This Ohio Restaurant Is A Must-Visit If You Want To Enjoy Perfect Steaks In 2026
Steak lovers know the difference between a good meal and an unforgettable one. The perfect cut demands precision, passion, and a team that treats every plate like it matters.
In Montgomery, Ohio, one steakhouse has been doing exactly that for years, earning a reputation that stretches far beyond its neighborhood. This is the kind of place where celebrations feel bigger, dates feel more special, and every bite reminds you why you love a perfectly cooked steak.
The atmosphere blends classic elegance with modern energy, and the service makes you feel like the most important guest in the room. If you’re planning your 2026 dining bucket list, this is one experience you don’t want to miss.
A Legacy Built on Excellence
Jeff Ruby’s name carries serious weight in the world of fine dining, and Carlo & Johnny stands as one of his crown jewels. This isn’t just another steakhouse trying to copy the classics.
It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where the old-school commitment to quality blends seamlessly with modern culinary techniques.
The restaurant occupies a beautiful space in Montgomery, Ohio, and from the moment you pull up, you can tell this isn’t your average night out. The building itself exudes sophistication without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
Inside, the design strikes a balance between timeless elegance and contemporary style. Dark wood, polished surfaces, and carefully chosen lighting create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand.
I visited on a Thursday evening, and the energy was electric yet refined. Every detail, from the table settings to the way the staff moved through the room, spoke to a well-oiled operation run by people who genuinely care.
The address is 9769 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, OH 45242, making it easily accessible for anyone in the Cincinnati area.
The Australian Wagyu Experience
One dish that absolutely stole the show during my visit was the 12oz Australian Wagyu Citrus-Fed steak. This isn’t your standard beef.
The marbling creates a buttery texture that practically melts on your tongue, and the citrus feeding process adds a subtle brightness to the rich, beefy flavor.
My server explained that these steaks come from cattle raised on a special diet that includes citrus, which enhances the natural flavor profile without overwhelming it. The result is something truly special.
When the steak arrived, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, I could see the quality immediately. The crust had that ideal char, while the interior remained tender and juicy.
Each bite delivered an explosion of flavor that reminded me why great steakhouses matter. The Wagyu isn’t just expensive for the sake of it.
The quality justifies every dollar, and the experience of eating something this exceptional stays with you long after the meal ends.
It’s easily one of the best steaks available in Ohio right now.
The Collinsworth Topping
While the steak itself is magnificent, the Collinsworth topping takes it to another stratosphere entirely. This signature creation combines Red King Crab, fresh asparagus, Bordelaise sauce, and Béarnaise in a way that sounds almost too indulgent to be real.
Yet somehow, it works perfectly. The sweetness of the crab complements the richness of the beef, while the asparagus adds a fresh, earthy note that keeps everything balanced.
The dual sauce combination might sound excessive, but the kitchen knows exactly what they’re doing. The Bordelaise brings deep notes, while the Béarnaise adds creamy, herbaceous brightness.
Together, they create layers of flavor that make each bite different from the last. I watched my dining companion work through this dish with an expression of pure joy, pausing between bites to savor the complexity.
This isn’t food you rush through. It demands your attention and rewards it generously.
For anyone looking to treat themselves to something truly special, the Collinsworth topping represents the pinnacle of steakhouse creativity.
Filet Mignon Perfection
Sometimes the most classic choice proves to be the wisest. The filet mignon at Carlo & Johnny demonstrates why this cut has remained a steakhouse staple for generations.
It’s tender beyond description, with a buttery texture that requires almost no effort to cut.
The kitchen’s precision shines through in the cooking. When you order medium-rare, you get exactly that, with a warm red center and a beautifully seared exterior that adds texture without toughness.
What impressed me most was the restraint shown in seasoning. The beef speaks for itself, enhanced rather than masked by the preparation.
Too many places try to overcomplicate a great filet, but not here.
The portion size feels generous without being wasteful, and the quality of the meat means you’re satisfied without feeling overly full. Several reviews mentioned this particular cut, and after trying it myself, I understand why it earns such consistent praise.
It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why people have special occasions at steakhouses, and why some restaurants become destinations rather than just dinner options.
Service That Sets the Standard
Great food only tells half the story of a memorable dining experience. The service at Carlo & Johnny elevates everything, turning a meal into an event you’ll remember for months.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of being served by Josh, whose knowledge and timing were absolutely impeccable. He anticipated needs before we voiced them, explained dishes with genuine enthusiasm, and made recommendations that proved spot-on.
What struck me most was how natural it all felt. There’s no pretense or stuffiness, just warm professionalism from people who clearly take pride in their work.
Manager Jordan also made an appearance at our table, checking in with a presence that communicated confidence and care. You can always tell when a restaurant is well-managed, and the signs were everywhere here.
The entire staff moves with purpose and coordination, creating an experience where you never feel neglected but also never feel hovered over. Multiple reviews specifically mentioned their servers by name, which tells you everything about the consistency and quality of the team here in Ohio.
Appetizers Worth Ordering
Starting your meal right sets the tone for everything that follows, and the appetizer selection here delivers beautifully. The meatball appetizer came highly recommended, and it exceeded even my elevated expectations.
These aren’t the meatballs you remember from childhood. They’re crafted with premium beef, perfectly seasoned, and served in a rich sauce that begs to be soaked up with the restaurant’s exceptional bread.
Speaking of bread, the warm loaves arrive with fancy spreads and butter that deserve their own mention. It’s the kind of detail that separates good restaurants from great ones, showing care even in the complimentary offerings.
The Caesar salad also earned praise from multiple diners, and after trying it, I can confirm it’s executed with the same precision as everything else. Crisp romaine, properly dressed, with fresh parmesan and house-made croutons.
Starting with appetizers here means giving yourself time to settle into the experience, to appreciate the atmosphere, and to build anticipation for the main event. It’s worth arriving with an appetite and pacing yourself through multiple courses.
Variety of Premium Cuts
Choice matters when you’re investing in a premium steakhouse experience, and Carlo & Johnny offers an impressive range of cuts to suit different preferences. Beyond the Wagyu and filet, the menu features cowboy ribeyes, New York strips, and traditional ribeyes, each prepared with equal care and expertise.
What impressed me most was hearing from a large party at a nearby table who ordered across the entire spectrum of offerings. Every single person raved about their choice, regardless of which cut they selected.
The cowboy ribeye, with its dramatic bone-in presentation, makes a statement on the plate. It’s a choice for someone who wants that classic steakhouse moment, the kind of dish that makes neighboring tables turn their heads.
The New York strip delivers that perfect balance of tenderness and beefy flavor, while the standard ribeye offers incredible marbling at a slightly lower price point than the Wagyu. Each cut arrives cooked exactly to specification, which speaks volumes about the kitchen’s skill and consistency.
Having this variety means groups with different tastes and budgets can all find something exceptional.
Shareable Sides Done Right
Sides at steakhouses often get treated as afterthoughts, but not here. The portions arrive sized for sharing, which makes perfect sense when you’re dining with others and want to sample multiple preparations.
The servers actively help with pairing suggestions, guiding you toward combinations that complement your main course without overwhelming it. This level of thoughtfulness extends the expertise beyond just cooking the protein.
During my visit, I tried the asparagus and a potato preparation that had been finished with cheese and herbs. Both arrived hot, properly seasoned, and sized generously enough that our table of three shared comfortably.
What I appreciated most was the quality matching the entrees. Too many upscale restaurants phone in their sides, but here they receive the same attention to detail as everything else.
The vegetables arrive cooked to the right texture, not mushy or underdone. The starches feel indulgent without being heavy.
Everything works together to create a complete meal rather than just a steak with random accompaniments thrown on the side.
It’s another example of the kitchen’s comprehensive approach to excellence.
Desserts That Deliver
After a meal this substantial, you might think dessert would be too much. You’d be wrong.
The handmade desserts at Carlo & Johnny provide the perfect finale, sweet without being cloying, indulgent while still feeling refined.
The pastry team clearly takes their craft seriously. These aren’t desserts pulled from a freezer and plated.
They’re created in-house with the same attention to quality that defines everything else here.
I tried a chocolate-based option that featured multiple textures and temperatures, creating interest with every spoonful. My companion chose something with fruit and cream that she declared heavenly, scraping the plate clean despite claiming to be full.
The portions feel appropriate for the end of a large meal, substantial enough to satisfy but not so massive that you leave uncomfortable. Presentation matches the rest of the experience, with plating that looks almost too beautiful to disturb.
Several reviews specifically mentioned the desserts, which isn’t always the case with steakhouse coverage. That tells you something important about how seriously the restaurant takes every course, from start to finish.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The physical space at Carlo & Johnny creates an environment that feels special without being intimidating. The old-school atmosphere mentioned in reviews refers to a timeless elegance that never goes out of style, not a dated or stuffy feeling.
Lighting plays a crucial role here, set at levels that create intimacy while still allowing you to see your food and your companions clearly. Too many restaurants get this wrong, going either too dark or too bright.
The layout provides good spacing between tables, so conversations remain private even when the dining room fills up. You’re aware of the energy around you without feeling crowded or overheard.
Design elements blend classic steakhouse touches with contemporary updates, creating a space that appeals across generations. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, closing a business deal, or just treating yourself to an exceptional meal, the setting supports the occasion.
The cool factor mentioned by guests comes from this successful balance, feeling both established and current. It’s sophisticated without pretension, impressive without being showy, exactly what you want from a destination restaurant.
Practical Visiting Information
Planning your visit properly ensures the best possible experience. Carlo & Johnny operates Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 PM, with extended hours on weekends.
Friday service runs from 4:30 to 10 PM, Saturday from 4 to 10 PM, and Sunday from 4 to 9 PM.
Making reservations is strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings and special occasions. The restaurant’s popularity means walk-ins often face significant waits, even with the spacious dining room.
Parking options include both valet service and self-parking, giving you flexibility based on preference and weather. The valet team operates efficiently, which matters when you’re dressed up and don’t want to trek across a large lot.
The dress code leans toward business casual at minimum, with many guests choosing to dress up more formally. You’ll feel most comfortable matching the upscale atmosphere rather than underdressing.
Price-wise, expect to invest in the experience. The four-dollar-sign rating is accurate, but the quality justifies the cost.
Plan for a full evening rather than a quick meal, allowing time to savor each course and enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.
Why This Steakhouse Stands Apart
Competition in the steakhouse world is fierce, particularly in a market like Cincinnati and surrounding Ohio communities. What makes Carlo & Johnny rise above comes down to consistency, quality, and the intangible feeling that you’re experiencing something genuinely special.
The 4.8-star rating across nearly 3,000 reviews isn’t accidental. It reflects a restaurant that delivers night after night, maintaining standards even during busy periods when many places slip.
Every element works in harmony here. The food quality starts with premium ingredients, the kitchen executes with precision, the service team enhances rather than just delivers, and the atmosphere supports the entire experience.
You’re not just buying a steak. You’re investing in an evening that creates memories, the kind of meal you’ll reference years later when discussing your best dining experiences.
As we move through 2026, places like this become increasingly rare. The commitment to excellence over efficiency, to quality over quantity, to experience over mere transaction sets Carlo & Johnny apart as a true destination worth planning around and returning to repeatedly throughout the year.