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As the Queen City wakes up from winter and the sidewalks of Over-the-Rhine fill with people again, one thing is certain—Cincinnati’s most talked-about neighborhood is having another culinary moment. Whether you’re looking for a cozy brunch, bold new flavors, or tried-and-true comfort food, spring 2025 is delivering something for every appetite.
Over-the-Rhine, or OTR as it’s affectionately known, continues to be the beating heart of Cincinnati’s food scene. Once a historic brewery district and now one of the most exciting dining neighborhoods in the Midwest, it has become a launchpad for ambitious chefs, creative menus, and nationally recognized restaurants.
Here’s our roundup of the most exciting places to eat in Over-the-Rhine this spring, including brand-new additions, hot spots from last year that are still climbing, and longtime staples that continue to hold their ground.
New to the Scene: 2024-2025 Openings Worth the Hype
Atwood Oyster House
1220 Vine Street
Opened in 2024, Atwood brings a breath of fresh coastal air to the Cincinnati dining scene—literally. This stylish oyster bar specializes in raw oysters, tinned seafood, and light European fare, served in a cozy space with warm lighting and a relaxed, upscale vibe. Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just want to pair a crisp glass of white wine with something briny and beautiful, Atwood offers a new take on seafood in the heart of OTR.
Wildweed
1301 Walnut Street
Arguably one of the most acclaimed new restaurants to open in the city, Wildweed launched in the summer of 2024 and has since drawn national attention—earning a spot on Esquire’s list of “Best New Restaurants in America.” The food is inventive, seasonal, and deeply rooted in regional ingredients. With a rotating menu, standout cocktails, and an intimate dining room, Wildweed is one of the hardest reservations to get this spring—and worth every bit of the effort.
Biscuit Love
1602 Pleasant Street
For lovers of brunch and Southern-style comfort food, the arrival of Nashville-based Biscuit Love is big news. The restaurant made its Cincinnati debut in October 2024, serving flaky buttermilk biscuits piled high with fried chicken, gravy, eggs, and hot sauce. The space is casual but elevated, and the lines on the weekend say it all: Cincinnati has officially fallen for Biscuit Love.
Sudova
1208 Main Street
One of the newest additions to OTR’s restaurant mix, Sudova opened in late 2024 with a bold mission—to bring modern Eastern European cuisine to Cincinnati. Featuring pierogis, goulash, spiced cocktails, and a rustic-meets-modern atmosphere, Sudova fills a niche that had long been absent in the local food scene. It’s cozy, unique, and already earning a loyal following.
Still Buzzing: Recent Favorites Going Strong in 2025
Alcove by MadTree
1410 Vine Street
While not brand new, Alcove remains one of the neighborhood’s most inviting places to eat, drink, and hang out. Opened by the team behind MadTree Brewing, this bar-restaurant hybrid offers plant-filled interiors, shareable plates, house beers, and cocktails. The airy atmosphere and multiple rooms—including outdoor space—make it a perfect springtime destination.
Sacred Beast Diner
1437 Vine Street
Billing itself as “Simple Food, Taken Seriously,” Sacred Beast lives up to its mantra with a menu that blends comfort and refinement. Think elevated burgers, foie gras-topped tater tots, and one of the best late-night dining options in OTR. It’s hip, it’s consistent, and it’s still one of the best open-kitchen vibes in town.
Local Legends: Classics That Still Deliver
Pepp & Dolores
1501 Vine Street
It’s rare to find a restaurant that wins over both first-time tourists and long-time locals—but Pepp & Dolores does exactly that. This Italian favorite offers house-made pasta in a warm, bustling space with two levels of dining. The dishes are simple, fresh, and deeply satisfying. If it’s your first time in OTR and you want a guaranteed hit, this is it.
The Eagle OTR
1342 Vine Street
The Eagle has been doing fried chicken right for over a decade now, and it hasn’t lost a step. The bird is crispy and juicy, served with house hot honey, alongside creamy mac and cheese, spoonbread, and a rotating draft list. Casual, communal, and comfort-focused, The Eagle is still a go-to for a laid-back dinner with big flavors.
Abigail Street
1214 Vine Street
Abigail Street has set the bar for Mediterranean-inspired small plates in Cincinnati for years. Its wine list is stellar, its menu is packed with flavor, and its vibe is intimate without being pretentious. Whether it’s lamb sliders, charred octopus, or the famous hummus plate, everything here is built to be shared.
Bakersfield OTR
1213 Vine Street
A lively taqueria and whiskey bar, Bakersfield is just as popular in 2025 as it was a decade ago. Tacos are the star—try the al pastor or short rib—and the margaritas are always strong. If you’re starting a night out in OTR, Bakersfield is the ideal launchpad.
OTR Keeps Setting the Pace
With every passing season, Over-the-Rhine continues to define what it means to eat out in Cincinnati. It’s where new concepts test their edge, where beloved brands open second locations, and where local chefs elevate everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.
Spring 2025 has brought a fresh wave of flavors to the neighborhood—and whether you’re after fine dining, fast bites, or a new brunch obsession, there’s never been a better time to eat your way through OTR.
So book a table, bring your appetite, and support the culinary creators making Cincinnati a true food city. And when you find a new favorite? Tell your friends—but only after you’ve locked in your next reservation.
