1. Fusian
Have you ever wondered how awesome it would be if you could chipotle-style your sushi?
Well now you can. Fusian has all kinds of creative options for you to customize your sushi roll in every which way. Brown rice vs. White Rice, Seaweed vs. Soy wrap, TONS of proteins and veggies to fill up your roll, as well as sauces and toppings to seal the deal. Fusian is definitely a must-visit, with locations in Kenwood, Hyde Park and Downtown.
2. Keystone Bar & Grill
Keystone is known primarily for it's amazing Mac and Cheese menu, with several delicious variations on everyone's favorite comfort food. The best part -- Half Off Mac Monday is a reason to get out on a Monday night. All Mac and Cheese is half off on Mondays. And Quesadillas are half off on Tuesdays. #Winning.
3. Senate
This restaurant, found in OTR, has quickly risen to city-wide fame for its gourmet hot dogs. Describing it as 'street food' would be a gross understatement. These hot dogs are so creatively crafted, with all kinds of amazing topping like avocado/pico de gallo, goat cheese/caramelized onions, poached egg/béchamel, even kimchi. Special mention for their mouth-watering truffle fries and chipotle mayo. Like OMG.
4. Taste of Belgium
Do I even need to give TOB an introduction? Every Cincinnatian knows that Taste of Belgium is the go-to brunch spot around, these days, but it still deserves a mention. TOB is open not only for brunch, but for lunch and dinner as well. Everything from the chicken and waffles, to the frites, to the crepes to the omelets to the pastries, to the coffee, defines perfection. The list goes on. Locations in OTR, Clifton and Rookwood.
Bonus: TOB vendor stalls are also open at Findlay Market and North Market (Columbus)
5. Shanghai Mama's
Shanghai Mama's is tucked away at the corner of East 6th and Sycamore, downtown, and everyone needs to know of its existence, because it is definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. The menu is expansive, to say the least, serving up generous, shareable portions.
Great food paired with the tasteful vintage-China theme of the restaurant makes for a fabulous fooding experience, every time.
6. Adriatico's
You haven't had Sicilian crust until you've had Adriatico's Sicilian crust. It's safe to say that Adriatico's, located in Clifton, is one of Cincinnati's best Pizza places. Oh and don't be afraid to venture from pizza every once in a while and order one of their crazy-awesome calzones. You won't regret it.
So crust. So cheese. So sauce. So satisfying.
7. Yagööt
This fro-yo shop is not your every-day self-serve Orange Leaf or Menchies. Yagööt is unique to Cincinnati, and is more comparable to the West Coast's very popular chain, Pinkberry. Yagoot features legitimate frozen yogurt (tart in taste, rather than yogurt similar to soft-serve icecream).
Yagoot's froyo is fruity, refreshing and definitely guilt-free. (AKA the perfect post-workout treat) found at Deerfield Towne Center and in Rookwood.
8. Gomez Salsa
Gomez Salsa can be found on E. 12th Street and will actually knock your socks off. These tacos and salsas are out-of-this-world good. You can really taste the freshness of the ingredients and the authenticity in which everything is prepared.
Special mention for the menu's featured item, 'the turtle shell', which is basically a giant tortilla stuffed with delicious things and grilled to crispy cheesy happiness.
9. Kaze
Upscale sushi in an upscale OTR environment could never go wrong. Kaze's innovative sushi rolls, delicious appetizers and awesome happy hour are all worth mentioning. Pictured Below: The quintessential treat-yo-self roll, with tempura fried shishito peppers and Boursin cheese. Commence salivating.
10. Hangover Easy
You've heard of Taste of Belgium, but Hangover Easy is slowly becoming an equally fabulous go-to brunch spot. Menu items feature more traditionally American staples: pancakes, waffles, eggs, toast, burgers, sandwiches (some with a Tex-Mex twist) etc., but they are all of the highest, HIGHest caliber *heart-eye-emoji*
Hangover Easy, located in Clifton, is also open 24 hours for all day delicious breakfast. As they say, breakfast cures all.
Happy fooding to you and you and you! Find me on Instagram @v_for_vidita for more food things and Cincinnati things and other things.
