Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Pickles & Bones Barbecue, tucked away just outside of Milford. From fine dining to shawarma food trucks — find them all in Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Greater Cincinnati.
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Topping this year’s best list is Fond: Lunch and Deli. Locals are certainly fond of this popular lunch spot in Montgomery, which is beloved for its creatively crafted sandwiches and allergy-inclusive menu.
Pro tip: For great local businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
1. Fond: Lunch and Deli (Montgomery)
Cuisine: Delis
What they’re known for: Seriously delicious sandwiches
Yelpers say: “A real gem off the beaten path! We stopped here for lunch today – everything from the mint basil tea to our sandwiches and the amazing chocolate chip cookies was delicious!! The service was amazing – friendly, helpful, genuine and proud of their food. Montgomery, Ohio may not be a “destination,” but Fond Deli is! Pin it, pick a day and go!” -Leslie B.
2. Bridges Nepali Cuisine (Northside)
Cuisine: Himalayan/Nepalese, Asian Fusion
What they’re known for: Authentic South Asian flavors
Yelpers say: “Nepali cuisine is so extremely underrated and definitely deserves the hype! The momo’s are a work of art and truly one of the best I have ever had. The grilled chicken tikka masala is very different from the creamy orange curry often seen at Indian restaurants. Instead, the grilled chicken is a unique twist to the classic curry without the heaviness of the cream overpowering the flavors. Will definitely keep coming back!” -Shruthi S.
3. Delwood (Mount Lookout)
Cuisine: Gastropubs
What they’re known for: Diner-style burgers and craft cocktails
Yelpers say: “Delwood just gets it! There are not many places that are as consistent as they are both with food, service and a genuine desire to treat people well and give them a great experience. It starts from the management and you can see that filter down to the many great folks that work there (many for years). There is not a bad thing on the menu and their fish and chips are great if you need that option for Lent. Love Delwood for every reason you visit a restaurant!” -Russ D.
4. BANH LAO & THAI CUISINE (Kenwood)
Cuisine: Laotian, Thai
What they’re known for: Fried Rice, Drunken Noodles, and other Thai favorites
Yelpers say: “Hands down one of the best Thai and Lao food[s] I have had in Ohio. I am very particular with Thai food because it can be hard to get the flavor profile right on a lot of the foods. Banh did not disappoint. I ordered the nam khao, the pad thai, and the crab rangoons. They also had shrimp crackers for sale! Their pad thai is easily the best in the area.” -Mindy H.
5. Pickles & Bones Barbecue (Milford)
Cuisine: Barbecue
What they’re known for: Slow-smoked meats, plus sides and sauces made from scratch
Yelpers say: “My husband has been a barbecue aficionado for years. He proclaimed Pickles & Bones the best barbecue he’s ever eaten. We both got the pork (moist and flavorful,) he got the sausage (spicy, but he loved it, just as he loved the spicy pickles) and I had the brisket (tender, moist, smoky, but some pieces had a little fat.) For sauces, my husband said it’s tricky to get mustard sauces right, but P&B does, as well as with their vinegar sauce. For sides, DO NOT miss the cheesy potatoes, a perfect blend of shredded, moist hashbrowns and cheesy sauce. The green beans were peppery and just like grandma’s.” -Amy C.
6. The Wheel (Oakley)
Cuisine: Italian, Sandwiches
What they’re known for: Hand rolled pasta and homemade bread
Yelpers say: “I never knew what bread & meat were supposed to taste like until I had a sandwich from The Wheel. Man has yet to create the words necessary to describe how delicious every item on the menu on any day of the week is. The bread is soft and fluffy, light and porous but not spongey, the crusts are thin but contribute a meaningful layer to each bite you take. The meat is fresh, soft, and almost melts in your mouth. The sandwich condiments are brilliantly curated adventures in flavor that bring every element of the sandwich to life. The food here is made with an unfathomable amount of love and it is obvious in every single bite & the glow it leaves you in when you’re done.The. Best. Restaurant. On. Earth.” -David W.
7. Pepp & Dolores (Over-the-Rhine)
Cuisine: Italian
What they’re known for: Insta-worthy pasta dishes that taste as good as they look
Yelpers say: “We make reservations months in advance to celebrate special occasions at our favorite place in the city, Pepp & Dolores. A perfect spot for birthdays, anniversaries and to bring out-of-town guests! We almost always order the same apps and entrees, they’re just that good! The hospitality of the staff is second to none, they are always so warm and welcoming (shoutout to Zak Kelley) Thank you Pepp & Dolores for treating us to a limoncello toast on our anniversary and for yet another amazing experience!” -Meera K.
8. Q BARBE Q (West Chester)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
What they’re known for: Kababs, Kafta, and other Middle Eastern classics
Yelpers say: “One of my favorite casual spots in Cincinnati. Not the most vibrant or fancy atmosphere, but a really great spot for a quick lunch or dinner. I really recommend the Q items on the menu. I got the chickenQ. The meat comes wrapped in a very tasty Zaatar bread. The hummus, garlic, and vegetables that come with it complement it very well. Appetizers are also very delicious. Great service and kind staff.” -Ali S.
9. Miami Market (Milford)
Cuisine: Delis
What they’re known for: Hot plate specials and customizable deli sandwiches
Yelpers say: “This place is like a walk back in time. Old school deli feel. The food is amazing. My first time trying it everyone recommended the chicken salad- erma goodness!!! So good!!! The staff is very friendly and helpful. This is the type of place that makes me proud to live in Milford.” -Jenni H.
10. Indian Bistro (Withamsville)
Cuisine: Indian
What they’re known for: Tikka Masala, and other Tandoori favorites
Yelpers say: “If I had to pick one word to describe the food at Indian Bistro, it would be mouthwatering. As one of the few non-chains in the Batavia area, The Indian Bistro had caught both my husband and I’s eyes, so we went. I ordered the Lamb Choley and my husband got the Lamb Korma. I have a feeling we will become regular customers here.” -LeAnn B.
11. Asiana Thai & Sushi (Hyde Park)
12. Sene Grill (West Chester)
13. Mi Burrito Mexican Grill (West Chester)
14. Milya Cafe (Blue Ash)
15. Balance Cafe & Smoothies (Loveland)
16. La Jaiba Seafood & Taqueria (Loveland)
17. Citrus & Sago (Mount Lookout)
18. Sotto (Downtown Cincinnati)
19. Grace of India (White Oak)
20. The Arepa Place (Over-the-Rhine)
21. Arrechissimo Restaurant (Deer Park)
22. Tortilleria Garcia (Springdale)
23. Phoenician Taverna (Mason)
24. Boca (Downtown Cincinnati)
25. May Café (Milford)
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Greater Cincinnati area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Cincinnati area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of July 11, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of July 11, 2022.
