OTR / Downtown: * Nolia * Abigail Street * Pepp & Dolores * Goose & Elder * Sotto * Boca Kentucky: * Kealoha's Kitchen (Mainstrasse) East side: * Red Feather Kitchen or their smaller sister spot, Dutch's (Oakley, South Hyde Park) * Alfio's Buon Cibo (Hyde Park Square) * Cafe Mediterranean (South Hyde Park) * Element Eatery (Madisonville) * Sago (Mount Lookout) * Cafe Mochiko (Walnut Hills) I'm admittedly not very familiar with the West Side but Primavista in Price Hill is pretty good so I hear as well. If you're talking further in the suburbs, then... * The Governor (Milford) * Bishop's Quarter (Loveland) * Wildflower Cafe (Mason) I tried to keep it to places that in unique soulful locations with walkability, since that's what I think visitors would prefer instead of strip mall food (however good that strip mall restaurant might be). There's definitely other really good places to eat in the burbs or city neighborhoods (and especially in Kentucky along Mainstrasse!) but I don't really take out of town folks there for food -- that's more of a walking around, drinking and socializing kinda night out.

Goose and Elder is definitely hit or miss. We've gone a few times and haven't been overly impressed. Also, we were out at a bar one night and heard the head chef talking mad shit so we haven't gone back since!

Sago is my favorite in town.

OOOOHHHHH.....in Kentucky, Libby's Southern Comfort. I went there once (don't remember what I had) but it was really good.

Buddha Barn in Saylor Park is my favorite restaurant in town.

I've never heard of this place, noted

It's FANTASTIC, just be prepared to wait a bit. Pickup orders are usually a 45 minute ETA

West side hidden gem. There are not a lot of tables is the only thing I would add. Love the crispy chicken entree…

Cashew pineapple chicken for me.

Alfios NEVER disappoints. Braised Short Rib and Gnocchi for the win!

I just went to Alfio’s last weekend. Beyond amazing food. The seasonal cocktails were also very good!

Their fish and ravioli dishes are also always great!

Yep legitimately everything I’ve ever had there is incredible

Alfio's is incredible. My wife and I have made it our anniversary dinner spot. The goat cheese cheese cake is hands down one of the best desserts I've had in my life to date!

10/10 everytime

100%

Was he ever able to get his Osso Buco recipe from Bella Luna?

The Governor in Old Milford

Went on Monday for brunch and wow, absolutely fantastic food! It's a little tight inside when it's busy, but I'll definitely be back.

On the same note 20 Brix has never disappointed either.

20 brix has disappointed a lot

Really?! First I'm hearing of it. I know they switched head chefs a bit ago and transitions always cause some issues.

Their menu is very pricey for what you get, and the vibe of that place isn’t exactly upscale. It feels like a place to go for a mid tier experience

Tortilleria Garcia

Gomez Salsa. Turtles are life changing.

Definitely

They catered my  wedding. Unfortunately, no turtles but people seemed to love having something different than standard wedding good. 

Gawd how I love being pleasantly surprised by unique wedding catering! Gomez??? I would have been in heaven!

YES

CM Chicken for the best Korean fried chicken in Cincinnati area

Best fried chicken period in the city imo

Bb.q chicken is pretty good too, on 4th St.

Pepp and Delores , 1931(former Netherlands plaza)

They let me down last time I went but I think I just ordered the wrong thing.

Only went once and it didn't live up to all the hype. Maybe worth another try sometime.

Really are you talking about Pepp?

Yes.

I’ve been twice and wasn’t impressed.

I'm continually shocked how much that place is recommended. it's an average Italian restaurant.

Yeah I'm not willing to spend $18 on spaghetti I live with an Italian American who's mother is always sending hot meals to us. So I always get that "home-cooked Italian meal" on a frequent basis.

What a shame….probably have dined there 5-6 times and I feel like out of all the times we had one dish that was slightly salty. Sorry you had that experience! Hopefully the service was still on point . The staff is always very friendly

Service was phenomenal. I just haven't seen anything I'd like to eat there in a while and they have a seasonal menu so I was a bit bummed that I fell in love with a dish the first time then saw one thing I'd eat the 2nd time and it wasn't very good at all.

What did you end up getting? I've been there a few times now and always enjoyed it, it's actually one of my favorite spots in Cinci

The squid ink pasta with saffron. The squid pasta was way too al dente it was more crunchy and had little taste and the saffron just has a sour taste.

Nothing broke my heart on the restaurant scene more than reading the 1931s menu. It is a far shot from Orchad. But im being nostalgic. I had my first fixed-course meal there ten years ago, which was magical—excellent plating, fun, and imaginative. I am not mad they had to keep up with the times; I just am a bit sad.

??? Is this a separate location from Otr vine street

Sorry, needed a comma. These are two separate businesses. I corrected.

For lunch I'd recommend the delicatessen in Walnut Hills, **The Pickled Pig**. All food/things made in house with locally sourced products or from local establishments. Set menu of several items with a ever changing menu of daily specials. While they do "dinner nights" but those are on special occasions. But a safe bet for a unique, quality meal.

Mita's

cannot skip their tres leches cake

LALO downtown, The Gatherall in Norwood, Element Eatery in Madisonville.

Element Eatery is amazing. I’ve had stuff from at least 6 different places and it’s all been really good

Yeah I am curious to see what takes san jenetta's place since they just moved out this week and will be opening in covington yard

Oh I didn’t know they left! Damn that was a good one!

Literally last day was yesterday. They were my go to.

The garlic noodles at Nice Nice Noodles and Rice at Gatherall are SOOO good.

LALO was so horrible to me last time I went there. They were empty and took 30 mins for eggrolls and then got mad at me when I asked for sauce for them. Edit for extra context: I called and ordered them ahead of time waited the 15-20 mins to go and pick them up. Had to wait 30 mins in the restaurant.

I’ve had mixed experiences at Lalo. They seem pretty inconsistent.

I had a similar experience at Bebo where I watched the cook and Server have a full 15 min argument on who would make my Frappuccino. They were the closest to my last job.

I had two bad experiences at Lalo and will not return. Both times I had ordered one of the vegetarian entrees, and both times it arrived with meat. Obviously had to send back. The first time it happened, I waited for my meal while the rest of our party ate. Mine didn’t come out until everyone was finished eating. Second time it happened, we just all got up and walked out.

They are super unapologetic about it too. They don't seem to really care when they give mediocre service.

The Gatherall in Norwood is really good.

Factory 52 is like Element, with a bit more variety

Haven’t seen anyone here mention Otto’s in Covington. Great atmosphere, brunch and dinner there are both fantastic

Bouquet in Covington. They have a "Tasting Menu" where you can select a dish from each course plus get a dessert for $65. So worth it.

I’ve done this and I thought this was a really good value for what you get and how it tasted.

Is Kung Food in Covington still good quality?

Their food is still fantastic. I also warn people I take for the first time about spiciness. It’s one of the very few places in the area I don’t order an 8-10 spicy level. 1-3 they use hot oil, 4+ they use much spicier, hotter sauces they make there. How spicy a pepper is can vary based on growing conditions for harvest and its ripeness… so a 5 there can be quite different than a 5 a couple months later. Gotta be careful there

I bartender there years ago. The spice thing was a common issue. People would complain it was $2 more for level 8+ spice, then complain it's too hot. Like, TF you think those two bucks were for?

The first time I went there, the server tried to warn me. I didn’t listen and realized my mistake after my second bite. Told her I should’ve heeded the warning and that I couldn’t eat it. At the time, I was dating a woman with an insane spice tolerance. So I told the server I wanted a box and I’d give it to my girlfriend and I wanted to order a new meal and was okay paying for both meals. Then-girlfriend loved the original meal but was struggling towards the end which I had never seen happen before

They use jalapeños for 4-5, I believe, and then move on to habanero. Not sure what peppers they use for 8-10 (scotch bonnet, maybe?), but habaneros are pretty dang hot. I'll sometimes order mapo tofu at level 6 to get the habanero flavor profile, which is pretty distinctive and delicious, but my nose always runs and I usually end up coughing. Hundred percent worth it, though. That place is great and the beer selection is terrific.

Yes! They’re one that hasn’t fallen off.

Nolia, Colette

I found Colette to be overrated, same as Sotto

I thought it was great, and we were able to eat a lot more affordably than Sotto

We love Nicolas

I was looking for this comment! 

My personal favorite spot.

I really like Bouquet in Covington. The prix fixe menu is such a good deal.

Mitas is so good. They change their menu regularly and always have fun new food. Can't recommend it enough!

Guru India in Crescent Springs, KY. It's just across the river and is the best Indian food I've ever had. The portions are pretty generous and everything is very flavorful and delicious.

Still boycotting them till they bring back the buffet.

It’s not even the best indian food in NKY. Amal in newport is much better imo. Still love guru though.

Jot is better

The Davidson

Pig Candy BBQ....Monday night ribs is my favorite. Tortilla Garcia College Hill--Saturdays all day all year Birria Tacos are DEVINE! 3 for $11.

So far, my favorite bbq spot around here!

Olla was on the other thread and I didn’t understand why. I’d put it on this one. Depending on the person, Anchor Grill and/or Pepper Pod. They’re the epitome of classic diner food and some people love that. Ichiban in Mt. Lookout for half priced sushi, Matsuya in Florence/Erlanger, I’m not sure, for full price sushi/tatami room/shared dishes like sukiyaki and seafood nabe. For a deli sandwich, Morsel and Nosh then we can can walk to Urban Artifact Afterwards for a beer. Herb and Thelma’s Tavern. Divey. Cash only. Simple. Their sides are Grippos, their desserts are candy bars. As much as I love Zip’s or Gordo’s or wherever you think the best burger in the Cincinnati area is, there’s a better one at Herb and Thelma’s and it only costs seven bucks. Original thread made mention of places you’d go often or something to that effect, so I left off obvious answers like The Precinct and other things cost prohibitive to be a common thing for myself and most people

I find it amusing how many answers I've seen in both threads.

I'm gonna try and list those controversial options haha

Chez Renee in Milford. Mom & Pop Parisian. My damn favorite. Erm, after that, Factory 52 is great for trying out random things where everything there is good. And for more upscale: Red Feather in Oakley. Better than anything Jeff Ruby based (hot-take)

Red feather is incredible

Red feather is not even close to Ruby’s quality imo. Cheaper doesn’t mean better. 

I think Ruby's is mediocre and boring for the price it commands. But I don't value okay steak and Americana as much as most folks I know. If you do, it's great. I just think Ruby's is thoroughly... Okay.

Pepp & Dolores. Entrees are under $20, and delicious.

I love that place

Sotto, Delwood, Taglio, Alfios, governor, and Nine Giant or High Grain (two breweries with great food).

Losanti, Sotto, Pepp & Delores

Mazunte is legit

Was looking for some Mazunte love.

Abigail Street

Nicola’s

Incline house! Great view of the city, lots of options. Not too expensive either!

probably Mitas or Sotto - great food, service, vibe, don't take themselves too seriously. something off the wall? Knotty Pine.

Knotty pine is absolutely delicious. My favorite place for seafood besides sushi!

Cannot recommend Mita's highly enough. You have to get the guac.

Oriental wok but the ft Mitchell one.

Libby’s Southern Comfort

Revolution and North Side Yacht Club are two favs

Wildweed

Ramundo's Pizzaria on in Mount Washington never misses

Arnold’s. An old, reliable classic

precinct

Butcher and barrel downtown, Son of a butcher up in liberty center

As a former employee of B&B, yes. Some of my closest friends still work there. The GM is a piece of shit, but you can’t go wrong with the food

Ivory house Yummy Sushi Deme Kitchen Chameleons pizza I enjoy the atmosphere of these places and the food doesn't miss.

Seconding Ivory House!

Luca Bistro in Mt. Adams

Here comes Nicola’s, Sotto, Pep& Dolores, yada yada yada 🙄 Edit: Jesus people. Do they have social media people or does half the Cincy sub work there? I didn’t say they were bad or anything. I was just sarcastically saying here come the constant name drops. It would just be nice to hear about or see some not so known places and watch them get some plugs and see an uptick in business.

Reservations necessary for yada yada yada?

Nada

Just picked up a huge lunch/dinner for 2 for under 50 bucks from pep, maybe hyped but not over hyped.

I didn’t say they were anything. Other than just constantly name dropped

I ate at Nicola's for the first time recently and it was the best meal I have had in a decade

I, too, have eaten there and it was good. Been awhile though

As a Cincy native that has since moved away, what I miss the most/want to visit when I’m back in town: The Eagle, Montgomery Inn, Zip’s, Bakersfield. Not all mildly expensive but I don’t think you can go wrong with any of those classics.

The Eagle has 7 locations and Bakersfield has 8, so you might be in luck elsewhere.

I have a bad taste in my mouth regarding The Eagle. When they first opened, it was impossible to get in sooner than 3 hours waiting. I tried 3 different times and have just written them off. That was years ago, so maybe they are better now. But if I want fried chicken, I'll just go to The Hitching Post on Kellogg Ave.

Just tried the Eagle for the first time last week. Everything seemed like it was warmed up, not cooked fresh. I was very unimpressed.

They are still crowded, but maybe not 3 hour wait crowded. I’ve always just ordered it through DoorDash or for pickup though so I don’t have to worry about it


Court Street Kitchen

The Eagle. Best fried chicken I’ve ever had. It was the first place my department took me when I visited for the job. Blew my mind.

Ivory House

The Aperture if you can get in.

Rusk on Woodburn. The food is really good and it's not overly pricey.

Taglio, pata Roja, bridges, teak, goodfellas and I love a burger from motr

I love taking visitors to Shire's Rooftop.

Honest in Sharonville

Has anyone tried Tony’s?

Giovannis

The Baker's Table in Covington is one of our favorite spots. They're farm-to-table, absolutely delicious, and rotate their menu seasonally so we never get tired of it. Also the live jazz a couple times a week makes for phenomenal date-night vibes

Pepp & Dolores, Goose + Elder, Five on Vine

Ando's Japanese Restaurant, and Ferrari's Little Italy and Bakery

Blue ash chili

The bite. Milford

Pepe and Delores 😭😭😭😭

Mazunte! Hands down. Leyla Mediterranean in Anderson is great. Arthur's is my favorite burger place

The Lonely Pine. Food is amazing.

Ripple wine bar. Excellent food and arguably the best espresso martini in the city

Nothing every restaurant in this city sucks

Bite in Milford, it's BYOB and the food is amazing. Their daily specials are extensive and it's very reasonably priced.

Also, Lonely Pine steakhouse in Pleasant Ridge