While Cincinnati isn’t known as an Italian food mecca — we boast more about our German heritage than anything else — we sure do have loads of restaurants where you can get anything from red sauce pasta to veal. From old school joints like Scotti’s to trendier spots like Pepp & Dolores, there are many great places around the city to enjoy a taste of Italy. Do you think these Yelper’s know what good Italian food is?

Editor’s Note: No. 23 Enoteca Emilia and No. 11 Vincenzo’s have since closed since this list was first published.

Taglio Bar & Pizzeria 56 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine Taglio is an upscale take on pizza and Italian food, making several things fresh daily from sourced ingredients. They have New York- and Detroit-style pizzas. The more traditional New York-style pizza features a thinner crust that tastes like bakery-quality bread on its own, but the savory and slightly sweet sauce, dense layer of cheese and pepperoni baked into a perfectly crispy bowl steal the show. The Detroit-style pizza has a delicious buttery, crispy baked outer crust that’s a gargantuan of flavor surrounding the thick, baked dough with a full layer of perfectly greasy mozzarella, a dollop of chunky tomato sauce and, in this case, large slices of pepperoni. They also offer a curated wine and beer list, cocktails, appetizers, salads and gelato. The OTR location is also a sports bar and a Pub Partner of FC Cincinnati. It’s a perfect spot to watch the game, with 25 TVs, NFL Sunday Ticket and 14 drafts on tap. And, when the weather’s nice, you can take your pizza and drinks out on the patio. Photo: Facebook.com/EatTaglio
24. Gina’s Italian Kitchen and Tavern 1005 Eaton Ave., Hamilton “This place is hard to find but it’s worth it. Their lunch specials are great and everything I’ve had here has always been good. I’ve tried the antipasto salad and any of the sandwiches are great. Prices won’t break the bank either.” — Doug P. Facebook.com/Ginas-Italian-Kitchen-and-Tavern
23. Enoteca Emilia (Permanently Closed) 110 S. Second St., Loveland “We were greeted by none other than the beautiful owner – and the food + bartender (Cory) + server (Porter) were absolutely flawless! Kudos to the kitchen- every bite was delicious and unique especially the veal meatballs!!! Awesome atmosphere and service!” — Tami W. Facebook.com/EnotecaEmilia
22. Rotolo 1 Levee Way, Newport “So much fun. Bowling, Italian food and awesome beverages? The only downside was that i think the bowling was a little pricy.” — John G. Facebook.com/RotoloNewport
21. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse 5800 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester “Great food…great service. Kurt the bartender is the best. Steve our server for dinner was very attentive and has a great sense of humor. We love this place. Andy and Susan.” — Susan C. Facebook.com/JohnnysItalianSteakhouse
20. Brio Italian Grille 1 Levee Way, Newport “We stopped by Brio on our way home from work after getting an email about their happy hour. We were pleasantly surprised by their offerings. The bartender served us shortly after we arrived and our food was served in no time. I don’t recall the names of our drinks, but everything was delightful.” — Amber C. Facebook.com/BrioNewport
19. Giovanni’s Family Italian Restaurant 4050 N. Bend Road, Cheviot “I was looking for a family Italian restaurant and they DELIVERED! Highly recommend checking it out.” — Taylor B. Facebook.com/Giovannis-Family-Italian-Restaurant
18. Padrino 111 Main St., Milford; 3715 Madison Road, Oakley (inside Oakley Kitchen Food Hall) “Pizza! Who doesn’t love pizza? Padrino does it right. Thin crispy crust. The garlic knots are my favorite as is the pesto pizza!” — Felecia G. Hailey Bollinger
17. Palermo’s 6096 West Chester Road, West Chester Township “Love this place. Homemade food and a great mellow vibe. Great service. We ordered a fantastic Chicken Capri, a Fettucine Alfredo and some Stuffed Shells, plus a meat filled Antipasta Salas to split. I’ve eaten at plenty of places in this area, and I highly recommend Palermo’s. Great food, great atmosphere. Independent eateries rock. Give em a shot.” — Jim M. Facebook.com/PalermosWestChester
Sorrento’s Italian Joint Sorrento’s Italian Joint is a Norwood community culinary staple. Founded by Enrico and Santina DeLuca, the pizzeria uses Italian family recipes to craft its mouth-watering pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. The menu is available for delivery via Grubhub. Photo via Facebook.com/SorrentosItalianJoint Facebook.com/SorrentosItalianJoint
15. Ferrari’s Little Italy and Bakery 7677 Goff Terrace, Madeira “OMG just rediscovered this hidden gem. My meal was so good I had it twice. Cuz there was so much leftover. Then could not pass up the bakery. I’ve tried other bakeries but they have the best salted rye I’ve ever tasted. I bought 2 loaves so I can bring ’em with me for the holidays.” — Celia L. Facebook.com/FerrarisLittleItaly
14. Pompilio’s 600 Washington Ave., Newport “A classic, you just always know you can count on a really solid meal from here. I got the byo pasta with angel hair and meatballs, yum!” — Karen B. Hailey Bollinger
13. Cork n’ Crust 710 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue “We ordered takeout tonight and I just wanted to say everything wAs perfect! The smoked wings with Parmesan sauce were so good! We also ordered a small “Bellevue pizza”‘ and it was delicious. Great job! We will order again for sure!” — Heather K. Facebook.com/CorkNCrustBellevue
12. Maggiano’s 7875 Montgomery Road, Kenwood “Such a wonderful birthday experience here! Wonderful food and wonderful service. I look forward to my next visit!” — Asia A. Provided by Maggiano's
11. Vincenzo’s (Permanently Closed) 11525 Chester Road, Sharonville “By far the best Italian food in Cincinnati. I have a hard time picking what to eat because it is all sooo good.” — Roger O. Facebook.com/Vincenzos
10. Alfio’s Buon Cibo 2724 Erie Ave., Hyde Park “Excellent service and even better food. Our server, Marco, was great and recommended some amazing dishes. We will be back!” — Shelley M. Facebook.com/AlfiosBuonCibo
9. Primavista 810 Matson Place, East Price Hill “Superbly prepared meals, great service and spectacular views…what’s not to love! Definitely a place & evening to remember!” — Christina T. Facebook.com/PrimaVistaRestaurant
8. Biagio’s Bistro 308 Ludlow Ave., Clifton “Amazing, authentic food and attentive wait staff! Didn’t get to try anything from the pastry case but will be returning soon!” — Holly E. Google Maps 2021
7. Bouchard’s 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine “Delicious pasta located inside the Findlay market!! I especially liked the fettuccine option! Basically you get a sheet to create pasta on your own and you can add as many ingredients as you would like! Very fresh, tasty, and great pricing as well! Would definitely recommend!” — Mirabelle L. Facebook.com/FindlayMarket
Scotti’s Italian Eatery 919 Vine St., Downtown Family-owned since 1912, Scotti’s has solidified itself as a Queen City staple. Their large menu features just about every pasta imaginable and nearly 20 different varieties of veal dishes. Finish off your meal with a bottle of wine and you’ll be full for days. Multi-colored tiles plaster the walls, and candles drip layer upon layer of wax on Chianti bottles at every table, providing a little light to the otherwise dimly lit dining room. Scotti’s is named after early 20th-century opera star Antonio Scotti, so the sounds pumping through the speakers isn’t Muzak or clichéd Sinatra tunes, it’s Rossini and Puccini and Pavaratti — just another aspect that sets this landmark apart from the pack. Photo: Paige Deglow Photo: Paige Deglow
Via Vite 520 Vine St., Downtown 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21. $30; $10 children 12 and under. The Fountain Square eatery will be serving a special brunch buffet featuring authentic Italian items and traditional brunch favorites Photo: Via Vite Facebook Photo: Facebook.com/ViaVite
4. Forno Osteria + Bar 3514 Erie Ave., Hyde Park; 9415 Montgomery Road, Montgomery “I have never really liked Italian food but this place is great!! the restaurant has cute wood tables and warm lighting, very cozy but still nice. our service was fast and nice. the bread was perfect. i got the asparagus gnudi and it was sooo good. it was fresh and light but still filling. my bf got the bolognese and loved it. i would definitely come back for a cute dinner w friends or a nice date!!” — Lauren C. Facebook.com/FornoOsteriaBar
3. Nicola’s Ristorante 1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine “Everything about our experience here was incredible. We had wonderful service, non invasive or annoying but prompt and helpful, and the food was incredible! Best restaurant experience I’ve had in a long time and certainly best I’ve had in Ohio!” — Mica N. Hailey Bollinger
2. Sotto 118 E. Sixth St., Downtown “This place kills it from the food to the ambience and service. Underground and above par. Always love going here for special occasions!! Will be going back soon.” — Ronado G. Hailey Bollinger
Thunderdome Restaurant Group — the team behind The Eagle, Bakersfield, Currito and Maplewood Kitchen and Bar — has opened their newest concept, an Italian eatery called Pepp & Dolores, at 1501 Vine St. in Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Hailey Bollinger