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. A popular Saturday afternoon foodie tour is the 3- hour Ethnic Eats in Over-the-Rhine walking tour. Enjoy a progressive meal and visit 5 different restaurants featuring food from around the world!

The Banks

Right on the river, this area blends dining, nightlife, and energy—especially before or after a game. Are you visiting Cincinnati and looking for a family-friendly tour? You'll love the Cincy Top 10 Sites and Bites City Tour. This weekday morning tour encompasses everything you need to know about Cincinnati in just 3 short hours and features the foods that Cincinnati is renowned for. It begins where else: near the banks of the Ohio River.

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.

Are you looking for a spirited tour in Cincinnati that features Bourbon, Beer and Wine? You'll enjoy the Cincy Bourbon, Beer and Wine Streetcar Tour. Choose Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon and enjoy 10 pours of the best spirits in Cincinnati!

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.

It’s one of the reasons food tours work so well here—you can experience a lot in a short amount of time. The Cincinnati Streetcar Food & Culture Tour, offered 5 afternoons a week, is the most popular way to see and taste Cincinnati's food scene.

So… What Is the Best Food in Cincinnati?

Honestly?
It’s not just one thing.

It’s:

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

And the best way to experience all of that… is to let someone show you around.

Yes, I’m a little biased—but also right because at Riverside Food Tours, we know the best restaurants in Cincinnati!

FAQ: Visiting Cincinnati for Food

What is the best food tour in Cincinnati?

Riverside Food Tours.
We answer the question "Where to eat in Cincinnati?"

We combine top-rated local restaurants, rich history, and expert guides to create a fun, seamless experience. Guests consistently tell us it’s 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 the best food in Cincinnati is through a guided Cincinnati food tour.

Are there walking food tours in Cincinnati?

Yes! Riverside Food Tours offers a variety of tours 7 days a week (plus two evenings). Many of their Cincinnati food tours are fully walking tours, including:

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!

The Best Things to do in Cincinnati for Food Lovers