Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are the coolest and which shops are your best bet for dropping a pretty penny. Greater Cincinnati’s food scene is evergrowing in popularity, and if you have a foodie in your life, there’s no shortage of restaurants here you can take them to for a delicious meal. From Italian favorites to savory fried chicken to mouthwatering steak, these are CityBeat readers’ recs on where to take your foodie friends.

Boca 114 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati Showcasing both Italian and French flavors, Boca has been featured on many top restaurant lists as one of the best French restaurants in the United States. Some of Boca’s menu items include the short rib tartare, beet mezzaluna and Amish chicken. There is also a variety of desserts and wine available. Reserve your table advance to ensure you can enjoy this European-style restaurant. Photo: Provided by Boca
Inspired 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 Bollinger
7. Abigail Street 1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine “This is my new favorite restaurant in cincinnati! I can’t wait to return. The service, food and wine are the best in town. The ambiance is the best vibe and very chill but a great date night. Let’s just talk about the food, it is melt in your mouth delicious and has something for everyone. My favorite was the black garlic shrimp, lamb spaghetti and ricotta cheese! Don’t miss this.” -Kelli R. Photo: Matthew Allen
The Baker’s Table 1004 Monmouth St., Newport The Baker’s Table is a Newport bakery and restaurant that opened last winter. The eatery is owned by married couple Dave Willocks and his wife Wendy. Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. which currently includes appetizers like upscale salad, potato and donut dishes, mains like sweet potato hash and different egg and chicken sandwich options. Sweets and sides are also offered. They recently began dinner service. Photo via Facebook.com/BakersTableNewport Photo: Facebook.com/BakersTableNewport
Bouquet Restaurant 519 Main St. Covington Working closely with local sources, Bouquet’s upscale farm-to-table approach means a fresh, frequently rotating menu packed with seasonal ingredients. Elegant small plates, entrées and thoughtful wine pairings set the stage for an intimate dining experience. Photo: Bouquet Restaurant
No. 1 Best Chicken Sandwich: The Eagle OTR 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: facebook.com/TheEagleRestaurant
No. 4 Best Restaurant to Take a Foodie: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 505 Vine St., Downtown Photo: facebook.com/JeffRubysSteakhouse
No. 4 Overall Restaurant: Ivory House 2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood Photo: Hailey Bollinger
5. Salazar 1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine “The food is amazing. We started with the Brussel sprouts and couldn’t eat the fast enough. My daughter and I got the goetta sandwich with no cheese. Yummy with arugula salad on top. My other daughter got the French toast. You could smell the citrus. What a great experience.” -Eileen B. Photo: Provided by Salazar
Best Restaurant to Take a Foodie Winner: Sotto Runners-up: Salazar Restaurant, Ivory House Photo: facebook.com/sottocincinnati