Notable Top 10 Restaurants

Mo Egger

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:17:00 GMT

Mo Egger may live and breathe sports, but in 2009 we discovered that he takes dining out just as seriously after he published his own Top 10 Restaurants list on his blog (espn1530.com/pages/mo.html) as a rebuff to ours. Given that he was our inspiration for this article, we had to include him. Don’t hold back Mo, tell us how you really feel.

The Silver Spring House
It is everything a restaurant should be: great food, attentive wait staff, and no pretentiousness. I’ve been going on an almost weekly basis for 11 years and I’ve never had anything but the house specialty—baked chicken—which is a culinary masterpiece. The onion rings are the best in the city, and it’s a great place to knock back a few cold ones. Also, there are lots of women in their 40s looking to score with young dudes. Score.
8322 E. Kemper Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 489-7044, thesilverspringhouse.com

Terry’s Turf Club
Since Terry’s ascension from hidden gem to mainstream cable TV star, there’s been the inevitable attempt to knock Terry’s back a few rungs. This is because a) the hipster crowd—which used to be Terry’s lifeblood—hates what the rest of us likes; and b) people are stupid. Terry’s Turf Club has the best burger in Cincinnati, which you know, even if you are still trying to find one better. What you might not know is that Terry’s employs Cincinnati’s best bartender. His name is Tony. He’s a retired cop who makes incredible elixirs that my mom gets drunk on when I take her every Mother’s Day.
4618 Eastern Ave., Linwood, (513) 533-4222

Knotty Pine on The Bayou
The good news is, they’re relocating. The bad news is, they’re relocating. This is a good thing because Knotty Pine’s old location is not easy to get to, and the place always felt like the floors were about to cave in. It’s a bad thing because—like when teams move to new stadiums—it doesn’t always mean the product is better (see Reds, Cincinnati and Bengals, Cincinnati). If the owners get the move right, the best Cajun food in the area (not a long list) will continue to be served at the new locale. The etouffe has passed the test of Louisiana natives I’ve dined with, and their crawfish boil is a must. They also make a killer steak. I once met a man there who threatened to stab me when I asked what the score of a UK/Florida football game was. I hope he doesn’t make the move with the Knotty Pine staff.

Fratelli’s Pizzeria
I’m a pizza snob. I admit this. I also maintain that there are only two things you’re allowed to be a snob about: ice cream and pizza. Keep that in mind when I tell you that Fratelli’s has the best pizza in Cincinnati. Why, you ask? Because the guy who runs Fratelli’s is from Jersey. Also, because the nine pizzas ranked above Fratelli’s in this magazine’s “The 50 Best Pizzas in the Queen City” issue [November 2011] have things on them that they can’t pronounce at Fratelli’s. There are a lot of places in Cincinnati that try to make good pizza—and I respect their efforts—but you know how you don’t asked a Pittsburgh native for hygiene tips? You don’t ask a Cincinnatian to make your pizza. (Sorry.)
6890 Tylersville Rd., West Chester, (513) 777-5061, fratellispizzeria.com

Nada
I’m not cool enough to eat at Nada. I’m not a hip young downtown professional. I’m not a poptart local TV news reporter; I’m not dating a pro athlete, nor am I a pro athlete. Frankly, I don’t want to like this place at all, given the built-in high douchebag quotient. However, in the last year nearly every cool friend of mine has asked to celebrate something of note at this downtown hot spot. Given that I don’t fit in among the clientele when I go to Nada, and that I really don’t like Mexican food, the fare offered at this place must be incredible for me to include it in my top 10, right? Get the sliders, the pork belly tacos, and the pork green chile while trying to figure out if you need a second mortgage to pay for your meal. I hate myself for liking this place. Let’s move on.
600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada.com

Sugar and Spice
I have a friend who recently quit drinking, and since then he’s thrived at work, entered into what promised to be a long-term relationship, and for the first time in his life, he seems genuinely at peace with who he is. He also never gets hangovers anymore, meaning he doesn’t join me at Sugar and Spice anymore for those incredible, hangover-curing omelettes. Poor guy.
4381 Reading Rd., Paddock Hills, (513) 242-3521, sugar-n-spice-restaurant.com

Quatman Café
A few winters ago, my buddy Tim and I decided to kick off a night out by getting a burger at Quatman. Problem is, it was already past closing time. The chairs were on the tables, and the guy behind the bar was just finishing his duties, alone by himself in the restaurant. When we walked in, instead of telling us to come back the next day, he poured two Hudy drafts, fired up the grill, and served two signature Quatman burgers. No one else I know does that, and if they did, they’d be on this list. Quatman also has the nicest waitress in the city, a delightful woman named Sheila whose car could’ve exploded on the way to work, and she’d still be friendlier than most people are capable of being on their best day.
2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood, (513) 731-4370; 224 W. Main St., Mason, (513) 229-0222, quatmancafe.com

Pompilios
The best house salad dressing on the planet, Coke served in a glass bottle, waitresses who’ve worked there since the Depression, and incredible pasta. Their best dishes are their simplest—spaghetti and meat sauce, scallops with basil pesto sauce. Italian restaurants are often guilty of fancying up the menu too much. Those owners should see how it’s really done in Newport.
600 Washington Ave., Newport, (859) 581-3065, pompiliosrestaurant.com

The Holy Grail
OK, so it’s more of a bar than a restaurant. But location helps—it’s less than 100 yards from home plate at Great American Ball Park. They’ve also got chicken tortilla soup, which is unmatched even by my mom’s (huge statement there), and the best bar pizza in Cincinnati. Also, they have two tables with beer taps on them. They could serve Ohio River sludge and I’d rank them in the top 10 for that reason alone.
161 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown, (513) 621-2222, holygrailcincy.com

Kreimer’s Bier Haus West
I don’t love German food, but I do love steak, and their steak rivals anything that the cool kids dining at Jeff Ruby’s joints are overpaying for. Their crab legs are as good as you’ll find in the Midwest, and their beer is served in such large portions that you wonder why they don’t just roll the keg over to your table.
6052 State Route 128, Miamitown, (513) 353-2168

Brian Thomas

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:52:00 GMT

While Brian Thomas, host of the 55KRC morning show, insists that he loves and supports restaurants all over the city, you’ll find him most often in low-key restaurants close to his Loveland home.

Tandoor India Restaurant
Tandoor was my introduction to Indian cuisine, and I’ve been a fan ever since. It’s hard to imagine that my wife and I double dated here in college, because it hasn’t changed a bit. One of our top carryout spots, the order will invariably include Rob special, palak paneer, and a variety of their great bread. They do a nice job of kicking up the spices if you enjoy some extra heat.
8702 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, (513) 793-7484, tandoor.com

Sichuan Bistro
Our new family favorite! Not your run-of-the-mill fried rice spot, this is hands down the best Chinese in town, and some of the best I’ve ever had. We are still happily working through the menu, and everyone agrees the food is first rate. Bonus: They will make it as spicy as you want. Trust me, these folks get it.
7888 South Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-3123, sichuanbistro.com

Terry’s Turf Club
It’s a slim margin between the first and last entries on my top 10 favorite burger list, but Terry’s is at the top. They serve great burgers in a low-key, peanuts-on-the-floor, neon-nostalgia environment that I just love. I always get the same thing: burger with halloumi cheese and simply amazing burgundy wine reduction with wild mushrooms and truffles.
618 Eastern Ave., Linwood, (513) 533-4222

Sukothai Thai Cuisine
My wife and I love Thai food more than most any other cuisine, and we know of places that surpass Sukothai in one category or another (and you may very well find us at one of them). But Sukothai is the family default for convenient, consistently good Thai food. Fish cakes, pad Thai, and the red snapper (pla rad pik ) are our favorites, whether dining in or carrying out.
8102 Market Place Ln., Montgomery, (513) 794-0057, sukhothaicincy.com

Hot Doggin’ It
Anyone visiting or living in Chicago can’t help but fall in love with the Chicago-style dogs, Polish sausage, and Italian sausage and beef combos. If you live there (eight years in my case), you become addicted. Hot Doggin’ It transports me back. I usually order a charred Chicago-style polish sausage (made the right way with extra peppers), or an Italian sausage and beef combo with lots of hot giardineria if I’m feeling skinny. The fries are perfect if you eat them in house. [Note: Hot Doggin' It is temporarily closed while they move to a new location.]
12082-B Montgomery Rd., Loveland, (513) 831-3644, hotdogginit.com

Kyoto Japanese Cuisine
Fantastic sushi. Pick a roll or two from the Gourmet or Chef’s specials list if you can’t decide, Another top carryout spot for my family. It’s all good.
12082 Montgomery Rd., Loveland, (513) 583-8897, kyotosushibar.com

Porky Capone BBQ
Like burgers, the difference between first and second or tenth can be slim. But in the subjective world of “best” barbecue, Porky Capone’s gets my nod. The owners are a testament to America’s entrepreneurial spirit: Give the public something they want and they will stand in line to buy it. Get some of everything or try a combo plate, and don’t overlook the sides.
118 Main St., Lebanon, (513) 282-6500, porkycaponebbq.com

Sebastian’s
I had to include my favorite gyro place. Admittedly, it’s a far trek from Loveland, but worth stopping by when visiting family on the west side. I have fond recollections of eating here when I was a kid, and the place hasn’t changed one iota. So you say your guy’s gyro is better, fine, but Sebastian’s has history, character, and a great gyro.
5209 Glenway Ave., Cheviot, (513) 471-2100, sebastiansgyros.com

Knotty Pine on the Bayou
As I’m typing this in mid-November, I find out Knotty Pine is closing while they search for a more stable location to relocate to. If you’ve been there, you can understand how physics and gravity might have taken their toll on The Pine’s charming rustic building with its slanted dining room floor. Wherever they reopen, count on amazing Cajun / Creole / Bayou soul food. And pray that the floor in the new building has a four-degree slope.
6302 Licking Pike, Cold Spring, (859) 781-2200

Germano’s Ristorante Italiano
If you have dined at Germano’s you know why it’s on my list and why it has been a popular Cincinnati restaurant for more than 20 years. Germano’s is always a contender for our date night. Close your eyes and randomly pick something on the menu. I guarantee you it will be outstanding.
9415 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, (513) 794-1155, germanosrestaurant.com

Courtney Tsitouris

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:51:00 GMT

Originally a graphic designer by profession, Tsitouris began her blog Epi-Ventures in 2010 to chronicle the trials and tribulations of life as a part-time student at Midwest Culinary Institute. An internship at Nectar and a new job writing advertising copy followed. In 2011 she was hired to coauthor a cookbook with Chef Todd Kelly of Orchids. The cookbook, Todd Kelly’s Orchids at Palm Court, is available at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.

Orchids at Palm Court
Unsurpassed in decadence and luxury, Chef Todd Kelly’s flavor combinations often throw me into a red hot tizzy: duck with ginger-carrot puree, red snapper with apple tzatziki, scallops with sweet corn and pork bellies. Brilliant in flavor, genius in presentation, and nothing short of extravagant.
35 W. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 421-9100, orchidsatpalmcourt.com

Nicola’s
I’m perfectly willing to keep assaulting my waistline and my bank account to get some more of what Nicola’s got—whether that’s perfectly cooked lamb, pillow-soft gnudi, or some of that shimmering carnaroli risotto. When it comes to sophisticated Italian cuisine, I’ve never seen Chef Joel Molloy miss his mark. [Editor’s Note: Molloy moved to Chicago—and a job at Alinea—in January]
1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-6200, nicolasrestaurant.com

Pho Lang Thang
Six bucks doesn’t get you much unless you’re at Pho Lang Thang at Findlay Market where you can buy a straight-up religious experience. Sink into the bánh mì thit nuong (grilled lemongrass-marinated meat atop a French baguette with pâté and garlic mayo) and find yourself a little closer to spiritual enlightenment.
114 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177

Nectar
No fuss. No pretension. Chef Julie Francis is proof that when you’re bold enough to get out of the way of cooking, quality ingredients speak for themselves. Her commitment to using what’s local and fresh means a constantly rotating menu built entirely around the good stuff: grass-fed beef, locally raised chicken, and produce just plucked from the farm.
1000 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 929-0525, dineatnectar.com

Terry’s Turf Club
For my last meal, save the five-star food and give me this towering, dense, sloppy mess of a burger with the most decadent collection of gourmet ingredients I’ve ever known. Go ahead, make me stand in line for two hours and bump my seat for the duration of my meal. Just don’t make me live without it.
4618 Eastern Ave., Linwood, (513) 533-4222

Jean-Robert’s Table
From the chef who taught Cincinnati how to eat well comes a place with an insanely cool vibe and a swoon-worthy French bistro menu. Put me in the corner with the sole, truffle beurre blanc, and a bottle of rouge and you won’t hear a peep out of me all night…unless I’m asking for more.
713 Vine St., downtown, (513) 621-4777, jrtable.com

Annabel’s
The best Sunday mornings are the ones with half-brushed hair, steaming coffee, and the most carefully cooked and presented breakfast in town. I’m talking about the breakfast sandwich—a piping hot packet of nirvana with eggs, bacon, cheese, and the tastiest roasted tomato sauce I’ve ever licked off a plate.
1004 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 417-8669

Local 127
You may be reading mac-and-cheese, chicken, and Waldorf salad on the menu but there’s a good chance this stuff far surpasses the picnic food you’ve come to know. Underlying refinement is apparent the moment your fork meets your mouth—so just roll with it and plan to come back soon.
413 Vine St., downtown, (513) 721-1345, mylocal127.com

Via Vite
Bliss is scoring a bar stool during happy hour and getting cozy with the best Bolognese in town. Nicola’s makes the same dish (using butter instead of cream) but this version is richer-tasting and a lot cheaper. Plus, you get to watch the cooks in action while you eat…and Chef Pietoso is free dessert.
520 Vine St., downtown, (513) 721-8483, viaviterestaurant.com

20 Brix
This joint is swimming upstream in a sea of competitors with flashier menus and more exotic ingredients, but I think 20 Brix deserves more face time. I don’t know if it’s the amped up wine menu or the pared down comfort food (can you say shrimp and grits?), but I’m feelin’ the love for Chef Paul Barraco and his neighborhood brand of All- American cooking.
101 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-2749, 20brix.com

Ed Stern

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:51:00 GMT

After 20 years and numerous awards—including a 2004 Tony award for Best Regional Theater—Playhouse in the Park’s producing artistic director Ed Stern is stepping down from the Playhouse this year to direct his own “active retirement.”

Nicola’s
Please, just let me lie on the floor and let them pour into my mouth any of their homemade pastas. They’re wondrous.
1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-6200, nicolasrestaurant.com

Jean-Robert’s Table
The skate wing alone is reason enough to come back again and again.
713 Vine St., downtown, (513) 621-4777, jrtable.com

Boca
The caramelized Brussels sprouts should be on exhibit at the Smithsonian.
114 E. 6th St., downtown, (513) 542-2022, bocacincinnati.com

Rascals’ NY Deli
A real Jewish deli in Cincinnati! Thank God. No, really, thank God.
9525 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 429-4567, rascalsdeli.com

The Precinct
A genuine gentlemen’s steakhouse. And great steak is a real bonus.
311 Delta Ave., Columbia-Tusculum (513) 321-5454, jeffruby.com/precinct.php

Greyhound Tavern
It’s a long wait for that Southern fried chicken, and worth every minute of it.
2500 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, (859) 331-3767, greyhoundtavern.com

Jo An
Their sushi and sashimi are ethereal. Save the airline fare to Tokyo and spend it here.
3940 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger, (859) 746-2634, joanjapanese.com

Pit To Plate
Let me dine alone so I can make a complete mess eating the fabulous ribs and brisket.
8021 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, (513) 931-9100

A Tavola
Real crust. Real imagination. Real pizza.
1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-0192, atavolapizza.com

Suzie Wong’s
A cold day? The Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup will blast that cold away.
1544 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-3333, suziewongs.com

Karen Kahle

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:49:00 GMT

Since joining Findlay Market in 2007, resource development director Karen Kahle has been responsible for implementing many of the programs—including the prominent market garden at Liberty and Elm—that continue to establish the 157-year-old market as a vital part of Cincinnati’s heritage and community.

Annabel’s
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and Annabel’s has the only pancake in town that could have given my grandmother’s a run for the money. And that honeycomb butter is the bomb. It’s a little spot that is always worth the wait.
1004 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 417-8669

Blue Oven
Okay, technically not a restaurant or even a food truck, but Blue Oven’s bad-ass Bad Girl and Bad Boy breads are ripped apart like they’re a meal whenever I get my hands on one of them.
blueovenbakery.com

Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar
Sitting across the river in Covington is one of the region’s best-kept dining secrets. Flat out great food, great wine, and great service. I love their halibut, and the cheese plate with a nice glass of wine is always enjoyable.
519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-7777, bouquetrestaurant.com

The Comet
Their ginormous jerk burrito has saved me on numerous occasions from the serious consequences of not eating enough when drinking maybe too much—but who can help themselves between their beer selection and that jukebox!
4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 541-8900, cometbar.com

Cumin
I love almost anything Chef Owen Maass does with fresh fish, and the Cumin salad with chickpeas, potato, yogurt, and tamarind is a flavor-rich favorite.
3520 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 871-8714, cuminrestaurant.com

Green Papaya
The Green Papaya Roll (minus the cream cheese) is 10 bundles of mouth-watering joy. Their nigiri is consistently some of the freshest fish I have tasted outside of the fish I gorged on while traveling in Japan.
2942 Wasson Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-0107, greenpapayacincinnati.com

Honey
I’d follow pastry chef Summer Genetti to Burger King if she started making desserts there, but fortunately, at Honey you can always feast on something fabulous before being blown away by her creative and clever desserts.
4034 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 541-4300, honeynorthside.com

La Poste
I am more impressed by their food, presentation, and service every time I go there. I love the five-course tasting menu that helps me avoid picking just one or two wonderful things from their menu. But I wish Chef Dave [Taylor] would quit sending out a complimentary piece of bread pudding, as I suspect it is the cause of a few extra pounds.
3410 Telford St., Clifton, (513) 281-3663, laposteeatery.com

Nicola’s
My favorite “special occasion” place in the city. I had no idea a lettuce soup could taste so amazing. Their crispy potato gnocchi with truffle shavings is epic. Special occasion or not, they always treat you like it is one.
1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-6200, nicolasrestaurant.com

Senate
Dan Korman doesn’t need any more attention, but the vegetarian hot dog named after him on the Senate’s menu is enough to make the most hardcore carnivore drool.
1212 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-2020, senatepub.com

Roxanne Qualls

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:49:00 GMT

You’ll often find former Cincinnati’s mayor and current councilwoman Roxanne Qualls traversing neighborhood streets on her bicycle.

Jean-Robert’s Table
The menu has something at every price point. Dine for under $14 on a great hamburger and fries, or for more than $30 on one of the specials. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly—a destination that also is a neighborhood place.
713 Vine St., downtown, (513) 621-4777, jrtable.com

La Poste
Wonderfully refurbished dining room that encourages intimate conversation while dining on exquisitely prepared dishes and attended to by the best waitstaff in the city.
3410 Telford St., Clifton, (513) 281-3663, laposteeatery.com

Emanu
Ethiopian food prepared by the matriarch of the family owned business. The flavors are distinctive and strong, but not overwhelming or excessively spicy. Wonderful vegetarian choices such as hiwswas complement the meat dishes.
6063 Montgomery Rd., Pleasant Ridge, (513) 351-7686, emanuea.com

Sung Korean Bistro
The music of The Gotan Project in the background captures the vitality and rhythm of the restaurant. Bento boxes of _bulgogi, the dolsot bibimbab in the hot ceramic bowl, sushi, or the vegetarian pancake are distinctive, refreshing, and filling.
700 Elm St., downtown, (513) 721-7864, sungkoreanbistro.com

Nada
Nada pulses with energy—a place for people to see and be seen. The dishes creatively fuse flavors from south of the border. The margaritas made from fresh ingredients are the best in town.
600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada.com

Nicola’s
Some of the most innovative and flavorful Italian dishes in the region. From the appetizer to desert each course is meticulously prepared and presented.
1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-6200, nicolasrestaurant.com

Senate
Hamburgers and hot dogs—including vegetarian dogs—made for grownups. Sit at the bar or the banquette and enjoy the energy and liveliness of a neighborhood on the way up.
1212 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-2020, senatepub.com

Coffee Emporium
Politicians, activists, developers, students, and street people gather in one room to enjoy locally roasted coffee, soups, sandwiches, and salads. It’s the alternative to the Queen City Club for transacting business and getting things done.
110 E. Central Pkwy., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 651-5483, coffee-emporium.com

Chipotle
Fast food that is fresh, healthy, remarkably tasty, and at a great price.
chipotle.com

Via Vite
Overlooking the fountain and the square Via Vite serves up nouveau Italian that is crisp and flavorful. Whether dining alone, enjoying an intimate moment, or celebrating with family, Via Vite does it with value and style.
520 Vine St., downtown, (513) 721-8483, viaviterestaurant.com

Tamara Harkavay & Matt Kotlarczyk

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:48:00 GMT

Like most couples, Tamara Harkavy and Matt Kotlarczyk have slightly different tastes: Harkavay, the director of ArtWorks, follows a fish and vegetable diet; sculptor Kotlarczyk eats most anything. But they wholeheartedly agree the most difficult part of this list was limiting it to just 10 restaurants.

Riverside Korean
Hae Mul Pa Jun (seafood pancake) is our favorite appetizer, and the dolsot bibimbap with an egg and all the gooey spicy stuff mixed in…Yum.
512 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 291-1484, riversidekoreanrestaurant.com

Nicola’s
Nicola’s represents all the best of fine Italian with a gourmet touch. The wine room is a family favorite, reserved for special times that celebrate and mark family occasions. Where else can you go and get the most delicious Italian meal—gnocchi, lobster ravioli, tableside Caesar salad, or anything with truffles—in your own private wine room? Ours is a crowded table, but always a ruckus of a good time with delicious food.
1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-6200, nicolasrestaurant.com

La Mexicana
We love the selection of crazy authentic recipes and fresh ingredients—the barbacoa, the squash blossoms, and the Mexican Cokes with the cane sugar for extra damage! It is always crowded, and the real deal, just like you are in Mexico!
642 Monmouth St., Newport, (859) 261-6112

A Tavola
So what if it’s a little loud? We have never had a bad bite of food at A Tavola. A great place to sit at the bar, run into friends, chat with the bartenders, and eat great food. We could eat there every night: the melt-in-your-mouth [eggplant] sliders, the roasted cauliflower (though they oversaturate it with dressing), and the pizzas—or anything with the fontina cheese on it.
1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-0192, atavolapizza.com

Jean-Robert’s Table
We love the bar, and having lunch there is like a mini escape from the real world of work. What’s better than the food on the inside and the [ArtWorks] mural on the outside! Favorites: The burger, and the omelette of the day.
713 Vine St., downtown, (513) 621-4777, jrtable.com

Boca
We fool ourselves into thinking that if we sit at the bar and order some wine, a salad, and a few appetizers to share (and try not to order the scallops with caramelized brussels sprouts), we will not spend a fortune. Even if we are duping ourselves, a meal at Boca is worth the treat. David Falk’s Bolognese is so creamy and rich and delicious!
3200 Madison Rd., Oakley (513) 542-2022, boca-restaurant.com

Enoteca Emilia
We love that you can sit at the bar, have a drink, and sample so many great dishes like the shrimp and squid salad. And we’re always certain to have a great time running into friends!
2038 Madison Rd., O'Bryonville, (513) 834-5773, enotecaemilia.com

Myra’s Dionysus
Avgolemono. Need we say more?
121 Calhoun St. #1, Clifton, (513) 961-1578, myrasrestaurant.com

Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar and Otto’s
Neighboring restaurants both serving fresh, simple food made with local ingredients! And with the added bonus of dining outside (both are favorite places on a summer evening), sometimes you forget you are in Covington.
519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-7777, bouquetrestaurant.com
521 Main St., Covington (859) 491-6678, ottosonmain.com

Abigail Street
A favorite place for us to eat with friends who like to share plates. The menu is unique and different from any other place in Cincinnati, and it is one of the most gorgeous dining rooms in the city!
1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-4040

Rob Williams

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:47:00 GMT

When not easing Cincinnatians into their day with co-anchor Sheila Gray, Fox 19 Morning Show coanchor Rob Williams—who spent 13 years of his life in Japan—can be found savoring Cincinnati’s culinary scene.

La Poste
Best mussels I have ever had. Point blank period.
3410 Telford St., Clifton, (513) 281-3663, laposteeatery.com

Otto’s
I have never had a bad meal here. The pork loin is delicious; so are the fried green tomatoes. I feel like I’m in New Orleans for some reason.
521 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-6678, ottosonmain.com

Taqueria Mercado
When I was in college years ago, I had my first authentic taco in Placentia, California. I still remember them and the tacos here remind me of them.
6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, (513) 942-4943

Ando Japanese Restaurant
Discovering this was a nice surprise. I was at the Kenwood Towne Center and used an app to find a nearby Japanese restaurant. When I called Ando, the woman who answered had a Japanese accent, so I went. My mother is Japanese, and the food tastes like my mom’s. The ameebi (sweet shrimp) is served with the traditional deep fried shrimp head. This place reminds me so much of home.
5889 Pfeiffer Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 791-8687,andojapanese.com

Pho Lang Thang
The pho broth is delicious. The bahn mi sandwiches are a perfect marriage of east meets west. The great thing about Vietnamese food is that everything is always really fresh and perfectly balanced.
114 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, facebook.com/dothelangthang

Terry’s Turf Club
I don’t know what they do to the burgers, but I crave them. I once waited nearly two hours for a seat. It was totally worth it.
4618 Eastern Ave., Linwood, (513) 533-4222

Oriental Wok
They have a crispy Chinese eggplant with Szechuan sauce that’s fantastic. You have a choice of sauces, but get the Szechuan style sauce. I’ve also had the sauce with scallops. Either way, it’s good.
2444 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-6888, orientalwok.com

Hot Doggin’ It
I love Chicago style hot dogs. This place does them right.
12082-B Montgomery Rd., Loveland, (513) 831-3644, hotdogginit.com

Ollie’s Trolley
Marvin Smith knows BBQ and it shows. His mac-and-cheese is top notch.
1607 Central Ave., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-6100

Take the Cake
I love their Sunday brunch. The menu is inspired by what’s available. It is written on the blackboard as you stand waiting with excitement to see what’s going up. Awesome.
4035 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 241-2772, takethecakecincinnati.com

Amy Tobin

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:46:00 GMT

Amy Tobin, director of cooking school EQ at The Party Source, is also the author of Amy’s Table: Food for Family and Friends, as well as the host of Amy’s Table, Sundays at 9 am on Q102.

Brown Dog Café
Don’t let the strip mall fool you! Once inside you’ll love the intimate size and feel of Brown Dog Café. We are never disappointed by the food or the service. Because I’m a grazer, I like to order the maza to nibble on while I sip a glass of wine. My entrée choice varies but I always get the panko-fried goat cheese salad. Always.
5893 Pfeiffer Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 794-1610, browndogcafe.com

Eddie Merlot’s
We stumbled upon the happy hour menu at Eddie Merlot’s quite by accident. It’s fantastic—a secret I’m hesitant to share because I don’t want to wait for a seat! We sit at the pretty bar and have a great glass of wine (at a great price) and order delicious flat breads and Kobe Beef Sliders at a mere $6 each.
10808 Montgomery Rd., Sycamore Twp., (513) 489-1212, eddiemerlots.com

Keystone Bar & Grill
If it’s Monday lunchtime, you just might find me at Keystone for mac-and-cheese. It’s half price on Mondays, which gives me the excuse to order several kinds. I love them all, but I’m partial to The B.B. King, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Buffalo Springfield. I’m not really a doggie bag kind of girl, but when it comes to mac-and-cheese, well….woof!
313 Greenup St., Covington, (859) 261-6777, keystonebar.com

Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant
As native Detroiters, my husband and I like the kind of authentic Middle Eastern food we could readily find there. At Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant we can get our “Detroit fix” of grape leaves, baba ghanoush, labni, spinach pie, kibbe, and shish kebab. Get the Mediterranean sampler to start. It comes with a basket of soft fresh pita. You won’t really need dinner, but do.
11381 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 469-0089, miragecincinnati.com

Chart House
Where I am eating is often as important to me as what I am eating. When I am missing the city views we enjoyed in our Chicago home, dinner at Chart House is just the ticket to ease the pain. I like to hunker down in one of their oversized booths and look across the river at Cincinnati at night. The food is well prepared, the wine list has lots of my favorites, and the service is attentive, but not too much so. I usually get the seared scallops, but like the “bronze” or “dynamite” treatment on their fresh fish selections, too.
405 Riverboat Row, Newport, (859) 261-0300, chart-house.com

Trio
From the cozy booths to the airy veranda, I like the comfortable vibe at Trio. They do great things with steak, seafood, and pasta. Even though the dinner menu is extensive, I seem to split my time between the BBQ chicken pizza and the Thai pizza. At lunch I go for the Portobello Veggie Burger. I’m never disappointed.
7565 Kenwood Rd., Kenwood, (513) 984-1905, triobistro.com

Orchids at Palm Court
I wish I could afford to do the chef’s tasting menu at Orchids on a regular basis. Chef Todd Kelly and his team are artists. The room itself is a work of art. As a diner, you become part of the masterpiece purely by enjoying the sumptuousness of it all. For any special occasion, or when the world needs to just melt away, this is the place to go.
35 W. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 421-9100, orchidsatpalmcourt.com

Virgils Café
This is a regular lunch spot for me. Virgils is small and quaint with a beautiful bar. They serve up great sandwiches with house made meats. I love the Cubano with roasted pork, but I’m especially wild for the house-made pastrami reuben. They make a mean veggie burger, too.
710 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, (859) 491-3287, virgilscafe.com

Embers
When my first thought about dinner is “I need a drink,” I head to Embers and order a Lemon Drop. It’s swanky and not too sweet and the best one I’ve ever had. I like their sushi and steaks. They have a crazy-big 22-ounce bone-in rib eye cowboy steak that is just a spectacle—and perfect if your husband is craving a big steak! Bonus? Watching him work his way though it allows me the time to order a second Lemon Drop.
8170 Montgomery Rd., Kenwood, (513) 984-8090, embersrestaurant.com

Ferrari’s Little Italy
When you have to walk through the bakery to get to the dining room, you know you’re going to get a great bread basket with your meal! From the winding hallways leading to small dining rooms and alcoves, to the fireplaces and wood (tree trunk!) ceiling beams, Ferrari’s feels very European to me. The menu has something for every mood, from pasta to fish to pizza. It’s always easy and always good.
7677 Goff Terrace, Madeira, (513) 272-2220, ferrarilittleitaly.com

Dave Morrison

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:46:00 GMT

Former drummer for the Ass Ponys and currently with The Kiss Me Everlasting, Dave Morrison’s schedule as a musician, videographer, and father to three boys means that his love for dining out has shifted to the lunch hour.

Jo An
A longtime favorite for sushi, but the dinner menu is excellent too.
3940 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger, (859) 746-2634, joanjapanese.com

Habañero
This is a family lunch favorite on a neighborhood walk. I love the sweet salsa, the Mad Max burrito, and craft beers on draft. The kids love the quesadillas and homemade chips.
358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, (513) 961-6800, habanerolatin.com

Park + Vine
I’m a total carnivore, but their vegan food is super tasty and satisfying.
1202 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-7275, parkandvine.com

Deli seven20
The Skoon (chunk albacore tuna, shaved parmesan, red onion, arugula, and balsamic mayo on focaccia) is my favorite sandwich on earth. Amazing chocolate chip cookies too.
720 E. Pete Rose Way, #170, downtown, (513) 381-3720, home.fuse.net/deliseven20

Amma’s Kitchen
Love the Palak Paneer and Gobhi Manchurian cauliflower.
7633 Reading Rd., Roselawn, (513) 821-2021, ammaskitchen.us

Floyd’s
Of course the chicken is the best, but I really love her baba ganoush, lima beans, and turnips.
127 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, (513) 221-2434

Fratelli’s Pizzeria
Best New York style pizza in Cincinnati. They need to open something closer to downtown!
6890 Tylersville Rd., West Chester, (513) 777-5061, fratellispizzeria.com

Island Frydays
Caribbean food in Corryville! We had them cater a party—jerk chicken, rice and peas, and plantains. It was delicious. Very reasonable lunch too.
2826 Vine St.,Clifton, (513) 498-0680, islandfrydays.com

La Mexicana
My favorite for Mexican food. The tomatillo salsa is excellent. I typically get the tacos—usually birria [goat], chorizo, and carnitas. Lots of meat choices! The enchiladas rock too.
642 Monmouth St., Newport, (859) 261-6112

MOTR Pub
Great burgers, chili, and brunch to boot. They really take care of you if you’re a musician playing that night. Beware the pre-gig food coma though.
1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-6687, motrpub.com