The Best New Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati, According to CityBeat Readers

No. 10 Best New Restaurant: Parkside

2637 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
If you’re a fan of Delwood in Mt. Lookout, you’ll also love its sister restaurant, Parkside in nearby Hyde Park. Some of the menu items are the same and the overall decor and mood can be described as a modern and welcoming vibe where you'll often run into a neighbor or two, just like Delwood. But Parkside also stands on its own legs, with a menu consisting of dishes you won't see at Delwood. And while it’s not a Peruvian restaurant, you’ll see some influences, like in the empanadas and yuca fries.

Menu recommendation: Pimento Cheeseburger: Two 4-oz. Patties topped with housemade pimento cheese, roasted garlic aioli and grilled jalapeños.

No. 9 Best New Restaurant: Al-Posto Italian Ristorante

2710 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
The home of Teller’s of Hyde Park for 25 years reopened last spring as “Italian-inspired” Al-Posto, an Italian phrase that translates to “at the spot.” The approachable Italian menu features a variety of classic pasta dishes, as well as dishes like a filet and gourmet cheeseburger. The compact list of wines available by the glass, according to the menu, is hand-selected by wine director & sommelier, Austin Heidt.

Menu recommendation: Spaghetti Allo Scoglio: A pasta dish featuring clams, shrimp, bottarga (salted, cured fish roe), garlic and bread crumbs, paired with the pinot grigio or caposaldo.

No. 8 Best New Restaurant: VV The Italian Experience

1026 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout
Café and shop VV The Italian Experience dishes up an authentic Italian experience in Mt. Lookout Square. Owners Melissa and Andrea De Giorgi wanted to recreate an Italian la cafeteria, a place for family and friends to spend time together, relax for breakfast and lunch and enjoy aperitivo, or happy hour with delicious bites. The space is simple yet elegant and combines both vintage and modern Italian styles in a seamless and welcoming manner.

Menu recommendation: Volare: A vegan panini featuring grilled vegetables, sundried tomatoes, almonds and VV’s red pesto.

No. 7 Best New Restaurant: Atwood Oyster House

1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Over-the-Rhine’s Atwood Oyster House features a menu focused on oysters and seasonal seafood that is playful but elegant. Atwood also has a full bar, which serves a diverse menu of classic and creative house cocktails and a wine list of 16 wines by the glass and 80 bottles, all of which were selected to complement the restaurant’s seafood and vegetarian dishes. The dining room is sophisticated and intimate and characterized by low, romantic lighting.

Menu recommendation: Anything from the raw oyster selection, served à la carte with mignonette and hot sauce.

No. 6 Best New Restaurant: Amador Cuban Restaurant

1 Levee Way, Newport
Havana has come to Greater Cincinnati. Amador’s menu features traditional Cuban dishes like empanadas, croquetas, and Cubano sandwiches, but with an “Amador twist.” The energetic and playful atmosphere aims to transport diners to a tropical vacation, with its jungle-esque vibe, lush greenery and an outdoor patio that overlooks the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. And unlike other Cuban restaurants, their small plates are meant to be shared. To drink, the restaurant has Cuban coffee, craft cocktails and Latin American beers, wines and rare spirits.

Menu recommendation: The Cubano: Featuring slow-roasted pork, Smoked City ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, Mojo mayo and house pickles served on Cuban bread. Try it with a classic mojito.

No. 5 Best New Restaurant: Five on Vine

1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
At its core, Five on Vine’s menu is meant to represent owner Crown Restaurant Group’s perspective on how American food traditions have evolved. It includes savory shareables, homemade pastas and traditional entrees with a twist. It also has a beverage program that highlights its selection of reserve cocktails made from premier spirits and a crafted collection of martinis.

Menu recommendation: As a starter, Five on Vine’s version of pigs-in-a-blanket, the OTR Wellington: Made with local sausage, mushroom, puff pastry and served with whole grain mustard. For dinner, try the roasted Amish chicken, served with kale panzanella and apricot jus.

No. 4 Best New Restaurant: Shake Shack

7669 Blake St., Liberty Township
Popular milkshake and burger chain Shake Shack finally opened its doors to its first Greater Cincinnati location this December. The fast-food chain is best known for its hand-spun milkshakes, as well as elevated American classics like their made-to-order burgers, crispy chicken, crinkle-cut fries and signature Hot-Ones Spicy ShackSauce.

Menu recommendation: The classic ShackBurger — an Angus beef cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun — and a Cookies & Cream Shake.

No. 3 Best New Restaurant: Gilligan's on the Green

400 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming
Gilligan’s on the Green opened in a former Wyoming firehouse in early November as an extension of the Village Green park and performance pavilion. The restaurant and taproom offers Irish and American fare for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. Gilligan’s also has a full bar with wine, craft cocktails and beer brewed by West Side Brewing.

Menu recommendation: Cincy Shepherd’s Pie: Cincinnati chili-rubbed beef, sweet corn, peas and cheddar in a whipped-potato crust.

No. 2 Best New Restaurant: Colette

1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
A restaurant from chef Danny Combs opened just steps away from Washington Park this November. Colette embodies Old World style, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that doesn’t lose that neighborhood feel. On the menu, you’ll find French and French-inspired cuisine. To drink, guests can choose from an extensive list of sparkling, white and red wines, craft cocktails and beer. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the Tarte Colette (chocolate fondant cake) or the Mille-Feuille (caramelized puff pastry with crème diplomate).

Menu recommendation: Steak Frites: 8-oz. Creekstone NY strip steak served with peppercorn sauce and fries.

No. 1 Best New Restaurant: Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

535 Madison Ave., Covington
Stunning views of Cincinnati and Covington and specially curated and intentional design elements that shift as you move throughout Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar will have you thinking you’re dining in a real gemstone. The design, lighting and food are a mood, the latter of which is an experience driven by the restaurant’s Grillworks wood-fired grill, the only one of its kind in a two-hour radius. This unique grill drives Opal’s open-fire grill and wine-forward menu, which features dishes made from fresh, local fare and products, and the craft cocktail menu and wine selection have been curated to complement the dishes.

Menu recommendation: The Chicken: Al pastor yogurt chicken with carrots, charred onion, whipped feta, fennel pollen and piquillo peppers.