The 5 Top Restaurants in Cincinnati’s Growing Food Scene

Cincinnati was named by Food & Wine as one of the country's "Next Great Food Cities" in 2022, and anyone who lives there knows where to find the best restaurants.

Given the city's growing food scene, it might be a surprise to learn that Michelin has yet to award any Stars to a restaurant in the city (or the entire state). Michelin has only produced a handful of Guides for U.S. locales, awarding its coveted Stars to a little over 1,500 restaurants. That got us wondering, though, which restaurants in this city along the Ohio River would certainly be in the running should Michelin's inspectors ever visit.

These inspectors visit each potential restaurant multiple times to determine if they're worthy of the prestigious Michelin Star rating. They base their Star awards on many criteria, including consistency. We're basing our list on how many 4- and 5-star reviews these restaurants have received from ordinary diners. And at least one of these restaurants is served by a prestigious James Beard Award nominee.

Here are five restaurants in Cincinnati that are worthy of a Michelin Star. (After this article, be sure to check out our list of the top seafood restaurant in every state.)

Boca provides guests with a dining experience you won't find anywhere else. If you're looking for something elegant, luxurious, and different from what you're used to, visit Boca for a meal. When you search for restaurants with fine dining in Cincinnati, Boca is one of the first you'll hear about.

The staff at Boca uses timeless techniques to surprise, delight, and amaze each guest throughout the entire evening. Ever since the opening of Boca in 2001, they have helped set a standard of culinary excellence in Cincinnati. Chef and owner David Falk inspires the menu items with his vast range of culinary experience.

From the beginning of your meal, you can choose from a wide selection of wine and cocktails to perfectly pair with your entrees. From creative plates such as the Charred Leeks with anchovy to French classics with a twist, like the Foie Gras Torchon with spiced pear compote, you won't be disappointed no matter what you order.

If you're looking for a more romantic, intimate dining spot, Sotto may be the right choice for you. Sotto provides a romantic, rustic atmosphere with a brick and wood interior and dim lighting.

This quaint hideaway restaurant excels at distinguished Italian cuisine. Start your meal with one of the carefully curated wines from their vast selection or a specialty cocktail, such as the Amalfi with vodka, limoncello, citrus, mint, and ginger beer.

The menu at Sotto includes elegant yet traditional Italian cuisine. You might find items such as the Tortellini di Zucca with brown butter and sage, or the Wood-fired Quail with peperonata and fennel pollen.

At Red Feather Kitchen, you'll experience fresh, farm-to-table dining with a contemporary American feel. Depending on where you sit, you can experience an intimate, romantic dinner, or a fun, vibrant atmosphere. No matter what your experience is, you'll enjoy some deliciously fresh cuisine.

Start the evening with a glass of wine from their extensive list, or you can celebrate with a glass of champagne. Red Feather Kitchen is the perfect place to book a private party or even enjoy a private event. Like many restaurants in the area, their menu often changes depending on what local ingredients are available each season but they serve a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, and main plates year-round.

No matter what season you visit, each menu item is full of color, creativity, and bold flavors. You can experience appetizers such as the Fish Tacos with guacamole or the Steamed Buns with pork belly, pickles, and cilantro. Your choices for a main course might include the Short Rib with winter squash and apple sunflower seed, or the delicious Shrimp & Grits with Tasso ham and poached eggs sprinkled with chives.

This stylish restaurant in downtown Cincinnati is another creation by award-winning Chef Jose Salazar. Mita's Restaurant has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and Cincinnati Magazine as the Top Restaurant in Cincinnati.

Mita's Restaurant features unique and distinguished items inspired by Latin American and Spanish cuisine. You can also enjoy tapas and ceviche inspired by Salazar. This restaurant was the second Cincinnati restaurant opened by Salazar, and he named it in honor of his grandmother.

Mita's Restaurant features a menu with creative dishes inspired by local farms, and the atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy a night out with family or friends. To start your meal, you can enjoy one of the tapas, a Spanish tradition that you share with the table. The menu also includes various cheeses and salt-cured meats, such as the Manchego with cow, sheep, and goat's milk from Spain. For dessert, enjoy options like Pastel de Tres Leches cake, Tarta de Chocolate, and Empanadas with apple and peppercorn caramel.

As one of the top steakhouses in Cincinnati, Losanti offers a variety of steaks, pork chops, and pastas. Losanti has also been recognized by numerous publications, including Cincinnati Magazine, where it made the list of Best Restaurants in Cincinnati.

This vibrant steakhouse is the perfect place for a private dining experience or event. The Library Room at Losanti is located next to the cocktail lounge; you can fit 30 guests in this semi-private, art-inspired room.

If you're looking for the best steak in Cincinnati, you can choose between cuts such as the Prime Filet Mignon, Prime Ribeye, and the Prime NY Strip. You'll find each steak is perfectly cut and charred to perfection. Despite the steakhouse title, there are many other delicious options on the menu at Losanti. You can also enjoy classics, such as the Chicken Marsala with roasted mushrooms, gravy, and marsala wine. Or, you can choose a delicious pasta such as the Gnocchi Al Forno with truffle, pancetta, and sage. (Here's a look at the must-visit restaurant in every state.)