The Best Diners in Cincinnati

The Governor Modern Diner

★★★★☆ 4.4 (315) • $$

"We have made the Governor a staple for our weekend brunches because of the amazing food. It is definitely not your ma-and-pa greasy spoon, but rather a place that serves refined dishes with a cozier atmosphere. The modernized takes on classic dishes offer some intriguing new flavors packaged in a familiar appearance to all...especially the "fromlettes" (frittata / omelette hybrid). The service is consistently great for a diner and willing to run the menu with you. Always follow their advice and you're in for a treat. P.s. don't miss out on the lobster roll, when available. Higher price tag, but absurd amounts of lobster and delicious."

AJ's Diner

★★★★★ 4.7 (40) • $$

"This spot checked all of the classic diner, breakfast boxes. A simple and straightforward menu, no frills, atmosphere, great service, and budget friendly breakfast options all day. I loved the cozy vibe of the booths and the long counter. The staff was super sweet in handling our group of six despite the tables only fitting four.Inn no ordered two eggs with pepper jack cheese added alongside wheat toast and hash browns. All were delicious and exactly what I hoped for -- and only $6-$7 for the meal. The menu also featured pancakes, omelettes and BLTs. Overall, a sweet diner that I look forward to visiting again in the future."

Howie's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (46) • $$

"Service very friendly and quick. Food was great and plentiful. Pancake lopped over the edge of the plate, goetta was crispy. Recommend!"

Mother's Table

★★★★☆ 3.8 (178) • $

"An older building with quite a few vehicles still in the parking lot at 9:30 am. I've had this place bookmarked for years and haven't been able to get to it until today. I had to fast for a late blood draw this morning so I was past my usual breakfast hunger pains and so I was able to drive the 17 mins. I ordered two eggs medium, hash browns, patty sausage with white toast and strawberry jelly. That's what I usually order for breakfast regardless of the restaurant. Everything tasted great except for the hash browns. To me they seemed cut thicker than usual therefore I think they should have been cooked longer. Or maybe its just me. I ate some of them but not all of them.Service was friendly. I was quickly greeted and told to choose my own table. Drink order was quickly taken and menus left with me. The check came fast too once the meal was over. But the kitchen seemed a tad slow for only five active tables. One was finishing, two of us waiting on food, another ordering, and the last one just sitting down. The food was hot though as expected."

Country Barrel

★★★★☆ 4 (24)

"Stopped in for breakfast. Very pleased with our meal. Coffee was really good - not the normal watered down diner stuff. Had eggs, home fries and toast. The toast was kinda the end of the bag, so the waitress brought us more without our asking about it. Nice gesture. Food cooked properly. Another nice touch (besides the coffee), was that they use Land O Lakes butter, not the cheap margarine kind. Would definitely stop again, if in the area."

P & S Family Diner

★★★★★ 4.6 (97) • $

"We love their weekly specials, especially the pancakes. The service is always friendly. Atmosphere is welcoming. Food tastes great. Their baked goods are also amazing and unique. It's our favorite brunch spot on the west side."

Melisa's Family Diner

★★★★★ 4.9 (72)

"It's like eating home cooked breakfast at grandmas house! The biscuits are soooo FLUFFY! Can't wait to go back to try their famous burgers! I would 100% recommend! Melisa is such a kind soul and makes you feel comfortable"

Kitchen 1883

★★★★☆ 4.3 (275) • $$

"Great find near a Kroger. 3-6pm is happy hour with a nice array of appetizers. The $5 beer cheese with pretzels is great. Hubs had the ribs with smashed herbed potatoes. The ribs are rubbed and sauce is on the side. I had the chicken and waffles. It came with a cayenne maple syrup. The spice level was not too much. They were sandwiches that looked really good and the salads were huge. Stephanie our server kept our tea full. We have enough for a midnight snack or lunch tomorrow."

The Chocolate Moose

★★★★☆ 3.9 (56) • $

"I had a pick-up order for dinner and stopped by after an appointment in Farmland. The employee that helped me was so accommodating and asked if there was anything else I wanted to add to my order. She was excited to share with me how great their shakes were and I took her up on the offer and ordered a chocolate shake. It was incredible!"

Friend’s Diner

★★★★☆ 4 (25)

"Folks I know from Whiteland were always raving about Friends Diner. They talked about the large amounts of great food they got and how friendly the staff is. I was thrilled when they opened this new Indy location to see what the hype was all about. My friends were not lying!This is the quintessential local diner. Great food, great atmosphere, huge portions and friendly staff are all a part of what will definitely make this second location even more of a success.The food is wonderful. I got two eggs, bacon, hash brown casserole AND biscuits and gravy. The eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly. The hash brown casserole was tasty with the additions of cheese and onions. The biscuits and gravy were flavorful and filling. The breakfast portion sizes were massive. The staff is friendly and helpful. They made sure all my questions were answered and my coffee cup was filled. I did not want for anything. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. They have daily specials throughout the week and a vast menu to choose from. This is definitely going to be a place I return again and again."

The Farm Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.9 (61)

"It takes a bit of getting used to how the food is ordered/served/purchased, but the food here is fantastic breakfast diner food.Anything with sausage in it is great. It's spicy and excellent.Pancakes are good.Coffee is consistently very fresh and good.It's largely self-service on the coffee. You order at the counter, have a seat, and wait for a bit.We bring our kids here on an irregular basis and we always have a great meal.Don't skip the meat freezer in the back. They have a great selection of meats fresh from local farms.A great addition to Shelbyville!"

Hasty Tasty Pancake House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (140) • $

"The food is perfect every time. You will never know what the bottom of your coffee cup looks like (excellent service). And the atmosphere will bring back warm memories and help create new ones. I'm so proud of this local establishment and will continue to return as long as I live in Dayton."

Ninja Ramen

★★★★★ 4.5 (27) • $$

"Was really excited to try this place because we are big fans of ramen and their sister restaurant (Ozu 852). We ordered two drinks, app and two different ramen dishes. Delish! Inside is so so beautiful as well!"

M&M Diner

★★★★☆ 4.2 (49)

"Stopped in after a long bike ride. Typical diner menu. We had the white fish and it was terrific. Wish is could go back"

The Echo

★★★★☆ 4.2 (463) • $$

"The Echo in Hyde Park Square is everything you need for brunch or a traditional diner ambiance. The Echo is the same as it has been, and you can expect the food to be consistently amazing!Cost effective and large portions!There are no reservations, it is first come; first serve. Sundays are very busy, and the tables turn quickly. The earlier you arrive, the less likely you'll have a wait. Arriving, download the Park Cincy app for on street meter parking prior to arrival. Parking lot - off Edward's, small entrance for parking lot, multiple non pay spots on street around the square Enter The Echo through two doors into a vintage diner complete with a horseshoe bar optionSelf seating until busyFull menu and cocktails available including mimosa buckets Must haves - lumberjack special, pancakes, egg white and spinach omelet Crave worthy - biscuits and gravyWe did not order anything that we would recommend against! We ordered a total of 6 meals, 10 beverages, and were in and out in under 60 minutes Tea - options quite limited with paper bag tea. Of importance, Earl Grey and English Breakfast available Coffee - diner drip coffee was amazing, mixed coffee drinks were great!Cocktails - Bloody Mary was delicious, we sampled others *finding drink options was hard on the menu. They're in the middle of the menu!Service - incredible, fast, effective, and they all worked together so no food sat and waited for "your server"Restrooms - small. One stall with door, floors were somewhat slippery getting to them. I nearly fell so be aware Volume - talkative folks, no music, great in the early morning, quite loud as the morning wears onNo dress code, but it's at The Square, so wear something that you won't mind running into most folks you know!"

Fairborn Family Diner & Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (67) • $$

"The food is like you went home and mom cooked dinner...delicious. I've never had a bad meal there. The people that work there are as sweet as can be and know all about the food and Specials.Always clean."

Mann's Grille

★★★★☆ 3.9 (188) • $

"Home cooking in a no frills down to earth great place. Had the beef and Mann with green beans. Deleicuous. Could have had more gravy but probably the right amount for the average person. I like my food with plenty of gravy!! My wife had the special.. chicken and noodles. Our server provided us with a sample without being asked which sold the deal. Very good and plenty of potatoes!! Delicious. We ordered a side of French fries.. which were very good but a bit on the small side when we saw others passing our booth.Service was a 5!! Krystal was great!! Very responsive, friendly, fun and just super personable. Great place for a good time with amazing home cooked food and no frills. Well worth the trip and a great value. Will be back!!!"

Lindenwald Station Family Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (106) • $

"If you are looking for a class, simple diner, this is it. You won't find avocado toast on this menu. Instead, you'll find classic down-home goodness. My husband and I had to drop our car for some work in the area and he found this place, so we decided to try it out. On a Wednesday morning, this place is PACKED with regulars. There was a table of about 20 older gentlemen (with a few women too) enjoy a what was clearly a weekly breakfast gathering. The entire atmosphere is: simple home-cooked food and classic, not-in-your-face service. We loved it. I got the two egg breakfast with scrambled eggs, goetta, hash browns (perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside), and a biscuit. It was the best biscuit I think I've ever had. Maybe fresh out of the oven. YUM!"

Susie's Big Dipper

★★★★★ 4.5 (26) • $

"We love susies! Great ice cream fun atmosphere and delicious food. Eating in, taking out or getting it catered you Dan always count on Susies to get it right."

The Bridge House Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (54) • $

"8:35am Started off with a great communication as we were met very swiftly by the server Ashley. I asked her opinion of the menu I was given a very direct and honest opinion which was very well needed. 8:45am I ordered special #1 (2 eggs, home fries, 1/2 order biscuits and gravy). My company ordered special #4 ( 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 pancakes) the prices are very reasonable the surroundings are very quiet with the news playing above the Expo area. It's very clean, neat and put together8:54am food came out faster than expected and beautifully plated. The cook did a very good job of cooking it to the temperature we asked for and plating it. It wasn't until I began eating that I realized that I hadn't even begun to drink my drink the food came out so fast9:08am The food was good. Very well prepared and met all of the standards where you eat it with your eyes before you see it. Then I can smell it and then it tasted great so it met all three points. Our server Ashley was very attentive to everything and I would definitely recommend trying this place"

Legacy Pancake House

★★★★☆ 3.8 (53) • $

"Checked out the new location of Legacy Pancake house that opened last Thursday. Their old building burnt down last year and I was so happy to hear they found a new location. Even better, it's close to my house! We went in for dinner and had breakfast and it was just as delicious as their old location. They did a lot of work to the inside, everything was fresh and clean. Service was awesome! As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted and sat quickly. Food came quick & delicious! So excited to have a delicious restaurant in West Carrollton to frequent!"

Brick Street

★★★★☆ 4.3 (8)

"I discovered this place my second to last day in town. Very nice atmosphere. Lots of antiques and curios. The service was spot on, and the food absolutely delicious. What more needs said?"

Pennyflower Bistro and Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (6)

"I'd recommend to everyone! Everything we got was amazing. Diverse menu. Service was great. Rachel waited on us. I really hope word gets out and they survive since there's so many good restaurants downtown. Awesome atmosphere as well. The white cheddar pearl couscous/risotto under the steak was GREAT"

Dixie Chili

★★★★☆ 4.2 (162) • $

"We have a Airbnb up in Northern Kentucky and have ate all the Cincinnati chilies, this one is the best! Big menu cool atmosphere and a rich history. Go try it you won't be disappointed."

Greens Fork Family Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (8) • $

"Awesome dinner with a classic touch. The breakfast is perfect! The biscuits and gravy is a favorite for our family. This place is fairly small but it is filled with personality and excellent service. If you are in the surrounding areas you should check out this small town gem!"

Reeds Place Steak & Chop-shop

★★★★☆ 4.1 (33)

"One of the best meals I've had in a long time. Definately one of the best pork chops I've ever had. Great food, great service, amazing bar upstairs."

Kim’s Classic Diner

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"What a delightful find and experience - certainly not something that I expected to find in Sabina, Ohio!My breaded pork tenderloin sandwich arrived promptly, hot from the fryer. The breakfast that another diner was enjoying looked great.Check Facebook for their hours. At the moment they are closed Monday and Tuesday. Otherwise; Kim's opens at 7AM for the breakfast crowd. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday ... open until 6PM. Saturday and Sunday they close at 2PM."

Koffee Kup

★★★★☆ 4.3 (29) • $

"I was in a hurry, called ahead for a Sausage egg and cheese to go, perfect! Ready at stated time, great taste!"

Modoc Diner

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6) • $

"We tried out this little diner this weekend and I was very happy we did. The restaurant itself is cute and comfortable. We ordered the tenderloin, Sky Hi cheeseburger, onion rings, and fries and split everything. All of it was excellent and reasonably priced. The service was great and the owners are very friendly. I highly recommend you try the Modoc Diner."

Burger Girl Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (232) • $$

"Now that is what I call a delicious burger! We went to Burger Girl for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed our visit. The service was very friendly and the food was delicious. My husband and I both really enjoyed the seasoned fries and the burgers. We both opted for the "Burger Boy Combo" and had zero regrets. My extremely (!) picky four year old ate his entire Burger and then asked for a second!! Believe me when I tell you that this is an extremely rare occurrence. Today he has already asked to go back to Burger Girl."

Sunshine Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (86) • $

"Sunshine Cafe is a breakfast winner. Today I had the country fried steak and eggs with hash browns and biscuits. The biscuits were light and fluffy and delicious. The sausage gravy is the best. My son had bacon and eggs over easy and pancakes. Everything was hot and delicious. Out services was on it. She made sure we had everything we needed and that everything came out on time. She brought a little package of teddy grahams for my grandson to snack before the food came. As a midwestern cafe, Sunshine is at the top of the list for good food, great service in a clean diner setting."

Rohde’s Family Diner

★★★★☆ 4.2 (26)

"The Rohde's Family Diner is a locally owned restaurant that recently moved to its new location. The new pristine dining room is much larger and can accommodate more guests. The decor is country with country music playing in the background. Holly, our server, was friendly, engaging and attentive. She checked on us regularly. Food came out super quickly. They offer daily lunch specials and have a standard breakfast and lunch menu. I ordered a vegetable omelette that was filled with onions, peppers and tomatoes and my choice of cheese. The omelette was large, light and perfectly cooked. The star of the breakfast for me was the marbled rye toast which was delicious. My husband had the Rise and Shine breakfast which was a hearty meal with two perfectly cooked eggs, a homemade biscuit, hash browns and a meat which he chose bacon. He would have preferred the bacon to be a little more crisp, but the breakfast was, overall, a winner. The assorted jellies were a hit. Price were really reasonable. They were half full during our early morning visit, but the noise level is high. The restaurant is an easy/fast two miles off the highway. There is also plenty of parking around the building. The restrooms are super clean and nice."

Bulldog Diner

★★★★★ 4.5 (24) • $

"I have drove through West Milton for 40+ years and worked occasionally in the town. I NEVER SEEN THIS HIDDEN GEM OF A RESTAURANT. I got on yelp looking for a breakfast joint in Englewood. Seen the reviews and decided to drive the extra mile. Was not disappointed. I had the Mess and it was huge. Hashbrowns, eggs. Onions, peppers and cheese. Hash brown were crispy. My wife had the Bulldog. It was all ahe could eat. If you are looking quality food, service and economical. This is the place. You will need directions, it is not exactly on the main drag."

Jimmy's Diner

★★★★★ 4.7 (97) • $

"A very tasty menu. Quick, friendly. Hits the spot well.A good choice of goods from both the menu and the blackboard. Cozy atmosphere"

62 Classic' Diner

★★★★☆ 4.4 (41) • $

"Great service, great food, fun atmosphere will definitely be back. Had a fun breakfast with the family everyone enjoyed their meals."