Looking for local food in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Dayton? Here are our recommendations for independent restaurants that emphasize seasonal ingredients while supporting our local farmers, and other food artisans.
LessJust north of Washington Park in an old German church—Mellotone is less like a brewpub and more like a brew-sanctuary with laidback vibes and a refined space. Edible fans will love the clean west-coast style beers and seasonal fruit sours paired with an elevated brewery menu complete with vegetarian options (try the spicy cucumber noodles and citrus olive oil cake). Yes, you can get the smashbuger too.
High quality, old school cold cut sandwiches, beer, wine and curated grocery goods. Grab a seat and stay awhile or take your sandwich to go. Either way, we got you.
Call it breakfast, brunch, or lunch; no matter what we’re making, we’re making it buttery good. Butter Cafe is a casual, quirky breakfast and lunch stop in the University of Dayton area featuring fresh and organic ingredients. We specialize in classic comfort dishes with an added flare. Many of our dishes feature vegan and gluten-free ingredients and our bakery case is always packed with classic, keto, and gluten-free sweets.
Camp Washington Chili has earned the James Beard Award as an “American Regional Classic” for its timeless appeal and its commitment to quality food. While our secret chili recipe speaks for itself, there are other ingredients that help make Camp Washington Chili the premier chili parlor in Cincinnati.
Delicious, house-crafted nutrient-dense grab n' go meals, smoothies, baked goods, and as locally-sourced as possible pantry staples and snacks to keep you happily nourished for what the day brings! EVERYTHING is gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free friendly, but NOT taste-free?
Fresh meals and personal chef services. Cooking classes. Events. Stop by for a meal to-go or join a class.
Omnivore, Vegetarian & Vegan. Melt Revival is a long standing, made from scratch cafe, located in the eclectic area of Northside in Cincinnati, OH. Melt is known for its broad dietary options, which places a heavy focus on vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes. Owners Diane and Shannon have a tremendous amount of passion for creating innovative dishes that are healthy, organic, and locally sourced. Their influences stem mainly from their time spent in California, where Shannon worked as a ch
Head up to the third floor to the Aquifer Tasting Room to find cocktails, flights, and pours of New Riff's award-winning spirits. Small bites from the The Distillers Plate feature regional treats like Benedictine Dip and a variety of perfectly paired speciality from local food artisans. Open Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm. Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. Sun 11am-5pm.
A Hidden gem. Laid-back restaurant with an eclectic menu and a classic feel. Our food is thoughtful and delicious, we work closely with local farms and purveyors to bring you a sharable menu that hits every note. Pair that with a great soundtrack and comfortable lighting and you will have an outstanding time.
An urban cheese oasis in East Walnut Hills with a Tasting Room and Full Bar. Stop in to sample handmade, award-winning, artisanal cheese made in house, paired with a curated collection of other local artisan foods, rare wines, and local beers. Order charcuterie boards, cheese, wine and beer to-go.
Late-night food, fun and eclectic. A low key cocktail bar and cafe featuring expertly crafted drinks, a rock solid european beer list, fun wines and old world inspired food like caviar, liverwurst, radishes & butter, salumi and cheeses.
You’ll always find something delicious and healthy on the menu at The Summit with our Thoughtful Food For Thoughtful Minds™ approach. Overlook Kitchen + Bar is your go-to for cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients and irresistible dishes featuring local, seasonal produce and artisan meats. Grab a seat at the bar or head to the 3,800 sq ft outdoor terrace for cocktails and conversation alongside commanding views.
Inspired Tapas. Mita's is named after James Beard nominated, Chef José Salazar's grandmother. The menu focuses on both, the traditional and modern foods and beverages of Spain and Latin America while incorporating local ingredients.
A wine bar, restaurant, and retail wine store in historic Milford. Seasonal, new American cuisine meets southern cooking. Find 300 wines on our list with 100+ wines by the glass.
Independently-owned pizza tavern featuring an expansive beer list and rapidly rotating seasonal specialty pizzas. Located in the historic Fire House in Walnut HIlls, Cincinnati.
A pizza-centric restaurant featuring rustic, creative dishes and a bar that serves up fresh, handmade cocktails — brought to you by the culinary-minded folks at Meadowlark Restaurant!
A 90-seat, chef-owned, contemporary American restaurant dedicated to great ingredients and handmade food and cocktails. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch in the heart of Dayton, Ohio.
Communal hall with Neapolitan-style pies quickly crafted in 800° wood-burning ovens + 20 taps of regional craft beer. More than pizza, we have “not-your-average-pizza-place” seasonal salads, fire-roasted veggies, gluten-free + vegan options. Now with 4 locations in Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, and Troy.
Communal hall with Neapolitan-style pies quickly crafted in 800° wood-burning ovens + 20 taps of regional craft beer. More than pizza, we have “not-your-average-pizza-place” seasonal salads, fire-roasted veggies, gluten-free + vegan options. Now with 4 locations in Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, and Troy.
Communal hall with Neapolitan-style pies quickly crafted in 800° wood-burning ovens + 20 taps of regional craft beer. More than pizza, we have “not-your-average-pizza-place” seasonal salads, fire-roasted veggies, gluten-free + vegan options. Now with 4 locations in Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, and Troy.
Communal hall with Neapolitan-style pies quickly crafted in 800° wood-burning ovens + 20 taps of regional craft beer. More than pizza, we have “not-your-average-pizza-place” seasonal salads, fire-roasted veggies, gluten-free + vegan options. Now with 4 locations in Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, and Troy.
Baker’s Table offers a true farm-to-table experience, with a nourishing, soulful menu that features local produce, elegant wine pairings, artisan sourdough, and the best handmade pasta in Cincinnati.
Purple Poulet is a southern bourbon bistro inspired by the cuisines of Charleston and New Orleans, with an infusion of Kentucky. Perfect for a dinner with friends, a special occasion or simply any occasion. It’s our mission to provide an unparalleled dining experience — one that reflects the original culture and flavors of the Bluegrass State and the Deep South.
Hit the Mainstrasse for the local's favorite neighborhood bistro. The seasonal scratch menu is partly from the restaurants garden bringing fresh food right to your plate from only two blocks away.
A sweet family neighborhood coffee bar with showcasing fair-trade Honduran coffee, Latin-inspired small plates, soups, and pastries.
Locally-owned breakfast and lunch cafe proudly serving nutritionally dense plates for the entire family – carnvivores, vegetarians, or vegans. Breakfast scrambles and smoothies to soups, sandwiches, and grain bowls later in the day. Sourcing from a wide-range of local farmers and artisans everything from milk and eggs to veggies, breads, and sausages.
Safi is a cozy candlelit sit-down wine bar and lounge by Jose and Ann Salazar, inspired by the culture and cuisine of Morocco. Beyond wine, we offer a thoughtfully curated list of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and Moroccan small plates. Whether your mood has you craving a light bite, or a table full of shared plates at dinner, Safi's menu can fit any occasion. Our vibe is laid back, approachable and above all friendly!
Artisan Sourdough Swabian-Style Soft Pretzels, Spätzle, Flammkuchen and other scratch southern german cuisine served with beer or wine. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Part of the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Tour and based on visions of the future, Second Sight Spirits provides a unique tour experience by showcasing their one of a kind still and interactive elements in their tasting room. All of our spirits are crafted in the distillery on the world’s one and only fortune telling still!
Located in historicu Ludlow KY, Conserva is Cincinnati/NKY’s only authentic Spanish tapas bar, offering a true taste of Spain with traditional tapas, curated Spanish wines, sangria, sherry, vermouth, cocktails, and beer. Come experience the flavors and spirit of an authentic bar de tapas in an intimate, cozy environment.
I believe in using local ingredients whenever possible. Below are some of the sources for the grains, dairy, and produce used in North South Baking Company's products. You can find us Wednesday - Sunday at the bakery in Covington and every Sunday at Hyde Park Farmer’s Market. We offer pre orders for pick up at the bakery each week on Saturday and Sunday!
Avril Bleh Deli is located right next door to our Meat Market. We provide made from scratch sandwiches, soups and salads. Our deli sandwiches are made using only the freshest meats, breads and vegetables. Listed below are just a few of the tiems that you can find on the menu at our Deli. Stop in for lunch or give us a call for catering or take out orders.
Our main dining room is lively; we offer an a la carte menu focused on wild foraged, and local ingredients with a heavy focus on handmade pastas. We pair energetic vinyl with crave worthy snacks, larger format entrees meant for sharing and playful desserts. Formatted to be able to sneak in for a quick meal at the small bar, or try multiple dishes between a few friends.
Wyoming’s Phish and jam band-leaning Tēla Bar + Kitchen offers high-level pub grub in a laid-back, high energy atmosphere. Burgers start with juicy Angus Reserve beef patties, the Seoul of a Reuben takes a unique spin on a deli classic featuring Cincinnati’s very own Fab Ferments’ Hot Kimchi and all sandwiches, salads and even their Diablo Mussels feature bread from local artisan producer, Sixteen Bricks Bakehouse. A long draft, canned craft beer, creative cocktail and carefully curated wine sel
Cincinnati is filled with noisy German beer halls but Kantine is a proper neighborhood Biergarten. Nestled in the industrial outskirts of Spring Grove Ave under the viaduct you’ll find chef-owner Peter Schuster and his team serving up real German comfort/street food. Sausages, Schnitzels, homemade Döner kebab, potatoes (of all kinds), and german-style flat bread (Flammekuechen). Stop in on Mondays to perfect your German language skills – it’s German night!