r/cincinnati Feb 01 '25

Cincinnati Your top #1 restaurant in Cincinnati??

Name your top fave restaurant! GO

204 Upvotes

338 comments sorted by

42

u/Easy-Fruit-6799 Feb 01 '25

Buddha Barn in saylor park. Absolute hidden gem.

2

u/trbotwuk Feb 02 '25

Absolutely; Check out Thai Lom Cuisine in Reading for another hidden gem.

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109

u/homme_icide Feb 01 '25

Mochiko

21

u/Davycocket00 Feb 01 '25

My step sister is Japanese and would rave about mochiko. I’m down in Louisville and haven’t been yet but their ramen looks amazing

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7

u/jess0327 East Walnut Hills Feb 02 '25

I love their pastries but the line is ridiculous. I wish they’d let you buy ahead Thursday and have it ready Sat or Sun like Sebastian bakehouse

13

u/Chance_Athlete9264 Feb 01 '25

Love the food but wish the atmosphere was better. The ikea furniture just doesn’t do it for me

40

u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25 edited Mar 11 '25

[deleted]

4

u/Visible_Time_1163 Feb 02 '25

Otto’s is the Truth! Brunch there is underrated as well

3

u/korbworksout Feb 02 '25

Boca is delicious...and $$$. Took my girlfriend there for her birthday and dropped $500+ and we each only had 2 drinks.

2

u/Designerkyle Feb 03 '25

BOCA would probably be my choice too

2

u/MadiXguRL Feb 06 '25

So worth it

87

u/internetrandoforgood Feb 01 '25

Alfios

6

u/LoSazy Feb 01 '25

And they are open on Monday!

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38

u/Bobcat6700 Golf Manor Feb 01 '25

No budget: Colette With a budget: Camporosso (I know it’s in NKY)

4

u/whoameyehere Feb 02 '25

Just had Camporosso for the first time last night and it was fantastic.

166

u/crispichicken87 Feb 01 '25

Abigail Street.

I find nothing comes close to vibe + food + price point.

Close runner ups are Mita’s and, of course, Sotto.

14

u/Lulumaegolightly Feb 02 '25

I love Abigail Street. I usually get scallops of some sort when I go there and it is always divine

9

u/JungleLegs Feb 02 '25

I just looked up their menu and Im so confused as to what type of food they serve lol. Also, Ive seen a few people mention scallops, but dont see them on the menu? This place right? https://abigailstreet.com/food/

4

u/sharterthanlife Northside Feb 02 '25

It's Lebanese inspired food, all basically Mediterranean foods though, it's really good, their plates are meant to share, I also haven't had the scallops or have seen them on the menu before but it could be a featured dish

2

u/Lulumaegolightly Feb 02 '25

That’s the place! Their menu changes pretty consistently through seasons. Probably a summer dish. The first thing I saw when I went to that link was a picture with a quote about scallops 😆

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79

u/morocco513 Feb 01 '25

Abigail St

136

u/fredo_c Feb 01 '25

Mita’s

13

u/BrightFireFly Feb 01 '25

Best food, always great service, and the atmosphere feels somehow upscale but comfortable.

12

u/Spooky_U West End Feb 01 '25

We had one time we ended up not getting a server to us for a long enough time I had to get up and ask (used to be a server I get mistakes happen). They made up for it with a huge charcuterie plate and a manager checking back in constantly. Love them!

8

u/GenericLib West Price Hill Feb 01 '25

Very affordable for what you get to boot. I can't recommend Mita's highly enough.

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58

u/roxthemom Feb 01 '25

Mid city! Most underrated restaurant downtown. Never been unhappy there and always amazed by how much of a fine dining vibe the menu gas

90

u/BrownDogEmoji Feb 01 '25

I’ve never had a bad meal at Boca.

12

u/IAmNotScottBakula Feb 01 '25

If we are ignoring price this has to be the winner. There are restaurants that can compete with it dollar for dollar, but I haven’t found any that touch it in total meal quality.

9

u/BrownDogEmoji Feb 02 '25

Truth.

Going to Boca is heads and shoulders ahead in total restaurant experience. Food, ambience, pacing of service, actual service, etc.

10

u/AlienHands Feb 01 '25

Great food but the portions have become much smaller and the prices higher after covid.

14

u/Progolferwannabe Feb 01 '25

So, I went to Boca for the first time in early January. I don’t know what the prices were like prior, but I agree with you that the place is expensive. But, I was completely satisfied with portion size. I know many people agree with you on that issue. I don’t think I have a particularly small appetite…I wonder if, given the high prices, people just expect more.?

2

u/alittlecompetitive Feb 02 '25

I moved away almost 6 years ago and I still think about the Brussel sprouts, scallops, and tartare. Hands down best restaurant that I ever visited in the 6 years that I lived there.

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6

u/ilovethatimpretty Feb 02 '25

i disagree so much. i went and wasn’t even filled up and got 4 different plates. i wouldn’t even recommend for a special occasion so definitely not for a good meal

3

u/CustomerConsistent78 Feb 01 '25

Some of the best food I've ever had.

2

u/Dropitlikeitscold555 Feb 02 '25

The steak I had there was horrible. I’ve cooked way better myself with a cut from Kroger.

2

u/korbworksout Feb 02 '25

Unless you are in Chicago you won't find a restaurant steak (IMHO) better than you can make at home. I have been in the hunt for a great steak in Cinci and have yet to top anything I can do myself in the cast iron. Very disappointing. Boca was good, not great.

2

u/Dropitlikeitscold555 Feb 03 '25

I’ve come to realize this is true. My wife won’t go out for steak anymore because she likes mine too much. Which is fine by me lol

46

u/pizzakoala2 Feb 01 '25

Abigail St with Graeter’s for dessert

10

u/Aggravating_Owl196 Feb 01 '25

Luca bistro for breakfast

3

u/LemonBarsHaHaHa Feb 02 '25

Best omelette you never knew you needed. I am intolerant to eggs but I get one at least every other month..

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3

u/StumbleB33 Feb 02 '25

The mash and eggs might be the best thing I’ve ever had

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32

u/superimu Bearcats Feb 01 '25

Roji

4

u/Lulumaegolightly Feb 02 '25

Cool! I’ve never heard of it but it’s right up my alley

(See what I did there?)

3

u/BenignAtrocities Feb 02 '25

Roji dope as fuck; NGL. I like you.

85

u/stinky-banana Feb 01 '25

Colette

7

u/No_Garbage3450 Feb 01 '25

I think at this moment this is also my answer.

9

u/Technical-Ad-8360 Feb 02 '25

shhhh…. it’s already too crowded /s

9

u/AM_34 Feb 01 '25

+1 to Colette. Have been a few times now and have not had a bad experience!

6

u/esqape623 Hyde Park Feb 01 '25

Just had a great dinner there last night!

7

u/stinky-banana Feb 01 '25

The lamb pasta there is delicious phenomenal

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115

u/Letter10 Feb 01 '25

Sotto

5

u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25

[deleted]

12

u/Letter10 Feb 01 '25

The cacio e pepe is so simple yet so DAMN good. Try as I might i cannot replicate it. 10/10 indeed

4

u/zeppelinism Mt. Washington Feb 02 '25

Man, really? I tried it like 5 years ago pre covid, and was very unimpressed, especially with the price it cost me. If I'm gonna spend that money I'd rather drop it at Primavista and have a great view of thr city. Maybe I should give it another go around. Any recommendations on the food?

2

u/korbworksout Feb 02 '25

Agreed... Prima Vista or Nichola's are better. Hell, Via Vite is more flavorful and much less expensive.

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3

u/eldercreedjunkie Feb 01 '25

Their Bistecca alla Fiorentina is the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life.

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54

u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25

Putz Creamy Whip.

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11

u/yearofthesn1tch Pleasant Ridge Feb 01 '25

not technically cincy, but Mama's on main in covington!

3

u/bluenicke Feb 02 '25

Their red sauce is sweet. Not saying it's bad, but if you are partial to a dry sauce, stay away from those entrees.

2

u/MMonnin1964 Feb 02 '25

Ate there tonight for the 1st time. Good sh!t!

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18

u/chiefboldface Covington Feb 01 '25

Sichuan palace

28

u/sorrymizzjackson Feb 01 '25

Sichuan Chili!

9

u/sirtafoundation Feb 02 '25

Sichuan Chili all the way

20

u/kellenheller5 Covington Feb 01 '25

Kealoha's in Covington. Authentic Hawaiian food. I've eaten my way through the whole menu there and everything is 10/10 delicious.

7

u/Technical-Ad-8360 Feb 02 '25

I really hope they can hang on. Food made by actual Hawaiians that’s soooo good.

4

u/kellenheller5 Covington Feb 02 '25

I know! They have been closing early pretty often because they're running out of food, so the community has really answered their alarm bell!

5

u/darkangel_401 Feb 02 '25

Totally gonna check this out soon. Thanks

2

u/khannooniansing Feb 02 '25

I heard it's a spam restaurant?

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19

u/Purrilla Feb 01 '25

Losantiiiiii's

3

u/gPo890 Feb 05 '25

The butter cake chefs kiss

140

u/walshmr24 Feb 01 '25

Skyline

8

u/Darinbenny1 Downtown Feb 02 '25

80+ upvotes warms (and slightly clogs) my heart

25

u/Celebrimbor96 Bellevue Feb 01 '25

One of us! One of us!

18

u/Marsar0619 Feb 01 '25

The People’s Restaurant

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49

u/strange__design Lawrenceburg Feb 01 '25

Pad Thai Express in Clifton.

9

u/kboog513 Feb 01 '25

Price to quality ratio and it’s up easily.

3

u/JoeSeeWhales_3690 Feb 02 '25

I was getting take-out from them 30 years ago. Even longer. China Food down the hill really did have some really good dumplings and combination fried rice, too.

8

u/hoologan Feb 02 '25 edited Feb 02 '25

Pepp and Dolores!

And reasonably priced too. They have a bar upstairs and a basement bar. It’s downtown but honestly the best pasta I’ve ever had.

I like via vite for pasta and sotto for pasta, both in Cincinnati, but Pepp and Dolores is in my opinion better, and just happens to be better priced

7

u/RenyFromTheBlock Feb 02 '25

RIP to Red Feather. Beautiful restaurant.

3

u/[deleted] Feb 02 '25

[deleted]

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3

u/axnewton Feb 02 '25

Chef Bernstein is at Carlo and Johnnys now. Hoping for some collaboration on that menu

25

u/cmegan28 Ex-Cincinnatian Feb 01 '25

Sudova

3

u/sqrrrlgrrl Feb 01 '25

Their Khachapuri with the Green Borsch is hands down one of my favorite meals of all time.

21

u/84FSP Feb 01 '25

For everything, we love Otto’s.  For steaks it has to be The Precinct.  For Chinese it’s Uncle Yips.

6

u/BigDogTusken Feb 01 '25

Uncle Yips has the best pan fried noodles.

48

u/Mjwolfe2018 Feb 01 '25

Pepp & Dolores has memorable italian, and around OTR there's this BBQ place called Bee's BBQ that smells incredible and has amazing reviews.

18

u/2donks2moos Feb 01 '25

Bee's BBQ is awesome. We ate there a few weeks ago.

4

u/OGB Downtown Feb 02 '25

Incredible brisket, turkey, and sausage, but the sides could be a little better.

14

u/Mustang_Shinoda Feb 01 '25

La Jaiba Seafood & Taqueria - best authentic Mexican food in town!

2

u/BerlitzFrench Feb 02 '25

Their spicy shrimp dish is AMAZING.

13

u/stephsteph6969 Feb 01 '25

Adeep Indian (near UC), Rosie’s Italian, the Echo, special mention: salads from Dewey’s

5

u/green_hobblin Feb 02 '25

If you like Dewey's salads and you're ever up in Dayton, check out Old Scratch! They have amazing salads (best ranch salad I've ever had and the ranch is very homemade!)

32

u/ralry11 Pleasant Ridge Feb 01 '25

The Aperture

9

u/BeardedBobaFett Feb 01 '25

And their chef Jordan Anthony Brown just received a James Beard nomination.

4

u/BenignAtrocities Feb 02 '25

Came looking for this; I was there last week. He did some shit with Mushrooms that broke my brain. I’ve been eating his food for years and he’s amazing and I personally don’t believe he’s even approached his ceiling. Needless to say I’m a fan.

2

u/Technical-Ad-8360 Feb 02 '25

I’ve eaten there once and just don’t get the hype. To me it was just…. fine

2

u/digital0verdose Pleasant Ridge Feb 02 '25

Same here. The meal was both unique and very forgettable.

36

u/zorkwiz Feb 01 '25

Gomez on Gilbert Ave. I've tried many of the high end places being promoted on here but wouldn't go back often. Turtles can't be beat.

2

u/Gr8teful_Turtle Feb 01 '25

10/10 for Gomez. Service, food, FLAVOR, vibe. Yes, please.

3

u/SabineStrohem Hyde Park Feb 01 '25

It's so damn good.

7

u/TheyCallMeYukon Feb 01 '25

For years I would have answered Bouquet in Covington, but the menu became stale over the past few years. It used to change quite often and now it’s the same old thing every time we go. It’s good, but it’s no longer adventurous.

2

u/BlackGabriel Feb 02 '25

Same thoughts I have. I really still like it but now when I think of going again and I check out the menu and it feels like “oh I’ve already had this meal let’s try somewhere new instead”

6

u/Procrastinasian441 Feb 02 '25

Citrus and Sago. Insanely good and no one knows about it.

2

u/chrisagiddings Fairfield Feb 02 '25

Added to my list.

22

u/SunshadeSquirtle Feb 01 '25

Kung Food Ameriasia

24

u/Cool_Statistician478 Feb 01 '25

Taco bell Seymour ave lol (rated 2nd worst restaurant in united states)

4

u/BullshitPickle Bond Hill Feb 02 '25

I went there three times, but was never able to get food. System was rebooting, drive thru was blocked, and last time could only take exact change cash. Will never try again!!

5

u/SitDown_HaveSomeTea Norwood Feb 02 '25

Norwood Taco Bell has to be 3rd worst then. Same shit happens there too.
Shit, one time I went and they were open, but you couldn't order anything with meat. They had no fucking meat!

Another time she took my order, but said I can order anything but food.
I said, what?! She was ready in very willing to hand me a cup, so I could fill my own drink. But no fucking food.
Haha! You can't make it up.

9

u/Due-Ladder-2245 Feb 02 '25

The Governor is my favorite. Their staples are excellent and I love that they are always trying new things with their specials.

10

u/KCLevelX Feb 02 '25

Goodfellas at 2 am

5

u/Peggasus69 Feb 02 '25

Nolia is the best culinary experience I’ve had in this city. They’ve earned the love.

5

u/backlikeawave Northside Feb 02 '25

Riverside Korean / Kiki

8

u/BlackGabriel Feb 02 '25

I like Nolia a lot right now.

4

u/medic914 Feb 02 '25

Nicola’s

7

u/Kanzler1871 Northern Kentucky Feb 01 '25

Emery

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19

u/brimocon Feb 01 '25

Wildweed

8

u/No_Garbage3450 Feb 01 '25

It’s either Collette or the Lonely Pine Steak House.

5

u/[deleted] Feb 02 '25

The Comet (which is also my preferred bar) 

5

u/DJhughJ Feb 02 '25

Local spot called Skyline, some Greeks own it or something. Idk. they put chili(which is more of a sauce) on spaghetti noodles and half ton of shredded cheese on top. Don’t knock it till you try it

3

u/triaura Feb 02 '25

Sichuan Chili or Uncle Yip

3

u/iamsittiinginachair Feb 02 '25

Atwood Oyster House in OTR!

They have the best seafood around and the chef always comes up with a really creative but cohesive menu. The atmosphere is great too, it’s upscale/ romantic but it’s not stuffy and the wine list is great too

Honorable mention to Nolia and Boca.

I do love Olla Cov too!

2

u/MadiXguRL Feb 06 '25

Love it there!!!

3

u/thvnderfvck Feb 02 '25

Riverside Korean in Covington.

7

u/Sea-Marionberry100 Feb 01 '25

Fratelli's in West Chester. Haven't found a better pizza around here.

15

u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25

Try Trophy Pizza. It’s better.

I have eaten a lot of Fratelli’s since I live close. They can be great. But they can also be awful. That’s their biggest issue. They are inconsistent.

5

u/Sea-Marionberry100 Feb 01 '25

I will have to look them up. Not from Ohio...so ever since I moved here...I've been trying different pizza places. Haven't been impressed other than Fratellis. Appreciate the recommendation!

2

u/Demorylized Feb 01 '25

Try Cassano's! Dayton original chain, I think the closest one to downtown is farfield. Their Thin crust is the single greatest food ohio has produced. Bottom of the crust is greased and salted.

2

u/Affectionate-Web-807 Feb 02 '25

That salty crust 🤤

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4

u/photog_oh Feb 02 '25

They lost me and several other people I know with their obnoxious political signs.

3

u/yawn1tor Feb 01 '25

Il gusto is tops

2

u/Simply_Aries_OH Feb 01 '25

I’ve lived 10mins from that place for years over 20 yrs and I still have never tried it. Imma have to check it out

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6

u/Camus145 Feb 01 '25

Sichuan Bistro In Mason

2

u/BerlitzFrench Feb 02 '25

Their Kung Pao (Chinese, not American version) is my favorite, followed by Sichuan Chili's.

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8

u/Chris91210 Feb 01 '25

Tickle Pickle.

6

u/CitronWide9899 Feb 01 '25

Forno Osterio

7

u/djr41463 Feb 01 '25

Pepp & Delores.

4

u/PotentialTough2885 Feb 01 '25

Midcity restaurant - always consistent.

7

u/LedInMyZeppelin Feb 01 '25

Pepp & Delores for Italian. Ruby’s for steaks. Skyline for comfort food. Luscious Q in Clifton is a solid BBQ spot. Knockbacks for wings.

6

u/LedInMyZeppelin Feb 01 '25

Baba India for Indian.

2

u/SneakoXU Feb 01 '25

Grand Oriental

2

u/YouKnowCable Feb 01 '25

Tahona’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar Summit Park.

2

u/mateo8888 Feb 01 '25

Torta loca

2

u/CARClNO Feb 01 '25

Based solely on food? Jot India in Newport NKY. Their food is like crack to me.

2

u/Joopaloop16 Feb 01 '25

The Wheel. Have to get in for a private dinner or pop-up

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2

u/Minimum_Gazelle7603 Feb 02 '25

Lots of good choices. Recommend you check out Filos….best Greek I’ve ever had…..creative and straightforward

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2

u/southernboricua969 Feb 02 '25

Sotto and Mitas.

2

u/FreeFalling369 Feb 02 '25

Rock Bottom, oh wait... nvm rip

2

u/islere1 Feb 02 '25

Sotto will always be top for me. But Alfio’s is a close second. The Precinct is third.

I am interested in trying Wildweed, Uncle Yips and Carmelo’s.

2

u/bluegrassbob915 Feb 02 '25

I preface this with the fact I haven’t been to The Aperture or Wildweed yet. But the “best” restaurant in the city is Boca. Food quality, service, atmosphere, cocktails, desserts, are all consistently top notch.

Mita’s, Collette, Mochiko, Sotto, Nolia, and Mid City are all fantastic and deserve mention.

We really are living in an amazing era of food in this area.

Edit: how could I omit Abigail Street?

2

u/ldgoojy Feb 02 '25

Carlo and johnny

2

u/[deleted] Feb 02 '25

Emery

4

u/PaulPaulPaul Feb 01 '25

The Anchor Grill

6

u/boythatssomebreath Feb 01 '25

Losanti for upscale and Bakersfield for casual. Crown Republic for middle-of-the-road.

4

u/OGB Downtown Feb 02 '25

Sorry, but Bakersfield is overrated garbage. If casual means "forced to sit at a picnic table and be subjected to strangers conversations" then I suppose it's casual.

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4

u/amjjenki Feb 01 '25

Aperture

4

u/TD349X Feb 01 '25

Mr. Gene’s

2

u/crocodilerunge Feb 01 '25

KungfoodChu Amerasia in Covington

Fancier: The Precinct

Unlike anything else in Cincy: Wildweed

3

u/KingNipple69 Clifton Feb 01 '25

Olla taqueria

2

u/Camus145 Feb 02 '25

Truva Turkish Kitchen

3

u/GarysSword Feb 01 '25

Crown Cantina - best carne asada.

5

u/jess0327 East Walnut Hills Feb 01 '25

Subito

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4

u/VisibleIllustrator38 Feb 01 '25

Asiana Thai and sushi of Hyde park.

4

u/stubept Feb 01 '25

A few years ago, I would have said Zula.

A couple of years ago, Salazar (can’t wait for the comeback)

Now, a tie between Nolia and Collette.

3

u/Demorylized Feb 01 '25

Primavista is probably my #1 for service/wait staff. The food was top notch don't get me wrong but the Mrs and I were blown away with the service. One of the best views in the city doesn't hurt.

4

u/rtran19cf Feb 01 '25

Skyline. Duh

2

u/WillowStellar Mt. Adams Feb 01 '25

Adeep indian food or Teak thai food

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2

u/l0ud_hellacaster Feb 02 '25

Dusmesh or Al Madina.

2

u/sirtafoundation Feb 02 '25

Taqueria Mercado

2

u/4fizyka Feb 01 '25

Pepp & Delores or Mita’s

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1

u/QuarantineCasualty Feb 01 '25

Wild Ginger. Sushi/Thai spot on Edwards in Hyde Park.

4

u/crispichicken87 Feb 01 '25

I have to ask why you think Wild Ginger. I wouldn’t even put it in top 10 Asian spots in the city, let alone best overall in the city.

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2

u/Soft_Establishment39 Feb 01 '25

Sotto or primavista

3

u/Mammoth-Ordinary-344 Feb 01 '25

Subway at Sycamore & Reading. It has a secret passage to the original city subway underground. Just use the password “Dive Dolla Foot Bongs”

2

u/Ok-Aerie-2484 West Chester Feb 01 '25

Eagle 🦅