Top 10 Restaurants in Cincinnati, OH

It’s no secret that the local eatery scene changes from year to year. New restaurants are opening, new chefs are making their mark on the world, and new trends are taking hold. Finding the best of the best in this shifting environment requires some local knowledge, which is why our team of experts here at Kings Ford has put together a list to make it easy for you to decide on what to eat tonight. From Italian and Mexican restaurants to farm-fresh food and local favorites, this list has something for everyone looking for a special place to eat in Cincinnati.

#10 – Via Vite

If you are in the mood for Italian, Via Vite is the place to go in Cincinnati. Offering outdoor seating and authentic cuisine, this establishment is run by Chef Cristian Pietoso. A native of Florence, Italy, Chef Pietoso has worked in some of the world’s best restaurants, from the Florence Cibreo to the London Savoy Hotel. Located on Vine St, Via Vite has an impressive array of appetizers and entrees, including Fig & Goat Cheese Bruschetta, followed by a rosemary-season Lamb Shank that has been roasted for 12 hours. There is also a full wine menu as well as stunning dessert selections to choose from.

#9 – Moerlein Lager House

Located just across the street from the Great American Ball Park, Moerlein Lager House is a fantastic American-style eatery with entrée options from Fish and Chips to Filet Mignon. Not only is this establishment a restaurant, but it is also a brewery. Adding the overall charm to the facility, you can choose from over 80 beers to choose from. From lagers and IPAs to porters and ciders, Moerlein has almost anything that you could wish for – and many of the options were brewed right there! If you want to enjoy a unique local beverage with your meal, then this is the place to visit.

#8 – Nada

Are you in the mood for Mexican food? If you answered yes, then Nada is the place you should visit. Specializing in Mexican, South American, and Southwestern cuisine, this small chain has made a name for itself with five locations stretching from Indiana to Maryland. When you visit their Walnut St location, you can start your meal off with chips and salsa along with their coveted quest dip. Then, follow it up with tostadas, enchiladas, and more. You can even get street corn here for an authentic Mexican flavor. Plus, if you are in the mood for dessert, you can order churros or even Tres Leches.

#7 – Alfio’s Buon Cibo

Another top Italian restaurant in Cincinnati is Alfio’s Buon Cibo. However, this one is a bit different since it boasts a well-rounded menu of dishes from all across the globe, including some Argentinian recipes. From smoked gnocchi bolognese to empanadas cuatro, the appetizer list is impressive. Meanwhile, you can order steak, seafood, or pasta for dinner. To top everything off, at the end of the night, you can sample the chef’s selection of gelato flavors or enjoy a slice of brown sugar goat cheese cheesecake. This establishment also offers a five-page wine list of quality European and American whites and reds, giving you the perfect complement to your meal.

#6 – Blinkers Tavern

If you are looking for the perfect steakhouse with a full-service bar, then you need to head over to Blinkers Tavern. Located near the Suspension Bridge, on the Kentucky side of the Ohio, Blinkers is easy to reach and has free parking. More importantly, the steak here has been voted The Best in Northern Kentucky by NKY Magazine for eight consecutive years, and its top spot on our list further verifies just how delicious the food is here. However, there is so much more than just steak to choose from on the menu. Start your meal off with a Bavarian pretzel or some cheese sticks. Then dive into the Blinker Burger or a plate of Halibut Amanda if steak isn’t your favorite.

#5 – Incline Public House

Another top-tier American-style restaurant that also happens to double as a pub is the Incline Public House. Founded all the way back in 1874, the Incline Public House can be found at the top of Price Hill overlooking the downtown. The menu is quite robust, to put it simply. You can start with Truffle & Parmesan Tots or Short Rib Poutine. Then, you can enjoy soup, salad, sandwiches, or even pizza. This place also has plenty of entrées, including Spicy Fried Chicken and Waffles, which is an American favorite. Plus, vegetarians and vegans can find delicious menu options as well.

#4 – Krueger’s Tavern

Another great place to visit is Krueger’s Tavern, which is situated near Washington Park and is famous for its house-made sausages. However, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal here. We recommend starting with the Giant Meatball. This shareable pork and beef meatball is covered in arrabbiata sauce, parmesan herb ricotta, parsley, and basil. It even comes with toasted muffuletta bread. Follow that with a burger, sandwich, or salad, or go with a house specialty sausage from a British Lincolnshire to an American Coney Dog.

#3 – Taste of Belgium

For another unique dining experience, try Taste of Belgium. This small local chain has seven locations around the Cincinnati area and offers a genuine Belgian menu full of delicious dishes that you are sure to love. You can start with a Charcuterie Plate or some of their famous Bier Cheese (a Raspberry Lambic served with house-made pretzels). Brunch is served all day long, giving you a chance to enjoy their waffles and crepes no matter when you are eating, but you can also order sandwiches, salads, and classic Belgium entrees such as mussels or steak. Every day also has its own specialty soup, if you prefer. Topping off the experience is a large beer, wine, and cocktail list to complement your meal.

#2 – Bouquet Restaurant

Opening its doors in 2007, Bouquet Restaurant has a major claim to fame for being a farm-to-table bistro. One of the first of its kind in the area, the restaurant’s mission is to support sustainable farming methods by offering the freshest dishes in the neighborhood. However, the Bouquet restaurant does not just offer fresh food – the owner is a graduate of the Midwest Culinary Institute and has worked in a variety of restaurants. The end result is an upscale menu built around a variety of unique four-course-meals. With course options ranging from sakura farm braised brisket and wagyu beef meatballs to gunthorp farm chicken wings and ohio valley burgers, this Bouquet Restaurant blends the exotic and the familiar into an unforgettable experience.

#1 – Otto’s

At the very top of our list is Otto’s. This American-style restaurant serves high-quality meals in a cozy environment. Fried Green Tomatoes and crab cakes are the special small plates, and you can follow that with an incredible entrée like seared beef tenderloin with bacon-bleu cream sauce or Thai chili salmon. Finally, finish off the evening with a sweet bread pudding dessert, and you’ll be stuffed! Whatever you choose on Otto’s menu, we are sure you will end your meal satisfied.