While there are tons of hip new restaurants CityBeat covers, some of the best restaurants in Cincinnati are unsung heroes. They may not get tons of media attention, but these local neighborhood favorites really show what the Queen City has to offer. From restaurants offering Mediterranean fusion to those with authentic Indian cuisine or just really, really good, lip-smackin’ BBQ, you won’t want to miss out on these spots.

No. 12: The Birch 702 Indian Hill Road, Terrace Park “I love the Birch burger, but they do a lot a good here. I would say the best thing is the atmosphere. The patio on a fall or spring day is an excellent place to grab a table and have a couple drinks and a good burger. The tacos are pretty outstanding as well. I have also had the quinoa bowl, which is good if you are trying to be on the healthy side.” -Scott F. Editor’s note: Please note, The Birch is temporarily closed as they rebuild from a fire. Photo: facebook.com/thebirchtp
Veracruz Mexican Grill 3108 Price Ave., East Price Hill Located in the heart of Price Hill’s Incline District, Veracruz’s food is fresh, flavorful and served with housemade chips. The menu features Mexican and Guatemalan specialties crafted with house-made ingredients. To drink, an ice-cold cerveza could suit you just fine, but just as refreshing are their massive margaritas, poured in cute glasses dressed with salt rims, limes and paper umbrellas. Photo: Provided by Veracruz
Adriatico’s 113 W. McMillan St., Clifton Adriatico’s has a huge draft beer selection and 64-ounce growlers to go, plus spicy, garlicky sauce, oversized pepperonis and the super-thick crust that their pizzas are known for. Good luck finding calzones like theirs, too. It’s “madness” every Monday and Tuesday with specials that the college kids can’t turn down. The Bearcat pizza will feed your entire party. Photo via Facebook.com/Adriaticos Photo: facebook.com/Adriaticos
Phoenician Taverna 7944 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason Phoenician Taverna serves up superb, authentic Lebanese food in a Mason strip mall. While the menu’s main dishes are primarily meat-based, there’s no lack of options for vegetarians, who can make a meal out of mezza here. Appetizers are listed in three sections: cold mezza vegetarian, hot mezza vegetarian and not vegetarian. The hot mezza vegetarian list offers mouth-watering items such as a a spinach pie (fatayer b’sbanigh in Lebanese), described as homemade dough filled with spinach, pine nuts and sumac onions in lemon and extra virgin olive oil, or the cheese pie (fatayer b’jibne) filled with feta. There’s also cauliflower with tahini, spicy hot potatoes, beet dip, spiced aged feta and pumpkin kibbeh on the unique list of hot and cold dishes. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Photo: Casey Roberts
Galactic Fried Chicken 624 Sixth Ave., Dayton Former food truck Galactic Fried Chicken recently opened a brick-and-mortar in Northern Kentucky’s Dayton neighborhood, next door to Unataza Coffee. The restaurant, owned by Shane Coffey and his wife Kathy McDonald, serves fried chicken, chicken tenders and sandwiches, along with a variety of sides ranging from mac and cheese to deviled eggs, fries and salads. They also offer a vegetarian option of fried jackfruit nuggets. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Good Plates Eatery 235 W. McMillan St., CUF Good Plates opened in 2020 with a menu focusing on simple foods and bold flavors. They offer a variety of sandwiches and bowls (of the quinoa and salad variety) for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Menu standouts include the Adobo Brisket and Cheese sandwich, which features braised brisket in an adobo red wine sauce; the Meatball Sub, made with chorizo and beef and complemented by a sweet red sauce (there’s also a vegetarian version); as well as their fried chicken sandwich, which is served cold with pickles and a garlic aioli. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Sichuan Chili 10400 Reading Road, #205b, Evendale Located in Village Crossing, Sichuan Chili features a menu dedicated to traditional Chinese and Sichuan meals. The fully-stocked menu offers both Sichuan classics like Kung Pao Chicken and Bo-Bo Fish, as well as more modern dishes like their Ma’La Rabbit. New specialties are introduced nearly every month, making this spot a must-visit. Photo: instagram.com/@foodbrushninja/Christian Gill
No. 4 Best New Restaurant: Pig Candy BBQ 5901 Kellogg Ave., California Photo: Provided by Pig Candy BBQ
Delhi Palace 7133 Montgomery Road, Silverton Silverton’s Delhi Palace has you covered when you’re looking for delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. The menu is expansive, with specialties ranging from vegetarian and rice to seafood, chicken, lamb and goat. If you’re a newbie to Indian food or you’re not sure what to get, you can’t go wrong with Delhi Palace’s Chicken Tikka Masala — tender boneless pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with fresh tomatoes, best served over rice or some garlic naan (flatbread). Another highlight includes their Tandoori Chicken — bone-in chicken marinated overnight in cultured yogurt and spices and flame-broiled in a clay oven. If you have a sweet tooth, try their Mango Lassi, a chilled drink made with blended mangos and yogurt. Photo: facebook.com/delhipalaceindia
Zorbas Greek Restaurant 6520 Glenway Ave., Green Township At his restaurant, Zorbas, Kostas Vasiliou makes food just like his mother and grandmother made while he was growing up in a small village in northern Greece. Vasiliou brought that slice of home with him when he fulfilled his lifelong dream to open a restaurant, decorating the space to match the blue waters of Greece and crafting traditional recipes with spices used in his home country. On Zorbas’ menu, you’ll find a variety of Greek-style dishes, from the classic gyro with tzatziki sauce and pastichio (Greek lasagna) to stuffed grape leaves — served either with gyro meat or vegetarian-style. The menu also features classic Greek and Mediterranean sides like spanakopita (handheld spinach and feta pies), olives and peppers, falafel, hummus and tiropita (stuffed feta pie). Photo: facebook.com/ZorbasGreekRestaurantOhio
The Standard 434 Main St., Covington The dynamic duo behind popular Covington dining and drinking destinations Otto’s, Frida and Larry’s also own The Standard, which breaths life into a familiar corner in the neighborhood. The Standard’s food menu features bright and playful flavors. They serve up lunch and dinner with a weekend brunch that features dishes like Cinnamon Toast Crunch-crusted french toast and a goetta, egg and cheese sandwich. Popular cocktails like the U-Haul and Hot Rod are on-brand with the establishment’s overall theme. The Standard has both indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of patio space beneath the garage’s canopies. Photo: Savana Willhoite
Kealoha’s Kitchen 3428 Decoursey Ave., Covington For authentic Hawaiian and a touch of the Aloha spirit, you can’t go wrong with Kealoha’s Kitchen. The restaurant, named in honor of the owner’s brother, features a selection of Hawaiian barbecue and Asian- and Polynesian-inspired dishes. Try the Bento Box with your choice of protein and scoop of rice or elevate it to the Aloha Plate and add a salad or side and a lumpia (fried spring roll). Proteins include short ribs and brisket marinated with a house-made pineapple-teriyaki sauce; teriyaki chicken; pork loin marinated in soy sauce, mustard and garlic sauce; slow-roasted pork with cabbage and onions; garlic shrimp and ahi tuna poke. Get their spicy papaya salad or Spam Musubi on the side for even more flavor. Photo: facebook.com/kealohas.kitchen.food.truck
19. Buddha Barn 6625 Gracely Drive, Sayler Park “I’m embarrassed it’s taken us so long to finally get food from Buddha Barn given how close we live to this restaurant and how often I’ve heard such wonderful reviews. I’ll chalk it up to always wanting it on Mondays when they are closed… lol! Wow, words really can’t describe how mouth-wateringly delectable our food was… and I don’t think it’s just because we were hungry! We got the eggplant ginger, crispy chicken, chicken pad Thai and chicken fried rice and every single item really hit the spot! Portions are huge, prices are reasonable for Thai food takeout. The only downside was they didn’t have any appetizers left when we ordered, but next time I’ll just make sure to order earlier! They are definitely doing some amazing business and are super busy which I think speaks to the yumminess and authenticity of the food here! What an unexpected gem in Sayler park – glad we finally came and will definitely return soon!” — Erin M. Photo: buddhabarnthai.com Photo: buddhabarnthai.com
Exterior of Cedar Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Bee’s Barbecue 5910 Chandler St.; 1403 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Bee’s believes good barbecue takes time and that smoking meat is an art – one they practice every day with patience and passion, using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients – even the wood they use is locally sourced. What results from that patience and dedication is a menu filled with tender, fresh barbecue you can buy by the half-pound or pound, on a sandwich or as a plate complemented with sides like creamy mac ‘n cheese, sticky BBQ beans and sweet honey cornbread. If you have any room left for dessert (or if you just want to power through), you won’t want to miss Bee’s Bourbon Peach Cobbler, crafted with bourbon- and brown sugar-laced peaches with a sugar crumble crust, or proprietor Bee’s personal favorite: the banana pudding – made with fluffy layers of fresh bananas, whipped cream and vanilla wafer cookies. Photo: Provided by Bee's Barbecue
Tuba Baking Co. 517 Sixth Ave., Dayton Specializing in artisan sourdough Swabian-style soft pretzels, this German gastropub in Northern Kentucky packs a punch of flavor with its made-from-scratch Southern German cuisine. On the menu, you’ll find fare like Flammkuchen (a sort of German flatbread/pizza), Spätzle (a type of egg noodle) and the Christoph Von Bayern, a massive sandwich topped with pork loin, ham, gherkins, Gouda and a house-made spicy, whole-grain mustard. Tuba Baking Co. also has a bar with German-centric beers, wines, liquors, cocktails and ciders that you can enjoy inside or out in their new “brezelgarten.” Photo: Drew Rath
Yuca 700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue This Latin-American restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, serving items like The Hangover: two sunny-side-up eggs laying on a bed of spicy chorizo and homemade potatoes with pico de gallo and avocado on top. Or try the Big Bad Wolf: a shredded pork waffle with crispy pork belly, spicy candied bacon, orange chipotle honey and powdered sugar. All of Yuca’s recipes will be made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Photo: Francisco Huerta
Katch the Kitchen 4172 Hamilton Ave., Northside After operating as a food truck for some time, Katch opened a brick-and-mortar breakfast, lunch and dinner spot in Northside in March 2021. Their menu consists of everything from French Toast Roll Ups with a vanilla cream cheese glaze to fries loaded with chicken, shrimp, crab, cheddar jack cheese and ranch. And for just $6, you can get a delicious breakfast burrito loaded with eggs, cheese, peppers, potatoes and your choice of meat. Photo: facebook.com/Katch The Kitchen Restaurant & Bar
Kumo Asian Fusion 4990 Delhi Ave., Delhi Township Kumo offers an extensive menu featuring dishes inspired from countries across Asia. While you’ll find a variety of hibachi dinners, Chinese-style entrees and appetizers and fried noodle and rice dishes, this Asian fusion restaurant on the West Side is best known for its sushi and sashimi. Try one of the classics like their California or Spicy Tuna roll, or take it up a notch with one of their specialty rolls. (The Sunday Morning and Fire rolls do not disappoint.) Photo: facebook.com/Kumoohio
No. 13: Artemis Mediterranean Bistro 7791 Cooper Road, Montgomery “I expected them to be good based on reviews, but they still blew me away. Great food, quick and responsive service, and nice ambiance. We had chicken and lamb kebab which my kids loved, stuffed grape leaves, and hummus made in house. They were very accommodating to my young children without being asked. Will definitely come back when I’m in the area.” -Dave H. Photo: facebook.com/artemisbistro
Lucky Dog OTR Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until 3 a.m. 1210 Main St., Over-the-Rhine It’s never too late for a cheese coney, and luckily for everyone, Lucky Dog OTR stays open late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant calls itself the “culmination of over 20 years of restaurant experience by founders Ryan Reynolds and Ray Gammouh.” Using hot dogs from Queen City Sausage, chili fans can opt for coneys, chili metts, chili cheese sandwiches, regular dogs or even a coney crate (10 for $25). They also serve their signature chili in 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-Ways and even in a salad with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, tomatoes, sour cream and chipotle ranch. Photo: instagram.com/luckydogotr
Luca Bistro 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at Luca Bistro. The menu is filled with cozy, flavorful and laid-back dishes that Chef Frédéric Maniet says are common in French foods. Breakfast offers familiar favorites like cheese, meat and vegetable omelets along with tartine and croissants. For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad topped with tuna steak and Dijon dressing and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious ham, gruyère and béchamel. The dinner menu is similar to lunch, with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board filled with French cheeses and tasty meats and basil Boursin crostinis piled high with an irresistible Boursin cheese spread. And then there are the sides, with frites, ratatouille and cauliflower gratin waiting to complement the main dish, plus decadent dessert options such as chocolate mousse and orange crème brûlée. Diners also can order an assortment of French table wines, along with beers and cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Luca Bistro
Dunlap Cafe 1926 Dunlap St., Over-the-Rhine Dunlap Cafe has been operational since 1936 with an emphasis on home-cooked meals, all-day brunch and draft beer. Breakfast sandwiches, omelets and other early morning classics are available all day with a selection of traditional and specialty burger and sandwich options for seriously reasonable prices. Photo: Paige Deglow
Habesha Restaurant and Cafe 5070 Crookshank Road, Covedale Habesha is a great hidden-gem restaurant offering Ethiopian dishes and an Ethiopian-style coffee ceremony. While it looks like a hole-in-the-wall from the outside, the cuisine is on par with Ethiopian eateries in Washington, D.C. — which is saying a lot. Photo: Liz Davis Photo: Liz Davis