At CityBeat, we know a thing or two about picking the best restaurants in Cincinnati, but Yelpers have some hot takes of their own. And while downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine eateries get a lot of hype, there are plenty of restaurants on the east side of the city you should add to your must-try list. From places serving up elevated diner food raved about by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to authentic South American cuisine, the East Side is home to plenty of highly praised restaurants these Yelpers can’t stop talking about.

*Note: This was the list at the time of publication. Based on ongoing input, restaurant locations in this Yelp list may change. Reviews may have been shortened or edited slightly for clarity and grammar.

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. Photo: facebook.com/VV The Italian Experience
No. 24: The Aperture 900 E. McMillan St., East Walnut Hills “A great experience! We dashed in for a meal prior to going to the theatre. Our server was outstanding. She guided us through a well-thought-out and delicious Mediterranean-inspired mezze-style meal. Particular standouts were the wood-fired pita, roasted carrots and yellow beets. Beautiful, clean modern setting in a classic building. We will be back!” -Christopher B. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
No. 23: Rodi Italian 115 Karl Brown Way, Loveland “Let me start by saying this place has incredible Italian food. Everything we have had here has been unbelievable. Their pizzas are all great, thin crust, stone-fired. They have great appetizers: fabulous calamari, pork belly, bread dish options. Their pasta is also incredible: Cacio e Pepe, Spaghetti Vongole, and the risotto is also delicious. Their tiramisu is my personal favorite of all time. We sat on their patio for the first time this past Saturday and it is one of the nicest outdoor areas I’ve ever experienced. We had our engagement party here and they were able to accommodate 20+ people. What really puts Rodi a step above other restaurants to me is the service. The staff really seems to care about working there and love what they do. … I will surely be back soon, to hopefully sit on the patio again. If you love good Italian food: pasta, pizza, and seafood, like me, this is a must-hit spot!” -Daulton F. Photo: facebook.com/rodiloveland
No. 22: Arrechissimo Restaurant 8100 Blue Ash Road, Deer Park “I never write reviews. Ever. But this place deserves the positive recognition. The atmosphere of this establishment can only be described as inviting. The owner, Javier, provides great recommendations for anyone new to Venezuelan cuisine. Following his suggestion, we ordered: one arepa w/chicken and avocado, one empanada w/beef and white cheese, and one Pabellón Bowl (it’s worthy to note that the arepa and empanada are both pretty big portions, all of the food we ordered was split two ways and it was more than enough!) For drinks, we ordered a passion fruit juice (good and not super sweet) and Chicha (pretty thick and sweet). I honestly loved everything about this place. The food tasted homemade. The drinks were refreshing. The outdoor seating was nice. Even the wait was quick as the food arrived only 10 or 15 minutes after we ordered at the window. If I wasn’t just passing through Ohio for the weekend, I’d be a regular here. Seriously, give this place a shot! It’s worth it!” -Macy M. Photo: facebook.com/arrechissimo
Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery 663 Justice Court, Loveland Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery proves the slogan on their website — “fast food is not good, and good food is not fast” — to be true. Founded in 2009 to sell their MB Simply Sweet BBQ sauce, Midwest Best BBQ quickly evolved into a popular restaurant. Their menu boasts entrees including a chopped chicken sandwich, a smoked turkey wrap, smoke-fried wings, “sweet-n-smoky” ribs and more. They also serve delicious sides like creamy slaw and baked beans. They like to pair their barbecue with ice cream, offering scoops, milk-shakes and malts, sundaes and more. Photo via Facebook/MidwestBestBBQ Photo: Facebook/MidwestBestBBQ
No. 20: Catch Me If U Can 6112 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge “This has been on my list to visit and I am glad I finally made it. From the music to the food to the drinks! It was a good time! Service was great and the staff are welcoming and friendly. I had the shrimp tacos and potatoes and onions! OMG! Whatever that red sauce is with the fresh taco shell – they know something in the kitchen! Everyone in my party was highly satisfied and we can’t wait to come back! It’s the fact the prices aren’t outrageous too! Affordability definitely makes this a 5-star with taste and service! Oh that Arnold Palmer with some mango is what the doctor ordered! The drinks are sweet but it’s the perfect balance with the savory food!” -Latrice W. Photo: facebook.com/Catchme Ifyoucan
No. 19: Thai Lom Cuisine 145 W. Benson St., Reading “The food here has been consistently good! We order from here often and did so again last night. The Shrimp Tempura was delicious! Crispy and perfectly fried. It was our first time ordering it but would definitely order it again. The Hot Basil with chicken was tasty. I get it with the fried egg option. It’s my favorite and they do the dish well. My husband had the 3 Flavor Fish this time and said it was really, really good. The service has also been great. Always friendly and quick.” -Michelle D. Photo: facebook.com/Thai Lom Cuisine
No. 18: Alara 5410 Medpace Way, Madisonville “Five Stars all around! We were lucky enough to get a seat at the chef’s table on a Sunday night, and it was an awesome experience. Upon being seated, we were greeted with an absolutely delicious foie gras toast and wine by the chef. He was so friendly and personable. At that point, we knew we were in for a treat. We opted for the HOP cakes, lobster carbonara, scallops, carrots, and smoked pear cocktail. I also had a glass of wine, and my husband — a non-drinker — opted for a non-alcoholic beer. The HOP cakes were so delicious, citrusy, and bright. They also weren’t too heavy. The scallops were perfectly cooked and presented. The star of the show was the lobster carbonara. Huge chunks of lobster, accompanied by a deliciously cooked egg yolk on top made this dish exquisite. We didn’t have dessert, although they looked delicious. Can’t wait to come back to this beautiful space!” -Caroline K. Photo: facebook.com/AlaraCincinnati
Pizza from Over-the-Rhine’s A Tavola Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 16: Il Gusto Pizza & Pasta 3936 E Galbraith Road, Deer Park “Il Gusto is one of the best-kept secrets of the city… Family-owned and very well-run. The calzones are huge and served with a delicious side of marinara. The margarita pizza is always a must-have and if you’re really hungry get the chicken alfredo. The alfredo sauce is amazing and they offer a very nice size portion on this dish. Thanks to Il Gusto for a great experience every time we order. Go support this family-owned business in Cincinnati, you won’t regret it!” -Trevor F. Photo: facebook.com/ilgustopizzaandpasta
1. Delwood 3204 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout “My fiancée and I wandered into Delwood when both of us were hangry and realized the sushi places down the street were both closed. We were excited to try something new but weren’t being picky because we were starved! So we went in not having any idea about what kind of food Delwood served. Well we were very pleasantly surprised! It’s very welcoming with big trailing plants everywhere and lots of natural light which his well complemented by a warm and approachable staff. Our server explained the concept and menu to us with a few recommendations- we went with a chicken sandwich, chips and guac, and a chop salad. My fiancée has been talking about that chop salad for DAYS now. She says the champagne vinaigrette was out of this world. The guac really stepped up on a traditional recipe with the addition of corn and beans and that kept us really interested. Everything was super flavorful and tasty- they’ve made regulars of us!”— Sami B. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Nine Giant 6095 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge Nine Giant is the stuff of legends. Its story begins with a giant named Nine. Though many don’t know, these mythical creatures once called Cincinnati home, guzzling the great brews of the city’s past. But when the city’s once-great brewing ceased, the giants slept, fields and flowers growing over them. Long after, Nine was awakened in Pleasant Ridge; he rubbed his tired eyes, trees still growing atop his head. The giant found a place among the shimmering taps and glistening blue walls of what would become his namesake. There are no flagship beers at Nine Giant — its 10 taps are subject to endless experimentation. You’ll find that general styles remain, but each batch offers an opportunity to swap out flavors and ingredients. Photo: Jesse Fox Photo: Jesse Fox
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
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
The Emery 6914 Wooster Pike, Mariemont Looking Glass Hospitality Group — the team behind TAHONA Kitchen+Bar, S.W. Clyborne Provision & Spirits, Fretboard Brewing & Public House and Toast & Berry — opened their latest restaurant in December 2020 in Mariemont Square. Described as a “polished-casual” restaurant, “the menu is seafood-leaning but also includes fare from the garden and farm,” says a release.The 5,800-square-foot eatery features a second-floor dining room and cocktail lounge with a first-floor pub and outdoor patio. It also features a saltwater aquarium as a “centerpiece” on the second floor. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 10: Kitchen Social 9340 Montgomery Road, Montgomery “10/10! Everything we got was so good! This place will definitely be somewhere we frequent! We had the biscuits (I’ll be dreaming about them until further notice), the Thai chicken bowl (Great flavor with a little bit of heat! If you are sensitive to spicy foods, I’d say pass or ask them to tone it down. It was spicier than we expected but we loved it!), Gerber Farms chicken (those crispy potatoes… wow) and finished with the chocolate cake, which was amazing. To drink, I tried the spicy margarita and watermelon margarita. Both were great! Highly recommend this place!!” -Kandice N. Photo: facebook.com/kitchensocial614
No. 4 Best Veggie Burger: Nation Kitchen & Bar 1200 Broadway St., Pendleton Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 8: Inkazteka Peruvian Restaurant 3920 E. Galbraith Road, Deer Park “A great family-run place for authentic Peruvian and Mexican food. I’ve gotten takeout from here 4-5 times, and hosted a group of 10 people here. The food has never disappointed. Absolutely love their ceviche de pescado — very fresh, bright, and perfectly acidic. Also loved the fajitas. And the Fajita Tropicana is epic — served in half a pineapple shell, with corn tortillas and fixings on the side. You can eat it straight, and then feast on tacos from it days afterwards. And their chicken soup never disappoints. It’s very authentic, with big slabs of chicken chunks and hunks of potato floating in it. When our group was there, we were their only customers — I suspect they get more of a lunch than an evening crowd. But the service was amazing. The owner waited on us herself, chatting with us, and kept bringing out great condiments for us to try with our meal.” -Judith G. Photo: facebook.com/PeruvianMexican
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. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
The Pacific Kitchen 8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery This place is called The Pacific Kitchen for a reason, they feature food from over 22 different pacific countries and regions. This diverse eatery has a massive menu of Asian fusion and is friendly for everyone featuring a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu also features the flag of each country or region that the dish is from so you can easily pick out some of your favorite kinds of food. Pacific Kitchen also serves dim sum from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Photo via Photo: facebook.com/The Pacific Kitchen
24. Truva Turkish Kitchen 8060 Montgomery Road, Suite 400, Kenwood “Wow. This place is exquisite! The service is great and they are friendly. The ambiance is elegant and welcoming. The food is phenomenal! We went twice within a week. The first time just to try it and the second to bring my family from out of town. We told them it’s a must try while they were visiting. We live about 25-30 min away but it’s one of our new favorite places to go in Kenwood. The appetizer and the platters for 2 or 4 were a nice variety of the menu and plenty of food. It all tasted very fresh. The chicken kebab the first time was dried out and a little hard. But the second time we went it was very good. So maybe it was just a off day the first time. Highly recommend this spot and wish they had one closer!” -Stephanie W. Photo: facebook.com/Truva Cafe Mediterranean
No. 4: The Park Pour 4815 Cooper Road, Blue Ash “I’ve been here a few times and everything I have tried has been exquisite!! Nothing has ever disappointed. Their coffees and teas are yummy as well as their food! I love their French onion soup and I’m usually very picky about that soup. The best shareable is the Israeli hummus!! If the cobbler is on the menu, that’s also a must-have. The service is always quick but they never rush you either. I will definitely be back!!” -Maia S. Photo: facebook.com/theparkpour
No. 3: SwingLine 7710 Railroad Ave., Madeira “Went today for lunch, my first visit. Open, welcoming ambiance; many appealing options on the menu. I got chicken tacos with rice and black beans and it was all delicious. My son really liked the bison burger with a side of perfect fries. Service was really on top of things and friendly. I will go back for sure.” -Nancy P. Photo: facebook.com/SwingLineMadeira
Livery 9320 Montgomery Road, Montgomery This new tapas spot features a menu of empanadas, ensaladas, ceviche, tacos, tortas and other Central and South American dishes made with the freshest ingredients. For dessert, guests can try housemade churros, flan and tres leches. It also has a fully stocked bar with an expansive tequila and cocktail list, top-shelf spirits, wine and beer, as well as specialty margaritas. And when the weather’s nice, you can enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio. Photo: Provided by Cunningham Restaurant Group
The Governor 231 Main St., Milford Brothers Paul and Neil Barraco had been working in fine dining for years when they returned to their East Coast roots to open a classic diner with a modern twist. The mission of the Governor is to offer the perks of fine dining — locally procured meat and produce, a menu made from scratch, a carefully designed cocktail list — at a medium price point in a laid-back environment. The menu at the Governor features cuisine ranging from Asian to Italian to classic Americana, and all-day breakfast. Photo: Savana Willhoite Photo: Savana Willhoite