National Exemplar

4.8

1870 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 15 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

The National Exemplar, located on the first floor of the Mariemont Inn, is a popular neighborhood restaurant. It offers American-style cuisine in its spacious dining room or relaxing outdoor patio. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the National Exemplar offers an outstanding experience.

Southerby’s Pub, located off the lobby, offers dining as well as a cozy place to have a drink and features oversized chairs overlooking one of the original 1920’s fireplaces. In the evening settle down in an over-stuffed sofa and savor a drink with the locals in this intimate lobby pub.

In April of 1983, The National Exemplar began operation in the Mariemont, Ohio landmark, the Mariemont Inn. The Inn was constructed in the mid-1920's as a small piece of the very unique Mariemont community, founded by Mary Emery. The National Exemplar Restaurant was named after learning that Mary Emery once referred to her developing community as the National Exemplar, meaning national model community.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(513) 271-2103
Website
http://www.nationalexemplar.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Ed P.
Catering
Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
Private party facilities
We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.

Location
6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Area
Mariemont
Cross Street
Plainville Road
Parking details
Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
Entertainment
Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

Traditional BreakfastUS$11.99
two fresh cage-free eggs* cooked any style with your choice of hardwood smoked bacon, griddled ham, pork sausage or glier's goetta. served with whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves & seasoned breakfast potatoes
Tri-FectaUS$12.29
two fresh cage-free eggs* cooked any style with your choice of belgian waffle or a multi-grain pancake. plus, your choice of hardwood smoked bacon, griddled ham, pork sausage or glier's goetta

Fresh Start

Steel Cut OatsUS$8.99
topped with house macerated berries, fresh sliced banana & toasted pecans served with low-fat milk, brown sugar & fresh baked muffin of the day
Strawberry & Banana CrepeUS$9.99
fresh sliced strawberry & banana, mascarpone, maple pecan granola & local ohio honey
Avocado ToastUS$11.99
thick cut quinoa artisan toast topped with crushed avocado, hard boiled egg, chili oil, arugula & queso fresco
Protein Packed Quinoa BowlUS$11.79
house smoked chicken breast, scrambled cage free egg whites, kale, carrots, black beans, roasted tomato, basil pesto, cotija cheese & baby arugula

Middle Griddle

Multi-Grain Pancakes
made from scratch, served with warm maple syrup & whipped butter
- OneUS$6.29
- TwoUS$8.29
Belgian WaffleUS$9.99
a light airy waffle topped with powdered sugar, served with warm maple syrup
Berry French ToastUS$11.49
thick cut sixteen bricks sourdough dredged in custard batter, topped with whipped butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon & macerated berries
Lemon Ricotta PancakesUS$11.29
Fresh ricotta cheese lightly folded into our multi-grain batter. Served as a stack of two pancakes topped with macerated berries & creamy lemon curd

Egg-Cellent Dishes

Classic Eggs BenedictUS$12.49
two poached cage-free eggs* atop a toasted english muffin piled high with country ham & vine-ripened tomatoes topped with hollandaise sauce
Farmhouse Breakfast HashUS$12.89
two cage-free eggs cooked any style, bacon, avocado, roasted onions & tomatoes with cheddar & monterey jack cheese
Garden Vegetable HashUS$12.79
two cage-free eggs cooked any style, roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, crimini mushrooms, red peppers, asparagus, crispy onions & whipped boursin cheese
Breakfast TacosUS$11.69
cage free scrambled eggs, chorizo, smoked chicken shredded cheese blend, avocado, salsa verde & pico de gallo served in flour tortillas

Omelets

Ham & Gruyère OmeletUS$11.89
country ham, gruyère cheese & fresh herbs
Bacon & Avocado OmeletUS$12.49
hardwood smoked bacon, fresh avocado, monterey jack topped with pico de gallo & sour cream
Works OmeletUS$12.49
griddled ham, bacon, pork sausage, roasted seasonal vegetables with monterey jack & cheddar cheese
Southwestern OmeletUS$11.99
fire roasted green chiles, sautéed onions, chorizo, black beans, cilantro, cotija cheese, lime crema & topped with salsa verde
Veggie OmeletUS$11.99
market inspired omelet filled with the weeks freshest veggies & topped with feta cheese

Breakfast & Brunch Sides

Fresh Baked MuffinUS$3.09
Fresh Fruit BowlUS$5.99
Lightly Dressed Mixed Organic GreensUS$3.49
Seasoned Breakfast PotatoesUS$3.69
Hardwood Smoked BaconUS$5.49
Pork SausageUS$4.49
Griddled HamUS$4.49
Glier's GoettaUS$5.09
Thick Cut Artisan BreadUS$2.19
English MuffinUS$1.99
Udi's Gluten Free ToastUS$2.19

Choose 2 Lunch Special

1/2 sandwich - soup - salad - $10.99

Sandwich
donnas chicken salad, mariemont club, french dip, reuben
Salad
lightly dressed mixed organic greens, caesar, arugula-kale salad
Soup
signature hungarian mushroom soup or soup of the day

Sandwiches

lightly dressed organic mixed greens, seasoned breakfast potatoes, smoked potato salad, or salted kettle potato chips

Mariemont ClubUS$12.19
turkey, hardwood smoked bacon, country ham, tillamook aged cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, tomato & mayo on artisan thick cut whole wheat bread
Donna's Chicken SaladUS$11.19
all-natural white meat chicken salad with grapes, pecans, celery piled high on artisan toasted whole grain bread with sliced tomato & romaine lettuce
B.L.T.EUS$12.09
two fresh cage-free eggs cooked any style, smoked bacon, tomato, iceberg lettuce & basil aioli served on toasted wheat bread
ReubenUS$14.09
housemade pulled corned beef with riesling braised sauerkraut, thousand island & swiss on toasted rye
The Comeback Burger*US$16.49
two sakura wagyu farms fresh ground beef patties, american cheese, bread & butter pickles with comeback sauce served on soft potato bun
Cheeseburger*US$10.99
one sakura wagyu fresh ground patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise & mustard
Bison Burger*US$19.09
half pound durham ranch bison, pepper-jack cheese, chipotle mayo, baby arugula, fried onions, potato bun
French Dip au Jus*US$18.99
freshly shaved prime rib on a warm hoagie roll with melted provolone piccante cheese & creamy horseradish

Soup & Salads

Hungarian Mushroom SoupUS$6.00
our housemade signature soup
- CupUS$6.00
- BowlUS$8.00
Soup of the DayUS$6.00
ask your server about our daily feature
- CupUS$6.00
- BowlUS$8.00
Smoked Chicken Chopped SaladUS$14.99
all natural smoked chicken breast, chopped romaine & mixed greens, avocado, black beans, red onion, haricots verts, tomato, feta with honey-chipotle dressing
Cobb SaladUS$11.79
organic mixed greens, hardwood smoked bacon, oven roasted all natural white meat turkey, tomato, hard boiled egg, topped with farmhouse bleu cheese dressing & crumbles
Arugula & Baby Kale SaladUS$7.00
fresh organic greens, shaved manchego cheese, balsamic glaze & housemade lemon vinaigrette
NE Caesar SaladUS$7.00
baby kale, romaine heart, sourdough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy caesar dressing

Sweets

Carrot CakeUS$9.99
house favorite, cream cheese icing, served warm
Chocolate CakeUS$9.99
whipped chocolate-mascarpone, sea salt, extra virgin olive oil
Lemon TartUS$7.99
lemon cream, vol au vent, sugared berries

Coffee, Tea & Soda

NE Signature House Blended CoffeeUS$3.49
Unlimited full pot of our premium full flavored, freshly brewed coffee. Regular or decaf
Herbal TeasUS$3.49
selection of hot organic herbal teas
Hot ChocolateUS$3.29
Iced TeaUS$3.29
Coca-Cola Soft DrinksUS$3.39
Cranberry, Apple, Grapefruit & V8 Orange Juice
- SmallUS$3.49
- LargeUS$4.29

Milk

Low-Fat Milk
- SmallUS$2.99
- LargeUS$3.99
Almond Milk
- SmallUS$2.99
- LargeUS$3.99

Brunchy Cocktails

Tip Top Bloody MaryUS$18.00
Our over-the-top monster made with, tito's vodka, zing zang, spicy sauce, spiced rim, topped with everything but the kitchen sink! Available fri-sun
NE House MimosaUS$7.00
fresh squeezed orange juice and bubbles
NE House Bloody MaryUS$7.00
vodka, zing zang, seasoned rim, celery
The ExemplarUS$10.00
prosecco, chambord, cranberry, pineapple, simple syrup, lemon
Midwest MuleUS$10.00
tito's vodka, ginger beer, lemon, simple
Mrs. RobinsonUS$9.00
gin, pineapple, grapefruit, lime, bitters, topped with bubbles
Fresh Fruit BelliniUS$8.00
peach, strawberry, or mango puree, triple sec or peach snapps, bubbles
Exemplar CoffeeUS$8.00
house blend coffee, baileys irish cream, frangelico, whipped cream

Wine by The Glass

Sparkling | Rose | White

Prosecco, Ca' Furlan ITLUS$10.00
Rose, Reserve de la SaurineUS$9.00
Riesling, High Def GERUS$9.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Massey Dacta NZUS$10.00
Chenin Blanc, L' Ecole No. 41 WASUS$12.00
Pinot Grigio, Bosco dei Crimioli ITLUS$9.00
Albarino, O Fillio da Condessa ESPUS$10.00
Chardonnay, Aves del Sur Maule Valley CALUS$10.00
Chardonnay, Lava Cap CALUS$15.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Jovino ORGUS$12.00
Tempranillo, Protocolo ESPUS$9.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo ITLUS$12.00
Barbera d'Alba, Mauro Molino ITLUS$10.00
Grenache/Syrah Blend, E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone FRAUS$12.00
Malbec, Areyna ARGUS$10.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Highway 12 CALUS$12.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Dancing Crow CALUS$15.00

What 1,870 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Cincinnati / Dayton
American
Cincinnati
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

National Exemplar, a Cincinnati gem, offers a "comprehensive menu" with something for everyone. Guests rave about the "beautiful room" and "attentive service." Highlights include the "best prime rib" and "amazing mushroom soup." With outdoor seating in a charming garden setting and daily specials, it's a "must-try destination."

1,870 Reviews

R
Rick
Cincinnati
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service unbelievable. Class act from manager down to the servers. You will not be disappointed.
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D
Doree
VIP
Cincinnati
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was excellent. Warm and cozy atmosphere. Pappardelle was blah. My pasta had places/edges that were hard and there were very few carrots or peas. The 3 carrots were about the size of a dime and were paper thin. They shouldn’t mention the veggies in the description. Ragú was more like an au jus. I do love going there, just disappointed with this entree.
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D
David
VIP
Cincinnati
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The bison burger was excellent. The setting is great too, recommend going here and then checking out the hotel bar
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V
Vanessa
VIP
Cincinnati
91 reviews
5.0
91 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I was very impressed with my entire evening at the National Exemplar. Our server, Stephen, could not have been more polite, knowledgeable and welcoming. Th Pork Tornado entree was absolutely delicious...melt in your mouth delicious. And the vibe was so festive right before the holiday...it was perfect.
Is this helpful?
J
Joanne
Cincinnati
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We always enjoy our time at the National Exemplar Restaurant. The Christmas decor is just beautiful. The staff is friendly and efficient. We also enjoy the beautiful patio in the summer as well. The chef has some innovative dishes which are very good.
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J
Joe
VIP
Cincinnati
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely fantastic! National Exemplar never disappoints, and the staff was excellent tonight! Thanks to all!
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R
Robert
Cincinnati
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I pretty much always get the prime rib, which was good. However, the scallops ordered by my wife were terrific. Well cooked and well seasoned. A highlight at our table.
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E
Elliot
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely phenomenal. This is my favorite restaurant in the area by far. The food, the service, the presentation, the atmosphere - everything has been paid the utmost care and attention. 5/5 stars every single time.
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S
Sam
Cincinnati
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 4 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Prime rib was excellent!! Good service, great prices for the quality of food
Is this helpful?
L
Louisa
Cincinnati
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 2 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The food was good with large portions. The service was terrible and slow
National ExemplarResponded on 6 December 2024
Hi Louisa, Thank you for leaving a review. As a neighborhood restaurant of 41+ years, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience for our guests including great food and excellent service. We are disappointed that your experience fell short of our high standards. We'd like to learn more so we can share your feedback with our team. Please consider reaching out to the restaurant by calling 513-271-2103 and asking for Lisa to let us know more about your experience. - The National Exemplar
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FAQs

National Exemplar does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. National Exemplar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 271-2103.

National Exemplar is rated 4.8 stars by 1870 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Additional information

Cross Street
Plainville Road
Area
Mariemont
Hours of Operation
Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ed P.
Entertainment
Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.nationalexemplar.com/
Phone number
(513) 271-2103
Catering
Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
Private party facilities
We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.

National Exemplar

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Prime Rib au Jus

Sandwich

Liver & Onions

Mariemont Favorites

Traditional BreakfastUS$11.99

Tri-FectaUS$12.29

Fresh Start

Steel Cut OatsUS$8.99

Strawberry & Banana CrepeUS$9.99

Avocado ToastUS$11.99

Protein Packed Quinoa BowlUS$11.79

Middle Griddle

Multi-Grain Pancakes

Belgian WaffleUS$9.99

Berry French ToastUS$11.49

Lemon Ricotta PancakesUS$11.29

Egg-Cellent Dishes

Classic Eggs BenedictUS$12.49

Farmhouse Breakfast HashUS$12.89

Garden Vegetable HashUS$12.79

Breakfast TacosUS$11.69

Omelets

Ham & Gruyère OmeletUS$11.89

Bacon & Avocado OmeletUS$12.49

Works OmeletUS$12.49

Southwestern OmeletUS$11.99

Veggie OmeletUS$11.99

Breakfast & Brunch Sides

Fresh Baked MuffinUS$3.09

Fresh Fruit BowlUS$5.99

Lightly Dressed Mixed Organic GreensUS$3.49

Seasoned Breakfast PotatoesUS$3.69

Hardwood Smoked BaconUS$5.49

Pork SausageUS$4.49

Griddled HamUS$4.49

Glier's GoettaUS$5.09

Thick Cut Artisan BreadUS$2.19

English MuffinUS$1.99

Udi's Gluten Free ToastUS$2.19

Choose 2 Lunch Special

Sandwich

Salad

Soup

Sandwiches

Mariemont ClubUS$12.19

Donna's Chicken SaladUS$11.19

B.L.T.EUS$12.09

ReubenUS$14.09

The Comeback Burger*US$16.49

Cheeseburger*US$10.99

Bison Burger*US$19.09

French Dip au Jus*US$18.99

Soup & Salads

Hungarian Mushroom SoupUS$6.00

Soup of the DayUS$6.00

Smoked Chicken Chopped SaladUS$14.99

Cobb SaladUS$11.79

Arugula & Baby Kale SaladUS$7.00

NE Caesar SaladUS$7.00

Sweets

Carrot CakeUS$9.99

Chocolate CakeUS$9.99

Lemon TartUS$7.99

Coffee, Tea & Soda

NE Signature House Blended CoffeeUS$3.49

Herbal TeasUS$3.49

Hot ChocolateUS$3.29

Iced TeaUS$3.29

Coca-Cola Soft DrinksUS$3.39

Cranberry, Apple, Grapefruit & V8 Orange Juice

Milk

Low-Fat Milk

Almond Milk

Brunchy Cocktails

Tip Top Bloody MaryUS$18.00

NE House MimosaUS$7.00