky cocktail.
Location: 114 East Sixth St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 513-542-2022
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Sotto
Venture underground for rustic and romantic dining
- Couples
- Families
- Food
A hidden gem in city centre Cincinnati, Sotto is a romantic trattoria set in an atmospheric basement space. Mood lighting, rustic wooden furniture, and red curtains set the tone for gutsy Italian fare, including elegant antipasto, freshly made pasta, and hearty, succulent meats.
Making many of the city’s top choices lists, Sotto’s to-die-for Italian desserts are designed to woo the senses. It’s the perfect place for a family get together or a candlelit date night. Don’t forget to book a table.
Location: 118 East Sixth St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm
Phone: +1 513-977-6886
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The Eagle
A fried food haven for casual hangouts
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
- Food
For cosy hospitality and big helpings of everything, nothing beats The Eagle. Located just a short stroll from the emerald expanse of Washington Park, this laid-back beer hall serves all the good stuff: golden fried chicken, ice-cold craft beers, and generous plates of finger-licking soul food.
The Eagle is one of Cincinnati’s favourite meetups thanks to a blues music soundtrack and a vibrant atmosphere. Sample local brews at the wrap-around bar or enjoy a meal at a farmhouse table.
Location: 1342 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight, Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 513-802-5007
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Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
A chic café serving California-inspired classics
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
- Food
Maplewood Bar and Kitchen in city centre Cincinnati prides itself on its locally roasted coffee, cold pressed juices, and wide selection of West Coast cuisine. It’s a laidback café where sunny California comes to life through a light, bright aesthetic and fresh, natural ingredients.
Grab yourself a comfy booth and dig in to an all-day breakfast or take a seat at one of the venue’s many tables. Order a sandwich, skewer, and a speciality coffee, or treat yourself to an indulgent cocktail.
Location: 525 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 3 pm
Phone: +1 513-421-2100
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Pepp & Dolores
Hearty Italian just like nonna makes.
- Couples
- Families
- Food
Pepp & Dolores is a charismatic Italian restaurant located in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine area. The venue is celebrated for its authentic handmade pasta dishes that were inspired by the founder’s grandparents, Pepp and Dolores.
Here, it’s all about the Sunday sauce—from nonna’s iconic spaghetti sauce to sumptuous toppings infused with exquisite ingredients, including Meyer lemon, lamb ragu, fennel sausage, and Calabrian chilli. Pair your pasta with a curated wine or enjoy a cocktail or a glass of fizz.
Location: 1501 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 513-419-1820
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Goose & Elder
Market-fresh comfort food in a casual American setting
- Couples
- Families
- Food
- Shoppers
The brainchild of James Beard nominated chef Jose Salazar, Goose & Elder is conveniently situated across the road from Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market, making it a perfect pit stop while shopping. Inside its laidback interior, you’ll enjoy juicy burgers, sharing plates, hearty main courses, and dreamy desserts.
Aesthetically, the venue has the atmosphere of an old-school diner, reimagined with rustic chairs and tables. Grab a seat, watch the world pass by, and enjoy a craft beer or a fancy cocktail.
Location: 1800 Race St, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11.30 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 11.30 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 10.30 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 10.30 am to 3pm, and 4 pm to 9 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 513-579-8400
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Montgomery Inn The Boathouse
Mouthwatering barbecue on the banks of the Ohio River
- Couples
- Families
- Food
Part of the Montgomery Inn restaurant chain, The Boathouse is renowned for its succulent barbecue, summery salads, and flavourful meat dishes. Located in city centre Cincinnati, with stunning views over the Ohio River, this beloved kitchen and sports bar is a veteran in the food scene.
Try the venue’s irresistible ribs, sample the chicken and shrimp, or satisfy your hunger with a fat sizzling steak. The Boathouse also offers a convenient carry-out and delivery service for those who fancy a delicious takeaway.
Location: 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 3 pm to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 513-721-7427
Map - 8
The Lonely Pine Steakhouse
This blast from the past serves all things beef
- Couples
- Families
- Food
Set in the vibrant Cincinnati area of Pleasant Ridge, The Lonely Pine Steakhouse transports diners back in time to Midcentury America when roadhouses and diners were all the rage. Outfitted with an old-school bar and retro décor, it’s a place for Southwestern flavours and fat, juicy steaks.
Soak up the nostalgia while enjoying porterhouse, ribeye, and sizzling strip steaks, as well as starters, “sidekicks”, oysters, and burgers. Order a cocktail or a bottle of wine, before finishing up with a scrumptious dessert.
Location: 6085 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45213, USA
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 5.30 pm to 10 pm (closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 513-351-1012
Map - 9
The Precinct
Upmarket dining in a turn-of-the-century building
- Couples
- Families
- Food
- History
- Photo
The Precinct is an upscale steakhouse set in a historic former police house in Cincinnati’s oldest area: Columbia-Tusculum. A multiple award winner, the venue is renowned for its Romanesque-style exterior and show-stopping décor—red velvet chairs, opulent chandeliers, and leadlight windows.
Here, the steaks take centre stage with succulent Japanese wagyu, filet mignon, and prime cuts cooked to perfection by a talented team. A well-stocked cigar list is also on offer or try a decadent dessert if you prefer something sweet.
Location: 311 Delta Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Open: Dine-in hours: Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Monday–Thursday from 4.30 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +1 513-321-5454
Map - 10
Northside Yacht Club
A nautical-themed gastropub with music, sports, and food to feast on
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
- Food
- Nightlife
For entertainment, atmosphere, and some delicious deep fried food, nothing beats the Northside Yacht Club. This Cincinnati hangout contains a nautical-themed interior, blistering live music, and an alfresco patio where you can chat and relax.
Swing by for a quick drink, catch the Bengals on game day, or grab a booth (and a bite to eat) while enjoying karaoke, trivia, or a dynamic ‘Cincy’ band. There’s burgers, wings, and cocktails aplenty, and a range of cold beers in tins or on tap.
Location: 4231 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, USA
Open: Tuesday and Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight, Sunday from 11 am to 2.30 am (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 513-541-0528
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