The West Side of Cincinnati has a reputation for being stodgy and old-school, but we think that really couldn’t be further from the truth, especially in terms of the food scene.

Sure, the West Side has its tried-and-true favorites that have been around forever, but there’s also always something new to try here, whether you’re looking for kickass Indian cuisine, a dinner with a view or even just a really good, greasy breakfast that will keep you full for hours. Keep scrolling to see some of the best West Side restaurants, from the classic diners and chili parlors where your grandparents ate to the hidden gems and new favorites.

Double Down at Cancun and Western Bowl $3.95-$4.75 per game; shoe rental extra It’s a two-for-one at Cancun Restaurante & Cantina and Western Bowl Strike & Spare — the establishments are connected by a doorway, making it easy to go from classic strip-mall tacos and tequila to classic bowling and beer. Since 1958, the glowing Western Bowl sign has been beckoning amateurs and pros alike to play on its 68 automatic lanes. With a Big Lebowski-esque atmosphere, the rates are reasonable (less than $5 a game), the snacks are cheap and the bar is fully stocked. Grab a pitcher of beer for $9 and get ready to bowl. 6383 Glenway Ave., Western Hills. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Best Neighborhood Pizza Joint (West Side) 1. Trotta’s Pizza & Drive Thru, trottaspizza.net 2. LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria, larosas.com 3. Dewey’s Pizza, deweyspizza.com Photo: Jesse Fox Photo: Jesse Fox
No. 10 Best Brunch: Nation Kitchen & Bar 175 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks; 3435 Epworth Ave., Westwood & 203 Mill St., Milford Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Incline Public House 2601 W. Eighth St., East Price Hill Named after the Cincinnati inclines that traveled to Price Hill, Incline Public House features a gorgeous view of the city and delicious American food for brunch, lunch and dinner. While you enjoy the view of downtown Cincinnati on their all-season patio, try one of their popular pizzas, like the equal-parts sweet and salty Prosciutto Fig, featuring fig jam, Italian ham, goat cheese, caramelized onions and arugula on top. Or, build your own using the expansive list of sauces, cheeses and toppings. Pair it with one of their local craft brews on tap and their mouthwatering short rib poutine to split with the table to top off the experience. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 8 Best Hidden Gem Restaurant: Maury’s Tiny Cove 3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ivory House 2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood Ivory House offers upscale dining in the heart of Westwood’s business district in a space that’s fresh and contemporary. Guests walk into the restaurant and are greeted by a classy white piano and tall bistro tables and an open, inviting dining room. The dinner menu features steak and seafood favorites like the filet mignon, lobster tail and grilled scallops. Ivory House also offers brunch and a wine program, which allows you to explore and discover new wines, as well as get a subscription to one of their wine lockers, which is perfect if you want to curate a personal collection. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Price Hill Chili 4290 Glenway Ave., Price Hill Generations of West Side patrons have grown up on this iconic, family-owned restaurant’s diverse, fairly priced menu. Having expanded several times over the years, there are now multiple dining areas and a full-service attached cocktail lounge called Golden Fleece. They’re set apart from other chili joints by their liquor license and full menu, which features an excellent Greek salad (with secret-recipe dressing), specialty sandwiches, steaks, all-day breakfast and amazing homemade macaroni and cheese on Fridays (available after 1 p.m.). Photo: Marci Rhodes Photo: Marci Rhodes
Sunnyside Grill 7995 Wesselman Road, Cleves Don’t expect a lot of frills at this classic greasy spoon, but do expect a lot of flavor. Sunnyside Grill is a popular weekend breakfast spot among West Side families, serving up favorites like omelets, waffles and egg, meat and toast combos alongside their own creations like The Smelvin, a skillet with a mix of breakfast meats on top of eggs, plus home fries and cheddar cheese. You can also try the Veggie Smelvin, which swaps out the meats for a mix of bell peppers, onions, tomato, mushrooms and potatoes. For lunch, Sunnyside offers Cincinnati-style chili on ways, coneys and as a sandwich, as well as a variety of salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Photo: facebook.com/sunnysidegrilldelhi
Veracruz 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 Mexican Grill
Primavista 810 Matson Place, East Price Hill Along with a beautiful view of the city, this restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with menu options like sausage and mushroom ravioli, roasted lamb loin and tiramisu. Without leaving your seat, you can look out on views of Carew Tower, Great American Tower and the Cincinnati sign with a wine glass in hand. Photo via Facebook.com/PrimavistaRestaurant Photo: facebook.com/primavistarestaurant
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 traditional 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
Kumo Asian Fusion 4990 Delhi Pike, Delhi 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
Asian Spice Bistro 3474 North Bend Road, White Oak This Asian fusion bistro has a menu of both Chinese and Thai dishes, as well as a selection of sushi, sashimi and hibachi items. For an appetizer, try a little bit of everything with the Asian Bites platter, which comes with an eggroll, two crab rangoons and two potstickers. The sushi menu features traditional rolls, like the California Roll or Spicy Tuna, and a variety of special rolls, like Asian Spice’s Beauty & the Best Roll (half tuna and half eel with avocado, asparagus and eel sauce) or the Orange Dragon (shrimp tempura, crab sticks and cucumber topped with salmon and spicy mayo). Photo: facebook.com/Asian Spice Bistro
Kreimer’s Bier Haus 6052 OH-128, Cleves This Bavarian biergarten and restaurant on the Great Miami River has three decks, fire pits and a ton of Black Forest-inspired wood features, from picnic seating to a whimsical cuckoo-clock-looking grill house, which serves snacks like sauerkraut balls, pretzel bread, bier cheese and plenty of juicy metts. The inside of the restaurant feels like a cozy cabin tucked away in the forest of a German fairytale and features a menu with a variety of American and German fare, ranging from BBQ Bourbon Chicken Tenders and New York Strip Steak to Schnitzel and metts served with sauerkraut. Photo: facebook.com/kreimersriverbar
Mi Casita 5714 Glenway Ave., Western Hills This taquería, frutería and mini grocery store offers delicious and authentic Mexican eats from a no-frills building along Glenway Avenue. The menu is brief in the way of the best taquerías, offering platillos like fajitas, caldos (broth), tortas like its delicious Cubana, tacos, empanadas and cups of sliced fruit. While you wait for your food, you can browse the aisles of snacks, toys and more. The place was a former hibachi restaurant, which you can tell by the small dining area, with a couple of tables and chairs situated around a flattop grill. Photo: facebook.com/Mi Casita
W Bar + Bistro 3447 Epworth Ave., Westwood Quickly becoming a West Side favorite, W Bar + Bistro opened in the former Henke Winery space earlier this year. Billing itself as a casual, all-day restaurant, W Bar + Bistro’s food excels beyond casual. With a menu driven by Ivory House’s executive chef, everything – from the Korean fried chicken sandwich to the Bistro Poutine to the tomato bisque – is packed with flavor. The restaurant also offers brunch on the weekends, with offerings like the classic biscuits and gravy, the hearty W Brunch Platter (eggs, potatoes, toast and your choice of breakfast meat) and a selection of mimosas and Bloody Marys. Photo: facebook.com/wbarbistro
Christine’s Casual Dining 3360 Westbourne Drive, Green Township Offering Filipino cuisine featuring casual dining seating and a bar, Christine’s is a place to enjoy casual family gatherings with tasty yet inexpensive dining. Established in 2015, Christine’s offers tried and true Filipino recipes passed down in owner Christine’s family from generation to generation. The large menu also features a variety of non-Filipino dishes, with everything from reubens and spaghetti and meatballs to tacos and fried seafood platters. Photo: christinescasualdining.com
The Loaded Gyro 4866 Delhi Pike, Delhi This charming West Side hole-in-the-wall serves up delicious, affordable gyros, along with a mix of Mediterranean and American dishes. Grab a classic gyro ($8) or load it up with extra meat, feta and jalapeño or banana peppers for $10. Add a side of Greek fries, or opt to have your gyro meats piled high on a salad instead. When you’re done eating, take your savings and walk next door to Jocko’s to enjoy some cheap drinks and live music. Photo: facebook.com/theloadedgyro
Stephen’s Old Village Restaurant 3323 Harrison Ave., Cheviot This tiny neighborhood diner has served quality fare on the West Side since the ‘70s. Featuring homemade food and great hospitality that never goes out of style, Stephen’s Old Village Restaurant is best known for its large-portion meals and even larger menu, with diner staples like burgers, clubs, gyros and double deckers, as well as comfort food like fried chicken, pork chops and roast beef. It also serves breakfast favorites all day long. Photo: facebook.com/StephensOldVillageRestaurant
Buddha Barn Thai 6625 Gracely Drive, Sayler Park Located in a cute hole-in-the-wall in the heart of Sayler Park and outfitted with a number of Buddha statues, Buddha Barn offers some of the freshest Thai food in the city. Using family recipes and those gained from experience in New York City Thai restaurants, owner Niruti Puakkawe crafts both traditional and modern Thai dishes — from Pad Thai and coconut curries to out-of-the-ordinary offerings like the GaGa Gangpa: your choice of beef or pork cooked in red curry (without coconut) with anchovies, squash, string beans, bell peppers, peppercorns, Thai ginger and basil and served with a side of white jasmine rice. Or, try one of their All-Time Fabulous dishes, like the Cashew Pineapple, made with your choice of protein and pineapple, cashew nuts, onions, red bell peppers, celery and roasted dried pepper in hot chili oil paste. Photo: buddhabarnthai.com
Maranata Store 1215 Rulison Ave., West Price Hill Price Hill’s burgeoning Guatemalan community offers a taste of Central America at this tienda, which stocks groceries and serves colorful cilantro-infused ceviche, pork pupusas, fried plantains and three-milk cake from its modest restaurant. The Guatemalan-style tamales alone are worth the trip. Photo: facebook.com/MaranataStore
Sebastian’s 5209 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill Opened in 1976 by previous owner Alex Vassiliou, an immigrant from Greece, Sebastian’s is one of the original Mediterranean options in Cincinnati. The menu consists of authentic Greek salads and gyros with ground gyro meat with a dash of tzatziki sauce on the side. Photo: facebook.com/sebastiansgyros
West Shine Family Restaurant 3245 Westbourne Drive, Green Township Family-owned West Shine serves up hot, fresh breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. The menu features recipes handed down for generations, as well as some creations from the diner’s culinary team. For breakfast, try one of their omelets, which you create by selecting your veggies, cheese and meat. These can also be served as a burrito. They also have a selection of breakfast sandwiches, called Shinewiches, which includes their Breakfast Coney (sausage links, breakfast potatoes, homemade sausage gravy and shredded cheddar on a New England roll). And for lunch, you can pick from a variety of sandwiches or burgers, or try their Gripp’en Chicken as a sandwich, strips or in their homemade mac and cheese. Photo: facebook.com/westshinerestaurant
Golden Dragon 5818 Cheviot Road, White Oak Family-owned Golden Dragon has been serving up its classic Chinese takeout-style menu from its strip mall spot since 1995. It has all the favorites — from Sweet & Sour Chicken to Pepper Steak and appetizers like egg rolls and wontons. Golden Dragon also has a selection of curries and Pad Thais, as well as sweet donuts and almond cookies for dessert. Photo: facebook.com/goldendragonwoc
Muse Café 3018 Harrison Ave., Westwood This Westwood coffee and wine bar offers up cafe items like frappes and smoothies, plus a sizable food menu that includes breakfast, lunch, tapas and cheese plates. Speaking of cheese, do not sleep on the paninis. Muse is more than a cafe with delicious meals and drinks, however; you also go for the experience: gathering with friends to catch up, unwinding after a long day with a glass of wine or taking in the live music performances or local art displays. Photo: facebook.com/musecafecincinnati
Tavern on the Bend 5471 North Bend Road, Montfort Heights Craving craft beer, mac & cheese and a stacked burger? Tavern on the Bend is your spot. This pub may appear modest with its paper plates and plastic cutlery, but quality ingredients and a creative bar menu keep people coming back. Mac & cheese varieties include Philly steak mac and lobster mac, while burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches come topped with everything from jalapeño bacon to roasted Mexican street corn. Photo: Ashley Moor
Wild Mike’s 5043 Delhi Pike, Delhi; 4498 Harrison Ave., Green Township; 7587 Bridgetown Road, Miami Heights This West Side chain’s three locations boast a full menu with lots of tasty dishes, but Mike’s raved-about signature wings are always a great option. The wing ordering process is threefold: choose boneless or traditional, flavor and temperature. Can’t decide on one flavor? Try Mike’s Mix for a unique blend of them all. Photo: facebook.com/Wild Mike's Delhi
Werkhaus Pizza 3637 Werk Road, Green Township This cozy mom-and-pop pizza joint has been serving West Side families since 1993. The old-school dining room is warm and welcoming with its checkered tablecloths, vinyl-seat booths and dim lighting. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of pizzas featuring Werkhaus’ original crust, as well as Chicago-style stuffed pizzas, coming in a thick bowl of crust and filled with toppings and a slightly sweet, little bit tangy red sauce. Not in the mood for pizza? Werkhaus’ menu also features hoagies, calzones, salads, pastas and even a low-carb section with offerings like meatballs, tuna salad and chicken cordon bleu. Photo: facebook.com/Werkhaus Pizza
Chandler’s Burger Bistro 6135 Cleves Warsaw Pike, Delhi; 10533 Harrison Ave., Harrison Serving locally sourced produce, meats and craft beer, Chandler’s Burger Bistro is a prime destination for casual family dining. The bistro is the reincarnation of the old Chandler’s Restaurant; owner Phil Marston and his friend Gary Brock reinvented the old place and doubled the size for more comfortable and roomy dining. Its sports bar is a perfect addition for watching the game or having a drink or meal with friends. The menu features a variety of local-themed burgers like the Joey B (bacon, pepper jack, lettuce, pickles and Cajun mayo) or the Westsider, topped with grilled pickles and onions, as well as American cheese, tartar sauce and lettuce. Photo: facebook.com/chandlersburgerbistro
BierMarkt 420 Three Rivers Parkway, North Bend BierMarkt specializes in craft, imported and specialty beers, as well as craft cocktails and wine. They also offer an eclectic menu – from authentic tacos and tortas to traditional bar fare like wings and nachos to the Cincinnati staple goetta. Photo: facebook.com/BierMarktUSA
Maya Indian Restaurant 4486 W. Eighth St., West Price Hill Located in an unassuming building with an even less fussy dining room in West Price Hill, Maya serves up traditional Indian cuisine from a menu as long as your arm. From samosas to naan to curries and masala or vindaloo, each item is full of flavor and entrees can be ordered on a heat scale to suit everyone’s spicy preferences. They also don’t skimp on portions; be prepared to have leftovers for at least a meal or two after. Photo: facebook.com/mayaindianrestaurant
Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant 5070 Crookshank Road, Westwood Habesha is a hidden gem that offers authentic Ethiopian dishes. The restaurant serves traditional meals like Kitfo, a dish that features spiced minced meat with butter and mitmita — a seasoning mix made with chili peppers, cardamom, cloves and salt — topped with seasoned cheese. For non-meat-eaters, there’s also Yesom Beyaynetu, a platter of several vegetarian-friendly dishes. Photo: Liz Davis
No. 3 Best Italian Restaurant: Giovanni’s Family Italian Restaurant 4050 North Bend Road, Cheviot Must-try: The Chicken Parmigiano comes highly recommended — breaded chicken baked with marinara and parmesan. Photo: Google Maps