8 Everyday Good Restaurants In Ohio And 8 Dining Gems That Truly Impress
Ohio’s restaurant scene offers a mix of dependable favorites and hidden gems that leave a lasting impression.
Some spots serve comforting, everyday meals that satisfy familiar cravings, while others elevate dining with inventive flavors, skillful preparation, and unforgettable presentations.
Exploring both shows the spectrum of culinary experiences the state has to offer.
From classic comfort food to remarkable surprises, these restaurants prove that Ohio can deliver satisfying meals for routine cravings and truly impressive dining adventures alike.
1. Skyline Chili: Cincinnati’s Spaghetti-Topped Obsession
Cinnamon in chili? Absolutely! Skyline’s unique take on this comfort classic has locals lining up for their famous 3-way, 4-way, and 5-way combinations.
The thin, slightly sweet chili poured over spaghetti and topped with mountains of shredded cheddar creates an oddly addictive meal that’s pure Ohio.
First-timers might raise an eyebrow, but after one bite, you’ll understand why this chain has achieved cult status.
2. Swensons Drive-In: Burger Bliss Delivered to Your Car Window
Flash your headlights and prepare for magic! Since 1934, Swensons has perfected the art of the drive-in, where energetic servers literally run to your car with made-to-order goodness.
Their legendary Galley Boy – a double cheeseburger with two special sauces and an olive on top – has even won celebrity fans like LeBron James.
Pair it with crispy potato teezers and a thick milkshake for the full experience that keeps Ohioans coming back decade after decade.
3. LaRosa’s Pizzeria: The Pizza That Defines Cincinnati Childhoods
Buddy LaRosa started with a single pizza shop in 1954 using his aunt’s recipe. Today, his sweet-sauce pizza empire has over 65 locations, becoming as much a Cincinnati institution as the Reds baseball team.
The signature thin crust pizza with its slightly sweet tomato sauce and edge-to-edge toppings creates flavor memories Cincinnatians carry for life.
Their “Rondos” – garlic bread stuffed with provolone and pepperoni – might be the best appetizer you’ve never heard of until now.
4. Thurman Cafe: Home of the Burger That Requires a Game Plan
Bring your appetite and possibly a friend to tackle the legendary Thurmanator!
This Columbus institution has been serving mammoth burgers since 1942 in a cozy, memorabilia-filled space that screams neighborhood hangout.
What makes their burgers special isn’t just the shocking size – it’s the perfect char on the outside while staying juicy inside.
The Thurmanator’s double patties, bacon, cheese, and extras create a tower so tall you’ll need to strategize before the first bite.
5. Slyman’s Restaurant: Cleveland’s Corned Beef Mountain Makers
Presidents and celebrities make pilgrimages to this Cleveland landmark for one reason: towering corned beef sandwiches that defy the laws of sandwich physics.
The line often stretches down the block, but nobody complains. Watching the skilled meat cutters hand-slice each brisket is part of the experience.
The perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef is piled impossibly high between two modest slices of rye bread. Bring cash and arrive early – they’ve been known to sell out before closing time.
6. Kewpee Hamburgers: The Fast Food Joint That Inspired Wendy’s
Square patties before they were cool! Kewpee has been flipping uniquely shaped burgers since 1928, even inspiring Dave Thomas when creating Wendy’s.
Walking into a Kewpee feels like stepping back in time, with its Art Deco design and the smiling Kewpee doll mascot watching over you.
The burgers are remarkably fresh – they grind their locally-sourced beef daily. Don’t leave without trying their famous frosted malts and homemade pie that grandmas everywhere would approve of.
7. Tony Packo’s: The Hungarian Hot Dog Haven Made Famous by M*A*S*H
Celebrity-signed hot dog buns line the walls of this Toledo institution, thanks to M*A*S*H character Klinger repeatedly mentioning his hometown favorite on the hit TV show.
The tradition of signing buns started with Burt Reynolds in 1972.
Their Hungarian-style hot dogs – topped with their secret-recipe chili sauce and mountains of shredded cheese – create a flavor explosion unlike any ordinary dog.
Don’t skip the pickles and peppers either! The stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikas showcase the restaurant’s authentic Hungarian roots.
8. Roosters Wings: The Local Chain That Outflies the Nationals
Started by a husband-wife team with just $15,000 to their name, Roosters has grown into an Ohio powerhouse with over 40 locations.
Their perfectly crispy-yet-juicy wings come in 11 sauce options that range from mild to face-melting.
The casual, sports-bar atmosphere makes it perfect for game days, but the quality of food rises well above typical bar fare.
Their K**ler Wings sauce deserves its name – proceed with caution and plenty of napkins! The generous portions and reasonable prices explain why Roosters consistently beats national chains in local polls.
9. The Refectory: Columbus’ Cathedral of French Culinary Excellence
Housed in a converted 19th-century church, The Refectory transforms dining into a religious experience.
The soaring wooden beams and stained glass windows create an atmosphere as remarkable as Chef Richard Blondin’s French masterpieces.
For over 40 years, this Columbus gem has maintained impeccable standards with seasonal ingredients and classic techniques.
The duck confit might make you weep with joy. Their wine cellar, with over 700 selections, has won national awards. Save room for the Grand Marnier soufflé – it requires 20 minutes but is worth every second.
10. Boca: Cincinnati’s Artful Celebration of Mediterranean Flavors
Chef David Falk transforms local ingredients into Mediterranean masterpieces in this downtown Cincinnati showstopper. The dramatic open kitchen lets diners watch culinary magic happen in real time.
Their famous pommes soufflés – impossibly light potato puffs – have become the restaurant’s signature must-order.
The menu changes with the seasons, but always features perfect pasta made in-house daily.
The renovated 19th-century space balances historic charm with modern elegance, much like the cuisine itself balances tradition with innovation.
11. Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct: Where Steaks and Cincinnati History Converge
Housed in a former police station, The Precinct serves up arrest-worthy steaks with theatrical flair.
Jeff Ruby, Cincinnati’s restaurant kingpin, opened this location in 1981, and it remains the crown jewel in his empire.
The dry-aged steaks achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, with the Steak Collinsworth – topped with crab and asparagus – being their signature indulgence.
Celebrity photos line the walls, testament to its reputation. The tableside preparation of Bananas Foster provides dinner and a show worth the splurge.
12. Mita’s: Cincinnati’s Vibrant Celebration of Spanish and Latin American Cuisine
James Beard Award-winning Chef Jose Salazar named this downtown hotspot after his Colombian grandmother.
The stunning space – with colorful tiles, high ceilings, and a central bar – perfectly matches the vibrant flavors on your plate.
The ever-changing selection of tapas showcases seasonal ingredients with Spanish and Latin American flair. Their house-made charcuterie and carefully sourced cheeses create perfect sharing boards.
Don’t miss the paella – the crispy socarrat (bottom layer) reveals Chef Salazar’s attention to authentic details that elevate Mita’s above typical Spanish restaurants.
13. The Pine Club: Dayton’s Time Capsule of Steakhouse Perfection
Cash only, no reservations, and absolutely no compromises on quality since 1947. The Pine Club doesn’t need to change because they’ve already perfected the classic American steakhouse.
The dimly lit interior, with its wood-paneled walls and red leather booths, transports you to another era.
Their bone-in steaks are broiled at scorching temperatures to create a caramelized crust while maintaining a perfect medium-rare center.
The famous stewed tomatoes and house salad dressing have such cult followings that they’re now sold in local grocery stores.
14. Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar: Cleveland’s Banking Hall Turned Culinary Palace
Jaw-dropping doesn’t begin to describe entering this former bank vault transformed into Cleveland’s most glamorous restaurant.
Sixty-foot ceilings, marble columns, and original bank vault doors create an atmosphere of Gatsby-esque splendor.
The menu matches the setting’s grandeur with prime steaks, fresh seafood towers, and a raw bar featuring oysters from both coasts.
Their lobster bisque, with generous chunks of claw meat, might be the best in Ohio. The craft cocktail program utilizes the dramatic bar area to full effect, making pre-dinner drinks a necessary part of the experience.
15. Zhug: Cleveland Heights’ Middle Eastern Flavor Explosion
Named after the spicy Yemenite hot sauce, Zhug delivers a bold punch to Cleveland’s dining scene.
James Beard-nominated Chef Douglas Katz creates shareable Middle Eastern plates with enough flavor to wake up even the most jaded palate.
The hummus goes beyond basic with toppings like spiced lamb and crispy chickpeas. The restaurant’s modern, minimalist design with an open kitchen puts the vibrant food center stage.
Don’t miss the Turkish coffee – served in traditional copper vessels with cardamom and a side of halvah, it provides the perfect ending to a meal that redefines Middle Eastern cuisine.
16. Mancy’s Steakhouse: Toledo’s Family-Run Meat Temple Since 1921
Four generations of the Mancy family have maintained exacting standards at Toledo’s oldest restaurant.
The white tablecloths and attentive service create an old-school steakhouse experience that never goes out of style.
Their dry-aging process creates steaks with concentrated, almost nutty flavors that chain steakhouses can’t match.
The tableside Caesar salad preparation isn’t just showmanship – it results in perfect dressing every time.
Save room for their famous chocolate soufflé. Regulars know to request it when ordering their entrées to allow proper preparation time.