Top Fine Dining Restaurants in Cincinnati

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Every once in a while you just need to treat yourself and your loved ones to a fantastic, fancy meal. Whether it’s for a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, job promotion, or Valentine’s Day--there are plenty of fine dining establishments in Cincinnati for you to try! No matter what your version of elegant looks like--from steakhouses serving up the best beef, seafood that you can’t pick up in your local grocery store, or just the perfect Italian feast, we have options on our list that’s sure to suit everybody’s taste.

Do you know someone who has a special occasion to celebrate, or who just really needs an upgraded date night with their significant other? Get them a GiftYa electronic gift card and they’ll never have to worry about forgetting their gift card at home again. GiftYa gift cards are accepted all over Cincinnati, including at these fine dining establishments!

Boca

A fantastic option when you want fine dining in the heart of Cincinnati

You can’t go wrong choosing to celebrate any occasion at Boca. Image courtesy of Boca.

bocacincinnati.com | 114 E 6th St. | Downtown

If you’re in the mood for upscale Italian and French cuisine, then Boca should be one of the first choices on your list! Be prepared to taste the perfect mix of inspiration from both cooking cultures, as well as their first class techniques. The result is some pretty amazing menu items made from the freshest ingredients and change with the seasons.

Locals love to start their meals with oysters Rockefeller or the seared scallops to share among the table. Be sure to try their fresh fish options as well as the beef Wellington if it is available.

If you’re dining with a large crowd, inquire about their private dining options. You can create an expertly crafted menu with the help of their staff which is sure to impress your guests!

Buy a GiftYa To Boca >

“It's chandeliers. It's 5-star foods. It's perfect everything. There's a reason it's (in?-)arguably the best restaurant in Cincinnati.” -Yelp Review

Primavista

Elegant dining with the best view of Cincinnati!

The perfect view that is accompanied by some amazing dinner options! Image courtesy of Primavista.

pvista.com | 810 Matson Pl. | Price Hill

Although it boasts of one of the best views of the Cincinnati skyline, Primavista can back that view up with spectacular Italian cuisine and stellar service. Known as one of the places in the city where you just never seem to have a bad meal, Primavista has been impressing locals and visitors alike with their wall to wall glass windows, polite servers, extensive wine list, and rotating Italian cuisine.

It’s always a good idea to start off any visit to the Primavista with one of the bruschetta options (the basil pesto and parm is a local favorite) or one of their starters such as the pasta e fagioli or the arugula salad. Then you can move on to the entrees, which are prepared by their long-term chef to your preference. Try the seasonal fish with crab, veal picatta, or roast lamb loin and you’ll be in foodie heaven. Don’t forget to take some pictures of that view!

Buy a GiftYa To Primavista >

“We really enjoyed our dinner at Primavista and I would definitely return for a special occasion dinner! What really sets Primavista apart is the spectacular view.” -Yelp Review

Bouquet Restaurant

An elegant farm to table option for any special occasion

Support your local restaurants that are committed to sustaining a farm to table relationship! Image courtesy of Bouquet Restaurant.

bouquetrestaurant.com | 519 Main St. | Covington, KY

If you’d like to experience the expertise of one of the first farm to table restaurants in the Cincinnati area, then Bouquet Restaurant is a fantastic choice. It has been partnering with local farms and suppliers for over 10 years to bring fine diners in the Cincinnati area fresh, sustainable, and healthy options.

This place knows how to mix together traditional Southern recipes with French and Asian influences, which make for some pretty amazing menu options. If you go, try out the charcuterie plate, which is full of local and seasonal meats and cheeses and designed to be shared. For entrees, the short ribs are always a hit, as well as the fresh fish and the duck. 

Buy a GiftYa To Bouquet Restaurant >

“Overall, Bouquet was amazing and I will definitely be back. Amazing food and service, and the motherboard didn't disappoint.” -Yelp Review

Jean-Robert’s Table

The perfect restaurant for fine French dining in Cincinnati

Indulge in all your favorite French recipes at this popular restaurant. Image courtesy of Jean-Robert’s Table.

jeanroberttable.com | 713 Vine St. | Downtown

Sometimes you just need to indulge in some meticulously prepared, delectable French cuisine--and Jean-Robert’s Table can offer you exactly that. If you go for dinner, make sure to try the French chateau burger, the venison--which is paired with sweet potato gnocchi--or the coq au vin, which is one of the most popular items on the menu. There is an extensive list of wines available, and the servers are more than prepared to make any recommendations or answer any question you might have.

If you go for lunch, consider trying one of their prixe fixe lunches, where you can enjoy a four course lunch that includes a soup, salad, entree, and dessert for a fixed price! This is a great opportunity to try some menu items you might not otherwise have, all in a lighter lunch-size portion.

Buy a GiftYa To Jean-Robert’s Table >

“This is the best restaurant in Cincinnati!  Amazing flavors, wonderful menu! Such a great place to visit with old and new friends!” -Yelp Review

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

What better way to celebrate an occasion than at an excellent steakhouse?

You’re in for an amazing steak when you go out to Jeff Ruby’s. Image courtesy of Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse.

jeffruby.com | 700 Walnut St. | Downtown

Sometimes the decor of steakhouses can be a little too dark, but this is definitely not the case with Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse! It was modeled after the French Art Deco style popular in New York City steakhouses throughout the 1940s. Once you step instead, it feels as though you’ve been transported to another time! 

When you’re ready to look at the menu, you’ll see an incredible selection of the finest cuts of steak available, such as strip, ribeye, wagyu, or filet mignon, ready to be topped with delicious items such as red wine truffle sauce, lobster, chili rub, or sweet onion bacon jam amongst others!

If you happen to not be in the mood for steak, that’s okay too, because there is also a great selection of seafood, chicken, and pork, as well as a la cart starches and vegetables.

Buy a GiftYa To Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse >

“Ruby's is a 5-star dining experience from the moment you walk in until you leave! Wonderful staff and service, beautiful space, and amazing food.” -Yelp Review

Le Bar a Beouf 

The perfect twist on steakhouse elegance

barboeuf.com | 2200 Victory Parkway | Walnut Hills

This restaurant takes a unique spin on the traditional steakhouse, and the results are delicious! Here you can enjoy all your favorite traditional French favorites such as snails, French onion soup, and even a beef tongue min-sandwich with the perfect au jus for dipping. But what really shines here are the main courses, all which are centered around--you guessed it--the butcher’s chopping block.

Le Bar a Boeuf, which translates as the beef bar, allows patrons to order their meat (ground instead of filets or cutlets) and top it with any one of their amazing compound butters, sauces, cheeses, or even foie gras. You can choose from beef, bison, lamb, or fish and accompany it with sides such as salads or mac n’ cheese. This is an interesting take on fine dining, but locals seem to really appreciate the fresh twist on some of their old favorites!

“Service was attentive and exceptional. Timing of courses was perfect. The drinks were superb.  It's a beautiful location with a great patio for outside dining overlooking the city. Two big thumbs up from us.” -Yelp Review

Metropole

Head to this popular restaurant for upscale New American dining

metropoleonwalnut.com  | 609 Walnut St. | Downtown

This chic restaurant serves up an eclectic menu of New American favorites that never seem to disappoint their guests. This interesting restaurant is adjoined to the popular 21c Museum and Hotel which showcases contemporary art by integrating its exhibits into everyday life. It has also been host to some interesting site-specific installations, all within walking distance of this vibrant spot!

If you go, make sure to try the duck, their famous burger, or the salmon-- of which receive rave reviews from patrons. Their cocktail bar is also spot on so be on the lookout for some interesting creations, all made to order with fresh and local ingredients.

“I'm really a big fan of Metropole. Inventive cuisine for reasonable prices. I've always had good service, whether at the bar or for dinner.” -Yelp Review

Nicola’s Ristorante

The perfect place for fine Italian dining

nicolasotr.com | 1420 Sycamore St. | Over-the-Rhine

Contemporary Italian is always a great option to consider when you’re going out to celebrate a special occasion. Nicola’s has been a favorite of locals for over 20 years, and it is their consistently delicious meals--as well as the welcoming atmosphere--that keep people coming back for more.

When you go, be sure to try the braised pork cheek to start, and as an entree, you can’t go wrong choosing either the seared lamb rack or the pasta frutti di mare! Mangia! 

Cincinnati has a lot of great options when it comes to upscale dining, and you most certainly don’t need an occasion to visit any of them! Do you have a favorite elegant restaurant in Cincinnati? Let us know in the comments!