Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week Returns September 23-29!

These are Some of the Coziest Restaurants and Bars in Greater Cincinnati

By CityBeat Staff on Sat, Sep 7, 2024 at 1:25 am

With cooler weather and changing leaves and that crisp autumn-air smell coming to Greater Cincinnati soon, coziness is on all of our minds. And while staying home curled up with a cup of hot tea or coffee and a good book is always a good idea, going out with friends and family for a delicious meal or drink at a cozy Cincinnati restaurant or bar is a must when the seasons change.

And Cincinnati has its share of cozy restaurants and bars, from intimate dining rooms with warm lighting to vintage-style bistros and even an actual home, complete with comfy furniture and nooks. The food is hot and warms your soul, the drinks are strong and the company is good. Keep scrolling to see some of the coziest bars and restaurants in Greater Cincinnati.

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Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Sotto

118 E. Sixth St., Downtown
A classic when you need a cozy romantic spot, Sotto offers a rustic Italian dining experience in a basement trattoria. Located under sister restaurant Boca, this Tuscan-inspired spot calls to mind a wine cellar with its low lighting, wooden ceiling beams and rough brick walls, making you want to lean in closer to your dinner date. The menu offers handmade pasta (the short rib cappellacci is a bestseller, and for a very good reason), a selection of “pane” (bread), antipasti like salads and grilled octopus, and Secondi options with big-ticket items like the Bisteca Fiorentina, a grilled Creekstone porterhouse steak, and the Scottadito — a Rocky Mountain lamb rack.

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Photo: facebook.com/bellevuebistroky

Bellevue Bistro

313 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Bellevue Bistro is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of historic Bellevue. The space offers an eclectic and vintage vibe, from the pressed-tin ceilings to the striped awning out front. And while the eatery is on the smaller side, the menu features wholesome dishes with big flavors. There’s an assortment of breakfast bakes, like the goetta/cheddar jack/sautéed onions Bellevue option or the vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean, made with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, spinach, basil, feta and mozzarella. You can also opt for one of the benedicts or hot browns or try the avocado toast or spicy breakfast tacos. For lunch, Bellevue Bistro serves up a variety of sandwiches, including paninis, wraps and even a cinnabread one topped with fried eggs, cheddar jack and American cheese, with pepper jelly and potatoes on the side.

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Photo: Paige Deglow

Krishna Indian Restaurant and Carry Out

313 Calhoun St., CUF
Krishna may be one of Clifton’s best-kept secrets. The space is truly tiny, but if you decide to snag one of the few booths, it’s a great place to enjoy a hot plate of chicken tikka saag and some garlic naan on a cold day. Anad you’re in luck if you need some extra kick with your meal: Krishna’s spice scale goes up to a 7.

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