25 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars With Scenic Views

Cabana on the River

7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park
This Margaritaville-esque oasis on the river will make you feel like you’re on vacation with their neon palm trees out front, sand volleyball courts, multiple walk-up bars where you can grab a drink while you wait for a table, and just overall Jimmy Buffett vibes. While all the seating is technically outside, the best seats aren’t underneath the awning, but on the lower deck closest to the river. The menu is similar to what you’d find at a beachy restaurant – fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches and shareables – but they also have some great salad options as well as the Cincinnati touch of metts, brats and franks. We also highly recommend a margarita while you’re there to 1) complete the aesthetic and 2) because they’re delicious.

Le Bar a Boeuf

2200 Victory Parkway, Walnut Hills
This cozy bistro boasts a menu of French classics with contemporary twists. Try the escargot as an appetizer or the beet salade and soup du jour ahead of your meal. The entrees are elegant and feature favorites like seared duck breast, sea scallops, salmon, a rack of lamb and steak frites — a 10-ounce ribeye with sauce forestiere and fries. If you can, sit on the patio and take in the amazing view of the Ohio River. If you want to maintain the French experience, just pretend you’re in Paris overlooking the Seine.

Via Vite

520 Vine St., Downtown
Via Vite showcases chef Cristian Pietoso’s casual take on Northern Italian cuisine in the Queen City. The view overlooks Fountain Square and their rooftop patio is the perfect escape to people watch. Crispy, stone-fired pizzas and hearty pastas hearken to the motherland, while entrées like 12-hour braised lamb shank with white polenta and rosemary lead the diner on an Italian journey. Classic Italian cocktails like a Negroni and Aperol Spritz are a clever accompaniment to a collection of Italian (and California) wines.

Fretboard Brewing & Public House

103 Main St., Hamilton
This public house from Blue Ash’s Fretboard Brewing Company offers first-come-first-serve seating on its rooftop patio overlooking the heart of downtown Hamilton — but make sure you stop by the hostess stand first. The menu offers elevated pub fare, with an entree selection of burgers, sandwiches and wraps, as well as dishes like fish and chips, southern-fried chicken and meatloaf. You can also find some of your favorite Fretboard craft brews on tap, like the strawberry blonde ale Reba, tropical red ale Island Style and pilsner Vlad, as well as range of rotating taps. But if beer’s not your thing, Fretboard Brewing & Public House also offers a selection of craft cocktails and wines by the glass or bottle.

Enson Harbor

25 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
This former seafood spot recently rebranded and now offers authentic Chinese dim sum from its riverside restaurant. Along with the varieties of cold, steamed, pan-fried and even dessert dim sum, Enson Harbor also serves steamed soup dumplings, stir-fried mini bowls and a curated selection of cocktails and teas to complement your meal. Or, stop in for a bubble tea or refreshing smoothie.