Introduction
Move over, Chicago! While often overlooked, Cincinnati is quietly solidifying its place as a major food destination in the Midwest. From iconic comfort food staples to innovative farm-to-table experiences and a burgeoning international culinary scene, the Queen City offers a flavor for every palate. This isn’t just about chili; it’s a complete culinary journey. Get ready to embark on an exploration of Cincinnati’s best food, uncovering hidden gems and revisiting beloved classics that define the city’s unique gastronomic identity. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this guide will lead you straight to the most unforgettable dining experiences Cincinnati has to offer. The city’s food is calling.
Cincinnati Food Staples: The Classics
Cincinnati’s culinary identity is deeply rooted in a few key dishes that have become synonymous with the city itself. To truly experience Cincinnati’s best food, you must start with these iconic staples.
Cincinnati Chili: A Culinary Curiosity
No exploration of Cincinnati’s best food is complete without delving into the city’s most famous (and perhaps most debated) creation: Cincinnati Chili. This isn’t your average Texas-style chili. It’s a unique, Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce, often served over spaghetti. Its origins trace back to Greek immigrants, the Kiradjieff brothers, who were looking for ways to attract customers to their Empress Chili parlor. They experimented with different flavors and spices, eventually creating the chili we know and love today.
What makes Cincinnati Chili truly special is the “way” it’s served. Ordering involves specifying the number of ingredients layered on top of the spaghetti. A three-way is chili, spaghetti, and shredded cheddar cheese. A four-way adds diced onions or kidney beans. And a five-way includes both onions and beans.
While debates rage on about the best chili parlor, Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili remain the most popular, with Dixie Chili as a strong contender. Each establishment has its own subtle variations in spice blend and cheese type.
Insider Tip: Ordering “upside down” means cheese is placed on the plate first, followed by the spaghetti and chili. This allows the cheese to melt more thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to ask for oyster crackers and hot sauce to customize your bowl!
Goetta: A Hearty German Sausage
Goetta, pronounced “get-uh,” is another Cincinnati staple with deep German roots. This breakfast sausage is made from ground meat (usually pork or a combination of pork and beef), steel-cut oats, and a blend of spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for starting your day.
You can find goetta served in countless ways throughout the city. The most common is pan-fried until crispy on the outside and served as a side with eggs. You’ll also find it in sandwiches, burgers, and even as a pizza topping. For an authentic experience, visit Eckerlin Meats in Findlay Market, a local butcher shop that has been making goetta for generations. Queen City Sausage is another popular brand widely available.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: French Pot Perfection
No exploration of Cincinnati’s best food is complete without a visit to Graeter’s Ice Cream. Graeter’s is a Cincinnati institution, known for its rich, decadent ice cream made using the unique French Pot process. This involves freezing the ice cream in small batches, creating a dense and creamy texture that’s unlike anything else.
Graeter’s offers a variety of flavors, but their signature Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip is a must-try. The combination of tart black raspberry ice cream and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips is simply irresistible. Visiting a Graeter’s store is an experience in itself, with its charming atmosphere and friendly staff.
Beyond the Classics: Modern Cincinnati Cuisine
While Cincinnati’s classics are essential, the city’s food scene has evolved far beyond chili, goetta, and ice cream. A new generation of chefs and restaurateurs are pushing culinary boundaries and creating exciting new dining experiences.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Local and Sustainable
Cincinnati boasts a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants that prioritize locally sourced ingredients. These establishments work closely with local farmers and producers to create dishes that are fresh, seasonal, and sustainable. Boca is a fine-dining establishment showcasing seasonal ingredients in elevated dishes. Metropole, located in the 21c Museum Hotel, features wood-fired cuisine with a focus on Appalachian flavors. Please, a name that doesn’t scream fine dining, offers a tasting menu with local products and creative flair. Supporting these restaurants not only provides a memorable dining experience but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable agriculture.
International Flavors: A Global Gastronomic Journey
Cincinnati’s culinary landscape reflects the city’s diverse population. From Vietnamese pho to Indian curries and Italian pasta, you can find a wide range of international flavors throughout the city. Pho Lang Thang in Findlay Market offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Amma’s Kitchen serves up delicious and authentic Indian dishes. Sotto, located downtown, is known for its handmade pasta and regional Italian specialties.
Craft Breweries and Gastropubs: Beer and Bites
Cincinnati has experienced a craft beer renaissance in recent years, with numerous breweries opening throughout the city. These breweries often feature on-site gastropubs, offering a wide selection of beers and food pairings. Rhinegeist Brewery is a massive brewery in OTR with a taproom, featuring a wide selection of beers and a lively atmosphere. MadTree Brewing is another popular brewery with a large outdoor space and a diverse beer menu. Taft’s Ale House, located downtown, is a brewery housed in a historic church, offering a unique dining experience.
Neighborhood Food Guides
Cincinnati’s culinary scene is concentrated in distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and culinary offerings.
Over-the-Rhine (OTR): A Culinary Hotspot
Over-the-Rhine (OTR) has undergone a dramatic revitalization in recent years, transforming from a blighted neighborhood into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and food. The neighborhood is now home to some of Cincinnati’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Eagle is a popular restaurant known for its fried chicken and Southern-inspired dishes. Pepp and Dolores is an Italian restaurant that offers handmade pasta and a lively atmosphere.
Downtown: Business and Bites
Downtown Cincinnati offers a mix of business lunch spots, fine dining options, and casual eateries. Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, is a must-visit for food lovers. It offers a wide variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other culinary delights. Several restaurants offer views of the Ohio River.
Northside: Eclectic Eats
Northside is a quirky and artsy neighborhood with a diverse culinary scene. It’s home to many independent restaurants and cafes offering unique and creative dishes.
Budget-Friendly Eats
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Cincinnati’s best food. There are plenty of affordable options throughout the city.
Food Trucks: Mobile Munchies
Cincinnati has a thriving food truck scene, with trucks offering everything from gourmet burgers to tacos to wood-fired pizzas. Tracking the locations of these mobile kitchens becomes part of the fun!
Cheap Eats: Delicious Deals
Many restaurants offer affordable lunch specials and happy hour deals. You can also find great deals on ethnic food, pizza by the slice, and sandwiches.
Happy Hour Deals: Discounted Delights
Numerous restaurants offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks and appetizers. It’s a great way to sample different dishes without spending a lot of money.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
No culinary journey is complete without indulging in some sweet treats.
Bakeries: Breads and Beyond
Cincinnati boasts a number of excellent bakeries offering a wide variety of pastries, cakes, and breads.
Donuts: A Cincinnati Craving
Cincinnatians love their donuts. Numerous donut shops throughout the city offer a wide variety of flavors and styles.
Ice Cream (Beyond Graeter’s): Cool Creations
While Graeter’s is the most famous ice cream shop in Cincinnati, there are other options with unique flavors and creative concoctions.
Events and Food Festivals
Cincinnati hosts a number of food-related events throughout the year, offering a great opportunity to sample the city’s culinary scene.
Taste of Cincinnati: A Culinary Celebration
Taste of Cincinnati is the largest food festival in the city, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It features hundreds of restaurants and food vendors offering a wide variety of dishes.
Other Food Festivals: Seasonal Sensations
Throughout the year, you’ll find various food festivals celebrating different cuisines and ingredients.
Farmers’ Markets: Fresh and Local
Visiting local farmers’ markets is a great way to experience Cincinnati’s food culture and support local farmers.
Conclusion
Cincinnati’s food scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. From the unique taste of Cincinnati chili to the handcrafted flavors of Graeter’s ice cream and the exciting creations of modern chefs, the Queen City offers a culinary adventure for every taste and budget. Don’t just take our word for it; explore the neighborhoods, sample the classics, and discover the hidden gems that make Cincinnati’s best food truly special. Come hungry and leave satisfied. Cincinnati is waiting to be devoured! Now, go explore the best food Cincinnati has to offer and create your own unforgettable culinary memories.
