The 24 Best Greater Cincinnati Restaurants Right Now, According to Yelp

At CityBeat, we know a thing or two about picking the best restaurants in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, but Yelpers have some hot takes of their own. From high-end eats to cozy brunch spots and romantic Italian spots, here are 25 of the most popular Greater Cincinnati restaurants Yelpers say you should dine at right now.

*Note: This was the list at the time of publication. Based on ongoing input, restaurant locations in this Yelp list may change. Reviews may have been shortened or edited slightly for clarity and grammar.
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Alcove
1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“Great food and atmosphere. Had bread and cheese boards, fish of the day, and sliders, along with a basil rosé and paloma cocktails, sauvignon blanc and Tropical PsycHOPathy. All were great, but I was especially impressed with the fish. It was perfectly cooked and was served on a vinaigrette cabbage base that went well and mashed edamame. Overall a great experience!” -Dan P.
Photo: Provided by Alcove

Alcove

1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“Great food and atmosphere. Had bread and cheese boards, fish of the day, and sliders, along with a basil rosé and paloma cocktails, sauvignon blanc and Tropical PsycHOPathy. All were great, but I was especially impressed with the fish. It was perfectly cooked and was served on a vinaigrette cabbage base that went well and mashed edamame. Overall a great experience!” -Dan P.
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Nolia
1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine
“A simply great, small, local place to dine. I love southern fare and really enjoyed this upscale southern cuisine option. The bourbon cocktail was great, I had the BEST elevated ham & beans I have ever had, along with tasty greens, and the crawfish app. I ate it alllll. Looking forward to going back soon.” -M Y.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Nolia

1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine
“A simply great, small, local place to dine. I love southern fare and really enjoyed this upscale southern cuisine option. The bourbon cocktail was great, I had the BEST elevated ham & beans I have ever had, along with tasty greens, and the crawfish app. I ate it alllll. Looking forward to going back soon.” -M Y.
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Losanti
1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“Great portions to share. Ordered the mussels, steak and frites, filet mignon, mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, elote corn — cannot go wrong with any menu item. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere for high-quality steak.” -Nhi T.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Losanti

1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“Great portions to share. Ordered the mussels, steak and frites, filet mignon, mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, elote corn — cannot go wrong with any menu item. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere for high-quality steak.” -Nhi T.
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Pepp & Dolores
1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“We had heard so much about this restaurant. The fresh ricotta with the grilled bread is an excellent choice for [an] appetizer and you cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. All the pasta is made fresh at the restaurant.” -Gayatri C.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Pepp & Dolores

1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“We had heard so much about this restaurant. The fresh ricotta with the grilled bread is an excellent choice for [an] appetizer and you cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. All the pasta is made fresh at the restaurant.” -Gayatri C.
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The Eagle
1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“The Eagle is the ultimate comfort food stop! As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm atmosphere. The sides are my absolute favorite part of the menu. We went with a large party and got nearly every appetizer on the menu and they were all fantastic. Spoon bread and horseradish mashed potatoes are next level. The fried chicken is of course stellar and what they are most known for. Also excellent breadth of beer and cocktails.” -Monica F.

The Eagle

1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“The Eagle is the ultimate comfort food stop! As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm atmosphere. The sides are my absolute favorite part of the menu. We went with a large party and got nearly every appetizer on the menu and they were all fantastic. Spoon bread and horseradish mashed potatoes are next level. The fried chicken is of course stellar and what they are most known for. Also excellent breadth of beer and cocktails.” -Monica F.
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The Baker’s Table
1004 Monmouth St., Newport
“This place is fantastic. I do not know where to start. Hmmm, at the beginning they offer you homemade bread and the creamiest butter with a dash of salt. We ordered the farm lettuce salad and it tasted like they picked the lettuce from their garden. Then the salad’s dressing gave it a unique flavor — I wanted to lick the plate. I had to remember I was in a restaurant. Now, the main course was worth the wait. We ordered the rigatoni and the pork mixed grill. The pasta was [cooked] perfectly and the bolognese was savory and felt like home. The mixed grill was pork 3 different ways with pickled mustard. It was an explosion of flavor in your mouth. I thought why have not I had this before? We finished off with a warm apple crumble with a pumpkin ice cream. Finally, the service was top-tier. The waitress was knowledgeable and so helpful. Everything she recommended was fantastic. As you can see, I LOVED this place.” -Tae S.

The Baker’s Table

1004 Monmouth St., Newport
“This place is fantastic. I do not know where to start. Hmmm, at the beginning they offer you homemade bread and the creamiest butter with a dash of salt. We ordered the farm lettuce salad and it tasted like they picked the lettuce from their garden. Then the salad’s dressing gave it a unique flavor — I wanted to lick the plate. I had to remember I was in a restaurant. Now, the main course was worth the wait. We ordered the rigatoni and the pork mixed grill. The pasta was [cooked] perfectly and the bolognese was savory and felt like home. The mixed grill was pork 3 different ways with pickled mustard. It was an explosion of flavor in your mouth. I thought why have not I had this before? We finished off with a warm apple crumble with a pumpkin ice cream. Finally, the service was top-tier. The waitress was knowledgeable and so helpful. Everything she recommended was fantastic. As you can see, I LOVED this place.” -Tae S.
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Sotto
118 E. Sixth St., Downtown
“Every time I go to Sotto I'm shocked by how they manage to elevate the experience. Tonight I went for a prix doze dinner and had the chance to try all my favorites, branzino, cacio e pepe, goat cheese grilled bread. Add to that the stellar service in the cellar and I see why it takes months to get a reservation here. As always, GET DESSERT. The doughnuts are the draw, but you have to have the budino as well. So great!” -Leah S.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Sotto

118 E. Sixth St., Downtown
“Every time I go to Sotto I'm shocked by how they manage to elevate the experience. Tonight I went for a prix doze dinner and had the chance to try all my favorites, branzino, cacio e pepe, goat cheese grilled bread. Add to that the stellar service in the cellar and I see why it takes months to get a reservation here. As always, GET DESSERT. The doughnuts are the draw, but you have to have the budino as well. So great!” -Leah S.
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The Governor
231 Main St., Milford
“This is one of my favorite spots in Cincinnati. Classic diner vibes with a twist. They have stellar vegetarian options, fried chicken sandwiches that tempt be to stop being vegetarian and a beautiful cocktail menu. The staff and owners rule, which makes this spot an all-around win.” -Catherine V.
Photo: Savana Willhoite

The Governor

231 Main St., Milford
“This is one of my favorite spots in Cincinnati. Classic diner vibes with a twist. They have stellar vegetarian options, fried chicken sandwiches that tempt be to stop being vegetarian and a beautiful cocktail menu. The staff and owners rule, which makes this spot an all-around win.” -Catherine V.
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Mama’s on Main
621 Main St., Covington
“Mama's will reserve a special place in my heart since it plays a role in my love story: I planned to come here alone but after a surprisingly successful coffee date with a stranger, he joined me that night. We were seated at the bar, which was close, but cozy. The staff were personable and friendly, recommending the perfect wine with the ragu. THE RAGU! Probably the best I've ever had. (Was it good because I was in love? Maybe, but it was still very good!) 10/10 recommend. It was very busy, but the atmosphere was relaxed and yet energetic. This spot was the perfect place for a perfect date. Looking forward to returning on our anniversary!” -Madeline M.
Photo: Catie Viox for Zest Cincy

Mama’s on Main

621 Main St., Covington
“Mama's will reserve a special place in my heart since it plays a role in my love story: I planned to come here alone but after a surprisingly successful coffee date with a stranger, he joined me that night. We were seated at the bar, which was close, but cozy. The staff were personable and friendly, recommending the perfect wine with the ragu. THE RAGU! Probably the best I've ever had. (Was it good because I was in love? Maybe, but it was still very good!) 10/10 recommend. It was very busy, but the atmosphere was relaxed and yet energetic. This spot was the perfect place for a perfect date. Looking forward to returning on our anniversary!” -Madeline M.
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Fillo Modern Greek
1505 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“I took a friend who used to live in Greece to Fillo for their dinner service tonight. The food was excellent as always and my friend was so happy to see some old favorites on the menu. We shared several hot mezze plates and some salads. We loved every bit. The wait staff was attentive and informed and made great recommendations. The decor is beautiful and fresh and clean. I do hope they will also bring their brunch service back, but for now, we will continue to enjoy their dinner.” -Heidi S.
Photo: Fillo Modern Greek

Fillo Modern Greek

1505 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“I took a friend who used to live in Greece to Fillo for their dinner service tonight. The food was excellent as always and my friend was so happy to see some old favorites on the menu. We shared several hot mezze plates and some salads. We loved every bit. The wait staff was attentive and informed and made great recommendations. The decor is beautiful and fresh and clean. I do hope they will also bring their brunch service back, but for now, we will continue to enjoy their dinner.” -Heidi S.
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Maplewood Kitchen & Bar
525 Race St., Downtown
“Ordered the best omelet and hash browns I've ever had. Pancakes were also perfect. Coffee was good and had self-serve refills. Restaurant seating is first-come-first-serve and atmosphere is upscale but not fancy. Crowd was tourists, foodies, and families. The price was very reasonable for the high quality. Service was fast and friendly.” -Joel S.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Maplewood Kitchen & Bar

525 Race St., Downtown
“Ordered the best omelet and hash browns I've ever had. Pancakes were also perfect. Coffee was good and had self-serve refills. Restaurant seating is first-come-first-serve and atmosphere is upscale but not fancy. Crowd was tourists, foodies, and families. The price was very reasonable for the high quality. Service was fast and friendly.” -Joel S.
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Abigail Street
1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“From food to service, this place gets 5 stars. Came here for a reservation on a Thursday night and got our table right away. This is tapas/small plate style so we ordered 4 dishes for the two of us as well as 2 cocktails. 
They do a different hummus every day so we got their hummus of the day first. It was spectacular! It had a pimento chutney and came with a warm and fluffy pita that was also spot on! For the bigger dishes, we got the grilled short rib and lamb spaghetti. The short rib was tender and flavorful and came with bib lettuce to make little wraps. The lamb spaghetti was fantastic. The pasta is made in-house and the lamb was crispy and super yummy.
Apparently the lamb dish is new and the kitchen is still working out the timing of it. As a result, it took a little longer to come out than the rest of the dishes. We had nowhere to go and this was no problem, but the manager came out and apologized and comped our drinks — A+ service! We will definitely be back here to try the rest of the menu!” -Doug K.
Photo: Matthew Allen

Abigail Street

1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“From food to service, this place gets 5 stars. Came here for a reservation on a Thursday night and got our table right away. This is tapas/small plate style so we ordered 4 dishes for the two of us as well as 2 cocktails.

They do a different hummus every day so we got their hummus of the day first. It was spectacular! It had a pimento chutney and came with a warm and fluffy pita that was also spot on! For the bigger dishes, we got the grilled short rib and lamb spaghetti. The short rib was tender and flavorful and came with bib lettuce to make little wraps. The lamb spaghetti was fantastic. The pasta is made in-house and the lamb was crispy and super yummy.

Apparently the lamb dish is new and the kitchen is still working out the timing of it. As a result, it took a little longer to come out than the rest of the dishes. We had nowhere to go and this was no problem, but the manager came out and apologized and comped our drinks — A+ service! We will definitely be back here to try the rest of the menu!” -Doug K.
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Mid City Restaurant
40 E. Court St., Downtown
“Mid City is a hidden gem in downtown Cincinnati! An eclectic menu of extremely tasty and well-prepared food! The cocktails are fresh and delicious, as well. People should expect small plates but hearty food! The mushrooms in foil are one of the best things I have ever tasted and the baked Alaska is incredible! We have been to Mid City 4-5 times and have always enjoyed great service from a very friendly staff! It is a cozy, intimate place that feels like a neighborhood bar but with an elevated palate! There is truly something for everyone.” -Heidi S.
Photo: Aidan Mahoney

Mid City Restaurant

40 E. Court St., Downtown
“Mid City is a hidden gem in downtown Cincinnati! An eclectic menu of extremely tasty and well-prepared food! The cocktails are fresh and delicious, as well. People should expect small plates but hearty food! The mushrooms in foil are one of the best things I have ever tasted and the baked Alaska is incredible! We have been to Mid City 4-5 times and have always enjoyed great service from a very friendly staff! It is a cozy, intimate place that feels like a neighborhood bar but with an elevated palate! There is truly something for everyone.” -Heidi S.
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Goose & Elder
1800 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“Went for Sunday brunch and expected a long wait but they got us seated immediately and food came quickly too! Started with a seasonal blackberry bellini and mimosa and got the ciabatta breakfast sandwich with a side of potatoes- all good. Quiet and nice looking back seating area that had bar seating as well, both looking out toward Findlay Market; definitely a good pre-market breakfast!” -Becca S.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Goose & Elder

1800 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“Went for Sunday brunch and expected a long wait but they got us seated immediately and food came quickly too! Started with a seasonal blackberry bellini and mimosa and got the ciabatta breakfast sandwich with a side of potatoes- all good. Quiet and nice looking back seating area that had bar seating as well, both looking out toward Findlay Market; definitely a good pre-market breakfast!” -Becca S.
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Otto’s
521 Main St., Covington
“Stopped in for Sunday brunch. Arrived right at 10 a.m. when they opened and were glad we did! This place was bustling, and deservedly so. Had one of the best brunches I've had! I feel like many ‘trendy’ brunch spots don't deliver on food quality, but Otto's was spectacular. We loved the breakfast casserole and the tomato soup was to die for. The lemon blueberry pancake looked so delicious that we asked for one to go as well! Excellent service, good coffee, great vibes. The exact place you want to spend a cozy Sunday brunch that will leave you feeling so happy!” -Sarah U.

Otto’s

521 Main St., Covington
“Stopped in for Sunday brunch. Arrived right at 10 a.m. when they opened and were glad we did! This place was bustling, and deservedly so. Had one of the best brunches I've had! I feel like many ‘trendy’ brunch spots don't deliver on food quality, but Otto's was spectacular. We loved the breakfast casserole and the tomato soup was to die for. The lemon blueberry pancake looked so delicious that we asked for one to go as well! Excellent service, good coffee, great vibes. The exact place you want to spend a cozy Sunday brunch that will leave you feeling so happy!” -Sarah U.
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Krueger’s Tavern
1313 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“All is good in the world, the spicy burger is BACK. And just as tasty as ever. If ya like heat, order this! If you're not sure, ask for the spicy slaw on the side and add as much as you want. As vegetarians, we appreciate they can sub veggie patty in the burger! Mac and cheese is always a staple for us now as well. First time ordering the tangerine spritz and really enjoyed it for the summer!” -Meera K.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

Krueger’s Tavern

1313 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“All is good in the world, the spicy burger is BACK. And just as tasty as ever. If ya like heat, order this! If you're not sure, ask for the spicy slaw on the side and add as much as you want. As vegetarians, we appreciate they can sub veggie patty in the burger! Mac and cheese is always a staple for us now as well. First time ordering the tangerine spritz and really enjoyed it for the summer!” -Meera K.
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Rusk Kitchen + Bar
2724 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
“The food and ambiance at this restaurant are amazing. All the menu items looked great, and my party of three really enjoyed what we ordered. There were plenty of other things we wanted to try, so we will be back. The food seemed to contain high-quality ingredients with a cook staff that knows what it's doing. You may have to be patient with a wait staff that seems new to the industry, but nevertheless were hardworking and charming to deal with.” -Nonia B.
Photo: Emory Davis

Rusk Kitchen + Bar

2724 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
“The food and ambiance at this restaurant are amazing. All the menu items looked great, and my party of three really enjoyed what we ordered. There were plenty of other things we wanted to try, so we will be back. The food seemed to contain high-quality ingredients with a cook staff that knows what it's doing. You may have to be patient with a wait staff that seems new to the industry, but nevertheless were hardworking and charming to deal with.” -Nonia B.
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Nada
600 Walnut St., Downtown
“Food was great! Authentic and tasty! All foods were layers of flavor. You can tell that the meats were marinated and then cooked then added to the slowly cooked sauces. Really delicious and highly recommended. I had the chicken enchilada and my friend ordered the mahi tacos, the guacamole and a corn jalapeño bread that was delectable! Dessert was homemade churros with dulce de leche dipping sauce. (Ask for extra! One is not enough! Who needs to share! Lol).” -Yvette K.

Nada

600 Walnut St., Downtown
“Food was great! Authentic and tasty! All foods were layers of flavor. You can tell that the meats were marinated and then cooked then added to the slowly cooked sauces. Really delicious and highly recommended. I had the chicken enchilada and my friend ordered the mahi tacos, the guacamole and a corn jalapeño bread that was delectable! Dessert was homemade churros with dulce de leche dipping sauce. (Ask for extra! One is not enough! Who needs to share! Lol).” -Yvette K.
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Bakersfield
1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“One of my favorite taco places! Always delicious and a good time. Their service is friendly and the atmosphere is lively. They have a mix of bar seating, high tops, and picnic table-style seating inside and a cute rooftop and patio outside as well. If you're a queso fan, you have to try theirs! They also have delicious salsas. On Tuesday, we love their $3 tacos, but other days I tend to get their carnitas taquitos. Everything tastes great. Their margaritas and Palomas are delicious as well, and I love that they also have cava. This will continue to be a go-to!” -Christy C.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Bakersfield

1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“One of my favorite taco places! Always delicious and a good time. Their service is friendly and the atmosphere is lively. They have a mix of bar seating, high tops, and picnic table-style seating inside and a cute rooftop and patio outside as well. If you're a queso fan, you have to try theirs! They also have delicious salsas. On Tuesday, we love their $3 tacos, but other days I tend to get their carnitas taquitos. Everything tastes great. Their margaritas and Palomas are delicious as well, and I love that they also have cava. This will continue to be a go-to!” -Christy C.
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Five Stars Mediterranean Restaurant
4501 Vine St., St. Bernard
“Yummy! Hummus is fantastic. So fresh and drizzled with delicious olive oil. Gyro was also fresh and tasty. Topped with tzatziki that was so good I should have ordered a side to dip things in. The owner took care of us and was very kind and helpful. A great host! Overall a fantastic lunch.” -Nan D.

Five Stars Mediterranean Restaurant

4501 Vine St., St. Bernard
“Yummy! Hummus is fantastic. So fresh and drizzled with delicious olive oil. Gyro was also fresh and tasty. Topped with tzatziki that was so good I should have ordered a side to dip things in. The owner took care of us and was very kind and helpful. A great host! Overall a fantastic lunch.” -Nan D.
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