This post has been a long time coming, as I’ve recently had a handful of people who have come to town ask me for my favorite spots. I then realized I’ve never formally rounded up my favorite places! So, that’s what this post is going to be; an extensive guide of everything I love in this city that has become home over the last 12 years! I will note that all of my recommendations err on the side of Central Cincinnati, meaning encompassing downtown, as north as Kenwood, and as south as Crestview Hills. I admittedly don’t spend much time any more north or south than that, so my picks will lie in this vicinity.
FOOD
Italian/Pizza
Strong’s Pizza – This is a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint in my neck of the woods that we adore. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven and the flavor combinations are amazing. The Diavolo Dolce is a personal favorite. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy a pitcher and a pie. You’re welcome.
Pompilio’s – This is an OG favorite in Cincinnati if you’re in the mood for Italian. The Chicken Parm is one of my favorites in the city and the ambiance is that of a true Italian kitchen. The movie The Rainman even shot a few scenes, here! It’s a traditional and classic favorite that you can’t go wrong with.
Goodfellas – This is your “slice as big as your head” type joint. Amazing flavor combos and truly a great value. The breadsticks are huge, too!
Forno Osteria – The bolognese at Forno is worth the trip to Cincinnati alone. While their menu is fairly vast, the bolognese is the way to go.
Pepp & Dolores – This is arguably one of the best pasta joints I’ve been to. Truly unique takes on classic Italian fare. It’s always good every single time.
Mama’s on Main – This is my new favorite for Italian. I’m a chicken parm girlie, and this is one of the best I’ve had. Dillon crushes thier meatballs. The interior is adorable, too.
American
Crown Republic – This is a one-stop shop. You can get everything from General Tsos Cauliflower to Avocado Toast [which I highly recommend]. The star for me is the Squid Ink Spaghetti. There is surely something to satisfy every appetite on this menu and it’s all delicious.
Louvino – This is a super unique menu, with Southern comfort food favorites turned upscale. The fried chicken tacos are amazing.
Libby’s Southern Comfort – This is another Southern spot with a twist. The fried chicken skins are worth the trip and the Shrimp roll is amazing, as well. They also feature bourbon slushes which people go crazy for.
The Eagle – This is Mike’s favorite restaurant in the city. Down-home fried chicken, mac & cheese, and a bacon appetizer to boot. I prefer the chicken sandwich while Mike dives into the 1/2 chicken. A true must-visit if you’re in town.
Mexican
Nada Cincinnati – Nada is hands-down the go-to joint for tacos and tequila in Cincinnati. They even have a killer brunch! I always, always recommend the enchiladas, and if you can swing it, ask the server for the chili pineapple. SO good. See my latest post on Nada here.
La Mexicana – This is classic, authentic Mexican as it should be. The enchiladas, burritos, and tacos are all so, so good. There’s also a cool market inside.
Taquiera Nogal – This place is brand spankin’ new in my neck of the woods and it has become my absolute go-to. The birria tacos are the best in the city. It’s a true hole in the wall but packs a big punch. It’s super affordable, too.
Crown Cantina – This place is just amazing. It’s a modern take on Mexican, and each dish is better than the last. While the tacos are great, honestly the Queso with Chorizo and Oysters are worth the trip alone. Beyond that, the Carne Asada and Camarones are out of this world. The interior is beautiful and they have an amazing tequila/margarita offering. Definitely add this to the top of your list.
Olla – This is another spot like Taquiera Nogal that is just authentic and delicious. The drinks are amazing but their tacos are truly outstanding.
Asian/Indian
Asiana – This place is a little hidden but SO worth the search. Not only are the staff the nicest people ever, the entire menu is incredible. Everything from the sushi to crab Rangoon to hot pot to sesame chicken, it’s all amazing. I cannot recommend this place enough, plus its BYOB! Win-win.
Saigon Subs – The best pho in the city. Enough said.
Siam Orchid – This is another hole-in-the-wall in my neck of the woods and has some of the best Thai food I’ve had. Go for the pad thai.
Bangkok Bistro – I don’t have this place as much as I’d like due to location, but every time I do, it’s amazing. The crispy pad thai and golden bags [LOL, I know] are worth the trip.
Riverside – This is our go-to Korean place, especially for Bulgogi. They have traditional style seating and menu offerings.
Amol – My FAVORITE Indian. The end.
Jot – A new entry in Newport, Jot is so good. Generous portions and the kheema samosas are worth the trip alone.
Kanji – This is a newish addition to town, but I’ve already been more than a handful of times. The sushi is always fresh and expertly prepared. The Zen Garden is one of my favorites, but the Juanito is a close second. This is nestled right outside Findlay Market, so it’s easy to pop in.
Rosewood – This is another new entry, and I was impressed by the huge menu! The food was all great and this is in Oakley, so a bit outside my normal hangs, but I did enjoy it! The Baja Fresh Roll was amazing. I want to go back to try their curries and fried rice dishes.
Baru – This is brand spankin new and I already can’t wait to go back! The wagyu ishiyaki was outstanding and the sushi and chicken katsu were just as good. The interior is beautiful and I’ve heard great things about their wasabi margarita. This is an upscale spot in the heart of downtown, so definitely add it to your list.
Shangai on Elm – This is your classic Chinese food experience. This is a late night winner for me and I’m satisfied every single time. This is downtown and it’s open late, so you have no excuse not to give it a go. Their sesame chicken is my favorite and you can’t go wrong with gyoza.
Brunch
Holtman’s Doughnuts – This, to me, is a Midwest version of Voodoo Doughnuts. Insane toppings, crazy flavor combinations, and a totally Instagrammable presentation. Grab a dozen before bopping around OTR.
Maplewood Kitchen + Bar – This place reminds me of somewhere you’d see in Chicago or New York. It’s absolutely gorgeous inside and hosts your quintessential avocado toast and green juices to boot. Not only is everything beautifully presented but it’s so yummy. I will say this place is pretty pricey, but if you want that special brunch experience, it’s worth a visit.
Taste of Belgium – Whenever I’m craving a good brunch, ToB is one of the first places I suggest to whoever I am dining with. The waffle & chicken is their staple dish, but they also serve incredible crepes and other sweet and savory dishes. The atmosphere is super fun and it’s a great place to grab a bloody or a beer to catch a game, as well! I highly, highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in town.
Sleepy Bee – This is for the traditional breakfast lover. The eggs and bacon kind of deal. It’s super cute and kid friendly. If you’re not looking for anything fancy but something super yummy, give the Bee a visit.
Nation Kitchen & Bar – I am a huge breakfast taco/burrito fan and their breakfast burrito is one of the best in the city. Nation also boasts bottomless mimosas and marys and it’s a super fun brunch spot for a group.
Cedar – Settled in Mainstrasse, Cedar is a new joint with a killer brunch menu. The chicken and waffles rivals TOB for sure and the rest of the menu is just as good.
Upscale
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – This is Mike and I’s GO TO spot to celebrate something special. In my opinion, it’s basically the best steak you can get. The ambiance is so elegant and I have never left a Ruby’s meal disappointed.
Sotto – 3 words: short rib capallaci. Also 2 more: octopus appetizer. Mike is obsessed with the donuts, too. This is a truly elegant, upscale, delectable experience.
Coppin’s @ Hotel Covington – I always highly recommend that folks from out of town stay at Hotel Covington, but Coppin’s deserves it’s own shoutout. Nestled inside the hotel, the food is to die for and the space is cozy and cute. I literally dream of the Pimento Cheese appetizer. We celebrate the holidays here, too, and it’s always festive and fun.
Boca Restaurant – Boca is just plain fabulous. The food is always utterly delectable and you can’t help but be in a good mood when you’re cozied up inside. The food is incredible [the burger and lobster risotto are forever favorites] and the drinks are spectacular, as well. We’ve celebrated many a birthday and promotion at Boca.
Son of a Butcher – This place is truly an experience. It’s a bit of a hike for us [it’s in Liberty Township], but it’s worth the drive! The drinks are a spectacle and the food was killer. I dream of that Bone Marrow! Definitely add this for a fun date/girls night and enjoy the atmosphere and the fare!
Nicola’s – This place is EVERYTHING. Whether you want a few quick bites or to splurge on a multi-course meal, I highly recommend Nicola’s if you’re craving a good old-fashioned Italian meal.
DRINK
Breweries – There are SO many breweries in Cincinnati. Moerlein, Darkness, Rhinegeist, Braxton, and MadTree are a few of my personal favorites. I talk about a few of them in this post, but really, if you’re a beer lover, you need to come check Cincinnati out. Also honorable mention to my 3 more recent favorites: Woodburn, Third Eye, and Deadlow [the food at Deadlow is AMAZING].
The Lackman – There’s nothing truly special per se about Lackman, but it’s such a staple Cincinnati spot that I had to mention it. It’s in a great location and has a super cozy vibe.
Top of the Park – This bar is on top of a hotel and boasts a spectacular view of the city. They have fun drink specials in the summer and it’s a really fun atmosphere.
Wise Guys – This is on top of Goodfellas Pizza [which I also HIGHLY recommend] and it’s a super cool bourbon bar. It’s really small but there are bar stools and a few couches to cozy up in. Whenever I’m in this bar, it always feels like it should be snowing outside. It just has that cozy vibe. Think the movie The Holiday. We love it so much and it carries a lot of Mike’s favorite bourbons, and that’s hard to do! It’s definitely a must visit on the KY side.
Aster Social Sippery – This place is STUNNING. Talk about aesthetically pleasing. Not only that, but they have killer drinks and super unique bites. The samosa and burrata are amazing.
Sundry & Vice – This is the bar to go to if you’re a cocktail enthusiast. They truly have some of the best and most innovative drinks in the city and the entire inside is done in the theme of an apothecary so it’s super cool and different. They also feature different eateries on the weekend for brunch which is super cool.
Metropole @ 21C – This is a super classy joint inside the 21C hotel that boasts some serious cocktails and beers. It’s a gorgeous atmosphere and a great spot to grab a drink before dinner at Nada or Boca or before a show at the Aronoff.
Party Source/New Riff Distillery – Party Source is a humongous liquor store [think the size of a Costco] and adjacent is New Riff Distillery, which has tours, a bar, a gift shop, and a roof top that can host events. It’s worth checking out.
Incline Public House – This is another spot that boasts a truly amazing view of the city. In the up and coming Incline district, IPH has a great drink and food menu but really, go there for the view.
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab – I truly adore this spot. It’s cute and cozy and can offer you coffee, wine, beer, booze, or whatever your heart desires. They have wine flights and make a mean espresso and I’ve never been disappointed. Whether you’re in the mood for booze or caffeine, they have you covered.
La Ofrenda – This tequila loving girl loves this tequila bar. Also, yes, the inside looks straight out of Coco.
Anjou – This place is absolutely darling and serves up gorgeous and tasty cocktails and mocktails.
Junipers – If you’re into Gin, you MUST go here. I fell in love with Tarsier here and their gin selection is truly unmatched. The bartenders are really knowledgeable and can set you up with a flight or cocktail that will meet your needs.
SHOPPING
Kenwood Mall– This is THE mall in Cincinnati, in my opinion. It has our Nordstrom, Anthropologie, J.Crew, Madewell, Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Abercrombie, Bath & Body Works. Basically every blogger’s favorite stores, ha! But really, it’s a gorgeous mall and has every store you could want. There are also tons of restaurants, a movie theatre, and Trader Joe’s all surrounding it.
Rookwood Commons – This is my go-to spot for stores like Nordstrom Rack, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx. There’s also a Whole Foods, Ulta, Old Navy, and DSW in the mix. It has the best deals and you can spend so much time here.
Cincinnati Premium Outlets – CPO is another one I’ve talked about a bunch on the blog, like here, here, and here. It’s a bit of a hike north of the city, but it has so many amazing stores that it’s worth the trip if you have the time.
OTR [Beautiful, Mica, Idlewild Woman, Homage, Lane + Kate] – There are so many amazing little shops in OTR, you could spend the whole day wandering around.
THINGS TO DO
Cincinnati Zoo – The zoo in Cincinnati is one of the best I’ve been to. Plus, we have Fiona! It’s located centrally in Clifton and is the perfect family activity.
Newport Aquarium – We are season pass holders to the Aquarium and I highly recommend checking it out. It’s in a great location near downtown and has sharks, penguins, sting rays, and more.
The Spa @ Mitchell’s – This is one I’ve talked about on the blog before [lately here + here] and it’s truly a delightful experience. Whether you’re exhausted from traveling or simply want to kick back and relax, Mitchell’s has you covered. I definitely recommend paying them a visit.
City Flea – If you’re here in the warmer months, I highly recommend paying City Flea a visit. It boasts local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment and you’re bound to leave with something new to love. It’s definitely a unique experience and always so much fun.
Findlay Market – Findlay is another unique Cincinnati experience that is basically like a flea market, farmers market, food tent, and entertainment hall all in one. We love visiting Findlay in the warmer months and having lunch, picking up some treats, and listening to live music.
Hard Rock Casino – If you’re craving a late night roll of the dice, pay Hard Rock a visit. It’s right downtown and has some great restaurants and entertainment alongside the regular gambling.
Krohn’s Conservatory– This is a beautiful space in the city that has a lot of different exhibits, most famously the butterfly exhibit. We always try to visit for that and it’s lovely to have such a great conservatory in our city.
Go to a Reds/Bengals Game – Cincinnati is unique in the fact that our baseball and football stadiums are one block apart. They’re both right downtown so they are super accessible, both beautiful stadiums, and both reasonably priced to experience a ball game! September is fun when both are still in season!
So, there you have it! My [not-so] little taste of everything incredible that Cincinnati has to offer. When I found out I was moving here, I thought I’d be here for a year or two max, and never envisioned that I’d love it so much [and fall in love here] that it would become my home. I know better than to say the word “forever” when it comes to where you live, but we are so truly happy here and don’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon, if ever. I want to call out that Mike is disappointed that I didn’t include the “classic” Cincinnati spots like LaRosas, Graeters, and Skyline Chili, however I don’t love any of those places so they don’t make the cut for me, ha! But true Cincinnatians would likely call those spots out. That disclaimer aside, the list above is pretty comprehensive of my favorites. If you’re ever in town, do let me know! This is just a small taste of what the city has to offer, although I know there is SO much more to offer. What is your favorite place to go in the city? Did I miss anything major?! If you’ve never been here, put it on your list ASAP! Thanks for stopping by!
