Posted in Ohio meal January 23, 2022 by Sarah McCosham
While The Buckeye State might not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to culinary prowess, the fact is that Ohio’s top restaurants are also some of the top-rated places in the state. From long-established institutions to hidden gems, from fine dining to next-generation restaurants, Ohio’s dining scene will surprise you in the best way. We’ve compiled the following list of 12 must-try restaurants in Ohio so you can feast your way through Buckeye State and discover a world of incredible cuisine this year!
In these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
January: Forage Public House
Forage Public House, 14600 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Let’s start our year of Ohio culinary adventures with a bang. Located in beautiful Lakewood, the Forage Public House is run at its core by Ohio agriculture. Their menu is colorful and creative; their drinks are inspired; and all in all, they’ve become a favorite dining destination for fans. Sustainable farming is about producing high quality crops without harming the environment, and this practice is behind many of the ingredients used at Forage. And her grilled Amish chicken? passed out!
February: Guarino’s Ristorante
Guarino’s Restaurant, 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Enjoy a romantic dinner with your special someone at Guarino’s this month. this restaurant in Cleveland’s Little Italy was founded in 1918, making it the city’s oldest Italian restaurant. One of Ohio’s finest restaurants, this Cleveland classic has been in the same family since the beginning, and its history is as remarkable as its cuisine. Founded just two years before Prohibition, the small neighborhood restaurant started out as a speakeasy and was a favorite haunt of Cleveland’s elite – and celebrities, with Frank Sinatra among the restaurant’s regulars! The recipes come from the old country, with light herbs and strong aromas. Guarino’s is revered for their lasagna, a family recipe straight from Mama Guarino herself! This restaurant really stands the test of time and is a must when in Ohio.
March: The place
201 S Ohio Ave, Sydney, OH 45365, USA
With March itching us for a little road trip adventure, we head to the little town of Sydney to one of the coolest little restaurants around. This is the case both literally and figuratively “The spot” for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Ohio! What began as a covered wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary, vintage eatery that will make you feel like you’ve temporarily stepped foot in a Happy Days episode… and that’s what we’re here for!
April: Mrs. Yoder’s kitchen
Ms. Yoders Kitchen, 8101 OH-241, Mt. Hope, OH 44660, USA
The state of Buckeye has the largest Amish population in the country, and Ohio has an abundance of Amish restaurants. But there really is nothing quite like Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen in Mount Hope. Mrs. Yoder’s not only has the best pies in the state, this Amish restaurant also has an epic buffet of hearty, crispy classics like roast chicken, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, and green beans. (Just make sure to leave room for dessert!)
May: Mazunte
Mazunte Taqueria, 5207 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227, USA
It’s Cinco de Mayo and we’re in the mood for a little Fixed! For the most delicious Mexican food in Ohio, head to Mazunte. What sets this Mexican restaurant apart from the crowd is its commitment to authentic ingredients and flavors. The owner of Mizunte actually lived and directed in Mexico for a year, learning classic cooking techniques and old family recipes that then made their way back to Cincinnati. Mazunte’s tacos and empanadas are cult favorites, as is the grilled street corn. Mazunte isn’t just the best Mexican restaurant in the state—it’s also one of the very best restaurants in the state Ohio.
Ohio’s grilled fare is strong, and there’s one restaurant that’s earned national recognition for its sticky-sweet, off-the-bone meat. Eli’s BBQ in Cincinnati pretty much *always* has a line, but it’s totally worth the wait. The pulled pork and ribs here are legendary, as is Eli’s signature BBQ sauce. If you’re there, do yourself a favor and take a bottle home!
July: Fifty West
Fifty West Brewing Company – Cincinnati, 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227, USA
Looking for an epic summer twosome? Ifty West Brewery and Fifty West Canoe & Kayak are both right across the street, and with a stop here you can cruise out on the river and then chill out at the brewpub. This excursion may be the best way to spend a summer day in Cincinnati! The beers here are insane, and the food will fill you up after a day of paddling down Little Miami!
August makes us feel nostalgic, and there’s no better place to celebrate the start of a new school year than The School House restaurant. Housed in a renovated schoolhouse built in the early 1860s during the Civil War, visiting this unique restaurant is like stepping back in time. This long-established restaurant is a perennial favorite, and once you’ve tried the crispy fried chicken, honeyed cornbread and melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes, you’ll agree that this is the best “cafeteria” food around!
September: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, 215 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
It’s Oktoberfest time and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate than at Wolf’s Ridge Brewery in Columbus. This Buckeye State Brewery opened in 2013 and has garnered a lot of attention ever since. Known for its forward-thinking menu and incredible beers, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing has been named the *best* restaurant in town, and to that we say “Cheers!”
October: The Golden Lamb
The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
The Golden Lamb is located in charming downtown Lebanon, 40 minutes north of Cincinnati. The iconic restaurant and inn is Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business, having opened in 1803. It’s also one of Ohio’s most haunted spots, making it a perfect place to dine during the spookiest month of the year!
November: Pier W
Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
There are several unique restaurants across the state of Ohio that are perfect for a night out with your partner or to celebrate a special occasion, but there is one Ohio restaurant that simply has no equal in atmosphere and cuisine. From below, the view of Pier W can be a little unsettling, but the view from this northeast Ohio restaurant is simply stunning. This quintessential Cleveland-area restaurant hangs over Lake Erie to offer guests a cruise-like dining experience—and the cuisine here is befitting such a superlative venue! As we head into the loveliest (and busiest) time of year, take a night to relax and enjoy the view and ambiance of this restaurant only found in Ohio…and be thankful that you live in beautiful Buckeye State!
December: Red Feather Kitchen
Red Feather Kitchen, 45209, 3200 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA
We’re closing out our year of Buckeye State dining with one of our all-time favorite restaurants. Located in the heart of the charming little town of Oakley, Cincinnati’s Red Feather Kitchen offers you everything you’re looking for in a restaurant. A superb menu, ambience and service make for a memorable meal in the Queen City. This new restaurant embodies the exciting, locally-focused, forward-thinking future of Ohio cuisine… and we’re here for it.
What other Ohio restaurants would you add to this Buckeye State Buckeye List? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Forage Public House, 14600 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Address: Guarino’s Restaurant, 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
