Cincinnati: it’s the place to be for foodies. Whether you’re strolling across the Purple People Bridge, watching a show in Sawyer Point Park, or hitting the Little Miami Scenic Trail, you won’t be far from tasty bites. That’s right: the Cincinnati food scene reaches far and wide.

Before your mouth becomes a river, let’s find out where you’ll be eating this weekend — or maybe tonight! 

What Foods Are Famous in Cincinnati?

Drumroll for the foods Cincinnati is known for: Where else could we start than with the city’s very own chili? Two Greek-Macedonian brothers, Tom (Athanas) and John (Ivan) Kiradjieff, immigrated to Cincinnati in 1918. While working at a local bank, Tom turned to cooking to earn extra income. This is when he invented what would become one of the city’s iconic dishes — Cincinnati chili. 

Is it chili in a bowl? No way! More like a Bolognese meat sauce, the chili is decked out with ground beef, tomato paste, cocoa powder, and a heavenly medley of spices. We’re talking warm, fragrant ones that could easily transport you to the Mediterranean — cinnamon, allspice, cumin, chili powder, and bay leaves. 

Cooked into a soup-like consistency, it enhances hot dogs and spaghetti. It even has its own ordering styles. Do you want it 3-Way? 5-Way? As a Cheese Coney? Oyster Bomb? So many options, so little time.

Apart from the chili culinary scene, Cincinnati has earned regional fame for its goetta. This food is of German origin, likely from people immigrating from the regions around Oldenburg and Hannover. While ground meat like beef or pork is the backbone, it’s the steel-cut oats that make it one of the Cincinnati food specialties. It’s your meat and grains all in one! 

Some people call it sausage. Others call it a loaf. Either way, it’s delicious. The sausage loaf is seasoned with aromatic spices like rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, cloves, and black pepper. Along with onions and a rich broth, it simmers into a food you can slice, fry, or add to sandwiches and local Cincinnati pizza.

Top 4 Places To Eat and Drink in Cincinnati

This city has plenty of happening food stops, where the line snakes around the corner and customers leave with full bellies and big smiles. The Cincinnati food tour starts now. Here are four places to eat in Cincinnati and then come back for more.  

1. Little Miami Brewing Company: Enjoy Craft Beer and Pizza

Maybe we’re a bit biased, but we think Little Miami Brewing Company is one of the best Cincinnati pizza restaurants around. Why? Because the pizza is delicious, and it works amazingly well with our seasonal craft beers! 

The pizza and ale house opened in 2017, adding its name to the Mill Street restaurants in Milford, Ohio. Try one of our signature 11-inch pizzas — like the Figgy Piggy, with a fig jam base, red onions, prosciutto, and goat cheese, or the Bass Island, where spinach, black olives, roasted garlic, tomatoes, and red onions sit atop a garlic and olive oil base. You can also create your own or ask for our pizza of the month. Delicious!

Locally-owned restaurants wouldn’t be complete without locally crafted beer. That’s right: it’s always beer o’clock around here! The menu changes with the seasons, but some fan favorites include Pterodactyl, Buzz Saw, and Bike Path.  

2. Amma’s Kitchen: Discover Cincinnati Indian Food

Headed out for dinner or lunch in Cincinnati? Instead of typing in “amazing restaurants” and going wild, plug Amma’s Kitchen into your phone and let that friendly GPS — or your nose — guide you there. This fully vegetarian, kosher restaurant in Cincinnati’s Roselawn neighborhood serves up fresh dosas (crepes), curries, idlis (steamed rice cakes), vadas (donuts), and more. It also offers a lunch buffet where you can fill your plate with delicious Indian cuisine. They serve up a vegan buffet on Wednesdays. 

Indian food is diverse, with something new to discover in each region. At Amma’s Kitchen, the specialty is South Indian flavors with a mix of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes. Be sure to try some of their top-rated dishes like Podi Masala Dosa, Medu Vada, Amma’s Special Dal, and Idli Manchurian.  

3. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse: Try Their Delicious Steak

Nice places to eat in Cincinnati are all around. For a taste of excellence, treat yourself to the fine dining experience at one of the best local restaurants in Cincinnati. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is located Downtown at the corner of W. 5th and Vine Streets, bringing an upscale experience with 1920s-style ambiance and decor. From the 10oz Australian Wagyu Ribeye to the 6oz Japanese A5 Filet Mignon or 14oz Blackened Steak Burrow with Creole crawfish sauce, the prime beef selections will delight all of your senses. 

Along with some of the most exceptional prime steaks, be sure to savor the Crab Cakes, Wagyu Meatballs, Verlasso Salmon, or Tuna Tartare. And did we mention the dessert? Two must-try illusion cakes are the Air Ruby and Ruby Vuitton — with mouthwatering flavors to match the attractive design. It’s dining perfected.

4. Atwood Oyster House: Order the Best Oysters in Town

Cincinnatians love a good oyster bar, and Atwood Oyster House doesn’t disappoint. This newer establishment has quickly become one of the essential restaurants in Over-The-Rhine, drawing in locals for the diverse menu. The raw oyster bar changes seasonally and sources the finest-quality oysters from places like Dabob Bay, Baynes Sound, and Damariscotta River. 

You’ll also want to try their Black Bass with fennel, snap peas, and carrots, or the Atwood ‘Burger’ with shrimp, scallops, b&b pickles, and smoked cheddar. 

We could treat you with even more popular restaurants, or we could invite you to come by and taste for yourself! 

Visit Little Miami Brewing for the Best Local Food Experience

Join us at Little Miami Brewing Company for the tastiest brick-oven pizza and craft beer in Cincinnati. We’re passionate about great food and drinks and we can’t wait to show you around our slice of town. From Dan, Joe, Jim, and everyone at Little Miami Brewing, bottoms up!