It’s a moment many local diners have been waiting for: Chef Jose Salazar’s eponymous restaurant, Salazar, is making its official return to Cincinnati’s culinary scene this week.
Salazar announced in December 2023 that he would temporarily close the restaurant, formerly located on Republic Street in Over-the-Rhine, to move it to a bigger space. Last year, he shared that he signed a lease at a much larger space on the ground floor of the former Saks Fifth Avenue building — now the headquarters of Paycor — on Fifth Street downtown.
The new restaurant space offers 7,300 square feet, or five times the space of the Republic Street location, with expanded seating, three private dining rooms and enough space to host private events for up to 50 people.
“Opening Salazar in a significantly larger space is a transformative step for us,” Salazar said in a press release. “It unlocks a wide range of possibilities — not only as a restaurant, but as a venue for special occasions, celebrations, corporate events and more. We now have the capacity to host larger gatherings, something that wasn’t feasible before. We’re excited to bring Salazar to life in the Fountain District and look forward to what the future holds in this new space.”
As for the menu, Salazar says he’s still working with local farmers and artisans and will make fresh pastas and other items in-house. There will be more emphasis on seafood, including seafood towers, but the menu will also feature prime ribeye and familiar favorites from the former space, like the “lil fried oyster slider.” There will also be a large bar for those looking for a more casual night out.
The restaurant’s design was created by Cincinnati firm Indio and features custom Rookwood tiles; modern but warm touches; and art curated by Jayne Menke of Artonomy. Furlong Building completed the buildout.
Salazar’s grand opening will be Wednesday, and the restaurant will be open from 5-10 p.m.
“There’s incredible momentum in the Fountain District right now, making this the perfect moment for Salazar’s grand opening,” said Christy Samad, executive vice president of Civic and Commercial Space Activation at 3CDC. “We’re preparing to launch the new Elm Street Plaza, which will feature an expanded ice rink, and a full slate of winter and holiday programming is just beginning at Fountain Square. Adding another exceptional dining destination within walking distance of both spaces is a win for the neighborhood and the community.”
Salazar will be open Monday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays.
Salazar, 101 W. Fifth St., Downtown. More info: salazarcincinnati.com.