Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Cincinnati | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Cincinnati | Upscale Italian Food

• BLOC Coffee Company — American · rated 5/5: BLOC Coffee Company serves as a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary where the deep, earthy aroma of artisanal batch brews mingles with the comforting scent of golden fried chicken and bubbling baked pastas. Guests can find their rhythm in a space designed for connection, whether savoring a meticulous pour-over as "The Purist" or sharing a communal feast of earthy walnut rigatoni and zesty zucchini noodles. It is a place where the precision of a specialty coffee house meets the soul-warming satisfaction of a modern bistro, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and like home.
• Fowling Warehouse Cincinnati — American · rated 5/5: This sprawling industrial playground pulses with the rhythmic thud of footballs meeting bowling pins, creating a high-energy atmosphere where spirited competition meets casual camaraderie. Between frames, guests refuel with the nostalgic comfort of bubbling frozen pizzas and salty snacks, paired perfectly with the adventurous thrill of a "mystery beer" or a vibrant signature cocktail from the bustling bar.
• MadTree Brewing — Italian · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams through the expansive windows of this vibrant, industrial-chic taproom, where the hum of conversation mingles with the clinking of glasses amidst gleaming fermentation tanks. Crisp, innovative craft brews flow freely alongside the smoky aroma of wood-fired pizzas, creating a lively community hub where a sprawling outdoor patio invites guests to linger over pints and shared plates in the open air.
• NYPD Pizza — Italian · rated 3/5: This lively urban escape captures the spirited charm of a New York corner joint, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of garlic and the rhythmic slap of dough on flour-dusted counters. Golden, thin-crust pies emerge from the stone ovens with a signature char, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to molten mozzarella and tangy, herb-flecked sauce. It is a place where the simple joy of a foldable slice brings the energy of the bustling metropolis to the table, creating a vibrant setting for a casual, flavor-packed feast.
• Goodfellas Pizzeria — Italian: This high-energy haunt captures the gritty charm of a classic New York slice shop, where the rhythmic slap of hand-tossed dough and the intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella set a lively stage. Massive, thin-crust pies emerge from the ovens with a signature charred crunch, inviting guests to fold an oversized slice and savor a timeless urban tradition in a space that hums with effortless, old-school cool.
• Nicola's — Italian: Soft light dances across exposed brick and crisp linens in this refined sanctuary, where the soulful artistry of Italian hospitality takes center stage. The air hums with the warmth of a crackling hearth and the aroma of hand-rolled pastas, inviting diners to linger over velvety ragus and perfectly paired vintages in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
• Five on Vine — American: Bathed in a warm, amber glow, this Over-the-Rhine destination reimagines American comfort through a lens of modern sophistication and soulful hospitality. The air carries the savory perfume of slow-roasted rotisserie meats and bubbling house-made pastas, inviting guests to linger over elevated classics in a space that hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood gathering spot.
• Maggiano's Little Italy — Italian: Stepping into this bustling tribute to mid-century Italian-American dining feels like joining a grand family gathering, where dark wood paneling and white tablecloths create an atmosphere of timeless warmth. The air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered red sauce and toasted garlic, accompanying oversized platters of hand-crafted pastas and classic comfort dishes designed for sharing. It is a place where generous hospitality and spirited conversation turn every meal into a celebratory feast reminiscent of a traditional Sunday dinner.
• Urbana Cafe Pendleton — American: Sunlight streams through expansive windows into this airy, industrial-chic sanctuary, where the hum of a polished espresso machine and the gleam of a vintage Vespa set a stylish yet welcoming tone. The air is rich with the aroma of expertly roasted beans and buttery, golden pastries, inviting guests to linger over velvety lattes and artisanal toasts crafted with seasonal flair. It is a vibrant neighborhood hub that seamlessly blends Italian coffee culture with a modern urban pulse, creating the perfect corner for a quiet morning reflection or a spirited midday gathering.
• Alfio's Buon Cibo — Italian: Alfio’s Buon Cibo invites guests into a warm, light-filled sanctuary where the soulful aromas of simmering sauces and toasted garlic immediately evoke the spirit of a traditional Italian kitchen. Every plate celebrates the beauty of honest, high-quality ingredients, from silken house-made pastas to robust, herb-infused entrees that turn a simple dinner into a lingering, heartfelt celebration of flavor.
• Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern — American: Stepping into this spirited neighborhood tavern, guests are greeted by the comforting aroma of sizzling burgers and the vibrant energy of a community gathering spot wrapped in warm wood and polished copper. The kitchen breathes new life into classic American comfort, offering everything from golden-fried favorites to hearth-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with a cold pint or a hand-crafted cocktail. It is a place where the excitement of the game meets the relaxed charm of a family dinner, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and effortlessly welcoming.
• Ramundo's Pizzeria — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella define this lively neighborhood hub, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough sets a vibrant tempo for every meal. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the oven laden with savory toppings, offering a satisfying crunch that anchors a menu of timeless Italian-American comfort. Whether grabbing a quick, foldable slice on the go or settling in for a shared pie, guests find a welcoming sanctuary dedicated to the simple, soul-warming art of the perfect pizza.
• Mio's Pizzeria — Italian: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic sound of dough being hand-tossed sets the stage for a meal centered on communal joy. Each pie emerges from the oven with a perfectly blistered crust and molten layers of savory toppings, inviting guests to linger over cold drinks and slices that capture the soulful, flour-dusted essence of a classic pizzeria.
• Martino's On Vine — Italian: Martino's On Vine welcomes guests into a bustling neighborhood sanctuary where the savory aroma of garlic and slow-simmered marinara drifts through a warm, inviting dining room. Friends and families gather over overflowing plates of Italian-American classics, finding a spirited retreat that pairs the nostalgic charm of a traditional trattoria with a vibrant, modern energy.
• Urbana Cafe — Italian Based on the name: Urbana Cafe serves as a sun-drenched urban sanctuary where the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the soft hum of conversation create a vibrant backdrop for daily rituals. Guests settle into a space of polished concrete and warm wood to savor artfully poured lattes alongside buttery, house-baked pastries, finding a sophisticated yet soulful escape in the heart of the city.
• Mikey's Late Night Slice — Italian: Bathed in the rebellious glow of neon and fueled by a high-octane soundtrack, this high-energy pizza haunt serves as a vibrant sanctuary for the late-night crowd. Oversized, foldable slices dripping with bold toppings and signature spicy sauces take center stage, offering a crunchy, cheese-laden experience that captures the gritty, unapologetic spirit of the city after dark.
• The Bagelry — Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese: The Bagelry serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the comforting aroma of toasted sesame and yeast-leavened dough beckons from the sidewalk. Inside, hand-rolled rings are boiled to a signature chew and baked to a golden crisp, creating the perfect vessel for silken cream cheeses and artisanal toppings that elevate the humble breakfast staple into a soulful morning ritual.
• LaRosa's Pizzeria — Italian: Stepping into this beloved neighborhood landmark feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the sweet, nostalgic aroma of a secret family-recipe sauce simmering on the stove. Golden, thin-crust pizzas topped with a signature blend of melted provolone emerge bubbling from the ovens, served in a bustling dining room that hums with the joyful energy of generations sharing a timeless Italian-American feast.
• Crown Republic Gastropub — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of an open kitchen, this bustling downtown hub pulses with an infectious energy that invites diners to linger over plates of rustic, globally-inspired comfort food. The air carries the enticing aroma of charred sourdough and simmering sauces, while the kitchen celebrates the art of the handmade through silky, house-rolled pastas and bold, wood-fired flavors. It is a space where industrial-chic design meets heartfelt hospitality, creating a vibrant backdrop for everything from spirited happy hours to soulful, multi-course dinners.
• Lucy Blue Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with a welcoming energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough baking to a perfect, golden crisp. Each slice balances a signature sweet-and-savory sauce with premium toppings, offering a soulful, unpretentious dining experience that feels like a warm embrace in the heart of the city.
• Wildweed — Italian: Sunlight dances across a vibrant, open space where the rhythmic craft of handmade pasta meets the untamed beauty of seasonal harvests and foraged finds. Each dish arrives as a vivid tapestry of texture and taste, inviting guests to explore a soulful menu that honors the earth’s natural bounty through a lens of modern, playful creativity.
• Guardia — Italian: Step into a sanctuary of refined elegance where flickering candlelight dances against weathered stone walls and plush velvet seating invites intimate conversation. The air carries the enticing scent of charred botanicals and slow-simmered reductions, setting the stage for a culinary journey that balances bold, heritage-inspired flavors with modern, artistic presentation. Every plate arrives as a masterclass in texture and taste, paired with a curated cellar selection that ensures each evening at Guardia feels like a timeless escape from the bustling world outside.
• Primavista — Italian: Perched high above the city, Primavista offers a breathtaking panorama where the twinkling skyline serves as a dramatic backdrop to an evening of refined elegance. The air is rich with the scent of slow-simmered sauces and searing proteins, as the kitchen transforms classic Italian inspirations into sophisticated plates of handmade pasta and tender, herb-crusted meats. Soft candlelight and impeccable service create an intimate sanctuary, making every meal feel like a timeless celebration of fine wine and sweeping views.
• Dewey's Pizza — Italian: Flour-dusted windows reveal a lively stage where chefs expertly toss hand-stretched dough into the air, inviting guests into a vibrant space filled with the irresistible aroma of stone-fired crusts. The experience pairs inventive, gourmet toppings with a curated selection of craft brews, creating a spirited neighborhood gathering spot where every bubbling, golden pie is a celebration of artisanal craft.
• Via Vite — Italian: Overlooking the bustling energy of Fountain Square, this vibrant Italian destination invites guests into a sun-drenched space where modern urban design meets the soulful warmth of a traditional trattoria. The air is thick with the scent of slow-simmered ragu and charred crusts from the wood-burning oven, while the open kitchen hums with the rhythmic preparation of hand-rolled pastas and seasonal antipasti. Whether sipping a classic negroni on the breezy terrace or sharing a bottle of Chianti amidst the glow of the city lights, every meal feels like a spirited celebration of authentic flavors and Italian hospitality.
• Otto's — Italian: Otto’s invites diners into a vibrant, light-filled sanctuary where the rhythmic clinking of glasses and the aroma of searing herbs create an atmosphere of effortless conviviality. The kitchen celebrates the art of the meal through thoughtfully composed plates that balance bold, earthy textures with delicate finishes, ensuring every visit feels like a warm embrace of culinary craftsmanship.
• Adriatico's — Italian: Stepping into Adriatico’s, guests are greeted by the comforting aroma of slow-simmered sauce and dough rising in deep, seasoned pans. This bustling neighborhood staple is celebrated for its legendary Sicilian-style pizzas, where a thick, pillowy crust supports a generous landscape of melted cheese and bold, savory toppings. Whether sharing a massive, rectangular pie with a crowd or tucked into a corner with a single slice, the experience is one of pure, unadulterated comfort served in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Scotti's Italian Restaurant — Italian: Stepping into this timeless sanctuary feels like a journey to a bygone era, where the soft glow of candlelight dances across white tablecloths and the air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered garlic and herbs. Plates of silken pasta and tender, hand-breaded classics are served with a sense of old-world hospitality, inviting guests to linger over rich, velvety sauces and robust red wines. This is a destination where every meal feels like a cherished family celebration, rooted in deep culinary traditions and the simple, soulful joy of a perfectly prepared Italian feast.
• Sotto — Italian: Descend into a dimly lit, subterranean sanctuary where the flickering glow of candlelight and the earthy aroma of a wood-burning oven create an atmosphere of rustic intimacy. The kitchen honors the soulful traditions of Southern Italy, turning out hand-rolled pastas and charred, blistered pizzas that celebrate bold, sun-drenched flavors and artisanal craft. It is a hidden retreat where the warmth of the hearth and a curated wine list invite guests to linger long into the evening.
• Incline Public House — American: Perched high atop Price Hill, this vibrant gastropub offers a breathtaking panoramic sweep of the Cincinnati skyline that serves as a dramatic backdrop for every meal. The air is filled with the smoky aroma of wood-fired pizzas and the savory sizzle of gourmet burgers, while a curated selection of craft brews flows freely within the rustic, industrial-chic space. Whether you are lounging on the expansive deck at sunset or tucked into a cozy booth, the experience seamlessly marries elevated comfort food with a sense of historic charm and unparalleled city vistas.