Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Cincinnati / Dayton

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Cincinnati / Dayton? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Quarter Bistro

4.8

4.8 (2101)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Mariemont

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Quarter Bistro, located in the heart of historic Mariemont Square, only minutes from Montgomery, Maderia, Indian Hill and Downtown.
The award-winning combination of seasonal cuisine and sophisticated ambiance are just the beginning of an unforgettable experience.
As Cincinnati's premier "contemporary" bistro, the menu presents all things classic and creative in balance. Fresh fish and game daily? Of course. Outstanding wines at a great value? No Question. Whether it's a beautiful summer evening on the patio, a romantic wine and dine for two, or a down-to-business dinner for ten, The Quarter Bistro has it covered.

Top review

CarlVIP

Dined 4 days ago

WE greatly enjoyed the food and service. We will be back.

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Popular dish

PEI Mussels

National Exemplar

4.8

4.8 (1884)

$30 and under

American

Mariemont

About the restaurant

The National Exemplar, located on the first floor of the Mariemont Inn, is a popular neighborhood restaurant. It offers American-style cuisine in its spacious dining room or relaxing outdoor patio. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the National Exemplar offers an outstanding experience.

Southerby’s Pub, located off the lobby, offers dining as well as a cozy place to have a drink and features oversized chairs overlooking one of the original 1920’s fireplaces. In the evening settle down in an over-stuffed sofa and savor a drink with the locals in this intimate lobby pub.

In April of 1983, The National Exemplar began operation in the Mariemont, Ohio landmark, the Mariemont Inn. The Inn was constructed in the mid-1920's as a small piece of the very unique Mariemont community, founded by Mary Emery. The National Exemplar Restaurant was named after learning that Mary Emery once referred to her developing community as the National Exemplar, meaning national model community.

Top review

JacquelineVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Hands down our favorite restaurant in Cincinnati! My husband and I visit quite a bit (we’re from Lis Angeles) as our daughter lives in Cincy. The ambience is unassuming. You can dress up, or come in jeans. The cocktails are always exemplary. I always order their prime rib, which is better than Jeff Ruby’s and Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Staff is always great. This time Mary was our server, and of course she was fantastic. The only thing that could improve is their wines-by-the-glass offering. Can’t wait to come back! Note to management- can I get a frequent diner card? Lol. If you haven’t been, go. Just go.

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Hungarian Mushroom Soup

The Standard Covington

4.7

4.7 (44)

$30 and under

American

Covington

About the restaurant

Casual neighborhood restaurant. Converted garage setting with plenty of outdoor activities.

Reservations are only accepted for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

First time at this place was very pleased we chose to have a brunch for our daughter’s 15th birthday. Great atmosphere and experience. Staff was friendly and very accommodating of our large party. We will definitely be back!!

Taste of Belgium at The Banks

4.6

4.6 (319)

$30 and under

American

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Taste of Belgium is a modern Belgian brasserie that fuses Belgian and American cuisines with locally sourced ingredients for both brunch and dinner. Taste of Belgium offers a carefully curated beer list featuring an unequaled selection of Belgian brews and craft cocktails to enhance every meal. In 2023, Jean-François Flechet, our founder, was honored with a knighthood by the prestigious Knighthood of the Brewer's Paddle, recognizing his dedication to Belgian brewing traditions. Our journey began in 2007 at Cincinnati's historic Findlay Market, where Jean-François introduced a traditional Liège-style waffle recipe and a 120-pound cast-iron waffle maker from Belgium. Since then, Taste of Belgium has expanded to seven full-service neighborhood brasseries across Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. Discover more about our Belgian-inspired dining experience at www.tasteofbelgium.com.

Top review

Nell

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Oh sooo good! Taste of Belgium 🇧🇪 is excellent! The service was phenomenal. They did not hesitate when we asked to be seated in a different type of seating, the wait staff was always available while never hovering. The coffee, pastries and of course the waffles were simply perfect 👌🏻 Couldn’t have asked for a better brunch on graduation day!

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4.5

4.5 (990)

$30 and under

American

Fort Mitchell

About the restaurant

Grandview Tavern is Northern Kentucky's premier food and beverage entertainment business. Established in 2007 and still going strong. Over a decade of research and development has forged a casual upscale concept, second to none. We take pride in the fresh product we produce. Our Signature Salmon Salad, Chicken Piccata, Fresh Wings and the Best Burger around. Chef Jack Rolf's creations insure something for everyone. Extensive Wine menu and 1/2 Price every Monday. Specialty Cocktails and a GREAT Bourbon selection. Enjoy outdoor dining, LIVE music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A cozy, vibrant bar or a quiet dining room awaits you. Private Dining available, special events as well as catering. It is our pleasure to welcome you to Grandview Tavern.

Top review

SherrieVIP

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

What a beautiful place for a Christmas Dinner with friends! The food was delicious and the service was amazing! The menu has something for everyone! Cocktails were top notch as was the wine selection!

Rosewood by Teak

4.3

4.3 (789)

$31 to $50

Pan-Asian

Oakley

About the restaurant

Rosewood provides a unique dining experience in the heart of Oakley Square, featuring favorite dishes inspired by our past while offering a wide variety of delicious seafood, steak, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Rosewood's beverage program shares the same inspiration and values of our culinary program, offering selections that are locally influenced and ingredient driven. Our cocktails are influenced by the classics and driven by the change of the seasons with a wine program curated to enhance the flavors of our food and invites our guests to share with us in new experiences. When the patio is available we do not take requests or reservations for the patio. The patio is first come first served.

Top review

Julie

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Great Service and Great Food. Got the Hot Pot Soup. Had enough left over for 2 more meals!!!

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Popular dish

Chilean Seabass

Experience

Crafting Happiness: Join Us for Happy Hour Bliss

Brio Italian Grille - Beaver Creek - The Green

4.1

4.1 (1148)

$30 and under

Italian

Beavercreek

About the restaurant

Brio The Greene is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Dayton, OH serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio The Greene is the place to eat in Dayton, OH for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

Top review

Janet

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

Although a busy evening for the staff, all were prompt, courteous, and efficient. We had a wonderful experience.

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Popular dish

Lasagne

The Troll Pub at the Wheel House

4.1

4.1 (259)

$30 and under

American

Dayton

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Troll Pub - Dayton!

The Troll Pub is a unique dining experience that features a Gastro-pub style menu with a wide selection of great tasting food items, craft beer, and an atmosphere like no other.

Top review

JanelVIP

Dined on Dec 16, 2024

Food was amazing! I got the Chicken and Waffles and it was the best I’ve ever tasted from anywhere. I will be back!

Shift Restaurant and Bar - Bright

4.1

4.1 (338)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lawrenceburg

About the restaurant

Thoughtful Dining • Epic Entertainment
The Euson and Roberts Families have created a unique dining experience in the quaint town of Bright, Indiana. Our award winning chef brings us a quality, local driven menu aimed to please! Relax and enjoy a nutritiously fresh meal or a hometown pub favorite in a heart-warming environment. Bring your family and friends and enjoy life with us!

Top review

Jeremy

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Shift was amazing! This was a great surprise for us, probably best restaurant that you can try in the area, relatively close to Perfect North Slopes!!! food was deliciously flavored and staff was great!!! 100% recommend!!!

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