The 27 Hottest New Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati
Over the last year, the Greater Cincinnati area welcomed a lot of new and exciting restaurant concepts to the local dining scene. From chains expanding to the Tri-State to newcomers with offerings ranging from eclectic American cuisine to authentic Cubanos and Italian dishes that remind you of home, here is just a sampling of the new restaurants that have recently opened.
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80 W. Fifth St., Downtown
National indoor golf and entertainment company Five Iron Golf recently opened at Fountain Square. The 13,000-square-foot facility has 13 golf simulators, as well as other leisure games and a full bar and restaurant. On the menu, you’ll find classic apps like spinach and artichoke dip, chips and guac and boneless wings, as well as flatbread-style pizzas, sandwiches, sliders and wraps. To drink, try a cocktail like their Aperol spritz, Rain Delay, or choose from a selection of their wines, beers, ciders and hard seltzers.
2724 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
Just opened in April, Rusk Kitchen + Bar serves up eclectic American cuisine and elevated bar food alongside beverage options like beer, wine and housemade cocktails you can enjoy on their rooftop patio. With its cozy, welcoming vibes, Rusk aims to become a neighborhood go-to where you can watch the game, enjoy date night or just hang out with friends. The menu features a variety of lunch and dinner dishes, including sandwiches, like what would surely be Michael Scott’s favorite sandwich, “That’s What Brie Said” (grilled chicken, melted brie, honey dijonnaise, lettuce and tomato served on a croissant), burgers, entrees, salads and power bowls, as well as daily specials. Brunch is served from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with classics like eggs benedicts, pancakes and a breakfast burger on the menu.
Photo: Provided by 3CDC
595 Race St., Downtown
This elevated sushi and cocktail concept places most of its focus on its atmosphere and unique menu, all centered around its bar, which has been strategically placed to be the focal point of the restaurant. The idea behind Baru is stay-and-drink sushi, inspired by
izakaya, which are beloved Japanese establishments where guests can stay, drink and unwind long into the night. Its menu is sophisticated but approachable, with fresh fish flown in daily, American and Japanese wagyu and shareable items. It also offers omakase meals, where guests leave dining decisions up to the chef.
1809 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
If you love Cuban sandwiches, you need to try one of the newest eateries in town, Chacabanas (named after the shirt style popular in Cuba and the Dominican Republic). This sandwich shop specializes in authentic Cubanos with three options: the classic El Cubano (roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on toasted Cuban bread); the Ybor City Cubano, made with roasted pork shoulder and featuring the addition of Genoa salami; or the Croqueta Preparada – their Cuban topped with their croquettes. Chacabanas also offers antojitos, or snacks, like yuca fries, empanadas and their croquetas.
Photo: Catie Viox
3751 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum
Chef Jose Salazar and Deeper Roots Coffee's New York-style bodega Daylily Deli opened last summer. The menu features everything from the New York staple egg on a roll with American cheese, a chopped cheese sandwich (with ground beef, cheese, banana peppers, sauteed onion, lettuce, tomato and special sauce on a hoagie) and even an egg cream coffee soda. Deeper Roots offers its full coffee menu — but not in the infamous blue-and-white Greek coffee cup. That New York favorite has been swapped out for a compostable version. There are also two wine taps and two beer taps, with a selection of alcohol for carry-out.
Photo: Aidan Mahoney
6 S. Broad St., Middletown
Anchoring the prominent corner of Walnut and Sixth streets Downtown, Prime Cincinnati has become a mainstay restaurant on a block known for some of the best restaurants in the city. Prime now has a sister restaurant in downtown Middletown. With a solid foundation to build on, Prime's owners have partnered to open another upscale steakhouse with its own identity. Prime goes Italian with the new concept, Primo. The menu features a heavy focus on pasta dishes, like the Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese (featuring pork, beef, tomato, ragu and Parmigiano Vacche Rosse) and Ravioli Burro e Salvia (made with butternut squash, ricotta, butter and sage, but also leans into its identity as a steakhouse with a variety of
bistecca options.
25 E. Freedom Way, The Banks
This elevated sports bar opened last September and features Cincinnati-inspired dishes, like their locally made mettwurst, which you can get ‘nati style with chili, cheese and onions, and the Porkopolis burger, which comes with housemade BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese, fried onions, pickle and mayo. On game days, they serve a simplified menu of all the sports-bar favorites, like wings and nachos. Apart from their menu, one of their best features is their intimate outdoor patio where you can dine underneath string lights with a stunning view of Smale Riverfront Park and the Roebling Bridge. They also have a fire pit and Adirondack chairs to cozy up in while you sip on a locally brewed beer, specialty cocktail or craft soda.
Photo: Courtesy of Milkman
1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
Milkman, which opened in the former Revolutionary Rotisserie space last summer, serves up nostalgic vibes along with its unique take on diner food with smash burgers; fried chicken sandwiches that range from the classic (topped with dill pickles) to Thai (topped with spicy cucumber slaw and sweet chili sauce); and “not a burger” options like hot dogs, salads and Italian beef sandwiches. There are also options for non-meat eaters, including tofu nugs plus the meat for any of the chicken sandwiches can be switched out for fried tofu. You also can’t leave without trying one of their boozy milkshakes.
Photo: Aidan Mahoney
405 Scott St., Covington
Covington’s developing dining scene can tally up another win with the addition of Chimaek, which opened this past November. The new pub serves succulent fried chicken wings and tenders, crispy vegetable tempura, an array of tangy and savory Korean side dishes and, to round out the experience, plenty of beer and cocktails. Owned by the same family that runs Riverside Korean Restaurant just around the block, Chimaek’s name is a combination of shortened words: “chi” for chicken, while “maek” is short for maekju, the Korean word for beer.
Photo: Catie Viox
225 Elm St., Ludlow
Tapas restaurant Conserva may be one of Northern Kentucky’s best hidden gems. Owner and head chef Challis Hodge studied Spanish tapa cuisine to recreate an authentic experience with a medley of options. One popular dish on the menu is a Spanish national favorite, Tortilla Española, made using potatoes, egg, olive oil and salt. Another Spanish classic on the menu is the patatas a la riojana, or chorizo potato stew, seasoned with onions, paprika and garlic. And if you’re a fan of dips, the gambas al ajillo, or Spanish garlic shrimp, is made using sherry and guindilla pepper and served with dippable crostini. The menu also features vegetarian and gluten-free options.
