Mouthwatering Cafes in Cincinnati

Toasted Brunch Bar + Café

★★★★☆ 4 (23)

"Toasted replaced the old Melt, so we were eager to try it. It was jam-packed on a Sunday morning, so we waited about 30 minutes for a table for 2. We were seated side by side by the window in high stools. The waitress and manager were attentive and quick. The food was mid (okay). I ordered the Wakey Wakey with the waffle and bacon. The best part was the hash browns--they were super crispy on the outside! The waffle lacked any crunch, and the bacon was very limp. My friend ordered the French Toast. We were surprised to pay $13 for one slice of French toast. She said it was good, but the pineapple and melon mixed with the berries on top were not a great flavor mix. She also ordered a side of scrambled eggs that she said lacked flavor and were not good. The ambiance was casual, and the place was nicely decorated for the holidays! There was plenty of room for big parties, and it seemed kid-friendly, too."

Plain Folk Cafe

★★★★★ 4.6 (78) • $

"Very pleased! The menu was just big enough to offer a variety and small enough for them to be good at what they do! The beer selection was good and the food was really good. Great service! My only complaint was the live music is just too much for the size of the restaurant. We will definitely be back!"

High Grounds Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (41) • $$

"So I'm doing my first yelp review in forever. You gotta check this place out. The interior is great. It had a nice leather chair that didn't hurt my butt. I just had coffee. The hazelnut coffee was probably the best hazelnut coffee I have ever had. The Nicaraguan and house blend were great as well. From observing the other patrons, they were pleased with the food and beverage they got. The attractive lady at the front counter was polite and friendly and I'm sure if I had any questions on menu items she could've handled that well. I did not check out the bathroom but I'll bet it was clean."

Unataza Coffee

★★★★★ 4.9 (67) • $

"Cozy ambiance, excellent service and amazing coffee!!! We got the Golden Latte, which was full of flavor and very tasty, and also the Cortadito, with a very nice and smooth texture combined with a strong coffee flavor as we in Latin America like it. We are from Puerto Rico and being an Island in where the production of coffee has been part of the main businesses, both for domestic consumption as for exportation, for more than a century, we are particularly demanding with the quality of coffee that we drink. So, Unataza is 100% approved as a place in where you can find quality coffee in the Cincy area. We did not have the chance of trying their food menu, but many of the options they have look very good; so next time we visit Unataza we will adventure with their food menu and will let you know.Wishing all the best and many blessings to the owner of Unataza and their staff!!"

Liberty Road Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (26) • $

"This is a basic deli type lunch spot. The food was fresh and the bread from Sunrise Bakery was excellent, and the perfect compliment to ripe and delicious lettuce and tomato with high quality deli meats and cheeses. I ate a half of an egg salad sandwich and it was wonderful. It was just like my grandmother used to make and she was quite a gourmet cook. I also had a half of a ham and Swiss. I was impressed with how much cheese they put on it. I was also surprised that there were no condiments on the sandwich and they didn't ask me when I ordered if I wanted mayo or mustard?? They had some little packets of mustard on a side table but no mayonnaise. I thought that their homemade potato chips were very good. I usually don't like them at other places because they usually taste burnt. These didn't. When I go back I am going to buy some of their spicy corn dip. It looks good but I didn't get a chance to try it."

Penny Lane Art Gallery & Coffee Shop

★★★★★ 4.8 (41) • $

"This is a very eclectic place to visit with friends or a date night. The food is great and they have different types of art throughout which makes for good conversation pieces. Check it outl"

Main Street Diner & Carryout

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"What a nice little Cafe. Clean, well kept, nice staff and good food. I had a the best Cajun pork tenderloins sandwich that I have ever had. The onions ring were good too. Place is reasonable priced. This is where the locals eat."

Weiss Baking Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (39)

"We visited here for the first time (at the recommendation of a neighbor) on Saturday, 8/10/24, for an awesome brunch. It was not at all crowded when we arrived around 9:30AM.The dining room and restrooms were very nice "wedding reception hall" decor, but it felt more like a large dining room than a reception hall. Our server was friendly and very attentive.I had the Hangover Harry ($14, buttermilk biscuit, two fresh eggs, five cheese blend, sausage gravy, topped with crumbled goetta & a side of our house hot sauce). I had eggs over easy rather than scrambled, and there were either two biscuits or two halves of one very large biscuit. I like hot sauce but did not pour it on my dish since it detracted from all the other great flavors. Overall this dish was great and extremely filling.My wife had Stuffed French Toast ($9, two pieces of our french bread stuffed with vanilla bean mascarpone, served with pure maple syrup & whipped cream) and Haus Potato Casserole ($4, shredded potatoes, creamy five cheese sauce, baked in a crispy cornflake crust). The French Toast was probably the best I ever tasted (she gave me a couple bites). It was two large slices of French Toast with mascarpone in the middle and then cut in half like two halves of a sandwich. She said the potato casserole was good, but too much to eat given the generous potions of French toast.We also ordered a Brioche Cinnamon Roll ($7) with mascarpone icing to go. It was served warm and was good heated up briefly at home, but a bit too light on cinnamon.Our total bill before tip with two soft drinks ($3 each) came to $40 plus $2.70 tax - and it was well worth it.We'll definitely be back for brunch or dinner."

Beans-n-Cream

★★★★★ 4.6 (38) • $

"Beans n Cream is a great go to small coffee shop with lunch and breakfast food right outside of Cedarville University. It's has great and friendly service but may take a little bit of time for your food especially when busy. We love going to Beans n Cream."

Lake Nina Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (86) • $$

"Great fish dinners to be had here!I ordered the highly acclaimed fish log and the fried potatoes. Both were fantastic and didn't disappoint. They will actually make the fish well done which most fish places won't but I like mine Great Britain style, crunchy and with lots of flavor, this one for the bill for sure. Fried potatoes with onions were good too, showstopper though was the onion rings. Truly GB style! Crunchy, flavorful, made with fish batter and not breaded like the ones you get do often these days. The meal was BIG so maybe if you're going for lunch grab the half log or pan to take some home. Great place for truly one of a kind fish for the landlocked Ohio!"

Corner Café at The Leland

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"The Corner Cafe at the Leland is located in the Leland Legacy, a senior apartment complex in Richmond, IN. Years ago, it was the Leland Inn, a hotel. A few years ago, the Corner Cafe at the Leland opened up in the Leland Legacy. I had heard good things about it, and I wanted to try it. My first time was last year, and I thought it was delicious, and I wanted to come back. But with my schedule and the short hours and the limited days they were open limited that. I finally got to come back today, and it was great! I ordered the special of the day, the Stuffed Chicken Breast, along with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Fresh Fruit, and Coke Zero. It was all delicious! The people working there were very nice. I want to come back sometime and try their other food. I just wish they were open more hours and more days during the week. I told one of my friends who now lives in Michigan about this place, and he wants to try it when he's back in Richmond. It is well worth it! You won't regret it!"

Terrace Cafe

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (34) • $$

"I've had so-so experiences here. The last one was really underwhelming. I went on a Thursday, when the cafe is open late, and the staff was terriblem. They were arguing over who's table is was who's, and complaing to myself and other patrons about other staff. It was very awkward. However, on a good day, they offer lovely teas which add to the experience at the museum. They also have a pretty epic hummus plate. Service has always been slow and prices are high, but meh, I would probably order a pot of tea next time I'm here, but I'd give myself extra time and patience for the service."

Better Blend - Mason

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"LOVE better blend. I found them after I looked at the nutritional value on my smoothie from a competitor and was shocked at the high sugar and low protein on what I thought was a healthy order. So many to choose from at BB. Choc covered strawberry is my favorite but other faves are banana caramel cheesecake, brownie batter, and mint choc. Açaí bowls are awesome too. The large keeps me full as a real meal replacement. I usually add chia and greens too. Sign up for the rewards! Great service snd clean stores."

The Attic & Coffee Mill Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (60) • $$

"Service is beyond par - a hearty welcome and a good assessment that new customer might need assistance- sales clerk knew exactly what everything had in it, sandwiches and drinks plus bags of teas and coffee beans. Nice and relaxed atmosphere that I needed in the middle of a day where I was in Madison for training. Will be back soon!"

First Watch

★★★★☆ 4.1 (62) • $$

"The Food and Service was wonderful. I come here often. Among many items, I love the steel cut oats."

State Street Coffee

★★★★★ 5 (21)

"State Street Coffee in Trenton, OH: Where the Espresso Is Strong & the Baristas Are Stronger!!!Move over, Starbucks, there's a new sheriff in Trenton brewing up espresso shots that'll make your heart literally skip a beat! State Street Coffee is the local gem that's been hiding in plain sight, serving up brewed liquid gold.My first visit won't be my last, thanks to Amelia, the barista extraordinaire who seems to have a sixth sense for crafting the perfect drink. She recommended their Strawberry Shortcake espresso (with an extra shot, because why not live life on the edge?). It was so good, but his wasn't just any espresso; it was a double-double dose of deliciousness. In fact, I learned all espresso shots at State Street are doubles, so it was a double-double and worth every palpitation. If you're looking for a coffee shop that's locally owned, ridiculously charming, and serves up espresso that'll make you want to do a happy dance, then State Street Coffee is your new caffeine haven. Just be sure to ask for AMELIA and tip her generously!"

The Burch Tree Cafe and Bakery

★★★★★ 4.5 (22)

"Easy to find with on street parking. Ambience of small town cafe with big city decor. Fast & friendly service. I can see many locals find this place home. Ordered 3 egg cheese omelet $7.99. Folded the way it should be!!"

Bakehouse Bread & cookie

★★★★☆ 4.3 (63) • $$

"Best Chicken and Tuna Salad I've had. Homemade loaves of bread and their homemade cookies are the best."

Partial to Pie

★★★★★ 4.6 (46)

"This local business is fantastic. Always friendly and helpful. Their pies are amazing and their quiches are delish! Get there early because they sell out quick some days. You can also place special orders for pick up with 48 hour advance notice. Do t forget to order your pies for Thanksgiving!!!"

1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab

★★★★☆ 4.4 (313) • $

"Charm, outside seating, great coffee options and booze. Spectacular! This hidden gem will check all the boxes for you. It's a great place to work on your laptop or chill with friends. The first time I went, I got a glass of wine and I saw someone drinking a delicious coffee drink. Upon inquiry, I found out they make a really good Irish coffee. It is now my favorite.The service is so friendly and the vibe is upscale. I love it here and always visit when I'm in Cinci. Lovely!"

Red Apple Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (49)

"I was greeted and seated fairly quickly. Lisa was my server/waitress. She was friendly and paid attention to details. When she served my breakfast, she said, "something's missing." It was the hash browns. She brought that to me shortly after that. Kept coffee refilled as i dined. Good food- eggs over hard, ham slice, hash browns, sourdough toast( i can't find that often!). Choice of creamers for my coffee, and she brought a small bowl filled with them. She brought ketchup for the hash browns when she served them without having to ask. Orange marmalade was great on the sourdough toast. She also brought me an extra spoon when i asked, as the one I had I was using for marmalade, needed one for coffee. I dined on a Saturday morning after a busy work week, felt like treating myself."

KungBrew

★★★★★ 4.7 (9)

"Great service, music, atmosphere, and a fun variety of comfortable seating! Lots of natural light and a delicious dirty chai latte"

Gaslight Café

★★★★☆ 4 (159) • $

"One of the best and longest running bars in Cincinnati! Very similar to Cheers where everyone knows your name. This local pub has some of the best burgers I have ever had. Gary and his family own it and the crew is sweet. Not to mention they support local community events. Great place to come have a beer and maybe some food and catch up with friends and neighbors. So blessed to have this gem in my neighborhood! Parking out back and located in the heart of Pleasant Ridge."

Fable Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 (2)

"I told my friend I wanted to go some place cool and she rightfully took me here. I had the golden milk latte with an espresso shot and it was divine. The cafe was bright and clean with a steady flow of people coming in and out at 10:30am on a Tuesday. Servers were friendly and drinks on point."

Urbana Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (161) • $

"There are just so many good coffee shops in Cincinnati: Coffee Emporium, Iris, 1215, Collective Espresso, Deeper Roots, BLOC, Muse, Carabello, Sidewinder, Rohs: how does Urbana stack up? Urbana is none of these things:Best coffee: 1215Best building: BLOCBest meeting place: Coffee EmporiumBest seating area: Iris (courtyard)Edgiest: SidewinderFriendliest: CarabelloBest people watching: RohsBest WiFi: MuseBest mission: Deeper Roots / BLOCSo why does it get five stars? Urbana encompasses pretty much the best aspects of all of these places without really sacrificing anything. Coffee: excellent. Building: tons of light, brilliant use of space. Architecturally exposed brick... NICE. Group meeting place: workable with tables downstairs. Seating: exceptional upstairs and outdoor courtyard. Edginess: (not for long) Pendleton is "up-and-coming." Friendliness: every time I have been in. People watching: from your birds-eye view on the upstairs balcony. WiFi: buttery. Mission: they deliver coffee on a VESPA: clearly doing the Lord's work, needn't say more."

Center Hub Deli & Catering

★★★★☆ 4.1 (13) • $$

"This review is mainly for the meal prep service, although I have eaten here and the food is good. But let's talk about the meal prep. For $7 (4 oz), $8 (6oz) or $9 (8oz) or $9, $10, $11 for Tuna or Salmon you get a delicious protein, a cup of veggies and 1/2 cup of carb. For the veggies there are about 15 different options and the carbs have about 10 different options. You can mix and match however you like, or double up on veggies and no carbs if that's more your style. I had the Tuna Steak with quinoa and spinach. I opted to add the lemon vinaigrette for .50 and I am so happy I did. The Tuna was fabulous and the spinach was crisp and fresh. My coworker and I have decided to do this weekly now. Next up was Salmon with brussel sprouts and sweet potato. The salmon was perfectly cooked and had a lot of flavor. The brussel sprouts were decent- nothing to write home about and the sweet potato used to be better( bring back your old recipe!). The final meal we got was chicken with brown rice and asparagus which we added the honey sriracha to. ORDER THE HONEY SRIRACHA- totally worth the extra .50 cents. Makes my life so easy and healthy- Thanks so much to Mike and his team for making healthy eating affordable and easy!"

Pettibone Coffee

★★★★★ 4.5 (134) • $$

"Great coffee and pastries. Latte was amazing. Nice staff and a beautiful building. Really spotless and lots of light and seating. They sell coffee beans and other items for coffee brewing. Highly recommend."

Court Street Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.1 (98) • $

"Delicious! At first I thought the prices were just a little high. I changed my mind when I received and ate my food. It's all made from scratch, generous portion, and so good! A small cafe on the square. Loud with customer chatter, but good ambiance. I'd go back."

The Upper Room Cafe

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Great coffee and pastries. Friendly staff and cute atmosphere! It is back away from town with a pond that is cute to sit and drink coffee by."

Clifton Nutrition

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Brought the girls here for an afternoon beverage! My oldest is very picky and she enjoyed it! Cute shop, owner is a whole vibe...took the time to explain the menu to us! Blessed us with a $5 gift card before the visit! A lot of options to pick from! Will visit again!"

Enlightenment Coffee

★★★★★ 4.6 (51)

"I am so thankful for this cozy, friendly, yummy coffee shop right at my exit! They have oat milk options and the best banana bread! They will pretty much make anything you ask for! Highly recommend!!!"

Coffee Expressions

★★★★☆ 4.4 (47) • $

"Wonderful service and terrific coffee! Stopped in while taking a drive in he area. Will definitely be back."

Hannah's Bakery & Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (4)

"At first walking in I wasn't so sure about this place. It was very clean and neat, but the pastry cases were limited and it was Eerily quiet, no music. But my friend said it was great and I trusted him. Thank goodness I did. This is a hidden gem. I went simple on the limited menu and got a Monte Cristo. It was great, I loved the addition of a berry jelly with the salted ham and cheese. I then ordered a brownie (GF), cookies (GF), and rice crispy treats. They were all great and the kids were very happy! Give this place a shot!"

Kava Haus

★★★★★ 4.6 (60) • $

"What a sweet (literally) place! I had found myself in the area and couldn't resist going into this cute home turned coffeehouse. The ambiance here is great--laidback and antiquey--and the staff was friendly. I went ahead and got their "bestseller" the Grogg with oat milk. It's definitely a sweet one with nice caramel notes and went down smooth. I couldn't help but grab a cinnamon roll to which my surprise they also offered one with fresh sliced apples chopped in it. SO decadent! I'm had to save half for later.I stayed and read a book by the fireplace and melted in the comfy chairs. This must be a treat for the town and college, I would definitely be coming here on a regular basis if I lived in town! A good one to keep note of when in the area. Definitely not one to sleep on."

Culp's Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.6 (35) • $

"This is a completely adorable brunch spot located in the middle of Carrolin Park. I was shocked to discover how large the interior was, there is even an entire train car located in the center of the restaurant. There is also a beautiful old fashioned soda counter with bar stool seating. We were seated without a wait at 9:30am on a Sunday. Both of our entrees were very good. He had a build your own breakfast wrap with turkey sausage and I enjoyed the quiche of the day (veggie quiche with peppers and onions). We also felt the pricing was reasonable. We will return."