Dewey's Pizza is a Cincinnati success story. Andrew DeWitt started with a single store in the Oakley neighborhood in 1998 and now owns 21 stores in the Midwest, eight of them in Greater Cincinnati. This popular, family-friendly pizzeria is known for their specialty pizzas with fun names like the Bronx Bomber, Edgar Allan Poe, and Socrates' Revenge. They also offer a seasonal specialty pizza. Some of the seasonal specials have been so popular that Dewey's has added them to the regular menu. Dough is made fresh daily in a commissary and delivered to the stores. Two sauces - red and white - are made in house. Dewey's seeks out top quality ingredients, like free-range Amish chicken, for their toppings. Gluten-free dough and excellent salads are also offered.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Dewey's Pizza has consistently good pizza in a family-friendly setting in several locations around Cincinnati.
Terri's expert tip: Can't decide which pizza to get? Dewey's allows you to select different combinations for each half of the pizza. You can even get a specialty pizza on one half and a choose-your-own on the other half.
Having opened in 2013, Mazunte Taqueria is still a relative newcomer on the Cincinnati restaurant scene, but it is quickly making a name for itself. The menu is inspired by owner Josh Wamsley's travels through the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca where he learned to cook from the locals. This casual restaurant has a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Place an order at the counter, then find a seat inside or out. Appreciate the unique furnishings - many were handmade by Josh's father - along with Mexican art, murals and a unique piece that combines Cincinnati icons with a map of Mexico. The menu includes several varieties of tacos (fish, chicken, steak and pork) that come three to an order, along with other Mexican specialties. Pozole, a traditional Mexican soup with pork, chicken and hominy, is a popular choice.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Mazunte offers authentic Mexican specialities in a fun, casual environment.
Terri's expert tip: Can't decide which kind of tacos to order? Try the Mixed Tacos and select three different kinds.
The décor in York St. Café will certainly catch your eye. This former historic pharmacy building is filled with antiques and collectibles that make great conversation starters. Perhaps that's why York St. Café has been voted the best place for a first date. But the ambience isn't the only reason to visit: the food is excellent too. They use the freshest ingredients, including vegetables and herbs from a garden down the street. Soups, cakes and pies are made daily. Try a Conversation Board as an appetizer for a group. The menu includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items. Kids like the Tooth Pick Meal which includes chunks of grilled chicken, cheese and fruit speared on tiny plastic swords.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: York St. Café is a moderately-priced restaurant with an interesting ambience and a menu that has something for everyone: adults, kids, vegetarians and gluten-free diners.
Terri's expert tip: Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas have a welcoming ambience. This is a great choice for a nice meal that is also kid-friendly. There's a shelf of toys and books that kids can bring back to their table.
Family-owned for over 75 years, Camp Washington Chili is a Cincinnati favorite that was named one of the 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America by Smithsonian Magazine. Cincinnati chili was invented by Greek immigrants and is very different than Texas-style chili, both in the spices and the presentation. A 'three-way' consists of chili served over spaghetti then topped with a generous mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese. Beans or chopped onions are added for a 'four-way'; both are added for a 'five-way.' Cincinnati chili can be found all over the city in local chains and independent restaurants. Camp Washington Chili serves theirs 24 hours a day, 6 days a week (closed Sundays). When the street was being widened several years ago, owner Johnny Johnson built a new building next to the old one and moved the casual, family-friendly eatery into the bright new space without missing a beat. They grind their own meat and make fresh chili daily with no preservatives. Their consistent quality and service resulted in the restaurant earning a James Beard American Regional Classic award.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Cincinnati chili is an iconic food and Camp Washington Chili has been making it consistently well for over 75 years.
Terri's expert tip: If you've never had Cincinnati chili, leave behind all your preconceived notions of what chili should be. Be sure to try chili the way Cincinnatians eat it: over spaghetti and topped with cheese, with some oyster crackers on the side.
It's no wonder that Terry's Turf Club has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Located in an industrial area on the city's east side, the building housed a crack and heroin bar until Terry Carter bought it, gutted it, filled it with neon signs and antique memorabilia, then started grilling gourmet burgers that Chef Bobby Flay has named the Best in Ohio. Terry's burgers are handcrafted using coarse-grind, certified Black Angus chuck, served on grilled Ciabatta rolls, and garnished with toppings inspired by Terry's fishing trips all over the world. Choose your toppings to create your own culinary masterpiece or ask your server for a recommendation. Creative sauce choices include Burgundy Wine with Wild Mushrooms and Truffles, Chorizo Bruschetta Parmesan, and Wasabi Red Curry and Ginger. Cheeses are imported from all over the world: French Brie, Spanish Manchego, and Halloumi from Cypress. Non-carnivores will be pleased to find seafood, chicken, and giant portabella and shitake mushrooms as an alternative. Kids love the atmosphere, but need to order from the regular menu since there isn't a kids' menu.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Terry's Turf Club is well known in Cincinnati and beyond for their burgers which are made by hand from high quality, fresh ingredients.
Terri's expert tip: Expect a wait time of an hour or more between 5 and 8 p.m. The least busy times are before 5 p.m. on weekdays and between 3 and 5 p.m. on weekends.
Via Vite is a modern Italian Bistro situated in the heart of Cincinnati at Fountain Square in a space that was custom designed for Executive Chef Cristian Pietoso's vision. The restaurant's location on Vine Street also factored into its name - Via Vite translates to 'Way of the Vine'. Pietoso was born, raised and trained in Florence, Italy, and he draws from his culinary training as well as family recipes for his menu. Via Vite is a moderately-priced restaurant that is also very versatile. It boasts the largest outdoor seating area of any restaurant downtown and serves a variety of customers. At different times, you'll see executives conducting business over lunch, downtown workers kicking back for happy hour, symphony patrons savoring a four course dinner before the show or Reds fans enjoying a pre-game beer and pizza. The menu includes pasta, risotto and gnocchi; meat and fish entrees; and pizza. The Penne Bolognese is a family recipe, and the pizza is Naples style, baked in a stone pizza oven. It's definitely worth saving room for dessert too.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Via Vite has authentic Italian cuisine at a moderate price in Cincinnati's Fountain Square, the heart of the city.
Terri's expert tip: The outdoor dining terrace and Piazza Bar are perfect spots for having a bite to eat during the summer concerts in Fountain Square.
Jeff Ruby's Precinct has been a go-to spot for steak in Cincinnati since it opened in 1981. Ruby opened the Precinct with celebrity backers, and celebrities and professional athletes have been flocking there ever since. The lobby walls are covered with photos of Ruby posing with them. The rest of the building is decorated with police memorabilia which pays tribute to the turn-of-the-century building's original purpose as a Patrol House for Cincinnati's Mounted Patrol. Just like his other restaurants, Jeff Ruby's Precinct specializes in steaks (that come with salad and potatoes), but shellfish is also popular. The menu also offers fish, chicken and pork tenderloin. Additional sides to share are also offered, including baked macaroni and cheese made with six imported cheeses. Servers are very attentive. The Precinct is a white tablecloth restaurant with business casual attire. The attached bar serves the same menu, but is more casual. Reservations are recommended for both.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Jeff Ruby's Precinct has stood the test of time as Cincinnati's longest running white tablecloth restaurant and has received numerous awards.
Terri's expert tip: Try the popular Collinsworth Topping, named after the former Cincinnati Bengal player and sportscaster Cris Collinsworth. It can be added to any steak and consists of Bordelaise and Béarnaise sauces, King Crab and Asparagus.
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall is located in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Several years ago, this was considered an unsafe neighborhood; now it's in the midst of a revival and is home to many trendy independent shops and restaurants. The Eagle, opened in 2013, is located in a former post office. Exposed brick walls and tables made from reclaimed wood create a fun, casual and loud atmosphere that is popular with just about everyone--locals, travelers, business professionals, singles and families. The menu is limited--there are about 60 beer types but only 20 or so food choices--but every item is carefully vetted and has a chef's touch. Their specialty is fried chicken which is served with a spicy honey sauce. Salads and sandwiches, including a fried chicken sandwich and blackened shrimp po boy, round out the main courses. Side dishes are served separately: the southern-inspired offerings include mac & cheese, white cheddar grits, and spoonbread.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: The Eagle has a small but carefully chosen menu of comfort foods with a chef's twist. You'll find delicious food at inexpensive prices.
Terri's expert tip: This popular restaurant can have a very long wait time on weekends (over three hours) and on Mondays, when many nearby restaurants are closed. For a shorter wait, your best bet is Tuesday through Thursday. Another option is to order carry out and dine in Washington Park, one block west of the restaurant.
Salazar is a chef-owned restaurant that fits into a newer breed of restaurants: fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Executive Chef Jose Salazar's restaurant is located in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, a hotbed of new, independent restaurants. Salazar's Chef de Cuisine, Andy Hiner, works with local farms to source fresh ingredients for the seasonal menu. Salazar has a casual and intimate feel. The restaurant has just 42 seats inside and another eight on the patio. A bar is integrated into the restaurant and provides much of the seating. The kitchen and menu are small, but everything on the menu is deliberate and well executed. This is a restaurant that foodies will appreciate; interesting ingredients are creatively combined. Servers are attentive. While most of the menu changes seasonally, there is always a burger and a vegetarian risotto offered. The 'everything-crusted' salmon and veal sweetbreads are so popular (and so delicious) that they may become standard offerings.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Salazar has top-notch cuisine with creative ingredients and artful presentation along with attentive service in a casual setting.
Terri's expert tip: Salazar does not accept reservations. Plan for a wait if you go on a weekend, or if you don't care to wait, try a Wednesday.
Orchids at Palm Court is the place to go for a luxurious fine dining experience. Located in the historic Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel, Palm Court is one of the most elegant spaces in Cincinnati. Originally the hotel lobby, Palm Court has a French Art Deco theme with lavish touches. Crystal, French china and genuine silver add to the opulence. Award-winning Executive Chef Todd Kelly and his team prepare the finest cuisine, worthy of being served amidst this grandeur. They seek out the finest ingredients, and if they can't find the quality they want, they personally make the ingredients, such as catching the fish from which they harvest caviar and making their own cheeses. Todd combines these ingredients with great technique and bountiful creativity, leaving no detail untouched, to create the kind of culinary masterpieces that earned him the title of American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year in 2011. The restaurant is one of only 63 in North America with a Five Diamond rating from AAA. Diners will probably want to dress up a bit - business casual at minimum - but a jacket and tie are not required. Be sure to save room for desserts created by Pastry Chef Megan Ketover.
Recommended for Best Restaurants because: Orchids at Palm Court provides luxurious fine dining with an executive chef who goes to great lengths to obtain the highest quality ingredients.
Terri's expert tip: Most of the menu changes frequently, based on seasonal ingredients, but a few of the menu items are so popular that they've become permanent offerings. Try the Maine Lobster Salad for the Second Course and the award-winning Red Snapper 'En Papillote' as an Entrée.