We’ll be bidding 2025 farewell soon, but this year has proven to be a robust one for Greater Cincinnati’s culinary scene, with countless new restaurants, bars and coffee shops opening up. From a number of Italian restaurants serving handcrafted pastas and the re-emergence of some beloved eateries to swanky cocktail bars and honky tonks alike, here is just a sampling of the new restaurants and bars that have recently opened.
See restaurants and bars that opened in the first half of 2025 here.
Photo: facebook.com/NocheCovington
Noche
The team behind Alfio’s Buon Cibo opened this new Italian-Argentine concept over the summer. The menu focuses on shareable dishes, pasta and thoughtful cocktails, and the space offers a flexible and no-pressure approach to hospitality. Split plates of the Bourbon Wagyu Brisket Burrata (hand-pulled mozzarella stuffed with slow-braised Wagyu brisket and bourbon butter, served warm with grilled crostinis) and arancini (with slow-braised lamb and served over a mint yogurt aioli), or try the much-loved pan-seared lasagna paired with a delicious Afterglow Spritz (cucumber-infused gin, St. Germain, mint, prosecco and tonic). 701 Madison Ave., Covington.
Photo: Liz Ford
Salazar
It was a moment many local diners had been waiting for: Chef Jose Salazar’s eponymous restaurant, Salazar, made its official return to Cincinnati’s culinary scene in November. The original Salazar location in Over-the-Rhine closed in December 2023 to move into a larger space. Now located across from Fountain Square, Salazar offers 7,300 square feet, or five times the space of the Republic Street location, with expanded seating, three private dining rooms and enough space to host private events for up to 50 people. As for the menu, Salazar says he’s still working with local farmers and artisans and makes fresh pastas and other items in-house. There is more emphasis on seafood, including seafood towers, but the menu also features prime ribeye and familiar favorites from the former space, like the “lil fried oyster slider.” There is also now a large bar for those looking for a more casual night out. 101 W. Fifth St., Downtown.
Photo: Ross Van Pelt
Prim
From the founders of Ghost Baby, one of Cincinnati’s most beloved bars and lounges, Prim is an upscale new cocktail bar that opened downtown this November. Prim was designed to reimagine the evening out and “living room entertainment,” with an immersive space that’s intimate, intentional and entertainment-led. The concept features cocktails and music, ranging from vinyl sets to live performances, and guests can utilize the space to fit the vibe they’re seeking, whether it’s a low-key night out or a high-energy one. And the interior is designed in a swanky and bold monochromatic pink, with layered patterns, dramatic textures and eclectic styling. As for the drinks, cocktails are named after gemstones, like the Amethyst, Emerald and Ruby. 580 Walnut St., Downtown.
Photo: facebook.com/Al’ Lupo Ristorante
Al Lupo Ristorante
Al Lupo Ristorante, the newest venture from musician-turned-chef and owner of Rodi Italian in Loveland, Chef Roberto Peloni, opened in the former Rookwood Pottery Food & Beverage Company space in Mt. Adams in late November. This upscale eatery has a menu of modern Italian dishes, from a selection of Roman-style pizzas — like the classic Margherita and a pancetta, onion, pea, olive oil, mozzarella and fresh herb-topped Pizelli — to pasta (with gluten-free options) and secondi dishes like salmon and slow-braised short rib. The space is a cozy mix of rustic and industrial, with exposed brick walls, a pitched wooden ceiling and modern light fixtures, all revolving around the historic building’s former pottery kiln, still standing in the dining room. 1077 Celestial St., Mt. Adams.
Photo: Provided by 3CDC
Afterlife
Afterlife, an experiential cocktail bar that encourages guests to be their truest selves and connect with others, opened in downtown Cincinnati this September. Owner Tracy Liu says after several years of working as an accountant in the corporate world, she felt herself slowly burning out. But, attending raves and festivals helped her find a new sense of freedom and empowerment, and it started the journey to Afterlife. The bar offers an inventive cocktail menu focused on food flavors, with names like Ramen, Zeal and Moxi. But it’s not just about the drinks, says Liu. Afterlife is also a space for meaningful connections and conversations, sharing stories and creating community. The space offers a cozy and warm retro, yet futuristic, style, with yellow flooring, tall ceilings and natural light. 44 E. Court St., Downtown.
Photo: facebook.com/Rump & Roll
Rump & Roll Delicatessen
Former LouVino culinary director Tavis Rockwell opened his own deli and bakery in Northern Kentucky this fall. Rump & Roll offers a menu of thick sandwiches, hearty soups and Southern-style sides. Try a classic like the roast beef on focaccia (topped with caramelized onions, Havarti and horsey mayo, or opt for something a little different, like the Charcuterie Sandwich — with Three Little Pigs pâté, salami, coppa, country ham, pepper jelly, pickled veggies, whole grain mustard and port Salut cheese on a baguette. 526 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Ky.
Photo: facebook.com/guardiacincy
Guardia Pizza + Bar
Cincinnatians loved the burgers at Trevor Snowden’s Delwood and Parkside restaurants, so he expanded to a new culinary branch with Mt. Lookout’s Guardia Pizza + Bar. The restaurant opened in July next to Delwood in the neighborhood square. On the menu, you’ll find fresh, handmade pizzas reminiscent of slice shops in New York City, with options like cheese, pepperoni and Burrata (house red sauce, mozzarella, burrata, freshly-grated parmesan, a drizzle of EVOO and fresh basil), plus a selection of signature pies like the Hot Honey & Pepperoni (house red sauce, pepperoni, jalepeño and a hot honey drizzle). To drink, try a craft cocktail like the Aperol Spritz, Negroni or Amaretto Old Fashioned (Bulleit bourbon, Disaronno and bitters). And before you leave, stop by the walk-up window for some soft-serve ice cream. 3200 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout.
Photo: Provided by State of Play Hospitality
Flight Club
Flight Club, a new entertainment, food and drinks concept, is opening in downtown Cincinnati on Dec. 12. This “Social Darts” venue blends the charm of Victorian fairgrounds with the warmth of a traditional pub and will feature nine private and semi-private playing areas, known as oches, that will be used for its signature Social Darts gaming — proprietary darts technology with automatic scoring and multiplayer games. The menu features a selection of sharables, small plates and dips, like the Lobster Elote (grilled street corn, jalapeños, cilantro, cotija, mayo, tajín and flour tortilla chips), sliders, mini tacos and wings. There are also sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and carnival-esque desserts like s’mores and cotton candy. To drink, try a signature cocktail like the Rum Cake Punch (buttered rum, lime and a smoked cinnamon stick) or the Fields Forever (Casamigos Tequila, triple sec, strawberry, basil, agave, lime and a sugar rim). 125 W. Fifth St., Downtown.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Kiki
Like Salazar, the return of beloved Japanese restaurant Kiki was highly anticipated in Cincinnati this year. The restaurant from chefs Hideki and Yuko Harada closed in March to move to a new location along Ludlow Avenue in Clifton’s Gaslight District. The restaurant reopened in August and continues to serve a menu of not-your-typical Japanese cuisine dishes like the shio ramen, house-made kimchi and chicken karaage (fried chicken). Kiki also offers a sushi bar, sashimi and a variety of sushi rolls. 358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton.
Photo: Emily Widman
The Cauldron
Husband-and-wife team Noah and Brittany Markowich brought some magic to Covington this November with the opening of their coffee shop and third space, The Cauldron. At The Cauldron, guests can expect a warm and inviting space to work, study, socialize or just relax — think the cozy cottage of a kitchen witch: clean neutrals of linen and wood mixed with eclectic chairs, tables and decor to make you feel at home and something always brewing and bubbling behind the counter. The menu offers third-wave coffee, with beans from South Carolina roaster Methodical Coffee, and each cup is made with intention. You’ll also find some not-coffee items like matcha and chai lattes, plus pastries from neighbor North South Baking Co. 807 Madison Ave., Covington.
Photo: Provided by The Hotel Rambler
Sidecar Bar + Kitchen
Montgomery got a new hotel, plus a restaurant and bar, this October. The Hotel Rambler’s on-site bar and restaurant, Sidecar Bar + Kitchen, offers nostalgic American diner fare with modern and mid-century twists. The menu features shareable bites, elevated comfort food and handcrafted cocktails. Dishes are a mix of modern classics, like the Spicy Fried Chicken Flatbreads and Sriracha Teriyaki Steak, and regionally inspired eats, like the Grippo’s Fried Chicken with jalapeño corn waffles and Cincy Smash Patty. There are also lighter options like fresh salads and pastas. To drink, the bar offers craft cocktails with inventive flavor pairings. Beverages include the Sidecar Old Fashioned (Old McBrayer whiskey, Benchmark bourbon and Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters), Amber & Ashes (Astral Reposado tequila, smoked chili honey and Grand Marnier) and Honey I’m Home (Tanqueray No. TEN gin, Giffard vanilla, honey, lemon and black walnut bitters). There is also a rotating selection of local draft beers, wines and seasonal mocktails. And the dining room pays homage to mid-century Americana, designed with soft lighting, sleek lines and warm textures, much like the hotel’s aesthetic. Outside, there is a spacious, all-season bar and patio offering firepits, outdoor games and several TVs, perfect for happy hours, game days and casual nights out. 7711 Roosa St., Montgomery.
Photo: Metz Photo Co./Provided by Doubt It
Doubt It
Fire up your AIM accounts, break out the frosted lip gloss and shimmy into your hawt denim-on-denim looks, Cincinnati: A new neighborhood bar fueled by nostalgic ‘90s and 2000s vibes is now open in Covington. Doubt It calls itself the “sarcastically flirty” neighborhood bar and has created a space for bold cocktails, fun and community, all brought together by a cool pop-punk aesthetic of the ‘90s and aughts. Expect pops of neon colors, mini disco balls, greenery and funky, eclectic decor. On the menu, Doubt It features a variety of craft cocktails with names reminiscent of the era — like Justin Timberlake’s most iconic hairstyle, “Frosted Tips” (Hellfire coffee liqueur, vodka and vanilla cold foam), or songs like Britney Spears’ “Oops! … I Did It Again” (bourbon, strawberries, honey, lemon, Zucca and a mint spring) or Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” (basil gin, honey and lime). There is also a selection of “Remixes” — classic cocktails with a Doubt It-style twist — and ‘90s/2000s shots and “Bombs,” like the early 2000s fave, the Jäger Bomb. 424 W. Sixth St., Covington.
Photo: google.com/Masala Theory Indian Restaurant
Masala Theory
Opened in May, Masala Theory is a modern Indian restaurant that specializes in authentic dishes with a contemporary twist. You’ll be able to find your favorite Indian meal on their menu — from classic lamb biryani and chicken tikka masala to a wide variety of vegetarian specialties like aloo vindaloo and saag paneer, plus perfectly chilled mango lassi — as well as Masala Theory specialities, like the chicken tikka masala tacos (Indian-style masala tacos served with masala and avocado sauce) and the Special MT Chicken (famous bone-in chicken dish from Punjab), which is available Friday through Sunday. 7800 Camargo Road, Madeira.
Photo: facebook.com/Alveo
Alveo
This new sandwich shop, created in collaboration by two of Greater Cincinnati’s culinary gems, opened in Mariemont over the summer. Alveo is a joint venture by Randy Sebastian of Blue Ash bakery Sebastian Bakehouse and Andy Tanner of Parisian Pantry, a local gourmet food retail company. The sandwich shop specializes in Roman-style Italian sandwiches made with its signature schiacciata, a chewy yet airy flatbread with crispy edges that is baked fresh every morning. In addition to fresh bread, sandwiches are also crafted with thoughtfully sourced meats, seasonal produce, slow-made condiments and spreads. The menu offers a selection of seven sandwiches, including the La Classica (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, pistachio basil pesto, tomato conserva, arugula and lemon oil), L’Alveo (mortadella, stracciatella cheese, pistachio crema and arugula) and El Diablo (spicy coppa, stracciatella cheese, pecorino, arugula, fennel and chili oil). 6816 Wooster Pike, Mariemont.
Photo: Provided by SWELL
SWELL Art Cafe
SWELL, a new cafe to grab a sandwich — and maybe start a revolution — opened in Camp Washington this summer. The art cafe is part of the neighboring art center, Wave Pool, and serves as a third space and social club where guests can enjoy drinks, books, performances and conversation, all while helping the cafe raise funds to support the local art community. SWELL offers a small, rotating menu featuring simple, well-crafted and affordable food, as well as iced and hot coffee drinks; drafts, bottles and cans of beer; classic cocktails; and to-go food like salads and sandwiches. There is also a curated selection of used books. 2936 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington.
Photo: facebook.com/The Grey on 3rd
The Grey
When you need espresso service in the morning that turns into cocktail service at night, visit The Grey. This osteria from group Jackelope Spirits LLC opened at the end of the summer in a historic building in downtown Hamilton and serves as a coffee bar with pastries until 2 p.m., reopening at 5 p.m. for small plates and drinks. Small plates include dishes like house-made ciabatta with goat butter, oysters and seasonal, chef-selected crudo. As for the drink menu, it’s divided into chapters of cocktails, starting off with a variety of martinis (including directions on how to order one), followed by spirit-forward drinks like Manhattans and Negronis, then sours and “aperitikis,” then spritzes and ending with dessert drinks. For dinner before or after drinks, visit The Grey’s sister Italian restaurant, Carmagnola Trattoria, which opened next door in October. 26 S. Third St., Hamilton.
Photo: facebook.com/Cousin Jeffrey’s
Cousin Jeffrey’s Honky Tonk
This June, bar owner Leroy Ansley acquired JD’s Honky Tonk in Camp Washington and renamed it Cousin Jeffrey’s — a play on the name of his other bar, Over-the-Rhine’s Uncle Leo’s, which is named after a Seinfeld character. (In the show, Cousin Jeffery is Leo’s son.) Ansley told the Cincinnati Business Courier in June that he doesn’t have plans to turn it into another Uncle Leo’s; instead, he’s fine-tuning what already exists. Now, Cousin Jeffrey’s describes itself as a country dive bar for everyone, offering cheap drinks, pool tables, darts, Big Buck Hunter and good vibes all day long. The bar also offers a small food menu, with burgers, sandwiches, chili and the “Recession Special:” Avril Bleh bologna, American Cheese, onion, pickle and BBQ sauce. 2406 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington.
Photo: facebook.com/Brunch De Lux
Brunch De Lux
In June, Bond Hill gained a cozy new brunch spot with cafe/deli Brunch De Lux. The cafe menu blends Southern-style brunch favorites like the Chicken & Waffles, Fish & Grits and French Toast Flight (three hand-battered French toast slices with toppings like Fruity Pebbles, Oreos, fresh fruit and peach cobbler and drizzled with white chocolate, powdered sugar and whipped cream) with healthier options like avocado toast, salads and build-your-own omelets. At the deli, you can order made-to-order items like the breakfast sliders, plus smoothies and coffee drinks. The deli also offers grab-and-go items like pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, fruit, chips and granola bars. 1241 California Ave., Bond Hill.
Photo: Emily Widman
Nice Life
Formerly The Drinkery, Nice Life, a retro-style cocktail bar and dance hall, opened in Over-the-Rhine this October. The bar features a menu of signature and classic cocktails and an atmosphere inspired by the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, plus seating for 50, with a mix of barstools, high-top tables and banquettes. The space is decked out in bold orange patterned wallpaper, streaming light fixtures, neon accents, a gold disco ball and a colorblock dance floor that evokes the disco era. Outside, the patio features a mural by local artist Technique that channels the era of music videos on MTV. And, as a bar-only concept, Nice Life has a selection of cocktails, as well as beer, seltzers, THC beverages and non-alcoholic drinks. Signature drinks include the he Rosemary Rhapsody (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Amaro-Meletti, rosemary-honey syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters and a torched rosemary sprig) and Saturday Night Cider (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, chilled apple cider, lemon juice, ginger beer, brut Champagne and a cinnamon stick); or, opt for a classic cocktail like an espresso martini or an old fashioned, with a maple twist. 1150 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
Photo: facebook.com/Tokyo Pie
Tokyo Pie
Tokyo Pie, a pizza and cocktail joint concept from Epic Brands, which owns popular Greater Cincinnati restaurants like Agave & Rye, Cowboy Sally’s and SOB Steakhouse, opened in Covington this October. The restaurant/bar blends the neon-illuminated nightlife of Tokyo with a menu of Japanese-inspired pizzas, like the Tokyo Flame (crispy pepperoni, umami red sauce, toasted bene seeds and honey chili) and the Sōsēji (Wagyu sausage, blistered shishito peppers and crispy garlic), plus craft cocktails served with dramatic flair (think fog and fire). The concept also offers a vibrant nightlife experience. The black and white minimalistic aesthetic is offset by pulses of neon, with fiber-optic streaks across the ceiling and a custom Tokyo-inspired mural. Every Thursday through Saturday after 10 p.m., Tokyo Pie’s giant LED walls stream live DJ sets from places like Tokyo, Berlin, Ibiza and more. 633 Madison Ave., Covington.
Photo: Google.com/Jukebox
Jukebox
Jukebox, a first-of-its-kind “sparkling beverage studio” where customers can craft an endless variety of unique beverages, opened in Mason over the summer. Founder Jay Scherger says he, as a non-coffee drinker, was always envious of the modern coffee shop experience, so he wanted to create something similar for sparkling beverage lovers. The studio offers customizable sparkling drinks, like sparkling waters, sodas and non-alcoholic seltzers, with a number of high-quality and house-made ingredients that can be mixed in to create over 100 million flavor combinations. The menu is built around three core beverage categories. Sparklers Plus are sparkling water-based drinks with fresh ingredients, fruits and house-made syrups. Pop Culture drinks offer classic and next-generation sodas, like Cream Cokes, “dirty sodas” and boba-infused beverages. And Epic Sips feature a variety of fun flavors, like real fruit slushies, super sour blends and cinnamon milk-inspired drinks. Customers can also go full DIY and craft custom beverages in The Sip Studio, or explore the Ghost Tracks menu, which features secret experiments and limited-edition flavors. 5859 Deerfield Blvd., Mason.
Photo: Provided by Trecento
Trecento
Trecento brought its upscale Italian experience to The Banks this July. Located inside the historic 300 Main Social House, the restaurant offers a menu of authentic Italian dishes with a modern culinary twist, featuring wood-fired pizzas, pasta, salads and cocktails. Menu items are made with seasonal, premium ingredients, and guests can also enjoy promotions like the $30 Lunch for Two, Half-Priced Wine Wednesdays and the elevated “Girl Lunch” — a combination of Caesar salad, crispy fries and a handcrafted martini. 300 Main St., The Banks.
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Dining and Cooking