Cincy 6: Food Faves

Asked and answered! You’ll find no shortage of incredible food in Cincinnati, so narrowing things down to one dish or even one meal can be tricky. But our foodies made the hard choices.

Not sure where to take folks for holiday meals or need some suggestions for next year’s dining, find dream-worthy options below!

 The Braised Short Rib Penne by Chef Alfio at Noche in Covington. I dream about it at night!

The handmade dumplings at Corner Dumpling House are life altering and so is every scoop of ice cream I have ever had at Hello Honey.

– Melissa Lewis

Knock Back Nats wings with the garlic sauce on them are so good!- they just dont miss! I also recently revistited MidCity Restaurant and their burger with peanut butter on it may be my new obsession!

-– Andrew Maloney

Squash Croquettes at Mellotone Beer Project. The whipped Urban Farmstead cheese and Fresno pepper jam are off the charts! If you haven't tried it yet, do yourself a favor and get there.

– Leslie Mooney

Have you had the Everything but the Bagel from Starlight Doughnut Lab? It's a brioche doughnut filled with garlic goat cheese and cream cheese, then topped with everything bagel seasoning.

It hits all the marks for food enjoyment –sweet, salty, chewy,  and crunchy.

– Tricia Suit 

The best meal I had in 2025 was at Sudova: Halushki (caramelized cabbage & onion, brown butter, spaetzle) to start, then Rye Varenyky dumplings (potato, sauerkraut, apple butter, pancetta, caramelized onion, dill) and Khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread, egg yolk), before Chantilly cake for dessert.

– Linsey Kraeling

Everything at Sudova is surprising and delicious.  The cod at Colette is so damn good. 

– John Faherty

The Bun Salad at Pho Lang Tang

– Debbie Brant

Kettlecorn from Al’s Popcorn on Main, Toffee Chip ice cream from Graeters!

– D. Lynn Meyers

Everything at Sebastian Bakehouse.

– Bridget England

Ok, this is my most asked question and the hardest to answer!

We have such a great food scene. Something fun I started this year was a monthly “Hangin’ with Hey Michelle.” It’s a curated night out with experiences at restaurants and more. It brings strangers together at one big table to meet the owners, chats with the chefs and enjoy a meal with surprises that you can't get on the menu. This has been such a rewarding and fun way to explore the city with people. We visited Baker's Table, Mita’s, Frankie’s, Lonely Pines, Gilligan’s Brewery and more to come!

– Michelle Jones

The squash beignets at Nolia or the Eggplant appetizer at Carmelo’s.

– Rachel DesRochers

Is there anything better than seeing all the holiday lights in Lebanon, Ohio before heading into The Golden Lamb for a superb dinner? I think not. One side note: they put coconut in their pecan pie. Glad I like both.

– Jayne Utter

One of my favorite quick lunch spots is Pata Roja Tacos on Court Street. Derrick has really got it going on... if you know, you go. It’s the perfect combination of fast, flavorful, and consistently great.

– Doug Olberding

A beautiful Via Vite catered dinner for our oldest child’s wedding…and a gorgeous carrot wedding cake by Batter Days Ahead Cottage Bakery..

– Holly Brians Ragusa

Food has been a big connector for my family this year. We kicked things off in unforgettable fashion with a helicopter ride over the city followed by an incredible meal at Bar à Boeuf. It felt celebratory in the best way, like Cincinnati showing off a little.

Because nearly every birthday in my household lands between Christmas and the first week of the new year, we also have an annual cake-off tradition. Everyone brings their best effort, and the competition is serious but loving. It’s chaotic, sweet, and very us.

 – Yemi Oyediran

Taglio’s hot honey pepperoni pizza! Detroit style. I actually dream about this pizza. SO good

– Krista Katona Pille