Cincinnati, Ohio, is a city known for its food. The chili is a local favorite, prepared with a blend of spices and featuring a thinner consistency than traditionally thick chili options. But chili isn't the only food to enjoy in the city. Check out some of the top Cincinnati dining locations that offer tasty grub, including Mexican, Italian, Belgian, Asian, and American fare.
Orchids at Palm Court
Orchids at Palm Court is a fine dining establishment in downtown Cincinnati. It's one of only a few recipients of the AAA Five Diamond Award and is located within the Hilton Netherland Plaza hotel. The menu includes a creative selection of appetizers and entrees, complemented by an award-winning list of wine options. This location also has its own in-house pastry chef, so you can enjoy a delicious dessert that you're sure to remember well after the meal is done.
Since the dinner menu rotates seasonally, you can sample something new when you visit the eatery. Some of the previous options on the first-course menu include corn soup with pork belly and charred onions, smoked salmon with a black sesame funnel cake, and beef tartare. Other tasty choices have included foie gras served with cornbread and local cherries, halibut with Asian-inspired ingredients, and prime New York strip steak with wild-caught prawns and flavorful chimichurri.
Taste of Belgium
Heading to watch the Cincinnati Bengals play in a home game? Be sure to grab food before or after the matchup at Taste of Belgium – The Banks, a restaurant located less than a quarter-mile from Paul Brown Stadium. This spot is one of the top restaurants in downtown Cincinnati that's worth trying, thanks to its extensive menu and appealing options.
The location is one of seven that serves up delicious authentic Belgian cuisine, including crispy frites, chicken and waffles, and omelets. If you're ordering from the dinner menu, the pasta Bolognese is a local favorite, as is the salmon served with spiced rum butter, farro, and fingerling potatoes. Got a sweet tooth? The light crepes stuffed with salted caramel, apples, cinnamon sugar, and other sweets are downright delicious. Taste of Belgium is currently offering only pickup and delivery options due to COVID-19.
Mazunte Taqueria
When you want good Mexican food, Mazunte Taqueria is among the best Mexican restaurants in Cincinnati. The people behind this eatery drew influence from Mexican street food, creating a menu that includes street tacos, quesadillas, and other favorites, all prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients.
The pork tacos are among the most popular menu options, featuring shredded pork, avocado salsa, smoked red salsa, and onions, served atop house-made tortillas. Other options include chorizo and fish tacos, memelitas, which include several meat options with two types of salsa and cheese, enchiladas, and tostadas. Be sure to try the tamales, which include chicken in a corn husk with green salsa and rajas or pork with mole in a banana leaf. You can even get Mexican beer, cocktails, and specialty beverages along with your meal.
Boca
Boca is an international eatery that fuses French and Italian elements into its dishes. The uniqueness of this spot makes it one of the top-rated places to eat in the city, and many locals believe that it's one of the top Italian restaurants in Cincinnati worth trying. Even from the outside, this eatery stands out, thanks to its signature red door and surrounding greenery. In the current situation, Boca is accepting reservations to keep the capacity low within the dining room.
If you're dining in for dinner, the menu includes starters or snack bites, tasting-size choices, and full-size entrees. A few of the Italian favorites include the gnocchi Parisian, prepared with walnuts and sherry pesto, and the cappelletti en Brodo, which features Parmigiano cheese and a rich bouillon base. You can even find shareable entrees that serve between two and four, such as the beef Wellington with black truffle bordelaise and the Colorado lamb rack.
Noodle & Hot Pot
Located in a quiet strip mall in the northern part of Cincinnati, Noodle & Hot Pot is a newer establishment that offers the traditional Chinese cooking method of hot pot. It's open every day but Tuesday, serving a wide range of tasty Asian dishes. On the staples menu, you'll find a house specialty, fried rice, as well as traditional white rice and hot pot noodles. You can even get ice pudding with brown sugar or a glass of plum juice to complement your meal. The restaurant is an authentic Chinese spot with much of the menu featuring descriptions in both Chinese and English.
The menu includes hot pot dishes with beef, braised pork, seafood, and tofu, as well as toppings like lettuce, corn, noodles, mushrooms, daikon, Chinese yams, bean sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, taro, seaweed, winter melon, and other fresh veggies. The curry pot combines elements of various Asian ingredients, featuring fish balls, crab sticks, sliced pork, fried tofu, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, broccoli, corn, potatoes, and a curry soup broth.
Mt. Adams Bar and Grill
Mt. Adams Bar and Grill is a happening spot in Cincinnati that has high ratings and plenty of food and drink options for everyone in your group. It's also near the Cincinnati Art Museum, making it a great place to grab a drink or a bite after you stroll through the exhibits.
The menu includes house-made soups, crisp salads with flavorful toppings, and a range of appetizers. The restaurant is known for its juicy burgers, available with the traditional fixings and unique options. The Broadcaster is a local favorite, featuring a quarter-pound of ground beef, turkey, or tofu, topped with chopped olives, grilled onions, and melted Swiss cheese, served on grilled Jewish rye bread. If you're extra hungry, try one of the grilled seafood dishes or an order of pasta.
There you have it — our favorite restaurants serving up tasty fare in Cincinnati. What's your favorite place to dine in the city? Did we miss anything that should be added to the list? Date night dinner spots? Breakfast joints? Sound off in the comments!
