The Best Things to do in Cincinnati for Food Lovers

Name: Riverside Food Tours
Address: Cincinnati , OH 45202
Telephone: (513) 289-0035

By Laura Noyes

April 2, 2026

The Best Things to do in Cincinnati for Food Lovers

What is the best food in Cincinnati that visitors must try?

There’s the obvious—yes, we all know Skyline Chili and Graeter’s Ice Cream. And don’t get me wrong… they’re iconic for a reason.

But as a Cincinnati native and the owner of Riverside Food Tours, I can tell you with absolute confidence: our Cincinnati food scene goes so much deeper—and it’s one of the most underrated in the country.

A Culinary Legacy Most People Don’t Know About

Here’s something that surprises almost every guest on our tours:

Back in the 1970s and 80s, Cincinnati was home to three coveted Mobil 5-star restaurants:

The Maisonette
Pigal’s
The Gourmet Room

At the time, cities like New York City and Los Angeles had just one. Let that sink in.

Cincinnati wasn’t just “good for its size”—it was leading the nation in fine dining.

That legacy didn’t disappear. It evolved. The Maisonette structure stands at 114 E. 6th Street and was transformed into Boca, one of the top restaurants in the city, led by acclaimed chef David Falk. Yes, we still have the best food in Cincinnati!

Today’s Food Scene: Nationally Recognized Talent

Fast forward to today, and Cincinnati is packed with James Beard–recognized chefs and rising culinary stars. The creativity, diversity, and quality coming out of our kitchens right now is incredible—and still flying under the radar compared to bigger cities.

That’s exactly why visitors are so surprised. They come expecting chili…
and leave talking about handmade pasta, elevated street food, craft cocktails, and globally inspired cuisine. If you’re searching for the best food in Cincinnati, you’re in the right place. We still have the best food in Cincinnati!

Neighborhoods That Food Lovers Shouldn’t Miss

One of the best parts of eating your way through Cincinnati?
Everything is close—and each neighborhood has its own vibe.

Here are a few must-explore areas to enjoy the best food in Cincinnati:

Over-the-Rhine

Historic, walkable, and packed with some of the city’s best restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars. My personal recommendations for fine dining are: Pepp & Delores, Wildweed, Louvino and Abigail Street.

The Banks

Right on the river, this area blends dining, nightlife, and energy—especially before or after a game. There's no shortage of bars and restaurants along the river. And it's a DORA area!

Aronoff Center for the Arts District

Perfect for a dinner + show night, with great restaurants tucked all around. The intersection of Walnut and 6th Street features a variety of restaurants for the comfort and convenience of theater goers. My recommendations are: Nada, Sotto, Boca, Prime, Nicholson's Pub and Willow Run Bourbon Distillery.

Court Street Plaza

A newer hotspot that’s quickly becoming a go-to for food halls, drinks, and gathering. My personal recommendations are: Sudova, Mid-City Restaurant, and Court Street Kitchen.

The Secret Weapon: Getting Around Is Easy

One thing visitors LOVE?

The Cincinnati Bell Connector—our free streetcar that connects all these neighborhoods.

No parking stress. No planning headaches. Just hop on and explore.

So… What Is the Best Food in Cincinnati?

Honestly?
It’s not just one thing. We recommend reading online reviews in order to get unbiased opinions. Companies can exaggerate their products, but past guests will tell it like it is!

It’s:

The mix of historic and modern
The passion of local chefs
The walkable neighborhoods
The stories behind every bite

FAQ: Visiting Cincinnati for Food

What is the best food tour in Cincinnati?

Look for a highly rated tour that combines top-rated local restaurants, rich history, and expert guides to create a fun, seamless experience. Guests consistently tell us a food tour is the highlight of their trip—and many locals say they discover places they never knew existed.

What food is Cincinnati famous for?

Cincinnati is best known for Skyline Chili and Graeter’s Ice Cream, but the real story includes a diverse and growing food scene with everything from global cuisine to chef-driven concepts. One of the easiest ways to experience Cincinnati's best food is through a guided Cincinnati food tour.

Are there walking food tours in Cincinnati?

Yes! Go to Vistcincy.com and look under FOOD TOURS. You'll find many walking tours, history tours, art tours, architecture tours and food tours!

Is Findlay Market worth visiting?

Absolutely. Findlay Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country and a must-see for food lovers looking for things to do in Cincinnati.

Riverside Food Tours includes a visit to Findlay Market on the majority of our tours—so you don’t just walk through it, you truly experience it (and taste it).

Our Findlay Market tours are one of the best ways to experience the local food scene.

Check out our blog: What Is Cincinnati Known For? 15 Reasons to Visit the Queen City

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If you’re ready to experience the best food in Cincinnati for yourself, join us on a Riverside Food Tour and taste the city like a local.

Riverside Food Tours has welcomed thousands of guests and consistently earns 5-star reviews. We promise you a VIP experience!

Duration

3 hours

Group Size

2 to 14

FIRST TIME CINCINNATI VISITORS 10 AM Cincinnati Top 10 ‘Sites and Bites’ City Tour

BEST-SELLING MORNING FOOD + SIGHTSEEING TOUR Visit 3 different neighborhoods. Enjoy 7 local foods, including a secret 'sweet surprise' at the end! See the best of downtown Cincinnati and eat like a local! The Cincinnati Top 10 Sites + Bites City Tour is the most comprehensive introduction to Cincinnati, featuring the city's Top 10 sights, iconic neighborhoods, local favorites, and amazing food. You’ll spend three unforgettable hours savoring the soul of Cincinnati with all your senses. You’ll start with the warm, crisp aroma of a buttery Belgian waffle, feeling its steam rise on your face as you take the first bite, then hear your guide’s stories as you stroll past the striking Roebling Suspension Bridge and the powerful exhibit outside of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. As we walk through the streets of Cincinnati, we get a close-up view of the art and architecture. The streetcar enables us to visit four different neighborhoods, but this is a walking tour. Wear your comfy shoes! Along the way, you’ll taste savory German goetta, rich Cincinnati chili on a classic coney, and cool down with Graeter’s famous ice cream—its creamy richness melting on your tongue. Later, the sweet saltiness of fudge and the crumbly delight of our surprise ending at Findlay Market will bring smiles and laughter as you meet new friends. With every step and sip, you’ll feel the history, culture, and vibrancy of Cincinnati come alive around you, leaving you joyful, well‑fed, and deeply connected to the Queen City’s character.

from

$69

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Duration

3 hours

Group Size

2 to 14

HOP ON HOP OFF - TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CITY 1 PM Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market

BEST-SELLING AFTERNOON FOOD + SIGHTSEEING TOUR Visit 3 different neighborhoods. Enjoy 5 different local dishes, a Scottish ale, and end with a secret 'sweet surprise'. See the best of downtown Cincinnati, enjoy generous portions, and eat like a local! The Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market provides a more relaxing introduction to Cincinnati with less walking. The tour begins in the heart of the city and continues to Findlay Market. We walk a few short blocks during the first half of the tour. We enjoy sit-down dining at three unique restaurants near Fountain Square. We ride the streetcar twelve blocks north to historic Findlay Market. We enjoy 3 more tastings and a sweet surprise! We return to Fountain Square on the streetcar. Looking for the best culinary tour in Cincinnati? Experience a feast for all your senses as you slowly uncover the city’s vibrant flavors and stories. You’ll feel the warmth of a hearty sit‑down dish—maybe savory bangers and mash or a juicy gourmet burger—and smell the spice of fresh tacos, chips, and salsa as your group laughs and shares bites together. The sleek streetcar glides beneath you as you take in historic murals, Art Deco towers, and bustling city streets while your guide fills the air with fun facts and local history. At Findlay Market, you’ll touch the smooth surface of artisanal chocolates, taste rich cheeses and artisan fudge, and enjoy a sweet surprise ending. With every flavor, every story, and every smile shared with new friends, you’ll feel joy, connection, and a deeper love for Cincinnati’s food culture—leaving you full, happy, and eager to explore more of the Queen City.

from

$79

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Duration

3 hours

Group Size

2 to 8

RAISE A GLASS TO CINCINNATI! EVENING + SATURDAY. ADULTS ONLY Wed 5pm, Sat 1pm ~ Cincinnati Bourbon, Beer & Wine Tour

Enjoy a guided streetcar tour with 5 bourbon tastings, 3 craft beers, 2 glasses of wine, paired tastings, and a deep dive into Cincinnati's spirited past. Every moment will delight your senses and leave you smiling. Over three relaxed, flavor-filled hours, you’ll sip, savor, and connect your way through the city’s most celebrated destinations. Raise a glass to Cincinnati with local drinks and delicious pairings on a walking tour downtown, followed by a streetcar ride to Over-the-Rhine. You’ll smell the rich, smoky aroma of handcrafted bourbons, taste sweet vanilla and toasted oak notes as you sip Willow Run’s signature pours, and even blend your own custom bourbon, feeling the warmth and pride of Cincinnati’s heritage in your hands. The streetcar glides beneath your feet, carrying you to Revel Winery, where the crisp, fruity scents of small-batch wines mingle with soft chatter and the touch of a chilled glass, paired with salty, savory bites that melt on your tongue. At Mellotone Beer Project, the hoppy aroma of craft beer and the salty crunch of warm fries fill the air as you laugh, sip, and connect with fellow guests. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of Irish immigrants, German brewers, and local wine pioneers, feeling a joyful mix of curiosity, nostalgia, and celebration. By the end of the three-hour tour, you’ll leave full of flavor, knowledge, and the excitement of discovering Cincinnati’s spirited past and present—a truly memorable night that tastes as good as it feels.

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$99

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Duration

2 hours 30 minutes

Group Size

2 to 8

EXPLORE OVER-THE-RHINE ONE COCKTAIL AT A TIME ADULTS ONLY Sat. 5:00 PM Over-the-Rhine Cocktail Tour

Take an evening stroll through historic Over-the-Rhine and indulge in 4 hand-crafted cocktails, each paired with light food tastings and a dose of spirited history, creating a memorable experience. At each stop, you’ll sip smooth, aromatic drinks—from herbal elixirs in a cozy apothecary‑style bar to vibrant, balanced creations in a sleek lounge—feeling the chill of ice against your lips and the warmth of spice and citrus on your tongue, heightening your sense of discovery. Along the route, your guide will share fascinating stories of old tunnels and hidden speakeasies while you touch cool brick walls and hear laughter and clinking glasses around you. Between drinks, the crisp night air and lively neighborhood energy will make you smile and help you connect with friends old and new, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

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$89

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Duration

3 hours

Group Size

2 to 12

SATURDAY MORNING BRUNCH + FINDLAY MARKET 10:30 AM Cincinnati Brunch & Streetcar Food Tour

Explore two vibrant neighborhoods and enjoy six local dishes, a craft beer, plus a secret 'sweet surprise' at the end! Wander through historic Over-the-Rhine and ride the Streetcar to Findlay Market for a memorable experience. Looking for the best Cincinnati Food tour to start your weekend with a bang? Enjoy a feast for all your senses that will leave you smiling from start to finish. You’ll delight in six flavorful dishes, from stuffed French toast in a historic Over-the-Rhine beer garden to fresh deli sandwiches, flaky empanadas, or zesty tacos, each bite sparking joy and a sense of discovery. Feel the crispy, cheesy perfection of Detroit-style pizza paired with a cold German lager, then hop on the streetcar and watch the city glide by, feeling a sense of adventure and connection that makes you part of Cincinnati's vibrant scene. At Findlay Market, smell sweet fudge, touch creamy cheeses, and savor goetta, discovering hidden flavors that make you feel curious, excited, and utterly content. Finish with a sweet surprise that melts in your mouth, leaving you eager to share the experience and feel deeply connected to Cincinnati’s vibrant food scene.

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$79

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Duration

3 hours

Group Size

2 to 12

COME HUNGRY. LEAVE WITH A TASTE OF THE WORLD Sat. 12 Noon Over-the-Rhine Ethnic Eats Walking Food Tour

Walk the streets of historic Over-the-Rhine and discover a diverse range of 5 local dishes, Bubble tea, a Lebanese cocktail, plus a secret 'sweet surprise' at the end! This walking food tour in Cincinnati offers an exciting mix of aromas and flavors that will keep you engaged from start to finish. You’ll bite into vibrant steamed buns, tacos with spicy heat and fresh cilantro, taste silky hummus and warm, soft pita, and sip rich, aromatic sauces that dance on your tongue. Along the way, you’ll smell sweet spices, touch textured market wares, and hear the hum of friendly conversations as you explore each unique neighborhood stop. Feel the warmth of local hospitality and the vibrant atmosphere that makes Cincinnati feel like a welcoming community. With every flavorful dish and story shared, you’ll feel joyful, curious, and more connected—to the food, the culture, and the city itself—leaving you smiling, satisfied, and eager for your next bite in Cincinnati. This tour promises an engaging experience that will leave you wanting more.

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$79

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