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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Central Business District

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Vintage on Race restaurant
1. Vintage on Race
4.2
Awesome(49)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Central Business District
Booked 18 times today
Vintage on Race, located in Cincinnati's Central Business District, is redefining the Gastro Pub experience with its eclectic mix of Classic American Fare and innovative culinary delights. This vibrant sports bar has become a "perfect spot to go before a Bengals game," offering a "wonderful atmosphere with great food." Patrons rave about the "delicious food and great service," making it an ideal destination for both casual dining and spirited gatherings. Guests are encouraged to indulge in the signature cocktails, which set a "new standard for quality" in the city's beverage scene. Whether you're there for a game or a date night, Vintage on Race ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Court Street Kitchen restaurant
2. Court Street Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Central Business District
Booked 24 times today
Court Street Kitchen in Downtown Cincinnati captivates diners with its exceptional Fusion/Eclectic cuisine, masterfully blending old-world inspiration with modern culinary techniques. "Fabulous service and incredible food" is a common echo among patrons, with dishes like "fresh oysters" and "mushroom ragout" leaving a lasting impression. The menu is praised for its versatility and interesting choices, appealing to both adventurous eaters and those seeking comfort. With a vibrant atmosphere that includes a DJ-backed speakeasy experience and a unique "No Boys Allowed Brunch," CSK creates a dining culture that celebrates the good life, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a dynamic culinary adventure.
A photo of Fourth & Walnut restaurant tavern restaurant
3. Fourth & Walnut restaurant tavern
4.4
Awesome(324)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Cincinnati
Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati, Fourth & Walnut Restaurant and Tavern proudly offers a remarkable American dining experience that captures the city's rich culinary heritage. This gem stands out with its exceptional cuisine crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the vibrant pulse of downtown. Diners rave about the "amazing food" and "phenomenal service," with standout dishes like the Duroc pork chop and grilled salmon leaving guests "still talking about how good it was." The warm, inviting atmosphere and exclusive house bourbon, Maker’s Mark Queen City 1788, create the perfect backdrop for memorable meals. Discover why this is "one of the best-kept secrets in DT Cincy!"
A photo of Pennyflower Bistro and Bar restaurant
4. Pennyflower Bistro and Bar
new
4.5
Awesome(8)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Cincinnati
Booked 6 times today
Pennyflower Bistro and Bar is a contemporary American Bistro with a chic yet casual atmosphere. From Whipped Feta Toast to Chicken Schnitzel, to our signature Crispy Lasagna, the Pennyflower menu offers an eclectically comforting selection of bites. We are conveniently located in The Clair Hotel on the east side of downtown Cincinnati near to P&G headquarters and the Fountain District.We look forward to serving you!
A photo of Red Roost Tavern restaurant
5. Red Roost Tavern
3.9
Excellent(228)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Cincinnati
Booked 2 times today
Red Roost Tavern or RTR is a nod to providing locally sourced food and spirit in a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.Current hours are Monday - Thursday 4pm - 10pm, Friday 3pm - 10pm and Saturday - Sunday 7am - 10pm.
A photo of Unexpected Burger’s & Bourbon @ Kinley Hotel restaurant
6. Unexpected Burger’s & Bourbon @ Kinley Hotel
3.9
Excellent(29)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Central Business District
Booked 1 time today
Unexpected Burger’s & Bourbon @ Kinley Hotel in the heart of Cincinnati's Central Business District truly embodies the essence of Contemporary American cuisine. This chic spot, just a stone's throw from the Aronoff Center, offers a delightful menu that surprises and satisfies. Diners rave about the "unreal Schaaf Burger" and "perfectly cooked" filet, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The cozy ambiance coupled with the attentive service enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of modern American flavors. As one enthusiastic patron put it, "Honestly phenomenal. One of the best burgers I have ever had."
A photo of Opal Rooftop restaurant
7. Opal Rooftop
4.7
Exceptional(390)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Cincinnati
Booked 13 times today
Opal Rooftop in Covington, KY, offers an exceptional Farm-to-table experience that diners rave about. With its commitment to using locally focused products, the restaurant delivers authentic Contemporary American dishes crafted by Culinary Director Chef Eric Polhamus. Patrons praise the "earthy flavors" and "fantastic mushrooms," highlighting the kitchen's dedication to fresh, quality ingredients. The unique wood-fired Grillworks grill enhances the dining experience, infusing dishes with a smoky aroma that "tastes absolutely wonderful." Guests enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, making Opal Rooftop not just a meal, but an unforgettable culinary adventure. "Highly recommend" for those seeking genuine Farm-to-table cuisine.
A photo of Mellotone Beer Project restaurant
8. Mellotone Beer Project
new
4.3
Awesome(25)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Over the Rhine
Booked 28 times today
Timelessly Cool. A modern take on the American brewery experience in Over-the-Rhine.
A photo of Sacred Beast Diner restaurant
9. Sacred Beast Diner
4.7
Exceptional(1816)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Over the Rhine
Booked 41 times today
Sacred Beast Diner in Cincinnati's vibrant Over the Rhine neighborhood is a must-visit for lovers of Contemporary French/American cuisine. Renowned for its "innovative food" and "spectacular" flavors, this gem offers a menu packed with modern twists on classic dishes. Diners rave about the "phenomenal lemon ricotta pancakes" and the "delicious chili crunch chicken," showcasing the restaurant's ability to blend French techniques with American comfort food. Sacred Beast's "impeccable service" and "fun atmosphere" further elevate the dining experience, making it a standout choice. With a reputation for "never disappointing" and "consistently yummy" offerings, it's a top destination in OTR.
A photo of Losanti restaurant
10. Losanti
4.7
Exceptional(2588)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Over the Rhine
Booked 53 times today
Losanti, nestled in Over the Rhine, Cincinnati, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an experience that is both exquisite and authentic. As the only Boutique Italian Steakhouse in the area, it captivates diners with its from-scratch kitchen, where steaks are butchered daily, and fresh pasta is crafted in-house. The restaurant has garnered rave reviews, with patrons expressing delight over dishes that are "full of flavor and prepared to perfection," and a filet mignon that is "the best I've ever had." The meticulously executed cocktail program adds to the charm, making Losanti a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Alex
    Cincinnati / Dayton •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Sunday brunch was delicious, we had the pancakes and farmhouse meal (eggs, potatoes, bread, fruit instead of bacon). Portions were slightly smaller than the average American restaurant, but quality was excellent. Noise level was a little rowdy, not to complain, but to point out that some guests really enjoyed their cocktails :)
    More info
    Court Street KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Central Business District
    •
    4.7
  • SheilaVIP
    Cincinnati / Dayton •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We had a blast and the food was great! Service staff were slammed but so friendly and did a FANTASTIC job!
    More info
    Vintage on RacePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Central Business District
    •
    4.2
  • eliizabeth
    Cincinnati / Dayton •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 27, 2024
    It’s a very new establishment and you could tell the staff were still getting the knack with their workflow. The staff were extremely nice and we could tell they were trying hard to provide good service. My only recommendation is that the service could be a bit faster. On the other hand - food was freaking delicious! We had the steak and pork. The steak was on top of tapioca like sauce with beets. Delicious. The pork had a dried fennel seasoning which was such a great taste. I also love the rice and beans- great flavor. We were stuffed! The sweetest thing was that our server gave us a crème brûlée on the house. It loved the hint of cardamom. Give them a try- food is definitely great l!
    More info
    Pennyflower Bistro and BarPrice: Moderate• American• Cincinnati
    •
    4.5
  • CarolynVIP
    Cincinnati / Dayton •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    We were placed at a nice quiet table. Food & service was awesome! Perfect Christmas Eve dinner with our daughter and son-in-law!
    More info
    Fourth & Walnut restaurant tavernPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Cincinnati
    •
    4.4
  • Connie
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 24, 2024
    The dood was great and the service was outstanding. I had dinner there three nights during my hotel stay, and my server, named Ivy, was wonderful. I don't see this level of customer service often!
    More info
    Red Roost TavernPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Cincinnati
    •
    3.9

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