When you are a food lover based in Cincinnati, Downtown Cincinnati is the best place to go for a diverse selection of fantastic restaurants. Downtown Cincinnati provides an extensive range of restaurants where you can enjoy superb cuisine and drinks, from seafood spots to Italian restaurants to Mexican restaurants and anything in between.
We have compiled a list of the top 11 restaurants in the Downtown Cincinnati area that are worth visiting.
Restaurant Location Map
Every restaurant featured in this post is shown on the map below:
Sotto
Sotto is a restaurant in the basement having a simple brick-and-wood décor, serving some of the city’s best Italian meals. Sotto is a great place to visit when you want to celebrate a special event with some wonderful Italian cuisine. They are known for their pasta, huge range of wines, rich ingredients, and top-notch service.
Restaurant Address: 118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Sotto
Nada
Nada, a Mexican restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating and one of the city’s most popular taco spots. It is physically the most beautiful eaterie in Downtown Cincinnati. Grilled Mahi, carne asada, Baja fish, pig belly, and a range of other meats are available to add to your tacos on their menu. Along with their diverse menu, they serve a range of margaritas and beverages that pair well with the tacos.
Restaurant Address: 600 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Nada
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar is a restaurant with a large interior, courteous service, and a diverse selection of delectable food and drink options. Maplewood is a famous breakfast and lunch spot known for its lavish brunch offerings, but it also serves a range of dinner options such as salads, cold-pressed juices, sandwiches, and drinks.
Restaurant Address: 525 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
Taqueria Mercado
Taqueria Mercado is another excellent place to visit for tacos and margaritas. This restaurant, which is located in the center of Downtown, is frequently packed during lunch and dinner hours, and for a good reason: they serve some truly fantastic tacos. The barbacoa taco is our particular favorite, but if you have a chance, try the fried pork and shredded chicken as well. Besides the delicious food, the service is quick, pleasant, and efficient. The interior is exceptionally spacious, so locating a seat is typically not a problem even when it is busy.
Restaurant Address: 100 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Taqueria Mercado
Court Street Lobster Bar
Court Street Lobster Bar is a great seafood restaurant in the Downtown area. Court Street prides itself on providing “east coast flavor with Midwest hospitality.” They actually deliver it. The food is terrific, along with a quick and courteous service. In a long, narrow structure, Court Street provides a unique eating experience in a relaxed setting. Their menu includes lobster rolls (for which they have won awards), crab rolls, and cod rolls, all of which go well with their mac ‘n cheese and roasted cauliflower.
Restaurant Address: 28 W Court St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Court Street Lobster Bar
The View at Shires’ Garden
The View at Shires’ Garden is an elegant restaurant with a rooftop bar that offers spectacular views of the city as well as a diverse assortment of craft beers, wines, and American-inspired cuisine. This is one of the nicest venues to have dinner with a spectacular view of the entire city.
Restaurant Address: 309 Vine St 10th floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Shires’ Garden View
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is a high-end steakhouse with some of the city’s most incredible food and service. This is an excellent choice for special events such as anniversaries or birthday parties.
Restaurant Address: 700 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Saigon Subs and Rolls
Saigon Subs and Rolls is a great place to try some Vietnamese food. Saigon is noted for its huge portion sizes as well as its fresh and flavorful cuisine. Beef pho, taro boba, and spring rolls are three of our favorite foods here.
Restaurant Address: 151 W 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Saigon Subs and Rolls
Yard House
Yard House is a high-end eatery on The Banks famed for its classic rock music and American-style food, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches. This is one of the best locations to go for authentic American cuisine and excellent service.
Restaurant Address: 95 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Yard House
Condado Tacos
Condado, a Tex-Mex style restaurant with plenty of space and unique décor, is located across the street from the Reds baseball stadium and serves tacos. Massive murals and other artwork surround the walls, giving the space a distinct flavor. Condado is unique because you could always order pre-made tacos or make your own from scratch, with meats, cheeses, and salsas of your choice. The cost of a taco varies between $3 and $5.
Restaurant Address: 195 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Condado Tacos
Orchids at Palm Court (temporarily closed)
Orchids is a beautiful art deco restaurant that serves some of the best food in downtown Cincinnati. Their gnocchi is amazing, and their scallops are too. The food here is exquisite, and the service is excellent. If you’re looking for a romantic evening out, Orchids is definitely the place to go. Prices are on the high side, but definitely worth it for the experience.
Restaurant Address: 35 W 5th St #2801, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Official Website: Orchids at Palm Court
Phone: 513-564-6465
