Forks Out, Cincinnati
Every once in a while, a city gets to show off—not in a flashy, over-the-top way, but in the kind of fashion that makes locals proud and visitors say, “Now this is a place with flavor.” For Cincinnati, that moment is now. Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week has returned, and it’s not just a reason to put on pants that allow some stretch. It’s a full-blown, seven-day celebration of everything that makes this city’s dining scene rich, eclectic, and undeniably delicious.
Running April 7–13, 2025, this annual event features more than 60 restaurants across the Queen City and its surrounding neighborhoods, each offering up three-course prix fixe menus at price points of $26, $36, $46, or $56. Whether you’re craving creole comfort, upscale sushi, or a burger that could double as a spiritual experience, there’s a table waiting—and it comes with purpose.
That’s right. This isn’t just about indulging your inner foodie. It’s also about doing some good. For every prix fixe meal ordered during the week, $1 is donated to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Organizers even match the first 1,000 meals, turning your appetite into advocacy. Over the last six years, the event has raised more than $100,000 for the hospital. Your stomach’s satisfied, and your soul is, too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Cincinnati celebration without diversity in both flavor and neighborhood. From the leafy avenues of Milford to the industrial-chic corners of Over-the-Rhine, this event is less about one kind of cuisine and more about one shared mission: to put Cincinnati’s culinary community on the map where it belongs.
Here’s a taste of what’s cooking across the tri-state:
20 Brix in Milford offers wine bar elegance with a three-course pairing that hits all the high notes.
Agave & Rye in Covington serves up unapologetically bold tacos in a setting that’s part comic book, part bourbon bar, all awesome.
E+O Kitchen in Hyde Park delivers a sleek Asian-fusion experience, perfect for those who like a little wasabi with their wow.
Benihana in Tri-County reminds us that dinner can still be dinner and a show—especially when your shrimp does a somersault into your mouth.
BrewRiver Creole Kitchen channels New Orleans charm with dishes that might make you start saying “y’all” unironically.
The Brown Dog Café in Blue Ash brings the comfort of American classics with a global twist.
Bru Burger Bar, right in the heart of downtown, turns your idea of a burger on its head and then adds truffle aioli.
Butcher and Barrel transports you straight to Argentina with meats grilled like they mean it.
Chart House in Newport pairs its seafood with one of the best skyline views around.
Ché in OTR is your stop for empanadas so good, you'll start Googling flights to Buenos Aires.
A view of all of the restaurants taking part this week
What makes Restaurant Week truly special is not just the lineup—it’s the accessibility. These menus allow Cincinnatians to explore high-end kitchens without the usual sticker shock. It’s your passport to places you might not usually go. It’s your excuse to finally book that date night, treat your mom, or eat your way through the week with no apologies.
And if you’re a planner (or just really hungry), there’s even an app for that. The Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week app lets you browse menus, check in for rewards, map your meal route, and even access Maker’s Mark specials. It’s a digital fork, ready to dig in wherever you go.
This event is a reminder that dining is more than consumption—it’s culture. It’s how a city speaks to the world without saying a word. And Cincinnati? Well, right now, Cincinnati is shouting through sauces and whispering through wine pairings.
So call your people. Make your reservations. Wear the pants with the forgiving waistband. Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week is here—and whether you're a neighborhood regular or a first-time visitor, there's never been a better time to take a bite out of the city.