Pennyflower Bistro and Bar

Review summary

1. R

   Rex

   VIP

   San Francisco

   60 reviews

   5.0

   60 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was truly excellent. I highly recommend the beef tartare and the vegetarian lasagna.
   

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2. A

   Ashley

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   39 reviews

   3.0

   39 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Loved the service but I don’t think the server heard us when we ordered the Amish chicken because it never arrived and it was never charged to us. The croquettes are delicious and I would come back for these. The feta whipped toast was mediocre, too much going on and a little sloppy (not my favorite in the city). The hot salmon dip I would come back for and loved that it was served with seaweed squares. The grain salad with the most beautiful green goddess dressing was delicious but a bit overdressed but so good. The steak was delicious, well prepared and loved the bordelaise and tapioca cheddar underneath. The desserts were good but not great. The s’more was too much marshmallow not any crunch. The Mille-feuille was good but it needed the fruit puréed, I couldn’t decide if I liked this or not. The lychee martini and the blueberry basil drink were absolutely delicious and a great selection of wine!
   

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3. S

   Shontel

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   16 reviews

   3.0

   16 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Will definitely be back for another round of the Crispy Vegetarian Lasagna & Grain Salad
   

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4. M

   Mario L

   Cincinnati

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Bold Hits, Missed Opportunities, and a Cozy Vibe Pennyflower Bistro is ambitious, and when it lands, it really lands. But not everything on the menu hits the same high note. First, the stars of the night: Carbonara Croquette and Moroccan Tartare. These weren’t just good—they were transportive. The croquette had that perfect crispy exterior, giving way to a rich, silky carbonara core that screamed indulgence. The tartare? Spiced to perfection, balancing heat, acidity, and depth in a way that made every bite feel . Easily two of the best dishes we’ve had in recent memory—complex, flavorful, and executed with confidence. Then came the Pork Chop Challenge, and let’s just say, it didn’t live up to its name. Technically cooked fine, but where was the excitement? It lacked seasoning, depth, and any real hook. The plating didn’t help—whatever it was sitting on just felt… bland. A dish that needed more risk, more boldness, more something. The Smashburger? A strong player. Juicy, well-constructed, and carrying its own signature punch. But is it the best in the city? Not quite. It’s good—better than most—but it doesn’t dethrone the top contenders. Service was smooth, and the setting? Ideal. Sitting near the window, watching the snow fall over downtown, made for a perfect backdrop. Pennyflower has serious potential—it’s clear the kitchen can deliver incredible flavors when they hit their stride. But some dishes still feel like they’re holding back. When they fully commit, this place could be a heavyweight in Cincinnati’s dining scene.
   

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5. T

   Tanner

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Olivia, the wonderful lady who waited on our table was an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! She made the whole night perfect! My only minuses (and they’re very small) is that I felt it was a bit too loud and my chair wasn’t the most comfortable.
   

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6. a

   amy

   VIP

   Indiana

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The chef created a food experience. Highly recommend!
   

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7. s

   susie

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was very good, wish they had more dinner menu items vs. sandwiches and burgers for their dinner menu. Favorite was short rib bone marrow. Drinks were good too.
   

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8. a

   amy

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   99 reviews

   4.0

   99 reviews

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   A beautiful space and the meal did not disappoint. I had the fried lasagna...it was spicy and delicious! Service was great too.
   

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9. D

   Donna

   Cincinnati

   28 reviews

   4.0

   28 reviews

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Server, Tucker, was excellent. We loved the whipped feta toast appetizer. Pork chop was excellent. Not a super diverse menu but nice selections.
   

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10. B

    Brianna

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    Great service for Valentine’s Day! Good drink selection but the food was fine. The vegetarian lasagna was fine, the beef tartare was quality meat but we weren’t a fan of the flavors.
    

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