Cincinnati is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. If you’re a food lover, then you’ll want to check out some of these places for yourself! You’ll be able to find everything from Italian to Indian cuisine, and everything in between. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your foodie adventure today!
Our list of Cincinnati’s best restaurants per cuisine is below.
Map
The Best Italian
Sotto
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118 E 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.sottocincinnati.com/
Hours: Monday-Thursday 5–10 PM, Friday&Saturday 5–11 PM, Sunday4–9 PM
If you’re in the mood for some authentic Italian cuisine, head downtown and check out Sotto. This place is known for its amazing wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Check out the runner-ups for the best Italian restaurants here.
The Best Indian
Baba
3120 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
https://www.babarestaurant.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday11AM–2:30 PM, 4:30–10 PM, Friday&Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 11 AM–9 PM
Looking for something a little bit different? Make your way over to Baba for some classic and delicious Indian fare. This family-run restaurant serves up mouth-watering dishes that will have you coming back for more.
More of the best Indian restaurants can be found here.
The Best Chinese
Kung Food Amerasia
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521 Madison Avenue Covington, KY 41011
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM–8:45 PM, Friday 11 AM–9:45 PM, Saturday 4–9:45 PM, closed on Sundays
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Chinese food, look no further than Amerasia in Covington. This restaurant is known for its authentic dishes and friendly staff. Plus, they have a great take-out menu if you’re in a hurry.
More of the best Chinese restaurants in Cincinnati can be found here
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The Best Sandwiches
The Wheel
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3805 Brotherton Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday closed, Wednesday-Saturday 12–6 PM
The Wheel is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a quick and tasty sandwich. This local and fancy joint specializes in Italian sandwiches, but they also have a variety of other menu items that are sure to please.
Find more Sandwich places here.
The Best Thai
Thai Express
213 W McMillan St, Cincinnati
Website Address: https://www.facebook.com/Thaiexpresscincinnati
Hours: Daily 11 AM-9 PM, closed on Sundays
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Thai food, look no further than Thai Express. This restaurant is known for its authentic dishes and friendly staff. Plus, they have a great take-out menu if you’re in a hurry.
More of the best Thai restaurants can be found here.
The Best Fried Chicken
Libby’s Southern Comfort
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35 W 8th St, Covington, KY 41011
https://www.libbyssoutherncomfort.com/
Hours: MondayClosed, Tuesday-Thursday11AM–10 PM, Frida&Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 10 AM–3 PM
If you’re up for some amazing fried chicken, look no further than Libby’s. This restaurant is known for its authentic southern cooking and friendly staff. Plus, they have a great take-out menu if you’re in a hurry.
See other great Cincinnati chicken restaurants here.
The Best Breakfast
Sleepy Bee Cafe
8 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hours: Daily 8 AM–3 PM
For a delicious breakfast or brunch option, look no further than Sleepy Bee Cafe. This restaurant is known for its fresh and homemade food, as well as its friendly staff. Plus, they have a great take-out menu if you’re in a hurry.
Other great breakfast restaurants can be found here.
The Best Brunch
The Echo
3510 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208
https://www.echo-hydepark.com/
Hours: Daily 7 AM–3 PM
The Queen City’s best brunch option is in the Hyde Park area: The Echo. This restaurant has a variety of bacon and egg-based meals, as well as muffins, french toast, and more. Plus, they have a variety of drinks to choose from, including screwdrivers, salty marys, bloody marys, and more.
More of the best brunch restaurants can be found here.
The Best BBQ
Eli’s BBQ
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3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 4522
Hours: Daily 11 AM–9 PM
If you’re in the mood for some delicious BBQ, head over to the Columbia-Tusculum district and visit Eli’s. Eli’s BBQ is also known for its delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Eli’s also offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal in the fresh air if you prefer. So, if you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned BBQ, this is the place to go. You won’t be disappointed!
See some other great BBQ restaurants in Cincinnati here.
The Best Vegetarian
BrewDog
316 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.brewdog.com/uk/bars/usa/cincinnati
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12–10 PM, Friday & Saturday 12–11 PM, Sunday12–9 PM
BrewDog is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian meal. This brewery is known for its fresh and homemade food, craft beer, and friendly staff. Plus, they have a great take-out menu if you’re in a hurry. The sweet potato burger, fried cauliflower wings, eggplant pizza, and black bean tacos are among the vegetarian options on the menu.
More great Cincinnati vegetarian restaurants can be found here.
The Best Chicken Wings
Oakley Pub & Grill
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3924 Isabella Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209
https://oakleypubandgrill.com/
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday11AM–midnight, Friday&Saturday 11 AM–2 AM, Sunday 11 AM–10 PM, closed on Mondays
Oakley Pub & Grill is one of Oakley’s best-known restaurants. While they do have burgers, nachos, and other typical bar food on the menu, their chicken wings are out of this world. When you visit, be sure to taste their buffalo chicken dip. It’s a must-try!
More great places for chicken wings can be found here.
The Best Pizza
Taglio
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3531 Columbia Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Hours: Daily 11AMß9PM, Friday & Saturday till 11 PM
If you’re looking for a delicious pizza that tastes like it’s from Detroit, be sure to check out Taglio. This restaurant is known for its amazing Detroit-style pizza, and its sauces are delectable. The service is kind, and they even have an outside seating area. However, it is a bit pricey but it’s worth it.
Follow this link for other great Italian restaurants.
The Best Sushi
Mr. Sushi
580 Walnut St UNIT 500, Cincinnati
Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM–9 PM, Weekends 4–9 PM
Mr. Sushi is a downtown sushi place that offers a huge menu of excellent food. The udon is some of the best we’ve ever had, and the rolls are even better. They offer take-out and happy hours, making it the perfect spot for a night out or a quick bite to eat.
For more of the great sushi restaurants follow this link.
The Best Tacos
Taqueria San Marcos
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5201 Carthage Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45212
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taqueria-San-Marcos/144856969288336
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 AM–10 PM, Friday-Sunday 10 AM–10 PM
The Taqueria San Marcos is one of the best Cincinnati restaurants around. It’s located in Norwood, and it serves up some of the most authentic tacos around. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the service is excellent. If you’re looking for a great Mexican meal, this is the place to go.
More of Cincinnati’s best tacos restaurants can be found here.
The Best Seafood
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
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21 E 5th St Cincinnati
https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 AM–9 PM, Friday-Sunday 11:30 AM–10 PM
If you’re in the mood for some amazing seafood, look no further than McCormick & Schmick’s. This restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious seafood and is the largest and most sophisticated seafood restaurant. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is perfect for a night out on the town. So if you’re looking for a romantic evening or just a great meal, be sure to check out McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. You won’t be disappointed!
More of the best seafood restaurants can be found here.
The Best Burger
Zip’s Cafe
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1036 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 11 AM–9 PM, closed on Monday & Tuesday
Zip’s, located in the center of Mt. Lookout, offers the best burgers in Queen City. This restaurant is known for its fresh and juicy burgers, and they have a wide variety of toppings to choose from. Plus, the service is always friendly and fast. So if you’re in the mood for a great burger, be sure to give Wendy’s a try!
Find other great burger restaurants in Cincinnati here.
The Best Chilli
Empress Chili
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7934 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, Kentucky 41001
https://empresschilialexandria.com/
No list of the best restaurants in Cincinnati would be complete without mentioning Empress Chili in Downtown. This local favorite has been serving up its famous Cincinnati-style chili since 1922. So if you’re looking for a taste of history, this is the place to go!
More great chili restaurants in Cincinnati: click here.
The Best Japanese
Ando Japanese Restaurant
5889 Pfeiffer Rd #4819, Blue Ash, OH 45242
Hours: Daily 5–9 PM, closed on Sundays and Mondays
For a truly unique dining experience, check out Ando Japanese Restaurant in Blue Ash. This tiny Japanese eatery offers a wide variety of small plates and sushi rolls that are perfect for sharing. While Ando does not provide alcohol, they instead encourage you to bring your own. This makes it the perfect place for a date night or special occasion. You can enjoy a delicious meal while sipping on your favorite wine or beer. So, if you’re looking for a unique and intimate Japanese dining experience, be sure to check out Ando Japanese Restaurant.
Click here for more great japanese restaurants in Cincinnati.
The Best Steaks
Jeff Ruby’s Precinct
311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
https://www.jeffruby.com/precinct
Hours: Monday5–10 PM, Friday & Saturday 4–11 PM, Sunday4–9 PM
Looking for a classic steakhouse experience? Look no further than The Precinct in the Columbia-Tusculum district. This iconic Cincinnati restaurant has been serving up delicious steaks and seafood since81. So if you’re in the mood for a luxurious meal, this is the place to go.
The Best Mexican
Agave & Rye
3825 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati
513-620-8228
Hours: Daily 11 AM-11 PM, Friday and Saturday till midnight
Agave & Rye is a cool Mexican restaurant. They have delicious food and great happy hours. Their tacos are amazing and they have a variety of games to keep kids busy. The Love Shack and Yoda are both great and the video games are a lot of fun. Agave & Rye’s tartar tots are outstanding. They’re a great appetizer or side dish and are always a hit with kids and adults alike. Their guacamole is also a must-try, especially if you’re a fan of avocado. It’s fresh, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. Agave & Rye earns its spot as the best Mexican Restaurant in Cincinnati.
The Best Vietnamese
Saigon Subs & Rolls
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151 West 4th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.facebook.com/Saigonsubsandrolls/
Hours: Daily 10:30 AM–2 PM, closed on weekends
Saigon Subs is a great Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown Cincinnati. The food is fresh and tasty, and the service is always friendly. Their spring rolls are some of the best you’ll ever have. They’re light and crispy, and the perfect starter to any meal. The banh mi sandwiches are also a must-try. They’re made with fresh ingredients and come with your choice of meat or tofu. Saigon Subs is a great place to go for a healthy and delicious meal.
The Best Coffee
Awakenings
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2734 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
https://www.awakeningscoffeeandwine.com/
Hours: Daily 6:30 AM–6 PM
Awakenings is a cozy little coffee shop located in the heart of Hyde Park Square. It’s independently owned and operated, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. The coffee is rich and fragrant, and there are plenty of spacious seats and free wi-fi for you to relax.
The Best Brewery
Rhinegeist Brewery
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1910 Elm St, Cincinnati
(513) 381-1367
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 PM-11 PM, Friday 4 PM-12 AM, Saturday 12 PM-12 AM, Sunday 12 PM-10 PM
If you love beer, then you need to check out Rhinegeist Brewery. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, plus they offer tours of the brewery so you can see how everything is made. And if you get hungry, they also have a food truck on-site that serves up some delicious grub. So whether you’re looking to drink some great beer or eat some good food, Rhinegeist Brewery is the place to be.
Most sophisticated
The Littlefield
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3934 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-11 PM, Friday 4 PM-12 AM, Saturday, 11 AM-12 AM, Sunday 11 AM-10 PM, closed on Mondays
The Littlefield is a sophisticated place to eat in Northside. They have a great selection of burgers, wraps, patty melts, and smoked wings. And their full bar offers a wide range of drinks, including bourbon, whiskey, and cocktails. They also have indoor and outdoor dining options, so you can enjoy your meal however you like.
Donuts
Marcella’s Doughnuts & Bakery
29 W Main St, Amelia, OH 45102
Hours: Daily 6 AM-9 PM
Marcella’s Doughnuts & Bakery is a Cincinnati doughnut institution. This family-owned and operated business has been serving up fresh, delicious doughnuts forever. They have a vast variety of doughnuts to choose from, and they’re all prepared fresh daily. Plus, their doughnut quality is superior to any other doughnut shop in the city. So if you’re looking for an amazing doughnut experience, be sure to visit Marcella’s Doughnuts & Bakery!
Ice Cream
Aglamesis Bro’s
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Address: 3046 Madison Road (Oakley), Cincinnati, OH 45209
Hours: Daily 10 AM–10 PM
Aglamesis Bro’s is another Cincinnati institution. This family-owned and operated business have been serving up fresh, delicious ice cream since the early 1900s. And their ice cream is well-known throughout the city for its high quality and delicious flavor. So if you’re looking for a truly unique ice cream experience, be sure to visit Aglamesis Bros!
Best in Downtown
The View at Shires’ Garden
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309 Vine St 10th floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://theviewatshiresgarden.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 3:30-10 PM. Friday 3:30 PM–12 AM, Saturday 10 AM–12 AM, Sunday 10 AM–2 PM, closed on Mondays
The View at Shires’ Garden is a Cincinnati institution. This elegant restaurant has been serving fresh, delicious food for quite a while. And their rooftop bar offers a spectacular view of the entire city. They have a diverse assortment of craft beers, wines, and American-inspired cuisine. Plus, their venue is the nicest in Cincinnati for having dinner. So if you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, be sure to visit The View at Shires’ Garden!
Best in Covington
Wunderbar
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1132 Lee St, Covington, KY 41011
https://www.facebook.com/wunderbar.covington.3/
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 12–10 PM, Saturday&Sunday11AM–10 PM, closed on Monday
Wunderbar is a great place to go for a night out with friends. They have authentic German cuisine, plus handmade sausages and artisan brews. And their warmer months a rear patio to enjoy food and drinks. Plus, they have live music and karaoke on weekends. So if you’re looking for a fun and festive night out, be sure to check out Wunderbar!
Click here for more Covington restaurants.
Best In Wyoming
Tela Bar and Kitchen
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Location: 1212 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215
https://www.telabarandkitchen.com/
Hours: Daily 12–10 PM
Tele Bar and Kitchen is the best spot in Wyoming to grab a meal and drink. They’re known for their burgers, fries, and salads, and the burgers are fresh, the fries are crispy, and the salads are excellent. They also have a wide selection of craft beers and wines, plus a full bar. So if you’re looking for a great place to eat in Wyoming, be sure to check out Tele Bar and Kitchen!
So there you have it! A list of some of the best restaurants in Cincinnati that you need to check out. Whether you’re looking for Italian, Indian, Chinese, or even just a good old-fashioned sandwich, you’ll be able to find it here. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your foodie adventure today!
