Pennyflower Bistro and Bar

Review summary

1. M

   Mario L

   Cincinnati

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Bold Hits, Missed Opportunities, and a Cozy Vibe Pennyflower Bistro is ambitious, and when it lands, it really lands. But not everything on the menu hits the same high note. First, the stars of the night: Carbonara Croquette and Moroccan Tartare. These weren’t just good—they were transportive. The croquette had that perfect crispy exterior, giving way to a rich, silky carbonara core that screamed indulgence. The tartare? Spiced to perfection, balancing heat, acidity, and depth in a way that made every bite feel . Easily two of the best dishes we’ve had in recent memory—complex, flavorful, and executed with confidence. Then came the Pork Chop Challenge, and let’s just say, it didn’t live up to its name. Technically cooked fine, but where was the excitement? It lacked seasoning, depth, and any real hook. The plating didn’t help—whatever it was sitting on just felt… bland. A dish that needed more risk, more boldness, more something. The Smashburger? A strong player. Juicy, well-constructed, and carrying its own signature punch. But is it the best in the city? Not quite. It’s good—better than most—but it doesn’t dethrone the top contenders. Service was smooth, and the setting? Ideal. Sitting near the window, watching the snow fall over downtown, made for a perfect backdrop. Pennyflower has serious potential—it’s clear the kitchen can deliver incredible flavors when they hit their stride. But some dishes still feel like they’re holding back. When they fully commit, this place could be a heavyweight in Cincinnati’s dining scene.
   

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2. a

   amy

   VIP

   Indiana

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The chef created a food experience. Highly recommend!
   

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3. T

   Tanner

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Olivia, the wonderful lady who waited on our table was an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! She made the whole night perfect! My only minuses (and they’re very small) is that I felt it was a bit too loud and my chair wasn’t the most comfortable.
   

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4. s

   susie

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was very good, wish they had more dinner menu items vs. sandwiches and burgers for their dinner menu. Favorite was short rib bone marrow. Drinks were good too.
   

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5. a

   amy

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   99 reviews

   4.0

   99 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   A beautiful space and the meal did not disappoint. I had the fried lasagna...it was spicy and delicious! Service was great too.
   

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6. D

   Donna

   Cincinnati

   28 reviews

   4.0

   28 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Server, Tucker, was excellent. We loved the whipped feta toast appetizer. Pork chop was excellent. Not a super diverse menu but nice selections.
   

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7. B

   Brianna

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service for Valentine’s Day! Good drink selection but the food was fine. The vegetarian lasagna was fine, the beef tartare was quality meat but we weren’t a fan of the flavors.
   

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8. K

   Karen

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Loved it. I had the Caesar Salad and it was wonderful. The dressing was on point!
   

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9. l

   leslie

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   21 reviews

   5.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on 6 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Great food and drinks Small crowd, no delay on food
   

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10. M

    Mary Lynn

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    Nick was our server and he was great. Food was really good. We enjoyed the pork, salmon, lasagna, and chicken. Everyone really liked their meals. The restaurant is connected to a hotel and to my well traveled friends, it feels like a hotel restaurant. Good or bad, I can't really say what to tell you they mean by that. Hopefully the food can overcome that feeling for them.
    

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