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Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in Cincinnati / Dayton

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in Cincinnati / Dayton? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Sotto restaurant

4.9

4.9 (7956)

$50 and over

Italian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

It is a concept of casual intimacy and communal romance. Sotto is the art of simplicity, a steward of restraint. It’s undressed, gutsy and human. It is fire, meat, wheat, and laughter. Above all, Sotto is Italian.

Now Open for Lunch Service Monday - Friday, 11am - 2pm

Top review

T

Thomas

Dined 5 days ago

We went to lunch to celebrate my wife’s birthday and were immediately impressed by our server, Chrissy, and her knowledge of the menu and wine pairings. The ambiance was intimate and soft at the beginning, but between the house music and the increasing number of patrons, it became quite loud. Still, the food and attention to detail were the stars of the show. The eggplant parmigiana, tagliatelle al prosciutto, and the Italian Stallion cocktail were among the best of the afternoon. To finish, a complimentary donut served with a delicate salted caramel sauce brought the birthday celebration to a special level. We highly recommend and we will return for another great experience!

A photo of Alfio's buon cibo restaurant

Alfio's buon cibo

4.9

4.9 (3380)

$50 and over

Italian

Hyde Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Alfio's Buon Cibo, an award-winning Italian restaurant located in the heart of Hyde Park Square.

Chef Alfio Gulisano leads our chef-driven kitchen and he's dedicated to providing you with the highest quality ingredients, expertly prepared to perfection.
Our menu boasts hand-cut steaks, fresh pasta, and Argentinian flavors that are the perfect touch to Alfio's cooking style.
Pair your meal with one of our 350+ bottles of wine, expertly curated by our three in-house sommeliers.
And don't forget to save room for our house-made desserts and "Chef's Blend" Coffee.

Top off your experience with one of our expertly crafted cocktails, such as the classic Negroni or our Mixologist signature Maple Manhattan. Our upscale atmosphere is perfect for romantic nights out or celebratory dinners with friends and family.

For a high-end steakhouse alternative, Alfio's Buon Cibo is the obvious choice. Come dine with us and experience the best Italian cuisine in Cincinnati.

Top review

M

MichaelVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent Service, Ms Erica our bartender makes THE best Smoked Old Fashion AND THE Best Espresso Martini 🍸 in town. The food is out of this world. Great Holiday Vibe I give Alfio’s a 6+ out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ And was named Top 100 Restaurants in Open Table Ciao Ciao Ciao

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A photo of Grilled Lamb Chops of a restaurant

Grilled Lamb Chops

A photo of Short Rib Ravioli of a restaurant

Short Rib Ravioli

A photo of Empanadas Cuatro of a restaurant

Empanadas Cuatro

A photo of Pepp & Dolores restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4063)

$30 and under

Italian

Over the Rhine

About the restaurant

INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT AND SENSE OF HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCED AT SUNDAY SUPPER IN THE HOME OF OUR GRANDPARENTS, PEPP & DOLORES IS A CASUAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO FAMILY AND TO THE FOOD THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER. FEATURING HOUSEMADE PASTAS, CAREFULLY CURATED WINES, AND A BALANCE OF CHERISHED FAMILY RECIPES WITH FRESH, VIBRANT FLAVORS THAT MAKE US FEEL: THIS IS HOME.

Top review

T

Tom and Celeste

Dined 4 days ago

We had lunch reservations for our 47th anniversary. We were immediately seated on arrival, and promptly greeted by our server Mark. He was happy to be part of our celebration, and shared his favorite recommendations on the menu. So many choices! We had spaghetti with Sunday Sauce, butternut squash ravioli, veal cutlets, salad wedge, freshly baked bread, and of course, wine. Everything was delicious. Thanks for making our anniversary a special day! We will definitely be back. T & C Lane

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A photo of Limone of a restaurant

A photo of Housemade Ricotta of a restaurant

Housemade Ricotta

A photo of Mama's on Main restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1382)

$31 to $50

Italian

Covington

About the restaurant

Mama's on Main
Offering authentic northern and southern Italian fare, including house-made pastas

Top review

C

connie

Dined 4 days ago

Ambiance was festive. Food was exceptional. Grace was attentive to our needs. Upstairs was nice but noted some guests were a bit loud.

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A photo of Ricotta Gnocchi of a restaurant

Ricotta Gnocchi

A photo of Chicken Parmesan of a restaurant

Chicken Parmesan

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Primavista restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6253)

$31 to $50

Italian

Cincinnati

About the restaurant

Enjoy Chef Chris Prince’s award-winning Italian dishes while overlooking the Cincinnati skyline and Ohio River in our cozy but elegant Dining Room.
Since opening in 1989 our long-standing excellent reputation and many awards for Most Romantic,Best Scenic View and Best Italian, make Primavista the perfect spot for all occasions.
Take in the breath-taking views of the city while enjoying fine Italian dishes from Spaghetti with Veal Meatballs,Veal Scallopines, Fresh Fish,Chicken Alfredo and Filet of Beef to name a few.
Now serving Dinner Weds.-Sun.Reservations suggested and often required.Valet parking.
Please see our website for menu and directions.pvista.com

Top review

E

Elizabeth

Dined 1 day ago

Had the veal Marsala which was very good as was the bread pudding. Will be back.

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A photo of Spaghetti and Veal Meatballs of a restaurant

Spaghetti and Veal Meatballs

A photo of Goat cheese of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken "Formaggio" of a restaurant

Chicken "Formaggio"

A photo of Rosie's Italian Kitchen restaurant

Rosie's Italian Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (987)

$30 and under

Italian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Welcome to Rosie's Italian!
Bringing traditional East Coast Italian to Cincinnati!
Specializing in house made pasta, hand-tossed pizza, as well as craft spritzes and cocktails, Rosie's Italian offers a slice of traditional, family-oriented Italian cooking with elevated care and attentiveness.

We offer reservations for both our standard seating and bar counter, both options are available through our OpenTable page.

Top review

H

Hailee

Dined 4 days ago

Food and service were very amazing just very noisy, couldn’t hear our server !😂 Cannoli was very delicious 10/10 recommend!

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A photo of Meatballs of a restaurant

A photo of Meatball -or- Chicken Parmesan of a restaurant

Meatball -or- Chicken Parmesan

A photo of Gelato of a restaurant

A photo of Caruso's Ristorante & Bar restaurant

Caruso's Ristorante & Bar

4.7

4.7 (1124)

$31 to $50

Italian

Springdale

About the restaurant

Caruso’s is a rebirth of a restaurant that was created by Rakan Shteiwi in the 1979. Many of the original Spinning Fork recipes came from the original Caruso’s which was located in downtown Cincinnati. We look to merge classic and modern flavors inspired by traditional Italian and American Italian cuisines.

Top review

L

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

A great dinner and great service really enjoyed the meal and service

A photo of Via Vite restaurant

4.7

4.7 (5260)

$30 and under

Italian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Via Vite is a modern Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati on Fountain Square with the largest outdoor dining space in the city center . Our menu features Chef Cristian Pietoso's creative Italian cuisine using the best local and imported ingredients available. We have private rooms available for all size groups and types of events.

*On New Year's Eve and Valentines day we only offer a pre-fix menu

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Early bday dinner Always delicious w/ great location around holidays next to fountain square

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A photo of Tagliatelle Bolognese of a restaurant

Tagliatelle Bolognese

A photo of Mama's Eggplant Parmigiana of a restaurant

Mama's Eggplant Parmigiana

A photo of Octopus of a restaurant

A photo of Al-Posto Italian Ristorante restaurant

Al-Posto Italian Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (628)

$30 and under

Italian

Hyde Park

About the restaurant

Al-Posto is a full-service Italian restaurant & wine bar with outdoor patio dining located in Hyde Park Square.
The menu is Southern Italian Inspired cuisine with hand made pasta & Sommelier selected wines.
The meaning of Al-Posto is “at the spot” where guests meet their friends and family “at the spot”.
Can't wait to see you at the spot!

Top review

C

CarolynVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Al-Posto keeps getting better and better! the food was delicious and the service made us feel so special. The restaurant was decorated for the holidays and it looked gorgeous. It was a wonderful evening!

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A photo of Burrata of a restaurant

A photo of Cacio e Pepe of a restaurant

A photo of Maggiano's - Cincinnati restaurant

Maggiano's - Cincinnati

4.7

4.7 (5636)

$30 and under

Italian

Madeira

About the restaurant

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Cincinnati and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Our location compliments the premier shopping at Kenwood Towne Centre with our beautiful patio in the warmer months and our collaboration with Santa during the holiday season. Visit us at 7875 Montgomery Rd. and book your reservation today!

Top review

P

PaulVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our server Shelby was awesome. Very timely with everything from drinks to dinner and making certain to stop bye and see if there was anything we needed. Great food and drinks for all of us and the deserts were amazing.

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