Cincinnati Restaurants
Things to do in Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati area is more of a culinary destination than visitors may think. Cincy is known for its chili and the nickname "Porkopolis" because of the stockyards that used to be synonymous with the area, but fine dining is also in the rise in the metropolis.
Starting with chili, Cincy defined itself with renowned chains Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, where the chili is poured on top of spaghetti and is covered in shredded cheese (called a 3-Way). Skyline might be the best-known chili outside of the city, but it’s not the be-all-end-all of local chili haunts. Camp Washington Chili, a 24-hour diner, serves several kinds of chili, chili dogs and other greasy treats, while Dixie Chili and Deli cooks up quick-serve chili dishes as well as regular sandwiches. La Rosa’s Pizza also made a name for itself in the city then branched out to other areas in the Midwest with its tasty pizzas and sandwiches. Famed rib joint the Montgomery Inn has a few locations throughout and city its homemade barbecue sauce is now sold in stores.
For those seeking something a little more substantial, sample a number of restaurants with fresh ingredients, albeit, on the pricier side. Orchids at Palm-Court Hilton offers everything from lobster to châteaubriand. It’ll empty out the wallet, but its farm-to-table dishes are worth the occasional splurge.
Don't ignore the breathtaking waterfront and skyline views along the Ohio River. Newport on the Levee in Newport, Ky., offers riverside dining and views of the Cincy skyline at one of its many bars and restaurants. Known as “The only floating restaurant in Cincinnati,” the Four Seasons boards diners on a barge for a romantic seafood meal.
Moving on to another staple -- ice cream -- and Cincy’s full of it. Several Graeter’s are located throughout the city, but it can also be bought by the pint nationwide. Two Aglamesis Brothers dessert shops are a throwback to soda fountains of yore and sell all kinds of sundaes and other confectioneries. But if you want to travel a little out of the way, visit The Cone or Gold Top Dairy Bar for soft-serve and other creamy delights.
Relax. A meal at the Colonial Cottage Inn is cozy and comfortable.
More like a restaurant than a traditional winery, Henke Winery invites guests to “Sit, sip, and savor.”
West Side Chili in the Bridgetown North neighborhood has, as you might suspect, Cincinnati chili, but oh so much more.
Each dish is specially prepared, ensuring diners thoroughly enjoy Ambar’s exotic Indian cuisine.
Nowhere else in the world can diners enjoy the ambiance of a genuine historic landmark that once produced the country’s most beautiful and treasured pottery and tile.
Coffee lovers rave about it. Some say Coffee Emporium brews the best coffee in the city. Some say they brew the best, period.
In the heart of Cincinnati, you'll find a bustling district replete with a variety of excellent downtown Cincinnati restaurants. Downtown Cincinnati restaurants serve some of the choicest meats, produce, and wines, creating dishes inspired by many cultures.
Since 1999, customers have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, warm companionship and great coffee of Zen and Now Coffee House.
The Quatman Café has a definite contender for the title of Cincinnati’s Best Burger.
Despite being a small city tucked inside Cincinnati’s Westside, there’s an abundance of restaurants in Cheviot.
Sorrento’s Restaurant and Lounge has been “proudly serving the area since 1962.”
Roma Italian Restaurant serves generous portions of American Italian food at its best.
Enjoy “American cuisine with an Italian flair” at Gabby’s Cafe, a family owned and operated establishment where the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Gabby's restaurant makes you feel like family too. The exterior of Gabby’s restaurant is instantly recognizable, with its rounded glass block front that gives it an art deco feel.
Blue Jay Restaurant in Northside is popular for a reason -- or several reasons: good food, good prices and a clean, comfortable place.
Expect a crowd evenings at the Behle Street Café. Located within the Embassy Suites and across from the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, people gather here from out of town, after work, or just for a good time.
It doesn’t matter that it’s breakfast time. It’s always Chili time.
Even with two hands, managing the sandwich is difficult, and you need to think before you bite. Just how wide can you open your mouth?
Among Cincinnati’s Mexican restaurants, Blue Agave ranks among the best. Named for the blue agave, the base ingredient of tequila, the bar offers a variety of margaritas and tequila shots, along with imported, domestic and draft beers, mixed drinks and a selection of wines.
Stained glass windows, Mexican murals, dim lighting, and warm colors add southwest flavor to Cancun Mexican Restaurant and help you forget that it’s located adjacent and inside of a bowling alley.
Greyhound Tavern boasts many awards, including several from Cincinnati Magazine: Best Traditional American Cuisine, Best Casual Dining, and Best Comfort Food.