Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Cincinnati

Wow!! Aperture is yet another example of why Cincinnati is truly a foodie city. Very impressed with every not-so-little-detail Chef Jordan Anthony Brown put into this restaurant. The space is modern, yet intimate; the lighting is a perfect balance of mood and softness; even with a completely full restaurant, it was never loud; sitting next to the windows on a cold, rainy night, we never felt any temperature difference; the service from everyone was equally excellent, professional, friendly and attentive. Now, for the food. First, watching the chefs in the open kitchen was entertainment in itself. I could have watched this intimate look into the passion and precision of the preparing, creating, and plating each individual dish all night. Every dish we ordered was uniquely different in its presentation and flavor: simple, yet fresh, curious and delicious with combinations I have not previously encountered. The Fennel sausage pasta was perfect in its sauce distribution, flavor and al dente texture. The Stripped Bass delivered a flaky, crisp fish in an emulsion of light chowder-like sauce-Unexpectedly amazing. The simple fire-heated pita with the eggplant hummus was no less impressive. Thank you Chef Jordan Anthony Brown, and the people that work along side you to remind us how decadent and fun eating can be when made with love and dedication.

We brought my brother and sister-in-law here for the first time on 2/15/25. Our server Merrick (sorry if I spelled it wrong) was great! Phenomenal dinner, food came out quickly and was delicious. The guys got whole chickens and my sister in law got the chicken sandwich. We ordered fries, spoon bread, succotash, horseradish mashed potatoes, shrimps and grit and macaroni and cheese. We had a lot left over but they wanted to try everything. Last night, the shrimps and grits stole the show though, 10/10! Our only issue, I hate to mention it because we had such a wonderful time but since I am deaf in one ear I feel it may be helpful to someone else; we were seated under a speaker and the music was so loud. So if you’re going and you have hearing issues, maybe ask not to be seated close to where their speakers are. Highly recommend if you love quick, efficient service and pipin hot, yummy food!

Nice food. Excellent fried pickles and fish and chips. I suggest the Parmesan fries. The flight was also good with the house light lager being a highlight. Good service and had a nice Valentine’s Day with my fiance !!

Absolutely stunning evening to celebrate my friend’s birthday. We will be back.

Food was excellent and the service could not have been better. We were celebrating a birthday and every employee from the server to the sommelier to the bussing staff said happy birthday.