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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Cincinnati

Cool Italian spots

A meal that feels genuinely cool and modern, not just a tired take on the same old red-sauce classics.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 1
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 2
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 3
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Bar and grill with luxe, cozy decor and street-level views creates a visually engaging atmosphere. Music varies from pleasant background tunes to loud DJ sets that can overwhelm conversation. Outdoor seating offers a small, relaxed space for enjoying city views and cigars.

Burrata appetizer stands out as a favorite, paired with beef and short rib ragu that impresses with rich flavors. Both vodka and lemon pastas offer distinct, memorable tastes.

Atmosphere feels laid-back and trendy with a downtown vibe.

People are saying

"I was skeptical about the truffle burger, but it was one of the best."

"I was skeptical about the truffle burger, but it was one of the best."

"This place is pretty cool, with a cool atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Automatic gratuity is added for large tables, so be aware when dining with a group.

02
The Davidson image 1
Restaurant

High ceilings and an open concept create a spacious feel despite narrow table spacing. Warm lighting and abundant plants contribute to a charming, inviting atmosphere that balances lively energy with moments of quiet in the bar booths. The space suits both social evenings and casual people watching.

Pasta dishes come out absolutely perfect with rich, saucy cannelloni filled with ricotta for cheese lovers. Pesto malloreddus and roasted eggplant starters show expert cooking and presentation.

Atmosphere feels fancy but not snooty with an authentic, lively, loud vibe. Cool design features add to the right on Fountain Square setting.

People are saying

"The eggplant appetizer is a must-try for date spots."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was amazing."

"The atmosphere here feels cool and lively."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday between 4-6pm and Friday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

2

There is paid parking with EV charging available right beside the restaurant.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is often available at the bar.

03
Goodfellas Pizzeria - OTR image 1

1920s speakeasy theme shapes a small pizza restaurant with a top-end bourbon bar upstairs and rustic lounge seating. Atmosphere blends great music and a lovely outdoor space allowing eating, drinking, and smoking. Pizza ranks among the best in town, served quickly in a chill environment with lively energy.

Pizza stands out with a rich marinara sauce and excellent breadsticks. The cannoli matches quality found in New York City, and pasta salad complements the Italian offerings well.

Lots of seating options fill the speakeasy with a cool bar upstairs. The place has a very cool vibe and offers great service.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"The Italian food here has massive pizza slices and breadsticks."

"I found the pizza to be awesome and fantastic."

Good to know

1

They offer 50% off on their 12-inch pies every Monday.

2

The lunch special is a fantastic value.

3

Parking is available just down the block or through street parking.

04
Al'Lupo Ristorante image 1

Dining inside an old pottery mill with tables in historic kilns creates a unique setting. The atmosphere is lively and loud, yet guests can still converse easily. Outdoor seating offers city views, and the bar curves around the kiln, adding to the distinctive vibe.

Pasta dishes like clam linguine and pork jowl stand out with perfect cooking and rich flavors. The Bucatini Carbonara offers a creamy sauce with crispy guanciale, delivering classic comfort food. Desserts include a unique sweet potato tiramisu that finishes the meal well.

Unique setting offers great views and a cool interior with lots of history. The space feels open enough for easy conversation and has a distinctive vibe throughout.

People are saying

"I love the Italian food here; it feels like a blessing."

"The Caesar salad was missing key components, like fingerling potatoes."

"The atmosphere here is so cool with amazing city views."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely recommended to ensure a table.

2

Being able to pay by the QR code on the receipt allows for quick departures.

3

The restaurant offers a non-fried option for calamari, which is a rare choice.

05
Goodfellas Pizzeria - Pleasant Ridge image 1

Pizza restaurant combines upstairs speakeasy bar with outdoor balcony patio for a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting inside to incredible back patio vibes outside. Frequented by those who enjoy top-notch pizza paired with craft cocktails and bourbon tastings upstairs.

Pizza and breadsticks come with a homemade, hearty marinara sauce that tastes like it has simmered for hours. The cannolis stand out as extremely delicious, and the pesto bread is exceptionally good.

Upstairs features a cozy bar area with a cool vibe. The overall environment feels relaxed and inviting.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tasted."

"The upstairs bar area is really cool and cozy."

Good to know

1

Goodfellas offers different food and drink specials every night.

2

Parking can be tricky, so plan ahead.

3

There is typically a 30 to 50-minute wait at most.

06
Chef Nem Kitchen To-Go image 1

Takeout-only restaurant offers a small, cool space with unique patron artwork and a welcoming vibe. Loud music sometimes makes ordering difficult, but the bottled house drinks add a distinct touch. Parking is limited, and wait times can be long due to careful preparation.

Lamb chop Alfredo stands out as a rich, flavorful dish. The Cajun Pasta offers a spicy twist, especially with shrimp and lobster, delivering a creamy, satisfying meal.

Small size creates an intimate vibe with unique artwork on the walls by patrons. The cool atmosphere pairs well with Chef Nem Kitchen To-Go offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is great, seasoned perfectly and full of flavor."

"The Alfredo here is amazing, especially the lamb chop version."

"I found the atmosphere here to be cool."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-60 minutes for food preparation.

2

Parking is extremely limited and can be difficult to find.

3

The fish fry is served every Friday and is very popular.

07
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar image 1

Large patio offers breathtaking river views and dog-friendly outdoor seating with fire pits. Energetic atmosphere fills the space, especially during sports games shown on wall-to-wall TVs. Seating is crowded and lively, creating an upscale yet bustling vibe for fans and diners alike.

Crispy yet tender crust and fresh mozzarella stand out on the Margarita Pizza. The bourbon street pasta features well-cooked penne with a flavorful sauce, and the Cajun pasta offers a spicy twist.

Cincinnati-themed decorations give the place a unique look. The atmosphere feels friendly but cool throughout.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the burgers and fries; they were cooked perfectly."

"The food and drinks here are all tens."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pizza and chicken."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during busy events.

2

Happy hour offers $2 off craft beers and $10 food specials.

3

Thursday Martini day features $6 martinis, a great deal for cocktail lovers.

08
Mt. Adams Bar & Grill image 1

Old-fashioned speakeasy style with stained glass windows and antique collections creates a cozy, historic vibe. Multiple levels include a lower bar area and dining spaces with natural light, offering an intimate yet spacious feel. Atmosphere blends upscale class with a comfortable, relaxed energy.

Fried ravioli, especially the jalapeรฑo and cheese varieties, stands out as a popular choice. Pasta dishes feature firm noodles but sometimes come with slightly overcooked vegetables and lack spices.

Mix of shenanigans and upscale class creates a unique vibe. The building and atmosphere feel really cool and inviting.

People are saying

"It's a cute pub with a great atmosphere and cool decor."

"The atmosphere here is really cool, with a neat antique tavern vibe."

"The Italian Food here feels like stepping back into a 40's tavern with all the antique decorations."

Good to know

1

Parking at the restaurant can be challenging; consider using the nearby paid garage.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

09
Rusk Kitchen + Bar image 1

Space includes intimate upstairs and downstairs areas plus a rooftop patio with fire pits and a bar. Atmosphere blends live solo guitar music with sports on TV and good background tunes. Crowd enjoys relaxed dining and drinks, often lingering into evening hours.

Animal Farm and Chicken pasta stands out as a popular to-go order. The Cajun Alfredo offers a tasty twist on a classic Italian dish.

The rooftop patio with a fire pit creates a cool vibe that stands out. The updated atmosphere on the first level adds to the overall cool feel.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious, especially the Cajun chicken pasta."

"I loved the rich and satisfying Cajun Chicken Alfredo."

"The rooftop patio has a really cool vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays with drink specials.

2

Gumbo is served on Tuesdays, a must-try for fans of the dish.

3

The venue is cashless; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

10
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant image 1

Large space resembles a museum or maze with unique artwork and half-naked pictures on every wall. Atmosphere feels fun and chaotic with low lighting, narrow halls, and cramped seating. Groups enjoy special rooms with features like lazy Susans and themed decor.

Eggplant parmesan comes with sauce on the side, making it easy to freeze leftovers. Alfredo sauce is thick and creamy, rich enough to eat multiple portions alone.

The atmosphere features cool pictures of Italian people and scenery everywhere. Many cool props and decorations add to the vibe, creating a very cool environment overall.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, and the staff remembered us."

"It's a great spot for a big party, especially for birthdays."

"The Italian food here is excellent, and the staff remembers you."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large parties or special occasions.

2

Expect to pay dinner prices during lunchtime on Saturdays.

3

Portion sizes are family-style, so come hungry or plan to share.

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Cincinnati, Ohio

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