25 Essential Cincinnati Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Cincinnati.
The Precinct By Jeff Ruby
Ohio
Stylish, upscale steakhouse offering handcrafted steaks & seafood fare, plus cocktails, wine & beer.
Shaan Indian Cuisine - Cincinnati
Ohio
Specialties from Northern India & a lunch buffet served in an unassuming strip-mall locale.
Sotto
Ohio
Basement dining spot with an austere brick-&-wood interior serving inventive rustic Italian cuisine.
Avalanche Crepes & Waffles
Cincinnati, Ohio
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Great dessert. Popular for: Breakfast.
Nicola's
Cincinnati, Ohio
Chic venue presenting contemporary Italian cuisine in a warm space with exposed-brick walls.
The Pickled Pig
Cincinnati, Ohio
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Rosie's Italian
Cincinnati, Ohio
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great wine list. Popular for.
El Vaquero Clifton
Cincinnati, Ohio
Part of a regional Mexican chain offering familiar dishes & fruity margaritas in a casual setting.
Swampwater Grill
Cincinnati, Ohio
Eatery & bar serving BBQ, Cajun fare & cocktails in a casual space with a fishing-shack vibe.
Mayas Indian Restaurant
Cincinnati, Ohio
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Ramundo's Pizzeria
Cincinnati, Ohio
Family-owned carry-out parlor offering up thin-crust pizza by the pie or slice in tiny digs.
Tickle Pickle Restaurant
Cincinnati, Ohio
Burgers named after rock 'n roll legends plus sides, shakes, beer & desserts in a cozy space.
Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey
Cincinnati, Ohio
Men in kilts serve a Scottish-American gastropub menu with beer & brown spirits plus live music.
Mazunte Taqueria
Cincinnati, Ohio
Casual eatery with a colorful look doles out traditional Mexican street food and homemade salsas.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Cincinnati, Ohio
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
First Watch
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Cincinnati, Ohio
Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Butterbee's American Grille
Cincinnati, Ohio
Upbeat sports bar & grill providing American pub grub & lots of TVs, plus patio seating.
Loving Hut
Cincinnati, Ohio
Outpost of a vegan counter-serve chain with Asian-accented menus that vary by location.
Zip's Cafe
Cincinnati, Ohio
Burgers, fried fish sandwiches & other pub-grub classics go alongside beer at this longtime hangout.
First Watch
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Sugar n' Spice Restaurant
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cartoon murals & bright colors decorate this low-key neighborhood breakfast & lunch fixture.
Pho Lang Thang
Cincinnati, Ohio
Upbeat Vietnamese joint inside Findlay Market for bowls of pho & banh mi sandwiches.
Baba India Restaurant
Cincinnati, Ohio
Indian eatery with a lunch buffet & large menu of vegetarian-friendly & tandoori options.
Krueger's Tavern
Cincinnati, Ohio
Stylish, seasonal New American kitchen with a menu of small & large plates.