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Greater Cincinnati is preparing for five new restaurant concepts featuring Japanese, Mexican-inspired, New Orleans, Italian and French-Belgian cuisine. Two — Agave & Rye and Jacques — are scheduled to open Sept. 22, while Suzu is set for Oct. 13 and Jimmie Lou’s is expected to open in October. VV Express has not announced an opening date.
New restaurants are bringing sushi, tacos, po’boys, Italian specialties and steak frites to Greater Cincinnati.
Greater Cincinnati is getting five new dining options, with two scheduled to open Sept. 22 and others arriving in October or later.
The group includes concepts in Madisonville, Pleasant Ridge, Pendleton, Mt. Lookout and Rookwood.
Suzu bringing Japanese cuisine to Madisonville
Celebrity chef Makoto Okuwa is preparing to open Suzu in Cincinnati’s Madisonville neighborhood. The restaurant is scheduled to open Oct. 13 and will be Okuwa’s first restaurant in the Midwest.
Suzu will serve handcrafted sushi along with grilled dishes, rice, noodles and food inspired by Okuwa’s upbringing. The restaurant’s opening was delayed from the summer because of shipping delays involving construction materials and equipment. (https://www.fox19.com)
Suzu is located at 5392 Medpace Way in Cincinnati. Suzu Restaurant
Agave & Rye expands to Pleasant Ridge
Agave & Rye is opening its fourth regional location in Pleasant Ridge on Sept. 22. The restaurant is part of Epic Brands, a Northern Kentucky-based restaurant group.
The new location will also feature Bad Rabbit Speakeasy in the basement. Agave & Rye will occupy the main level, while private dining space is planned for the second floor.
The restaurant is at 6112 Montgomery Road. Agave & Rye Pleasant Ridge
Jimmie Lou’s brings New Orleans flavors to Pendleton
Chef Jeffrey Harris is preparing to open Jimmie Lou’s at 1201 Broadway in Cincinnati’s Pendleton neighborhood. The restaurant is expected to open in October, although an exact grand-opening date has not been announced.
Harris also owns Nolia in Over-the-Rhine. Jimmie Lou’s takes its name from his great-grandmother, whom Harris credited with inspiring his interest in cooking.
The restaurant has already hosted pop-ups featuring New Orleans-style comfort food, including shrimp po’boys and bread pudding. A permanent menu has not yet been finalized.
Jimmie Lou’s is located at 1201 Broadway.
VV Express adds Italian food and gelato
The owners of VV the Italian Experience are preparing to open VV Express in Mt. Lookout Square. The new project will be located next to the existing Italian concept.
VV Express is expected to offer Italian imports and food, including wine, coffee and gelato. The owners have not announced an opening date.
The original VV The Italian Experience is located at 1026 Delta Ave. in Mt. Lookout.
Also read: Cincinnati restaurants undergo Michelin inspections
Jacques opens at Rookwood
Taste of Belgium is launching Jacques at its Rookwood location on Sept. 22. The new concept will transform the existing space into a modern brasserie during dinner hours.
Jacques is participating in Cincinnati Restaurant Week with a three-course menu featuring French-Belgian dishes. The menu includes escargots, steak frites and crème brûlée.
The restaurant is located at 3825 Edwards Road at Rookwood. Dinner service is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Five new dining concepts across the region
The openings give diners several different cuisines and restaurant styles to choose from. Suzu focuses on Japanese cooking, Agave & Rye on tacos and spirits, Jimmie Lou’s on New Orleans-inspired food, VV Express on Italian offerings and Jacques on French-Belgian cuisine.
The openings also add to a busy year for the region’s restaurant industry. FOX19 reported in July that at least 59 new restaurants, bars and coffee shops had opened across Greater Cincinnati during the first half of 2026.
When each restaurant is expected to open
|
Restaurant |
Neighborhood |
Opening status |
|---|---|---|
|
Agave & Rye |
Pleasant Ridge |
Sept. 22 |
|
Jacques |
Rookwood |
Sept. 22 |
|
Suzu |
Madisonville |
Oct. 13 |
|
Jimmie Lou’s |
Pendleton |
October |
|
VV Express |
Mt. Lookout |
Date not announced |
The Cincinnati Exchange previously reported that at least 59 new restaurants, bars and coffee shops opened across Greater Cincinnati during the first half of 2026. At the same time, at least 25 restaurants and bars closed.
FAQs
Are Cincinnati restaurant openings concentrated downtown?
Not all of the latest openings are downtown. The five restaurants in this roundup are planned for neighborhoods including Madisonville, Pleasant Ridge, Pendleton, Mt. Lookout and Rookwood.
What makes the 2026 Cincinnati restaurant scene notable?
The region has continued to see new food and beverage businesses open while other restaurants and bars close. The five upcoming concepts add another wave of openings across several Cincinnati neighborhoods.
What is driving new restaurant openings in Cincinnati?
The new projects reflect a range of concepts, from chef-driven restaurants and neighborhood dining spots to expanded regional chains. The five upcoming restaurants also show continued interest in specialized cuisines and experiences.
