CINCINNATI (WXIX) – More than a dozen new restaurants are planning to open this year, bringing new flavors to Greater Cincinnati.
Some of these places are familiar to residents, such as Shake Shack and Skyline Chili. Others, however, are brand new concepts or do not have a location in the Tri-State.
More dining establishments are expected to open later down the line, but for now, here are the restaurants you should keep an eye on.
Keep an eye out for these restaurant openingsVV Italian Experience in CVG
Travelers will get to experience Italy once VV Italian Experience opens at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
The Mt. Lookout cafe offers authentic Italian coffee, paninis, pastries and other entrees.
“We are honored to share our family’s story and culinary traditions with travelers at CVG,” said Andrea Stefano, VV The Italian Experience’s cofounder and chief executive officer. “From our grandfather’s roots in Puglia to our kitchen in Cincinnati, every dish we serve is infused with authenticity, heritage, and a love of bringing people together around the table.
VV Italian Experience will be in concourse B near gate B17.
Renderings for the new VV The Italian Experience at CVG.(Provided: CVG)Wings Bar and Grill in Pleasant Ridge
Coming to the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood in the Spring is Wings Bar and Grill.
The restaurant has been serving wings for about three decades, getting its start as a “small neighborhood joint,” their website says.
Wings Bar and Grill is owned by father-son duo Haydar and Michael David. They currently own two other locations in Batavia and Amelia.
Customers can find the new location at 6000 Montgomery Rd. inside Pleasant Ridge’s $20 million mixed-use development.
Zingaro & a new German-style bar in Madisonville
“Inspired by travel. Built with care.” That’s the slogan for celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani’s new restaurant, Zingaro.
The Italian restaurant will be inside the new Medpace building in Madisonville – a project that was approved by the Cincinnati City Planning Commission in August.
In an Instagram post, Viviani announced that his hospitality group will also be opening a German-style bar next door to Zingaro.
The chef’s hospitality group currently owns more than 40 establishments across the U.S., mainly in Chicago.
Suzu in Madisonville
Joining Zingaro in Madisonville’s expanded Medpace campus is Suzu.
According to the city’s planning commission minutes, Suzu will have outdoor and indoor seating in Building 400.
Details about what kind of food the restaurant serves are limited at this time.
Shake Shack in Kenwood
The popular national franchise, Shake Shack, is opening its third location in Kenwood Square.
The New York City-based quick-serve restaurant is known for its quality smash burgers and frozen custard.
Customers will be able to find Shake Shack at 7800 Montgomery Rd. once it is open.
In the meantime, check out the Clifton and Mason locations.
Shake Shack meals(EMILYDORIO | Shake Shack)ZIQR Progressive Indian Restaurant in Pleasant Ridge
Cincinnati is getting a new Indian restaurant this year.
ZIQR Progressive Indian Restaurant is moving into the former Revolution Rotisserie in Pleasant Ridge.
According to 3CRE Commercial Real Estate group, the owner signed a five-year lease for the space, located at 6063 Montgomery Rd.
Alexandria Brewing Company in West Chester
For months now, the owners of Alexandria Brewing Company, a Northern Kentucky-based brewery, have been working hard to get their West Chester Outpost ready for Cincinnati’s northern counties.
Originally projected to open in the Fall, the owners have slowly pushed back their opening date to early 2026.
The brewery serves five of its “regular” brews in addition to a rotating seasonal selection of nearly 30 beers.
As for food, Alexandria Brewing Company plans to bring its partner, Bender’s Pub Grub, to West Chester.
Dean’s Mediterranean Table in Northside
A Findlay Market grocery store known for its Mediterranean imports is opening a restaurant in Northside.
The owner of Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, Kate Zaidan, is opening Dean’s Mediterranean Table at 4024 Hamilton Ave. in March.
“We are thrilled that the first floor of this building will be home to Dean’s Mediterranean Table, a sit-down restaurant, café, and retail space operated by our neighbors who own the beloved Dean’s Mediterranean Imports at Findlay Market,” Northside NEST wrote in a statement.
Once the restaurant opens, diners can expect Lebanese cuisine, such as hand pies, sandwiches, platters and more.
Mi Cozumel in Florence
Construction at Mi Cozumel’s seventh location in Florence is still underway.
The family owned and operated Mexican restaurant has made quite the name for itself in the Tri-State, serving one-of-a-kind experiences to its customers.
An opening date has not been set yet for the new Mi Cozumel, located at 7484 Turfway Rd., but the Florence storefront has slowly posted updates online.
Madre’s Modern Mexican in Covington
Coming to Northern Kentucky this January is Madre’s Modern Mexican at 801 Madison Ave.
The authentic Mexican restaurant brings quality food that “tastes like mama’s kitchen” to Covington Jan. 16.
Madre’s Modern Mexican coming to Covington. Photo taken September 2025.(WXIX)CAVA in Oakley
Moving into the former Holtman’s Donuts is CAVA, a Mediterranean quick-serve restaurant that has quickly grown across the U.S.
An opening date is unknown at this time, but a media spokesperson with CAVA confirms it will be opening in Oakley Station this year.
The concept began in 2010 by co-founders Ike Grigoropoulos, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ted Xenohristos.
According to CAVA’s website, the trio grew up on traditional Greek cuisine, thus inspiring them to start the company.
Whiskey Yard in Liberty Township
Epic Brands, the owners of Agave & Rye and Tokyo Pie, are opening a new restaurant in Liberty Center called Whiskey Yard.
The restaurant celebrates global flavors and, of course, American whiskey.
Whiskey Yard’s grand opening is Feb. 8.
Skyline Chili in Downtown
Cincinnatians, rejoice! Skyline Chili is coming to Fountain Square.
Details about the Cincinnati restaurant’s new home are limited, however, the company says they plan to open the storefront in the spring.
Sushi coming to Pendleton
Following the closure of Braxton Brewery’s Pendleton location, FOX News contributor Brett Velicovich bought the building for $1.6 million, in addition to five residential units.
According to 3CRE advisors, Cincinnati real estate agent and hospitality group owner Nick Pesola is working with Velicovich to lease the space out.
FOX19 NOW’s media partners at the Cincinnati Enquirer report that Velicovich has already leased space to a high-end sushi restaurant.
Cook Out in Clifton
An American fast-food chain known for its affordable and customizable meals is rumored to open in the Clifton neighborhood.
Reports that Cook Out, founded in North Carolina, is coming to Cincinnati began back in September.
An Instagram account was also made, called “UC Cookout,” however, it is not confirmed that it is an official Cook Out account.
FOX19 NOW asked the franchise if they have plans to open a Cincinnati location, but we have not heard back.
If the rumors are true, Cook Out is said to open its Clifton location on Straight Street.
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Dining and Cooking