Location: Cincinnati
Top Restaurants in Cincinnati
Top Things to do in Cincinnati
- 1. Newport Southbank Bridge a.k.a. Purple People Bridge
- 2. St Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
- 3. The Party Source
- 4. Smale Riverfront Park
- 5. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
- 6. Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
- 7. Cincinnati Art Museum
- 8. Great American Ball Park
- 9. Cincinnati Music Hall
- 10. Roebling Suspension Bridge
Most Popular Restaurants in Cincinnati
Hilly Cincinnati boasts a thriving arts scene, major league sports teams, a world-class zoo and aquarium and a revitalized riverfront with shopping, clubs and restaurants. Located on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, Cinci claims more than 4,000 restaurants, and more chili restaurants than any other city in the world. Adrenaline-junkies will want to visit the nearby Kentucky Speedway and Paramount's Kings Island, home of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.
Things to do in Cincinnati
1. Orchids at Palm Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 849 reviews
Orchids at Palm Court is an award-winning fine dining restaurant located in the National Historic Landmark Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Executive Chef Todd Kelly is the American Culinary Federation's 2011-2012 USA Chef of the Year, the highest honor given by the 50,000+ chef organization. “Top Cincinnati Restaurant” by Zagat (2011, 2012, 2013) and named "One of the Top 100 Restaurants in USA" and "One of the Top 100 for Best Service in USA" by OpenTable, 2011, 2012 & 2013; AAA 4 Diamond (2006-2012). Orchids offers a contemporary American menu that is seasonally updated with local ingredients. With breathtaking French Art Deco including two-story Romanesque murals, rare Brazilian rosewood, German silver-nickel wall sconces & an original Rookwood fountain featuring two large seahorses all restored to the 1930s grandeur. Complimentary valet parking.
Reviewed By AisleSeat01 - Cortlandt Manor
Chose Orchids at Palm Court in the Netherlands Hilton Hotel for a client dinner.
Perfect for client or intimate conversation. Serves dinner-only
Menu is 3, 4 and 5 course prix fixe dinner. Can also order items à la carte.
Professional, attentive service.
Food was deliciously prepared. Small, tasty portions. I chose the scallops for the entrée, and would order again.
Oxtail ravioli appetizer was spectacular, and a few of them would be a meal.
In addition to the three courses, we were offered a complimentary crepe before Course #1, and Falafel between Courses #1 and #2.
Pluses:
* You can order two appetizers and one entrée for the three-course dinner. That’s what we did instead of including a dessert
* Tables are spaced apart for quiet conversation
* Menu is online with prices; but disappointed wine list is unavailable
* Complimentary valet parking.
Good wine selection, with I note higher markup consistent with high-end restaurants.
Next visit I would choose instead a table and not sit in a booth, which I found too large.
2. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
Reviewed By Ann T - Montreal, Canada
Location: In the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Walkable from most, if not all of the main hotels.
The place: Classy! I briefly hesitated as I walked in because I was dressed very casually (I'm here to do the photography thing so I was wearing hiking shoes and cropped pants). However, I enjoy good food and rarely let a restaurant's appearance discourage me from entering. I love the decor - to me, it had a 1920s feel to it combined with what I think a cigar lounge should look like (keep in that I've never been to a cigar lounge so this is strictly my imagination talkin'). There are beautiful (and massive) chandeliers interspersed throughout the room, a bar area and place to enjoy your cigar outside (covered from the elements). For those of you who've been to Gibby's in Montreal, the decor is similar but Jeff Ruby is more upscale.
The goods: I was up at 4:30 a.m. because I was flying over, so literally had nothing to eat except pretzels courtesy of United Airlines and a Cliff bar courtesy of my Airbnb host. Thus, even though I had a reservation for 6:30, I was famished and borderline hangry by the time 5pm came around so I took my chances and was able to get a table. I ordered the shrimp cocktail - 3 huge tiger shrimp served with a horseradish cocktail sauce. Did I mention the shrimp were enormous? These were fresh and the cocktail sauce was amazing - when I got just enough on my shrimp, I could feel my sinuses open right up! As a main, I went with the Dover Sole and a side of fries. The sole was filleted for me after being presented to me (at which point I asked myself how I was going to eat an entire fish to myself) and served with a delicious lemon butter sauce. The waiter let me know early on that they flew in fresh seafood daily and I can tell you that he wasn't lying - superb! The fries were also great - crispy just how I like them. Since I had no room for dessert, I went ahead and ordered anyway - mostly because my waiter told me that he could box up the leftovers and I could have it for breakfast (I did). I ordered the ricotta doughnuts with a variety of dipping sauces. Sweet baby Jesus, those doughnuts were GOOD. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about my dining experience - everything was great. My only complaint is that I woke up starving the next day and don't understand how this is possible when I stuffed my face the night before =-D
Service: My waiter was Chris and he was fantastic. Explained everything, let me think on things and frequently came by to see how everything was going. AND he was always smiling. The busboy (I'm not sure if that's the right term here!) was also super friendly and on the ball, and the manager paid me a visit as well. Like, I said, super classy.
Price point: This isn't going to be a place you dine at every night unless you're a high roller. For me, it's the kind of place I'd go to when I feel like treating myself. For all of the above plus a glass of white, the total was $103 before tip. Worth the splurge.
3. The Melting Pot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Thank you for considering The Melting Pot Restaurant, Cincinnati's most unique and interactive restaurant. Celebrate any special occasion with us, fondue style. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a birthday, anniversary, holiday party, guest in from out of town or an evening of family fun. The Melting Pot Restaurant is always relaxed and easy to enjoy.
Reviewed By rebeccafranks394 - Loveland, Ohio
My family and i come to the melting pot annually. Recently we have been coming more with just my husband and our two boys. The food is always implacable as well as all the employees including managers. Its always a bonus when our favorite server Ariel is working when we have the time to come, as we always make sure to ask if shes working when we come in. The melting pot is the best!
4. Dewey's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By showstang - Cincinnati, Ohio
Wife and I met here for an early dinner and just to relax. Big standard for us is the pizza and the salad. Any of the pizzas are good, some better than others. The sauce has just the right tangy sweetness, the cheese is always generous, especially extra cheese. Hint: if you get a pep pizza, get the pep topper which features a lot of pep, but ask for it on top of the cheese. It gets a little crispier that way. Highly recommend this place.
5. Sotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
It is a concept of casual intimacy and communal romance.Sotto is the art of simplicity, a steward of restraint. It’s undressed, gutsy and human. It is fire, meat, wheat, and laughter.Above all, Sotto is Italian.
Reviewed By scoutdog2010 - Cincinnati, Ohio
This is one of our very favorites! Our family LOVES this place. It's hard to get into, but it's an awesome experience when you do! The food is fresh, delicious, and interesting. We've never had a bad meal or experience here. Don't miss the donuts for dessert! So yummy!
6. The Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
For Jeff Ruby, this is the steakhouse that started it all. In 1981, The Precinct was born in the former Cincinnati Police Patrol House Number 6. This turn-of-the-century, Romanesque-style structure would hold what is now the longest, continuously running white tablecloth restaurant in the city. Recently named one of America's Top 10 Steakhouses by USA Today and Gayot.com, The Precinct is frequently recognized as having Cincinnati’s best steaks, seafood and service. This consistent high level of quality and overall guest experience over 3 decades has endeared Precinct to celebrities, businesspeople, families and loyal diners alike.
Reviewed By ChadS303 - Cincinnati, Ohio
I was fortunately introduced to the Ruby Entertainment universe many years back and have eaten at all of his establishments too many times to count.
But, the Precinct remains the original and I can safely say I have never had a subpar meal at this location (nor at his other spots). Many of the staff have been there for years or circulated through the other locations so you always feel at home especially with any birthday or anniversary meals.
They know how to do it right with regards to very old school hospitality and fantastic food and cocktails all the way around. Even though I’m not a true local, I still use the Precinct as a gauge against any steak places around the country. A definite must if you’re in town and a meal you won’t soon forget. If they are booked, you can’t go wrong with the other locations in town but do try to get to the original.
7. Tony's Of Cincinnati
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen H - Greater Cincinnati
My review is written in the context of Cincinnati being one of the most competitive steakhouse cities in the US .... there is LOTS of stellar competition. In most cities, Tony's would be terrific. But in Cincinnati, competing against the likes of the Ruby restaurants, Eddie Merlot's, Capital Grill, Ruth's Chris, Morton's, etc., there are better choices. As advertised, the steak itself was outstanding ... prepared like the Ruby steaks ...slightly charred on the outside to seal in the flavor, and inside cooked to perfection. Another big advantage for Tony's is you don't get nickel-and-dimed a la carte .. the steaks include salad and side. All the food we ate was great. The server was fantastic (Matthew ... he gets five stars). He was right on top of everything we needed when we needed it. So what was less great? It was a special occasion for us ... the restaurant called that morning to confirm our reservation and our occasion. They then promised me a booth for that evening for a quiet romantic dinner. On arrival, we were not given one of the several open booths ... we were given a very small table for two in the corner. I pointed it out to the person seating us, and she just looked confused. We settled for the table. Just a change in expectations set by the restaurant. They did seat other two-person groups in the booths, so the number of us was not the problem. The restaurant itself is very open with music pumped in overhead ... less quiet and romantic than the ambiance you can find at the other stellar steakhouses there. Again, in any other city, this steakhouse would rank amongst the best, but not yet here.
8. Boca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Italian food with heart, elegance, and authenticity. Details and passion drive our team to create an extraordinary dining experience. The daily changing menu offers authentic Italian cuisine fashioned with contemporary French technique. Boca is for your special occasions, for meeting up with loved ones, and for anyone who revels in food, drink, and service.
Reviewed By KentuckyGirl1972 - Lexington, KY
Beautiful surroundings, delicious food and impeccable service. The atmosphere reminded me of an evening at dinner in D.C. The well-dressed clientele, tables set for several courses and attentive wait staff, quietly blending into the background but ever ready to fill a glass and replace a used fork all made this dining experience the best I can remember in Cincinnati. Each dish was elegantly presented and tasted even better than it was displayed. Be sure to order dessert to finish off the experience. Delectable!
9. Carlo & Johnny
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Following the Jeff Ruby tradition of fine dining in unique settings is Carlo & Johnny. This beautiful mansion has a storied history as a casino and Mafia hangout, adorned with antiques and unique appointments. As for the menu, it's in keeping with the Jeff Ruby tradition; delicious, innovative, and out-of-this-world. And with 15 steaks, it's Ruby's most comprehensive menu ever. The old Hollywood glamour and delicious cuisine promise a meal and experience to remember.
Reviewed By Ray B - Cincinnati, Ohio
When you dine at a Jeff Ruby restaurant, you have high expectations and Carlo & Johnny's delivered. My wife and I dined there on New Year's Eve, kind of a tradition. While always good, that night can be a bit challenging and has a limited menu. This year I thought it was exceptional. We had relatively early reservations, 6:30, so our pace was comfortable. We started with the meatballs which were very flavorful. The Freddie salad is simple but always good. My strip steak was outstanding - cooked perfectly medium rare, tender, and the Ruby Rub enhanced the natural flavor. We had the Mac 'n Cheese and Creamed Spinach as sides, both very good. As I have said in other reviews of Ruby restaurants, it may be redundant to rate them excellent, but our experience really was.
10. Jean-Robert's Table
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By patrick d - Plainfield, Illinois
This was a very nice place for a romantic dinner with my wife. The service was very good. The food was amazing! We will be back, next time we're in town!!
