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The Queen City is full of diverse and delicious restaurants and, subsequently, plenty of online food reviewers.
These Yelpers have some interesting and intense opinions on Cincinnati cuisine. From high-end eats to pub food to pizza, this is what the reviewers think are the best restaurants the city has to offer.
*Note: This was the list at the time of publication. Based on ongoing input, restaurant locations in this Yelp list may change.
25. Abigail Street
1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
An asset to the OTR neighborhood. I recently ate here on a trip to Cincinnati from New York and found everything from the service, menu choice, presentation and taste of the food to be excellent. Loved the seasonal peach and tomato salad as well as the bouillabaisse. Could also eat the bread served alongside the ricotta all day long!. Chris D
Photo: Facebook.com/AbigailWineBar24. Pensive Distilling Co.
720 Monmouth St., Newport
My husband and I stopped in to try this place on a whim and I’m glad we did – the service was excellent. I decided to try the gin mule – absolutely incredible especially with the strawberry simple syrup they use! My husband also really appreciated the complimentary bourbon sample that was offered and said his old fashioned cocktail was delicious. We each got sliders (comes with 2 and a side of fries) – yum! Overall we really enjoyed our meal and will definitely come back. Lexi P.
Photo: Facebook.com/PensiveDistillingCo23. Delwood
3204 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout
My wife and I recently visited Delwood during a weekend trip to Cincinnati. We tried the Shishito Peppers, Tostones, and the Classic Double Cheeseburger. The Shishito Peppers were lightly grilled with a nice crispiness and were paired with a creamy Aji Verde Aioli. The Tostones were savory with a lightly salted crisp outside and paired with a creamy Aji Amarillio Aioli. The Burger was the star of the meal and a must order. This is the perfect burger. Soft potato buns are filled with juicy patties, gooey American cheese, creamy “special sauce”, and tangy pickles. Delwood also featured a nice selection of local craft beers on tap, which went perfectly with the food. Overall, Delwood is a gem of a gastropub which features high quality food and craft beer and is a must visit when in Cincinnati. Nicolas L.
Photo: Brittany Thornton22. York Street Cafe
738 York St., Newport
York Street did not disappoint!! I’d been here a long time ago and remembered it was good but no details. We had a fabulous caprese salad to start along with yummy ceviche. Three of the four had a generous cut of filet, smashed red potatoes (hubby’s favorite) and asparagus. I have to say though, I’ve been dreaming about the Maitre D BUTTER! On the 16 Bricks bread and on the steak. It was amazing, salty, herby goodness!!! We will definitely be back! Jill F.
Photo: Facebook.com/YorkStCafeNewport21. Boca
114 E. Sixth St., Downtown
BOCA is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. I traveled here from the Bay Area of California and the food here blew me away. The service was impeccable and approachable. I could not recommend this place enough. You will not be disappointed. Morgan M.
Photo: Facebook.com/BocaRestaurant20. Hofbräuhaus
200 E. Third St., Newport
Visiting From Los Angeles for a game, we stayed at the Aloft across the street and wow, this place was impressive in all phases. Grab your menus and seat yourself inside or outside. All of the staff was friendly & welcoming and our server was excellent (Leslie I believe). The Haus Reuben was piping hot and the marble rye bread was grilled perfectly. Fries were great with good ranch (requested) & extra 1,000 dressing (complimentary) for the sandwich. My girl ordered the Dunkel Bourbon Chicken Sandwich and was blown away. As far as the beers, also excellent. We both had the October: Newport “Festbier” Large and was great from start to finish. We will go back and try the pretzels and schnitzel and maybe some other beers. Definitely impressed, Who-Dey?!? Neo S.
Photo: Facebook.com/HBHNewport19. LouVino
1142 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
Fantastic for a night out with the girls or date with your partner! Wednesday night is half off bottles of wine. Go and split a few bottles among friends. We had the grunere veltliner which was superb plus the duck confit with sweet potato gnocchi, duck fat fries and goat cheese dip—all were fantastic! You can’t go wrong. The staff was also very helpful with choosing wine and dishes + very attentive throughout the night. Kylie S.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger18. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
5065 Deerfield Boulevard, Mason; 525 Race St., Downtown
Amazing!! We are normally not fans of places that don’t have wait service and make you order first at a counter but this place is outstanding!! We tried cocktails, love you can get mimosas with cold pressed juice & the homemade bloodyMary mix is delicious, and the food just wow! Love the ingredients that you can tell are specially selected and the delicious flavor combinations! I can absolutely see how this place would be packed on the weekends but it was quite slow on a Friday at 9:00. Stephanie B.
Photo: Provided by Maplewood Kitchen + Bar17. Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
1201 Broadway St., Pendleton; 9039 U.S. Highway 41, Union
If there’s a wait, it’s definitely worth it. These were hands down some of the best if not the best- biscuits I’ve ever had. My husband and I couldn’t get enough of them. We order biscuits as a starter, had biscuit sandwiches, and ordered biscuits to go (for the road). I highly recommend stopping by this place if you’re visiting. The service was also great and so were the mimosas! Antonia F.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger16. Three Spirits Tavern
209 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Great mixed drinks and can/bottle options. Poor over worked single employee at bar, felt bad for the guy trying to keep up on a busy night. Can’t wait to see the finished interior upgrade and expanded deck out back. Quickly becoming the go-to spot in Bellevue! Check it out, highly recommended! Mark S.
Photo: Facebook.com/ThreeSpiritsTavern15. Tafts Ale House
1429 Race St., Over-The-Rhine
Another great experience at Tafts for some lunch and day drinking. I love the inside of this establishment and the service again was great. If you haven’t tried it here, it’s a must especially if your into microbrews Jeff M.
Photo: Facebook.com/TaftsBeerCo14. Losanti
1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
”Great food, great views and vibes. Appetizers and drinks were delish and our waiter Kelsey made the experience even better.The butter cake!? All i can say is WOW! My wife and I will definitely be back. The overall experience was A1!” — Terence C.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger13. Sotto
118 E. Sixth St., Downtown
We went here last night for our 25th year anniversary. It was fabulous and our server, Hillary couldn’t have done a better job. Top notch and very personable. The short rib cappellacci is the best thing I’ve ever eaten. We loved it all except the broccolini, it had a burnt taste to me but it wasn’t burnt. I highly recommend this restaurant. Janine H.
Photo: Facebook.com/SottoCincinnat12. Copper & Flame
1115 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
We went to Copper & Flame for a work happy hour and had such a great time! The food was AMAZING, on top of a great beer/cocktail/wine selection, and incredible service (they were seriously so helpful). Highly recommend trying it out if you haven’t yet. Shannon F.
Photo: Provided By Copper & FlameInspired by Sunday dinners at Thunderdome co-founders Joe and John Lanni’s grandparents’ house, the restaurant aims to embody the spirit and hospitality from those special evenings while honoring their family. Photo: Hailey Bollinger10. OKTO
645 Walnut St., Downtown
”Went for a birthday celebration and it did not disappoint. They were busy but we were in no hurry. Our waitress was Allison and she is an absolute gem.. Started with cocktails and the grilled octopus with capers and onions. Then Branzino and zucchini with Tzatziki. For desert, baklavaa. The food was amazing and enough to share. The Branzino is a must have. If you are looking for authentic Mediterranean food, this is the place.” — Pati B.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger9. Crown Republic Gastropub
720 Sycamore St., Downtown
Here’s what I can tell you about Crown Republic. It’s amazing. The employees are absolutely amazing. The food is absolutely incredible. What else do I need to say Amazing!! Lorinn S.
Photo: Facebook.com/CrownRepublicGastropub8. El Barril Mexican Sports Bar & Grille
940 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams
A great first experience, and I’ll be back. Went for Cincinnati Taco Week so the place was busy. Food was delicious and only a little slow which isn’t bad for Cincy Taco Week. The birria taco was so good I ordered another one even after I had also eaten tacos carnitas, pastor, and shrimp. Our server was attentive and accommodating. The outdoor/indoor Latin vibe was exactly what I needed too. We walked around gorgeous Mount Adams after dinner to enjoy the views. Don H.
Photo: Facebook.com/El-Barril-Mexican-Sports-Bar-and-Grilli7. Salazar
1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine
Very nice! We had brunch here during a Cincinnati long weekend. We started with the ricotta zeppoles, then my husband had the pork chilaquiles and I had the smoked salmon salad sandwich. Both were very good, although the pork chilaquiles came off a little like pork nachos — didn’t really have the flavor profiles you’d expect in chilaquiles. He still liked them a lot but we’ll go to a place every single morning for authentic-tasting chilaquiles. The fresh-cut fries we shared for a side were perfectly cooked…crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The server was friendly and attentive. We’d go back, for sure. Tina Y.
Photo: Facebook.com/SalazarCincinnati6. Mighty Good: Meat n’ Three
1819 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
”It’s Mighty Good! The food is great. The price is right! Best value in OTR. Been a few times and all the meat choices are great. Loved the corn bread and the grits. But can’t go wrong no matter what you pick.” — Joe H.
Photo: Catie Viox5. Cork n Crust
710 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Great service and food. We for there at 957 not knowing the kitchen closes at 10pm and they still seated us. We ordered a salad, pizza, and dessert. Met the owners who were so sweet and enjoyed talking with them. The servers were super attentive and the folks in the bar were having a great time. Sometimes newer places have hiccups but we did not experience that at Cork and Crust. We will definitely be back. Alana W.
Photo: Facebook.com/CorkNCrustBellevue Facebook.com/CorkNCrustBellevue4. Pearlstar
1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
”So happy to have this new OTR gem open finally! Fantastic oysters (which I didn’t think I liked and now love after two visits.) You will find a fantastic and very fresh selection here. Amazing crudo and carpaccio, salads. Loved the Arctic Char. We would’ve liked a stronger blue cheese in the wedge salad but maybe not for everyone so we understand milder choice. We haven’t had everything on the menu yet, but plan on getting there! Thin, crispy fries with truffle aïoli fantastic. If you want fish and chips and fried oysters, this is not the place. Pearlstar is all about fresh and pure. Great prices on wine by the glass, beer, seltzer (unlike many restaurants in OTR). Beautiful interior with casual, beachy vibe complemented by extremely helpful, happy and friendly staff. (A couple beachy desserts- dare I suggest Keylime pie?, and a clam or seafood chowder would be welcome additions to the menu.) Have not had the chance to check out the patio yet. But looks wonderful. We will be here often!” — Lisa S.
Photo: Catie Viox3. Yuca
700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. My wife and I have been here twice so far and both times were fantastic. Had the biscuit bowl the first time and the cubano the second, both very unique and on point, welcome to the neighborhood guys!!! Nelson F.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger2. The Bakers Table
1004 Monmouth St., Newport
I’ve lived in Cincy my whole life and have tried every high end restaurant in the game, this is a hidden gem in Cincinnati / NKY. Smaller menu, but everything the kitchen puts out is perfectly done. Very high end ingredients, everything was clearly handmade the day of, and from start to finish every bite was 10/10! The Som was also super knowledgeable and picked a few different bottles to pair with our 3 course meal. Put this restaurant in OTR and it still competes as one of the best in the city! Must check out if farm to table is your thing! Kenny H.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger1. The Eagle
1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Great food! Great atmosphere! Usually always a wait on weekends but so worth it!
I always get the fried chicken sandwich, which is amazing. My boyfriend usually gets 1/4 dark with shrimp and grits and fries! All items 10/10 Sydney S.
Photo: Facebook.com/TheEagleRestaurant