Budget
Aglamesis Bros
A long-time competitor of Graeter's in the gourmet ice cream category. Take a step back in time as this parlor is largely unchanged since it was opened in 1913!
Graeter's Ice Cream
Quite possibly Cincinnati's greatest gift to humanity. No drive through Cincinnati is complete without Graeter's ice cream or another one of their delicious desserts. Often Cincinnati natives who have moved to different cities make it a priority to stop here if they are in town. There are other locations throughout Cincinnati, including one store directly on the Hyde Park Plaza. Celebrities such as Oprah and Jessica Simpson have claimed it to be their favorite ice cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients is restaurant with a unique concept and motto: "some assembly required". Ingredients serves salads, paninis, sandwiches, and pizzas all made to order. The ingredients used are all gourmet and very tasty!
Izzy's
Izzy's is well known for its reubens and other corned beef sandwiches. This deli has other delicious sandwiches and its corned beef is available to purchase at any Kroger's grocery store. Served with your sandwich is a big potato pancake. There are multiple locations in the Cincinnati area.
Krishna Indian Carryout
Located at the top of Clifton across from the University of Cincinnati campus, Krishna is tiny by nearly all standards with only four tables along the wall. Opposite, the staff cooks excellent Indian cuisine atop a four burner stove. Heaping portions with delicious naan.
Zips Cafe
Zips Cafe is not only the absolute best place in Cincinnati to get a burger The Zip Burger, but it is also a bar! Perfect for the budget traveler!
World Food Bar
World Food Bar is a catering, dinner-club and carryout operation bringing high quality gourmet foods at an affordable price to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Freshly prepared world and ethnic foods using local and organic ingredients are WFB's specialty.
The Echo
Great diner located just off of Hyde Park Square. Try the fish special on Fridays closed after lunch except Th-Sa.
Arthur's Cafe
Great bar and cafe in trendy Hyde Park neighborhood. Excellent burgers that are borderline amazing. On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, Arthur's has "burger madness" where burgers are $5.50 with unlimited toppings.
Jim Dandy's Family BBQ
Jim Dandy's, although rather new, is considered by many as one of the best traditional barbecue restaurants. Jim Dandy himself is usually on hand to handle the customers, oversee the smoking, and just hang out with whatever crowd is eating.
Lendhardt's
Housed in a mansion built by famous Cincinnati German beer baron Christian Moerlein, this is an authentic Hungarian/German restaurant which also includes a rathskeller and beergarden. The rathskeller bar is known as Christy's which people sometimes mistakenly refer the restaurant as. Comfortable and elegant dinning at a reasonable price, great food too!
Midrange
Nicholson's Tavern & Pub
Primavista
Where the food is as captivating as the view of Downtown Cincinnati, Primavista specializes in fresh fish and veal dishes & also offering seafood, steaks, lamb, poultry, and pasta.
Shanghai Mama's
Shanghai Mama's is a great place to grab some late-night grub. You can't go wrong with any of their noodle or rice dishes. They also feature soups and vegetarian options.
Mecklenburg Gardens
Established in 1865, this is arguably the only original of the once plentiful German biergartens that were all over the city prior to Prohibition. Lovingly restored, this beergarden features a Large selection of German beers, and food. The garden is quite nice during the summer for a pleasant evening meal.
Nicola's Ristorante
Italian fine Dining in downtown Cincinnati. Wine list is so-so, but atmosphere and food are excellent.
Top end
Boi Na Braza
Boi Na Braza is a Brazillian Steakhouse located in the Carew Tower in Fountain Square. They serve steak, lamb, chicken and pork dishes.
The Celestial Steakhouse
Rated the Most Romantic by the Cincinnati Enquirer and the New York Times, Celestial's seasonal menu is eclectic and contemporary, with delightful steak and seafood offerings. Wine connoisseurs might appreciate the hundreds of vintages available from the wine cellar.
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Upscale Steakhouse owned by Jeff Ruby, who gained fame for kicking OJ Simpson out of his restaurant in Louisville.
Montgomery Inn Ribs
Renowned as the place to go for great baby-back ribs, Montgomery Inn has become one of Cincinnati's most beloved eateries. The flagship restaurant is in the village of Montgomery, in the northeast suburbs.
Palomino
Palomino is a vibrant restaurant, bar and rotisserie famous for its style, hardwood fired Mediterranean cooking and versatile, imaginative menu.
The Precinct
The Origional Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, set in a former police precinct!
Teller's of Hyde Park
Tellers is a trendy restaurant located in old bank building in Hyde Park Square. Tellers has an excellent outdoor patio for dining in the summer. The food is very contemporary American fare.
Cincinnati Dinner Train
Train ride with 1940s era dining cars that gently rides down tracks towards Downtown, including the Oasis line where the neighbors defeated intercity rail, but for some reason can tolerate this weekly train excursion. Price includes 3 course meal and there is also a bar car on board. Check website for details on special trips, including excursions to popular events like Riverfest. Book ahead to reserve tickets.