Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cincinnati, United States
1. Cincinnati Chili
A unique blend of spices served over spaghetti or hot dogs, originating from Emmanuel Bertin's restaurant in 1922. This hearty dish is a must-try!
- Spicy Twist: Cincinnati Chili is known for its unique, secret blend of spices that give it a spicy twist.
- Versatile Serving Style: It can be served over spaghetti, hot dogs, or even cheese fries!
- Iconic Cincinnati Food: Cincinnati Chili is a staple food in Cincinnati and a must-try for any visitor.
2. Goetta
A traditional German-American dish made of ground pork, pinhead oatmeal, and spices, usually served as a breakfast meat or in a sandwich. Try it at the original goetta manufacturer, Diedrich's Goetta!
- Delicious Breakfast Option: Goetta is a unique breakfast option that combines meat and oatmeal for a satisfying start to the day.
- Historical Significance: It has a rich history, originating from German immigrants in Cincinnati.
- Versatile Uses: Goetta can be enjoyed as a breakfast meat, in a sandwich, or even fried and served with eggs.
3. Cincinnati-style Lasagna
Layers of pasta, ground meat, sauce, and cheese baked to perfection. You can find this delicious dish at Salazar's in Over-the-Rhine.
- Large Portions: Cincinnati-style Lasagna is famous for its large portions, perfect for sharing.
- Unique Layering Technique: The unique layering technique results in a delicious, flavorful dish.
- Iconic Cincinnati Comfort Food: It is a beloved comfort food among locals and visitors alike.
4. Montgomery Inn Ribs
Tender, smoky ribs served with signature barbecue sauce. Don't miss out on this Cincinnati favorite at Montgomery Inn Boathouse or Montgomery Inn Restaurant!
- Melting-off-the-bone Tenderness: Montgomery Inn Ribs are known for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Famous Barbecue Sauce: The signature barbecue sauce is a key component of the dish's flavor.
- Cincinnati BBQ Tradition: Montgomery Inn Ribs are part of Cincinnati's long-standing barbecue tradition.
5. Moonshine Jungle Dessert
A decadent dessert layered with cheesecake, chocolate cake, and raspberry sauce. Try it at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse!
- Rich Layers of Flavor: The rich layers of cheesecake, chocolate cake, and raspberry sauce make the Moonshine Jungle Dessert irresistible.
- Perfect Finish to a Meal: It provides the perfect finish to a meal at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse.
- Iconic Cincinnati Dessert: The Moonshine Jungle Dessert is a beloved dessert among locals and visitors alike.
6. Bratwurst from Findlay Market
A traditional German sausage made of pork, veal, or beef, served in a roll with kraut and mustard. Sample the delicious bratwurst at one of Findlay Market's many vendors!
- Authentic German Flavor: Findlay Market offers authentic German bratwursts, transporting you to Germany without leaving Cincinnati.
- Variety of Vendors: With numerous vendors to choose from, you can sample bratwurst from different locations and find your favorite.
- Fresh Ingredients: The bratwursts at Findlay Market are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
7. Cincinnati Sausage from Skyline Chili
A unique Cincinnati dish made of seasoned sausage served on a steamed hot dog bun with a generous helping of beans and cheese. Don't forget to add hot sauce!
- Unique Seasoning Blend: Cincinnati Sausage features a unique seasoning blend that sets it apart.
- Convenient Fast Food Option: Skyline Chili offers convenient, quick service for those on-the-go visitors.
- Iconic Cincinnati Street Food: Cincinnati Sausage is a beloved street food in Cincinnati.
8. Mt. Adams Pavilion Sundae
A sundae with homemade ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and cherries on top served in a large, crispy waffle bowl. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Cincinnati while you indulge at Mt. Adams Pavilion!
- Stunning Views: The Mt. Adams Pavilion offers stunning views of the city, making it a perfect spot to enjoy your sundae.
- Homemade Ice Cream: The ice cream is made fresh daily, ensuring a delicious experience.
- Iconic Cincinnati Dining Experience: The Mt. Adams Pavilion Sundae is a classic Cincinnati dining experience.
9. Taft's Ale House Pretzels
Giant, soft pretzels served with beer-cheese dip. Enjoy this classic Cincinnati snack at Taft's Ale House!
- Giant Size: Taft's Ale House pretzels are giant in size, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
- Freshly Baked Daily: The pretzels are freshly baked daily, ensuring a delicious experience.
- Iconic Cincinnati Snack: Pretzels and beer-cheese dip are a beloved snack in Cincinnati.
10. Tarantella Pizza from Nicola's
A thin-crust pizza topped with a variety of ingredients, including fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Experience the delicious Tarantella Pizza at Nicola's!
- Thin, Crispy Crust: The thin, crispy crust makes for a satisfying pizza experience.
- Fresh Ingredients: Nicola's uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a delicious pizza.
- Iconic Cincinnati Pizza Option: Tarantella Pizza is a beloved pizza option in Cincinnati.
11. Buckeye Candies
Round candies made of peanut butter and coated in chocolate. These sweet treats are a must-try!
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate Combination: The peanut butter and chocolate combination makes these candies irresistible.
- Unique Shape: The unique shape of the Buckeye Candy resembles a buckeye nut, which is the state tree of Ohio.
- Iconic Ohio Treat: Buckeye Candies are a beloved treat in both Cincinnati and throughout Ohio.
12. Five-Way Chili from Dixie Terminal
A popular Cincinnati dish made of chili, spaghetti, cheese, beans, and onions. Try this tasty creation at Dixie Terminal!
- Versatile Serving Style: Five-Way Chili can be served over spaghetti, hot dogs, or even cheese fries!
- Iconic Cincinnati Dish: Five-Way Chili is a staple dish in Cincinnati and a must-try for any visitor.
- Authentic Cincinnati Experience: Dixie Terminal offers an authentic Cincinnati experience with its Five-Way Chili.
13. Rosemary Focaccia from Sotto
A delicious, rosemary-infused focaccia bread served with olive oil and salt. Enjoy this tasty treat at Sotto!
- Rosemary Infusion: The rosemary infusion gives the focaccia a unique, aromatic flavor.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Sotto uses only the finest ingredients to create their delicious Rosemary Focaccia.
- Iconic Cincinnati Bread Option: Rosemary Focaccia is a popular bread option in Cincinnati restaurants.
14. Cincinnati-Style Goetta Burger from Bakersfield
A creative twist on the classic Cincinnati dish, featuring goetta as a patty in a burger. Try this unique creation at Bakersfield!
- Creative Twist on a Classic: The Cincinnati-Style Goetta Burger offers a creative twist on the traditional goetta dish.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Bakersfield uses only the finest ingredients to create their delicious burgers.
- Iconic Cincinnati Burger Option: The Cincinnati-Style Goetta Burger is a unique burger option in Cincinnati.
15. Corned Beef and Cabbage from Blythe's Tavern
A traditional Irish dish made of corned beef brisket, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day or enjoy this delicious meal at Blythe's Tavern year-round!
- Traditional Irish Dish: Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic Irish dish that celebrates the heritage of Cincinnati's Irish population.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Blythe's Tavern uses only the finest ingredients to create their delicious corned beef and cabbage.
- Iconic Cincinnati Comfort Food: Corned Beef and Cabbage is a comforting, filling dish that is popular among locals and visitors alike.