Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Hyde Park

We have a monthly dining group and this month we chose Alfio’s for our dinner. We all loved the food, atmosphere and outstanding service provided by Erika and Natalie! Erika was very knowledgeable about the menu and answered all our questions. We had a lovely meal and very enjoyable evening. Alfio’s is one of our all time favorites!

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.

Everything was very nice. We went the day after valentine’s Day because we know everybody would be going on Valentine’s Day. We arrived early, not knowing what traffic was gonna be like. We were seated within a few minutes. Our waitress was wonderful. The shrimp toast was amazing. The crab raccoon was one of the best I ever had. Me being a shrimp lover I would’ve liked a little more shrimp in the shrimp and mushrooms, but it was fantastic. My husband ate every single bit of his moo guy pan. I had leftovers obviously.

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

E & O has become a regular stop on my Thursday night dinners with 2 Grandsons, 21 & 18 College Students. Both like the selections of Sushi offered plus the added bonus of a variety of other offerings. The shared appetizers always start out meal and I think the Guacamole deserves a mention although every restaurant has a version these days, but E&O elevates what has become a ho-hum type of dish. Last night Emma was our server, she kept everything flowing without being pushy, just the right amount of attention. It was a busy night, but the table was kept clutter free as the busser made sure that empty plates were removed. I would also recommend the Bruch on the weekends, Coffee Drinks Mimosas and a creative menu makes for a great start to your day, or at least it does mine.