Located along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city with a lot to offer. Attractions include the local zoo and botanical gardens at the north end, as well as a wealth of 19th-century architecture. History buffs can admire exhibits dating back over 8,000 years at the area’s art museum, but what about the best restaurants in Cincinnati? The selection is impressive, and even if you don’t find what you like, the state of Kentucky is just a short drive away and also offers visitors plenty of Southern comfort food. Read on to find out the best places to eat in Ohio, and let us know in the comments which hotspots you frequent there.
For Thai: Try Green Papaya
Cincinnati may not be near the ocean, but Green Papaya still manages to provide its diners with delicious sushi made from fresh ingredients year-round. That might explain why prices there are a bit higher than other Asian spots in the area, but regulars promise you won’t be disappointed with the service or the products. The only downside is that parking at Green Papaya can be a bit tricky, so you might want to consider arranging a rideshare or using public transportation to enjoy your meal.
Rock music fans will appreciate the Tickle Pickle
This popular burger joint was almost going to be called Buns N Roses until the staff voted to go with Tickle Pickle instead. The original name is still on the menu as the name of one of their many unique sandwiches; others include Breadzepplin and Meatallica. Their burgers are made from 100% Angus beef, but if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you must try their Black Bean and Impossible versions. Delivery and takeout are available, and in the cold months, Tickle Pickle stays busy thanks to propane heaters on the cozy patio.
Experience India in Amma’s kitchen
One of the best restaurants in Cincinnati is undoubtedly Amma’s Kitchen, which means mother’s kitchen in Hindi. The menu is completely vegetarian and prepared in a kosher-certified kitchen. If you can’t decide what to order on your first visit, the tasting platter lets you try out ten options, including rice pudding and soup. Amma’s also offers a dinner for two with delicious curries and dosas.
The culinary experience at the Melting Pot is delicious and romantic
Cincinnati’s best restaurants are less focused on fine dining than those in larger cities, but the places that offer unforgettable dining experiences should be on your bucket list – especially The Melting Pot. For cheese and chocolate lovers, a meal here is heaven on earth. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, the four-course meal for two will cost $115; the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, after all!
Nolia Kitchen’s Southern cuisine feels like home
As Eater puts it, Nolia Kitchen is a “love letter to the South” from famous Black chef Jeffrey Harris. He moved to Cincinnati from New Orleans in 2005 after the infamous Hurricane Katrina struck. The menu has distinct Creole influences; sweet potato doughnuts with cottage cheese, pickled jalapenos, and barbecue chicken are all diners’ favorites. In 2023, Harris’ restaurant was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant 2023 award.
Chef Omar Garcia’s Tortilleria is so incredible thanks to the women in his life
Not unlike Harris, chef Omar Garcia has written a love letter to his Cincinnati roots. His ancestors hail from Michoacan, Mexico, where the young foodie grew up watching his mother and grandmother grind corn to make tortilla masa on the family farm. His dough is made without flour or chemical preservatives at three locations in the area. Garcia’s tacos come in carnitas, pollo, carne asada and al pastor varieties, but you’ll want to save room to try his tamales, burritos and fried chicken, too.
One of the best restaurants in Cincinnati is the Original Pancake House
It’s never a bad idea to start the day with a delicious breakfast. In Cincinnati, Original Pancake House is one of the best places to do that. They have a variety of gluten-free menu options and are open seven days a week to serve you your first (and tastiest) meal of the day. The prices are very reasonable, making this quaint Portland-founded chain a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike.
