Some call it the Queen City, while others disparagingly – and quite unfairly – refer to it as the Nasty Natty, but regardless of what you call Cincinnati, Ohio, it’s one of the best cities in the Midwest to get your grub on. From Cincinnati’s famous chili parlors to it’s blossoming fine dining scene, folks in Hamilton county’s largest metropolis have a lot to celebrate when it comes to dining.
Located along the Ohio river, Cincinnati is a bustling city with a very distinct culture. Few cities have the kind of personality and flare that Cincy does. Cincinnatians are very proud of their home town and this pride can clearly be seen in their outspoken love for their sports teams, rich cultural heritage, and fantastic food.
After catching a Reds game or spending the day riding roller coasters at King’s Island, you’ll likely have worked up quite an appetite. But before you swing by a mundane chain, take our advice and try out one of Cincinnati’s top-tier offerings instead.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Restaurants In Cincinnati, Ohio
Jeff Ruby’s Precinct
Carnivorous Cincinnatians have been flocking to this spot ever since it’s opening in 1981. Jeff Ruby got the Precinct off the ground with a few famous backers that included the likes of pro athletes and celebrities. In the ensuing years, the steakhouse has been attracting that high-society crowd in droves, but that’s not to say that you have to be rich and renowned to eat here.
The restaurant is decorated with police memorabilia which pays homage to the building’s original purpose as a Petrol House for the city’s mounted patrol.
The Precinct’s specialty is dry-aged steaks, and really there isn’t a better place in town to get a filet or New York Strip. Each gloriously grilled and lightly seasoned slab of meat comes with a side of potatoes and a salad.
If you’re not feeling steak, the menu also features shellfish, chicken, pork tenderloin, and other fresh seafood options. Additionally, sides are served family-style and include items like baked macaroni and cheese featuring six imported cheeses.
Service is spectacular, and the restaurant has a business casual dress code, so don’t come in a T-shirt. The adjacent bar, however, is a bit more casual and serves the same menu.
Arnold’s
For hands-down, the best burger in town, hop on over to Arnold’s Bar and Grill located a couple blocks away from the Hamilton County Justice Center. You can’t miss the place as it features an iconic bathtub out front.
On the weekends, there’s usually live music and a very lively crowd.
The weekdays tend to be a bit quieter, but it’s still worth visiting. Arnold’s embodies that close-knit, local-favorite vibe to the tee. Their burgers are big, juicy, and packed full of flavor, but the rest of their menu is also quite spectacular. Our personal favorite has to be Marty’s Waffles and Chicken, although the Tab salad is also pretty remarkable. For dessert, throw caution to the wind and order the lava cake. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.
Boca
After catching a play or musical performance at the Contemporary Arts Center, walk a couple of blocks down the street to enjoy a sure-to-be fire meal at Boca.
Elegance is the word that first comes to mind when we think about this European-style restaurant, but not that pretentious kind of elegance. Boca instead offers guests a warm, welcoming vibe that perfectly blends style with comfort.
You can expect quality cuisine when dining at Boca. They somehow manage to make something as simple as a beet salad, new and exciting, elevating it’s flavor and texture profile to thrilling new heights at the hands of Boca’s talented and utterly visionary chefs.
Their pasta with Bolognese sauce is to die for, but the scallops and ravioli are also highlights of their well-rounded menu. Plus, they do a great job with wine pairings, so don’t be afraid to ask. Their varietals and vintages are quite lovely.
Orchids at Palm Court
Right around the corner from Fountain Square is a restaurant that rivals some of the finest Michelin-starred establishments in New York City. Everything on the menu is phenomenal, fresh, and predominately locally sourced.
Orchids is located in the historic Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel, and Palm Court is one of the most elegant and distinguished spaces in the city. The dining room features a French Art Deco theme accentuated with touches of crystal, fine china, and genuine silver.
It’s run by Award-Winning executive chef Todd Kelly and his valiant team of culinary wizards. No expense is spared in the preparation of their food. From fresh-caught fish to caviar and house-made cheeses, Chef Todd proves time and time again that he’s a real artist.
Orchids at Palm Court is one of just 63 restaurants in North American to achieve the coveted Five Diamonds rating from AAA. Diners ideally should dress to impress, but a jacket and tie aren’t required. We recommend their popcorn grits with leaks and black truffle or the Monk Fish with brown butter, braised kale, bacon, and baby eggplant.
Salazar
Salazar, under the direction of Executive Chef Jose Salazar, offers a fine dining experience in a more casual atmosphere. It’s located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and features a menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
There are only 42 seats inside and an additional 8 on the patio, but don’t let the small size deceive you. The flavor that you can expect from a meal at Salazar is big, bold, beautiful, and balanced. Everything on Chef Salazar’s menu is deliberate and flawlessly executed. Ingredients are artfully combined, and the aesthetics of plated dishes are photo-worthy.
The menu is seasonal and thus always changing, but there is always a burger and veggie risotto dish on offer. We tried the “Everything-crusted” salmon served with a side of veal sweetbreads, and we’ve got to hand it to them, they were mouthwateringly delicious. But even if that’s not available on your visit, you’ll be sure to try something you can relish in.
Camp Washington Chili
Cincinnati has long been famous for it’s unique variant of chili. Honestly, the word chili is a bit of a misnomer in this context, as the meaty sauce that Cincy chili parlors use to top their spaghetti dishes and hot dogs is more akin to a curry or mole.
The best-known chili parlors in town are the chains Skyline and Gold Star – both of which are pretty great, but for what we believe is the ultimate Cincinnati Chili experience, pay a visit to this family-owned landmark.
Cincinnati Chili was invented by Greek immigrants more than 75 years ago. Since then, it has come to be known as a Cincinnati staple food item.
We recommend trying a three-way which consists of chili, spaghetti, and a mountain of freshly-shredded cheddar. You can make that a four or five-way by adding beans or onions, or both! Another great choice is a cheese coney, which is cheese, chili, onions, mustard, and a hot dog on a kaiser bun.
It might sound simple, but the flavor packed into that substance that bears little resemblance to Texes-style chili is nothing short of addictive.
York Street Cafe
Tucked away in what once was a historic pharmacy building is an eye-catching restaurant that is filled with antiques and collectibles adorning it’s walls. The ambiance is inviting, but what really makes this spot great is it’s menu. They use only the freshest ingredients, including locally-harvested veggies and herbs from a garden down the street.
York Street Cafe is both family-friendly and a great place to take a first date. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options, and items like soups, pies, and cakes are made daily.
Sotto
This reasonably priced Italian restaurant serves up house-made pasta dishes that are out of this world. It’s actually the sister restaurant of Boca, and clearly the quality and attention to detail featured at that spot has trickled over to here.
We highly recommend the Gemelli con Pomodoro and the Pennetta alla vodka, but everything on the menu is a sure-fire hit. Other recommendations include the Short Rib Cappallacci and the Kale Salad. For starters, give the smooth chicken liver mousse a go.
Mazunte Taqueria
Right down the street from the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Madison Rd, Mazunte may very be the best Mexican restaurant in town. They serve fresh, flavor-drenched, authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly and casual atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re sitting in your abuela’s dining room.
Their staff are all quite pleasant and extremely knowledgeable about their menu. Start the meal off right with the homemade chips and salsa, then move on to something more substantial like the street tacos or enchiladas. Portions are generous, and side sauces and salsa are offered free of charge.
Joe’s Pizza Napoli
Located in Milford, just north of Cincinnati, Joe’s Pizza Napoli serves up traditional Neapolitan wood-fired pies made of the highest quality ingredients and made-fresh-daily dough. From the first bite, you’ll notice the difference. Joe’s doesn’t try to hide behind mountains of cheese or cheap gimmicks. Everything is fairly straightforward, but in that simplicity comes elegance and marks of a true artisan.
While the pizza is probably some of the best in the region, unfortunately, the atmosphere could use a few refinements. Guests are sat at cafeteria-style tables in a small, unassuming dining room. If you can get past that caveat, Joe’s really is something special.
The Lübecker
With dishes like Jager fries, Currywurst, Reuben Pretzel Sandwiches, and schnitzel, The Lubecker aims to give Cincinnatians a taste of authentic German street food. While we can’t attest to just how authentic their offerings really are, we can confirm that their eats are pretty excellent.
If you’re looking for delicious, soul-nourishing German food, this is your spot. We’ve gone a few times now, and each experience topped the last. We especially dig their sides, like potato salad and sauerkraut. Everything just comes together in this deeply rewarding and somehow familiar kind of way.
The atmosphere is very casual, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a chance. Sure, it’s no Orchids or Boca, but where else can you can get genuine Jagerschnitzel? Not the Hofbrauhaus for sure. While that rival German eatery claims to be authentic, their food really isn’t anything special. Here, however, you feel like you’ve just stumbled upon a diamond in the rough.
With that, we’ll go ahead and wrap things up. Thanks for coming along on this little tour of Cincinnati with us. Hopefully, now you know where to go next time you’re in the Flying Pig city and looking for a bite to eat.
Which Cincinnati restaurant looks most appealing to you, and if you’ve already sampled some of Cincinnati’s eats, where would you recommend a first-timer going to have a spectacular meal? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching.