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Our Regions's finest Italian cuisine
Discover incredible Italian dining, from traditional red-sauce classics to modern interpretations. Whether you're craving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or authentic Italian desserts, these restaurants deliver the flavors of Italy right here.
2023 CityBeat's Best New Restaurant, Mama's on Main is a charming Italian wine bar in Covington's Mainstrasse Village owned by Emily Wolff and Paul Weckman, featuring house-made pastas, chicken parmesan, arancini, tiramisu, and espresso martinis which can be enjoyed on the rooftop. Cozy, vintage Italian décor with eclectic touches including stained glass and pinups, offering intimate dining rooms, heated rooftop seating, and a full bar with wine selection, creating a romantic yet lively atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations.
Carmelo's honors the legacy of Sicilian immigrant Carmelo Caserta, who believed food unites community, through warm hospitality and Italian-inspired dishes served in a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is treated like family. Co-owned by culinary veterans Billy Grise (The Rookwood, Hotel Covington) and Mitch Arens (trained in New Orleans' Cajun and Creole traditions), the restaurant blends Italian heritage with Southern flavors and family recipes.
Family owned and operated since August 2014 by the Hoxha family, who arrived from Albania in 2003 chasing the American dream. Brothers and chefs Klodjan and Renato run the kitchen, sister Eri handles the front, and the parents work there daily. They also own a restaurant of the same name in Myrtle Beach. Pizza came off the menu years ago so the kitchen could focus on fine dining. What's left is a seafood-forward Italian menu built on scratch marinara, veal and chicken classics, scallops and lobster. The family kept pizza alive at Gios Pizzeria Napoletana in Market Common.
From the team behind Alfio's Buon Cibo (OpenTable's Top 100 in America), Noche blends Italian tradition with Argentine passion in a moody, magnetic space built for late-night energy and shared plates. Chef Alfio Gulisano's fire-kissed menu features house-made pastas, wood-fired creations like empanadas and arancini, and standout dishes like short rib gnocchi, with craft cocktails and an adventurous wine list designed to keep you lingering long after dinner.
Historic Italian restaurant and bar established in 1933 in a building dating to 1902, serving generations with Mrs. Pompilio's homemade ravioli recipe, Italian sausage, lasagna, cannelloni, and traditional pastas in Newport's legendary corner location. Featured in Rain Man (1988) with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, boasting regulation bocce courts with 64-team league, live music several nights weekly, Kentucky bourbon collection on the original back bar, and over a century of stories including mobsters, celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and families bringing second and third generations to this Italian restaurant with Kentucky flavor and unparalleled hospitality.
Rooted in the owners' family ties to Bologna, Italy's culinary capital, this downtown trattoria pairs handmade pastas and wood-fired pizza with warm, unfussy hospitality. Set in the historic 300 Main Street building looking out at Great American Ball Park, it houses what's billed as downtown Cincinnati's first wood-fired pizza oven, tucked behind the bar so guests get a front-row view of each 13-inch pie charring to order. The kitchen leans on serious sourcing, from Eckerlin's beef, pork and veal meatballs to a Bologna Chamber of Commerce-approved Bolognese. Craft cocktails and a curated wine list round out a room that reads casual at lunch and polished by dinner.
Pizza Today's 2024 Pizzeria of the Year, serving wood-fired artisan pizzas, handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, and house-made meatballs with an extensive wine selection. Italian-inspired menu features antipasti including charcuterie boards, Italian chili, and meatball subs alongside their celebrated wood-fired pizzas and elevated dining experience.
Syracuse comes to Northern Kentucky at this New York-style pizzeria. Owner Jay Noce, an upstate New York transplant, spent years working on thin-crust pizza before opening shop in 2008, and he's still the one at the ovens. Fresh dough baked on stone comes out foldable, lightly charred, and clean enough to eat behind the wheel without a napkin. Beyond the pies, Noce's serves homemade pasta, garlic knots, generous calzones, and weeknight specials like baked ziti and eggplant parm that come with knots and a salad. There's no dine-in, just a counter, a bench, and a focus on carryout and delivery. Old-school, scratch-made, no shortcuts.
Third-generation Williamson family operation since 1968. Mediterranean-inspired menu with signature sourdough-crust pizzas, famous subs, pasta, and an extensive wine list. Over 50 years serving Piqua.
Founded 2011 in OTR by Jared Wayne, Billy Draznik, and Sam Ginocchio. Brother Nick Wayne joined as co-owner. Built tables from a single log, made their own charcuterie, created root beer in-house. Pizza oven imported from Naples. OTR location closed 2020 after 9-year run; Madeira location (opened 2014) continues strong. Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta, housemade everything. Also operates Taglio (OTR & Columbia Tusculum). Madeira location offers Roman-style thin crust option unavailable elsewhere. Mom's tomato sauce recipe at the heart of everything.
A newcomer to Corydon's downtown square, opened January 2026 with a focused scratch menu built around Italian fundamentals done right. Hand-rolled meatballs, house-made lasagna, from-scratch alfredo and dressings. Dinner only, with limited weekly hours that reflect a kitchen prioritizing quality over volume. Originally launched as a food truck concept before transitioning to a brick-and-mortar, it fills a genuine gap â Harrison County had no dedicated Italian kitchen before this. Dogs allowed on the premises.
A modern Italian restaurant set inside the historic Rookwood Pottery building in Mt. Adams, where refined culinary craft meets timeless hospitality. The menu centers on fresh, handmade pastas and seasonal ingredients, designed for shared dining and an unhurried experience. Dining here carries an added sense of place, rooted in a landmark that helped shape Cincinnatiâs creative history and continues to inspire whatâs on the table today.
A modern Italian restaurant and wine bar centered on seasonal cooking, thoughtful technique, and an inviting neighborhood atmosphere. The menu balances refined pastas and classic Italian flavors with a strong wine program, while outdoor patio seating makes it an easy gathering place in warmer months. Polished but approachable, it's designed for lingering meals with friends and family rather than rushed dining.
Chef-owned Argentine-Italian restaurant bringing South American flair to Hyde Park Square for over a decade. Chef Alfio Gulisano, born in Buenos Aires with Italian heritage, crafts dishes honoring both culinary traditions through handmade pastas, signature raviolis, hand-cut steaks, and authentic empanadas in four rotating styles. Menu highlights include braised short ribs with gnocchi, pistachio-crusted salmon, grilled romaine Caesar, and French-cut lamb chops with mint chimichurri. Three in-house sommeliers curate extensive 350-bottle wine list while skilled bartenders craft cocktails like signature Maple Manhattan and classic Negroni. Six-course Chef's Tasting Menu offers intimate culinary journey through Italian and Argentine flavors. House-made desserts include legendary bourbon-soaked chocolate cake and apple bread pudding. Co-owners Jennifer Birt and Wine Director Michelle O'Brien ensure warm hospitality matches exceptional cuisine. Intimate upscale atmosphere perfect for romantic evenings and celebrations.
Veteran-owned and family-operated since 2016, this chef-driven dinner spot in Floyds Knobs is helmed by Executive Chef Alberto Papsodero, who built his reputation running Italian kitchens in Jeffersonville and Corydon. The menu leans into composed dishes â beef medallions, lobster ravioli, chicken Florentine, calamari â backed by weekly chef specials and a strong wine list. Portions are generous; entrees and salads are shareable. One house-made vinaigrette, housemade bread, and a kitchen that treats every plate as a reason to come back.
Family-owned sports bar where Northern Kentucky's neighborhood pub atmosphere meets pizza made with love and high-quality ingredients. Ice-cold beer flows alongside classic Kentucky bourbon while multiple TVs make this the spot on game days. The menu balances pub classics like wings with Grippo's BBQ dry rub and standout pizzasâincluding a meat lovers topped with goetta that's good enough to finish an entire medium pie solo. Friendly staff treats regulars and first-timers alike as part of the Antonio's family, creating the kind of place you walk in as a friend but leave feeling like you belong.
A laid-back NuLu Italian spot born from two Kentucky friends who noticed no Louisville restaurants were making fresh pasta daily. Housemade pasta is the starâtry the orecchiette with Jake's sausage from Bardstown. Their Caesar salad is legendary, often called the best in Louisville. Brick oven pizzas, seasonal shared plates, and a smart cocktail program round out the menu. Located in the AC Hotel with a sleek, modern dining room perfect for date nights or groups.
A scratch Italian kitchen with roots going back to 2010 in downtown New Albany â where it operated first as Connor's Place, then La Bocca, then Bella Roma beginning in 2014. Recently relocated to the Jeffersonville riverfront, it brought its following with it. All pasta and sauces made fresh daily; when dishes sell out, they're gone. The menu is classic Italian-American without shortcuts: veal parmigiana, chicken piccata, chicken saltimbocca, seafood linguini, tiramisu, and housemade cannoli. Small room, intimate feel.
Small, family-owned Italian restaurant in downtown New Albany since 2010. All pasta and sauces made from scratch dailyâdemand often exceeds supply, with certain dishes selling out by evening's end. Classic Italian menu done right: veal parmigiana, chicken saltimbocca, chicken piccata, and house-made cannoli and gelato. Intimate dining room adds to the charm, making guests feel like they've stepped into an Italian family kitchen. Warm bread served with true marinara. BYOB-friendly atmosphere with outdoor sidewalk seating available.
The area's premier independent pizzeria since December 2006. Committed to using only the best ingredients for a product that's second to none. Specialty pizzas, calzones, pastas, hoagies, gyros, wings, salads, and desserts. Dine-in, carryout, and delivery seven days a week. Recently expanded dining room with a cozy, eclectic vibeâpaper plate artwork from customers decorates the walls. Known for super-stretchy cheese, generous toppings, and gluten-free crust options. Fast, friendly service at reasonable prices.
Owner-chef Biagio Lamassa learned his craft on cruise ships and spent nine years with Jeff Ruby before opening this intimate Italian gem in 1999. His signature red Vespa parked out front has become as much a Ludlow Avenue landmark as the bistro itself. The open kitchen lets you watch Biagio personally prepare each dish on just five burnersâeverything from scratch including the pasta and all desserts. The menu leans creamy and garlicky rather than heavy tomato, with standouts like penne boscaiola, seafood alfredo, and chicken scaloppini. The dessert case tempts with house-made tiramisu and cannoli. A quarter-century later, it's still the go-to date spot for UC students and Clifton residents.
Situated on Madison's hilltop, this is one of the few full-service Italian kitchens in the region south of Corydon. The menu draws from traditional Italian-American staples â eggplant parmigiana, veal parmigiana, puttanesca, chicken gnocchi, manicotti, seafood linguini â with homemade marinara and complimentary seasoned bread on arrival. Open daily for lunch and dinner. The kitchen leans on fresh, market-sourced ingredients; portions are generous. A full bar, outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a viable anchor for the Madison dining scene.
Historic riverside restaurant established in the 1930s as a railroad workers' sandwich shop, serving traditional Italian recipes from Barga, Italy, Kentucky classics, and American cuisine with the finest USDA Prime meats and fresh-to-order pasta. Located at the base of Rosemary Clooney Street overlooking the Ohio River beside the Amtrak station, where CSX freight trains roar by within feet of diners enjoying wall-to-wall river views. Features cherry wood bar showcasing classic cocktails and Kentucky bourbon, private dining for events, and a storied history hosting governors, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Miss America Heather French, the Clooney family, and countless celebrities since reopening in 2000 under renowned caterer Jerry Lundergan.
Founded in 1979 in downtown Cincinnati, this long-running Italian restaurant was built on a commitment to fresh, scratch-made food and gracious, old-school hospitality. Today, that legacy continues with house recipes rooted in classic Italian-American tradition, blending familiar flavors with a sense of family and nostalgia. The experience feels warm, unpretentious, and grounded in decades of doing things the right way.
Shawn Vest's neighborhood pizzeria sits right on Charlestown Square and has become a holiday tradition â the town's Christmas lights show brings crowds who warm up with hand-tossed pies and one of Southern Indiana's best craft beer selections. Signature creations include the BBQ Pirate (ham, bacon, pineapple) and the mashed potato pizza. Homemade marinara so good they sell it by the jar. Gluten-free options available. Small-town vibe where the owner works the room and treats everyone like family.
Family-owned and operated since 1954, when founder Chester Dadabo opened a carry-out pizza shop built on one rule: use premium ingredients and never compromise. Over 70 years later, the family still makes its crust fresh daily â never frozen â prepares its own sausage in-house, and bakes homemade Italian bread on-site. The signature Sicilian-style pan pizza features a special recipe sauce and 100% full-milk Italian cheese blend. Rated "Best Pizza in Cincinnati" by Cincinnati Magazine and The Cincinnati Post. Homemade fruit pies, cream pies, cookies, and brownies round out the menu.
Born from the team behind beloved Decca (which closed in 2022), Decade reimagines that spirit in a historic 1870s Butchertown building. New American cuisine with Italian and French influences centers on seasonalityâcarrot risotto, duck ragu pasta, arancini, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails including NA options. The bi-level space hosts art, live music, and private events. A neighborhood restaurant that feels like a destination, with the same hospitality DNA that made Decca a Louisville institution.
Family-owned Italian restaurant and bakery tucked into downtown Madeira serving authentic Northern and Southern Italian fare for over twelve years. Owned and operated by the Bassano family, the restaurant features generous family-style portions that border on legendary. On-premise Italian bakery produces fresh breads daily including signature focaccia-style pizza bread with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs, plus decadent desserts like house-made tiramisu and cheesecake. Menu favorites include Mama's Lasagna, butternut squash ravioli, chicken marsala with garlic mashed potatoes, eggplant parmesan, and fettuccine alfredo. Two private dining rooms accommodate rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, and family gatherings. Beautifully landscaped outdoor patio features Italian mural and stone lighted waterfall. Italian grocery items available for purchase.
The original Fornoâ"as close as it gets without taking a plane." Cristian Pietoso, born and raised in Florence, Tuscany, wanted to create a space that reminded him of home. "Oste" means innkeeper in Italian, and that spirit of caring for guests without pretense defines the experience. The custom wood-burning oven is the kitchen's centerpiece, firing Neapolitan-style pizzas at over 900 degrees in just 90 seconds. Rustic, handmade pastas include pappardelle with wild boar ragout and his grandmother's peperonata. The menu marks historically significant items Cristian grew up eatingâeach holds a special memory. Desserts like Pope's Chocolate Salame and basil panna cotta. Wine list focuses almost exclusively on Italian selections from Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, and Veneto. Bolo Tuesday (signature bolognese) and Lasagne Verdi Thursdays are weekly traditions.
The second Forno, bringing that same 'without taking a plane' philosophy to Montgomery's business district. Intimate setting with two bar areasâthe main bar and another right next to the pizza oven where you can watch your Neapolitan pizza char at 900 degrees.
A small, family-owned Italian kitchen and tavern serving classic Italian-American comfort food, including pizzas, pastas, and hearty sandwiches. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, complemented by a full-service bar and an outdoor dining deck that adds to its neighborhood appeal. It's the kind of place built on consistency, familiarity, and the feeling of being taken care of by people who genuinely know their regulars.
Family-owned Italian restaurant where Giovanni himself greets guests and shares stories about family recipes passed down through generations. Everything made from scratchâhomemade pasta, sauces, and desserts including tiramisu and cannoli. Known for exceptional lasagna, veal piccata, chicken parmesan, and stuffed shells. Entrees come with house salad and garlic knots. Closes for two months each summer so the family can return to Italy. A beloved West Side institution with generous portions and old-world authenticity.
A family story that starts in Naples, Italy. Founder Dan 'Pops' Ciminillo grew up in his father Lewis's produce business in Lima, Ohio, learning quality ingredients from the ground up. After 25 years running a pizza shop named after his daughter, he moved to Cincinnati in 2004 and opened Goodfellows â named after his three sons. The menu is Italian-inspired with house dough made fresh daily, specialty pizzas named after family members, calzones, sandwiches, and homemade desserts. The vibe leans neighborhood bar with arcade games, foosball, and plenty of TVs for game days. Full bar and late-night hours make it a hangout as much as a restaurant.
Housed in a beautifully restored 1800s governor's mansion in Covington's Roebling Point, this wine bar and Italian kitchen specializes in authentic Mediterranean cuisine using traditional recipes and ingredients. The menu features handmade pasta, including hand-stuffed shells with signature ricotta filling, alongside an extensive wine list and bourbon selection with half-priced bottles on Thursdays. With a cozy, romantic atmosphere featuring a fireplace and outdoor patio, it's a historic gem for both intimate dinners and special occasions.
Provisions with Intention. Husband-and-wife team Casey and Patrick Van Voorhis met at the Culinary Institute of America, then honed their craft at Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurants including Quince and Acquerello. They traded 17-hour fine dining days to build something sustainableâa trattoria-style cafĂ© where they could start a family while making exceptional food. Fresh pasta is the foundation: 30 egg yolks per pound of dough, eggs delivered weekly from Casey's mom's farm. Seasonal menus change constantly, showcasing housemade sauces, focaccia, and dishes that respect ingredients without pretension. Named to Yelp's Top 100 Midwest Restaurants. Cooking classes available.
Locally owned pizzeria founded in 2021 by Chris Fox and Nick Lawrence with a mission to give back to the Sellersburg community. Features hand-tossed pizzas including signature options like bourbon chicken and Hot Brown, plus wings, salads, and specialty items like their new mac and cheese pizza. Sports bar atmosphere with multiple TVs, outdoor patio, and private party room.
Classic Italian comfort foodâchicken parmigiana, lasagna, fresh-made pasta, pepperoni rolls, and pizzaâfrom owner Mo Jusufi, a Kosovo refugee who came to Dayton in 2002 speaking no English. He purchased the original Kettering location in 2014 from his friend, the late Jimmy Troni (36+ years in the restaurant business). The Oregon District location opened in 2024 in the former Franco's space, fulfilling a promise Jusufi made to Troni: "I will do better than you. I will open a second one." Family-run with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and customer service.
Classic Italian comfort foodâchicken parmigiana, lasagna, fresh-made pasta, pepperoni rolls, and pizzaâfrom owner Mo Jusufi, a Kosovo refugee who came to Dayton in 2002 speaking no English. He purchased the original Kettering location in 2014 from his friend, the late Jimmy Troni (36+ years in the restaurant business). The Oregon District location opened in 2024 in the former Franco's space, fulfilling a promise Jusufi made to Troni: "I will do better than you. I will open a second one." Family-run with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and customer service.
Opened in April 2018, this Milford spot brings authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to Cincinnati's east side with a wood-burning oven as the centerpiece of the dining room. The menu is focused and deliberate â hand-tossed dough, fresh sauce, and a short list of pies that prioritize quality over quantity. The Margherita and Roma are standouts. Italian beers, local craft drafts, and wine round out the experience. The house-made Gen 4 sauce is sold by the jar. Dessert calzones filled with chocolate, bananas, and strawberries have become a signature. Intimate seating with a front-row view of the oven.
The newest addition to a Krimmer family tradition that's been part of Cincinnati for over 35 years. Same scratch-made dough, hand-grated cheese, and fresh sauces prepared daily â just a little further east. The full menu of pizza, pasta, calzones, sandwiches, and salads travels well from the original locations. The dining room keeps the same laid-back, family-first feel the Krimmers are known for. Extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays give the weekend crowd more room to settle in. Closed Mondays.
The second home of a Krimmer family tradition spanning over 35 years in Cincinnati. Fresh dough baked daily, cheese grated in-house, and homemade sauces made from scratch every morning â the same commitment to quality that built the original. The menu covers pizza, pasta, calzones, sandwiches, and salads, all priced for families who eat here weekly. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with a "Take & Bake" option for finishing pies at home. Delivery available to North College Hill, Mount Healthy, and surrounding neighborhoods.
A Krimmer family tradition for over 35 years across three Cincinnati-area locations. Dough is baked fresh daily, cheese grated in-house, and sauces prepared from scratch each morning. The menu stretches well beyond pizza into pasta, calzones, sandwiches, and salads â all comfort food priced for families. The dining room is laid-back and familiar, built for regulars who come back week after week. A 'Take & Bake' option lets you finish pies at home. Winner of the 2011 Best of Taste Award of Merit for its lasagna. Flagship location. Delivery available to surrounding neighborhoods.
Boutique Italian steakhouse in Washington Park named by USA Today as one of the 20 best steakhouses in America worth a road trip. Redefining the steakhouse experience without white tableclothsâbold, sophisticated atmosphere with sultry ambiance. In-house butchered and charred steaks alongside handcrafted pasta and extensive wine list. Vibrant yet intimate space for celebrations, romantic dinners, and business meals.
Founded 2001 by Jim Thompson as a late-night pizza window at 12th & Walnut in OTR. Family-owned and operatedâJim and wife Lynn (co-owner/designer), daughter Taylor Casto (co-owner/GM). Original dough recipe made fresh by hand daily. Premium ingredients, no canned anything. BamaQue Pickle Pizza became a cult favorite. Buffalo Chicken now a full-time menu item. Homemade lasagna available seasonally (take & bake). Steak hoagies, fresh salads, chicken parm. Historic Clough Pike location serves the east side suburbs.
Opened November 2023 in the former Venice on Vine spaceâa homecoming for the brand that started in OTR in 2001. Same family, same fresh-made dough, same commitment to quality. "Side-Bar" space available for private events. Walking distance to Music Hall, Findlay Market, and all the OTR attractions. Monthly pizza specials like Fig & Prosciutto. Lynn Thompson personally renovated the space. Community is everythingâthat's why they've lasted 20+ years.
Family-owned and operated since 1997, Mazerella's serves pizza with light, tender crust alongside pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. Now run by the veteran-owned Parks family who took over in 2022, the restaurant maintains the original recipes and weekday lunch buffet that made it a Sellersburg institution for over two decades.
Family-owned New York-style pizzeria with roots in Italy and Staten Island. Independent and proudly local, Mimo's delivers authentic thin-crust pies with perfect char and just the right flop. The Margherita is a standout, and the homemade marinara sauce has regulars wanting it by the jug. Complimentary garlic knots set the tone before mouthwatering pasta dishes, calzones, and cannoli seal the deal. A hidden gem worth the drive.
Craft brewery and pizzeria founded in 1987; brews award-winning beers on-site (first commercial brewery in New Albany since 1935); serves hand-tossed, roundhouse, refrigerator-style, and upside-down pizzas, calzones, pasta, sandwiches, and beer cheese; extensive craft beer selection including house-brewed beers and guest taps from American and international breweries; visible R&D brewery in dining room.
A Monmouth Street staple for over a decade, built around hand-tossed, made-from-scratch New Yorkâstyle pizza using fresh ingredients. Owner Mike has cultivated a community-driven pizzeria with signature creations like the Flying Pig, Pepperoni in Paradise, and the Cincinnatus (a chili cheese coneyâinspired pie that surprises newcomers). The menu extends to hoagies, traditional Italian appetizers, and the house Spaghetti Knob Bocce ball. A substantial craft and import beer list plus wines by the glass or bottle round out the experience. Monday specials draw a loyal crowd. Free parking at the lot on Dayton Street.
Fine-dining Italian restaurant in a building that was once a barn for the city's 19th-century incline trolleys. Approaching 30 years of operation, consistently AAA 4-Diamond rated. Nicola Pietoso opened on Tax Day 1996 when people said a fine-dining restaurant in Over-the-Rhine would never workâhe proved them wrong. When his beloved wife Maureen passed and Nicola faced a cancer diagnosis, son Cristian (already a respected chef/owner with his own restaurants) took over operations. Nicola is now cancer-free and runs the restaurant's wine program. All pastas, desserts, and breads handmade fresh daily. Famous bread basket. 5-course Chef Crafted Grand Tasting Experience. Private dining rooms for up to 80 guests. Valet parking available ($10 MonâThu, $15 FriâSat). In March 2025, owners announced plans to move to 127 W. Fourth St. (former Pigall's space) in 2026. As of January 2026, Chef Cristian reversed course, citing patron feedback about the original building's significanceâNicola's will remain at the Sycamore Street location.
Chef-Owner Anoosh Shariat, one of Louisville's most respected chefs, opened Noosh Nosh in 2018 as a casual, family-friendly counterpart to his fine-dining Anoosh Bistro. Mediterranean-meets-Italian comfort food served all day â brick-oven pizzas (BBQ chicken is a cult favorite, no-charge GF crust), flatbreads, creative pastas (Thursday lasagna special), sandwiches (Cuban and house pastrami Reuben), shareable small plates, and handcrafted gelato. Breakfast and brunch until 3pm include chorizo and egg breakfast pizza and curried tofu Florentine. Giant glittery red-tiled brick oven behind the bar. Strong vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options treated as first-class menu items. Full bar with craft cocktails and what reviewers call the best Bloody Mary in Louisville. Featured on Food Network for baked Brie with Pappy Van Winkle bourbon maple syrup.
Born in 2020 as a gourmet take-and-bake pizza spin-off of the original Padrino in Milford, Ohio, this Fort Thomas location has evolved into a full-service Italian pizzeria serving "Italian comfort food that rivals your grandma." The affordable family spot features pizzas, classic pastas, and Italian hoagies alongside rotating craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and weekly specials in a warm, naturally lit space. With outdoor patio seating and a reputation for generous portions and exceptional service, Padrino delivers cozy date nights and family dinners at prices that won't break the bank.
Casual Italian restaurant from Thunderdome Restaurant Group named after founders Joe and John Lanni's grandparents Giuseppe and Addolorata. Opened 2019 paying homage to family Sunday suppers with house-made pastas crafted daily visible through 15th Street window. Menu features cherished Lanni family recipes including Sunday Sauce with bigoli pasta, veal-pork meatballs, and braised pork shoulder in Nonna's red sauce. Curated Italian wines, craft cocktails including Fratelli Libre with house-bottled soda. Two-level space with classic bistro upstairs and intimate New York supper club atmosphere downstairs.
A contemporary Italian gem in Shelby Park with an open kitchen where skilled chefs craft ricotta cavatelli, margherita pizzas from imported flour, and seasonal small plates. The cocktail programâincluding standouts like the green apple mule and Italian margaritaâperfectly complements the cuisine. Hip yet welcoming atmosphere with thoughtful design. A newer arrival building devoted following for its quality-focused approach to Italian classics.
Wood-fired sourdough pizza baked at 900°F in a Ferrari-red oven imported from Modena, Italy. Housed in a lovingly restored circa-1860 Butchertown brick building, Lupo has earned devoted fans for Neapolitan-style pies with spectacular crust, handmade pasta, small plates, and natural wines sold at retail prices. The Sting Like A Bee pizza with hot honey is legendary. Own delivery team ensures fast, reliable service. No reservationsâfirst come, first served.
Louisville's longest-running upscale Italian, established in 1992 by owner Tim Coury in the Crescent Hill neighborhood. Over 30 years of Northern Italian fine dining with Chef John Plymale (there since the beginning) as an ACF-certified executive chef. Extensive wine list, local craft beer, and a signature cocktail program. Known for scallops with polenta cakes, lamb chops, veal meatballs, and house-made pastas. VIP private room for events. Business casual dress code.
A longtime Italian restaurant perched above the city with panoramic views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River, known for its classic Northern Italian fare and warm hospitality. The menu highlights pasta, veal, seafood, and traditional entrĂ©es crafted with care alongside an extensive wine list, all served in an elegant yet welcoming dining room. With its striking vista and timeless approach, itâs a memorable choice for date nights, special occasions, and dinners that feel both classic and distinctly Cincinnati.
Opened September 2025 inside Liberty Collective, an 18,000-square-foot entertainment complex in Butler County. Tony Ramundo partnered with Neil Black to launch this new concept honoring the family legacy. Pizzas named after Ramundo family membersâmade with the same beloved traditional Italian recipes since 2000. Classic and specialty pies by the slice or whole, plus sandwiches, salads, homemade meatballs, and Uncle Frank's sausage. Part of a curated food and beverage experience alongside sand volleyball courts, self-pour tap walls, and craft cocktails.
The original. Founded 2000 by Italian-American brothers Tony and Gino Ramundo using their father's recipesâbringing New York-style pizza by the slice to Cincinnati before anyone else. Gino passed away in 2006; Tony continues the family legacy. Voted Best Pizza Sauce by Cincinnati Magazine. Tiny spot mostly for takeout with just two tables. Open until 4am Friday and Saturday for late-night cravings. Try the 26-inch pizza challenge: you and a partner have 10 minutes to finish a two-topping pie with extra cheeseâbeat it and it's free.
Opened March 2017 as the second Ramundo's location. Larger dining room than the Mt. Lookout original, with counter service, high-top seating, and easier parking. Full dine-in experience with Mama Ramundo's homemade minestrone (Mt. Washington exclusive), Uncle Frank's spicy sausage, and the full lineup of New York-style pies and slices. Freestyle Coke fountain. Great Reuben sandwiches. Family-friendly spot where the staff knows the regulars.
Opened September 2022 inside Element Eatery, Cincinnati's open-concept food hall right off I-71 at Redbank Road. Grab a slice or a whole pie in a modern, communal setting with other local vendors. Same authentic NY-style pizza the Ramundo family has served since 2000âtry the Paisano with white sauce, prosciutto, spinach, tomato, banana pepper, roasted garlic, and goat cheese on a sesame seed crust. Open Sundays (unlike some other locations). Perfect for catching a quick slice before or after work.
The second location carrying on a family pizza tradition rooted in recipes dating back to 1954. The same scratch-made dough, house sausage, and signature sauce that built the Yankee Rd original â now closer to Fairfield and Hamilton. The menu covers pizza, ribs, steak hoagies, Italian subs, and homemade desserts. Dinner-only hours keep the focus tight, with a Wednesday-through-Sunday schedule that makes every night feel intentional. A quieter, more neighborhood-driven complement to the flagship location. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Opened in 2008 to honor a family pizza legacy that traces back to 1954. Homemade dough, signature sauce, and house-made sausage are all prepared from scratch using original family recipes. The menu goes well beyond pizza â baby back ribs, steak hoagies, classic Italian subs, pasta, and homemade desserts all have a following. The dining room is cozy and casual, with local craft beers on draft and a strip-center location that belies the quality inside. This is the original Raymond's and the heart of the operation.
A fixture in Vevay for decades, tucked on Ferry Street in one of Indiana's oldest river towns. The breadsticks alone have a reputation that draws people from neighboring counties â fresh, garlicky, buttered, and served piping hot. The menu covers Italian-American fundamentals: pizza, calzones, antipasto, spaghetti, fettuccine alfredo, chicken dishes, and subs. Nothing overreaches. A Friday lunch buffet runs 11amâ2pm. Family atmosphere, casual setting, consistent kitchen. The kind of place locals get carry-out from to leave room for visitors.
Open since 1912 and still in the hands of the founding family, this downtown Cincinnati institution takes its name from a story: founder Salvatore Scoleri befriended Metropolitan Opera star Antonio Scotti in Philadelphia in 1911 and asked to honor him with the name of his new restaurant. Four generations of the DiMarco family later, the mosaic tile walls, Chianti bottles overhead, and check tablecloths are all still there. Entrees come with minestrone soup, salad, and housemade garlic bread. The veal preparations run deep, and the cannoli and tiramisu are made in house. One of the longest continuously operating Italian restaurants in Ohio.
A Creole-Sicilian fusion restaurant housed in the legendary Willow Lake Tavern building in Anchorage. Owner Alan Salmon drew on 25 years of running the original Selena's in Tampaânamed after Selena Giacona, the matriarch whose recipes inspired the kitchenâand brought the concept to Louisville. Fresh seafood is flown in daily from the East Coast, anchoring a menu of po'boys, gumbo, jambalaya, Ă©touffĂ©e, stuffed shrimp, and Sicilian pastas. The outdoor courtyard with a koi pond and the signature beignets at Saturday and Sunday brunch are local favorites.
Owned by six-time World Pizza Champion Brittany Saxton, who purchased the restaurant in 2023 after 13+ years in the industry. Named for the 600-degree temperature of their old-world brick ovens. Located in a beautifully renovated former JC Penney building with restored stamped metal ceilings and views into the open kitchen. Dough made in-house daily, local farm-raised products including Blue Jacket Dairy feta cheese. Over 100,000 unique customers annually. Wine room with stone walls for private events.
An intimate, subterranean Italian dining experience set beneath the streets of downtown Cincinnati, known for its candlelit atmosphere and unhurried pacing. The menu centers on house-made pastas, traditional Italian preparations, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, designed for lingering over multiple courses rather than rushing through a meal. With a focus on warmth, conversation, and timeless technique, the space naturally lends itself to date nights, celebrations, and evenings where the setting is as memorable as whatâs on the plate.
Opened in December 2019 inside the former Sorrento's building, bringing authentic Old World-style brick oven pizza to Reading Road. All dough, sauces, and appetizers are made from scratch daily and baked in an Italian brick oven that serves as the visual centerpiece of the restaurant. The Pizza Alla Vodka is the signature, and the meatball sub has earned its own following. A full bar with craft beer, wine, and cocktails rounds out the experience. Private events and catering available. The laid-back atmosphere and open kitchen make it easy to settle in and watch the craft up close.
The West Side outpost of a family-owned pizzeria rooted in Old World-style brick oven technique. Same scratch-made dough, house sauces, and Italian brick oven as every Strong's location â just closer to Bridgetown and the Western Hills corridor. The Pizza Alla Vodka remains the signature, with a full menu of specialty pies, calzones, hero sandwiches, and famous meatballs. A full bar with craft beer, wine, and cocktails keeps the experience complete. Private event space available for groups. Closed Mondays â Tuesdays through Sundays only.
Detroit-style and New York-style pizzeria by brothers Jared and Nicolas Wayne with partner Jake Goodwin. Original Taglio location opened 2016 serving square Detroit-style pies with caramelized cheese edges alongside traditional New York slices. Fresh ingredients with curated wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Full menu including appetizers, salads, and gelato available for dine-in, delivery, and pickup. FC Cincinnati Pub Partner with sports viewing. Private dining room seats 16 with two TVs.
A classic American brasserie at Fountain Square honoring the Tyler Davidson fountain across the street. The menu blends French, Italian, and American influences with handmade pastas, crudo selections, and entrees like steak frites and scallops grenobloise. The elegant dining room overlooking downtown offers an upscale yet approachable atmosphere. Semi-private patio spaces face Fountain Square with climate-controlled seating. Happy hour at the bar features discounted wines, beer, cocktails, and small plates.
Founded 1981 as The Spinning Fork in Fairfield by George Shteiwi and his late brother Rakan. Relocated to Liberty Township (2019) inside Hamilton Elks Lodge No. 93, rebranding as The Spinning Forchetta. George now operates with sister Laila Alghanim. Nearly 40 years serving Butler County. Signature dishes unchanged: Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken Parmigiana, and Mama Nella's Lasagna (named for Nella Leriche who worked there 35 years before passing in 2015). All dressings, sauces, meatballs, and pasta made in-house. Banquet center seats 200+ for private events. True family operation with classic recipes preserved for decades.
Authentic Italian espresso lounge, aperitivo bar, cafe, bakery, and import store from Andrea Stefano and Melissa De Giorgi, originally from Puglia, Italy. Named after family bakery "Vigne Vecchie" (the old vineyard) established by grandfather Erminio Stefano in 1940s Casamassella. Menu features panzerotti, sfogliatelle, cornetto, Lucia Salad (prosciutto di Parma, melon, artichokes, parmigiano reggiano, dried figs, balsamic), Rigatoni VV (pistachio pesto, crispy guanciale, stracciatella), and house-made chitarra pasta. Signature Espressino Freddo (chilled espresso with cold mousse). Full panini selection, Italian pastries, authentic desserts including pistachio cheesecake and cannoli. Italian import store with curated wines and specialty groceries.
Nicola's "little sister," opened by Cristian Pietoso and his father Nicola in 2007 when Fountain Square was rebuilt. Cristian's first restaurant, reflecting his approach to simple, wholesome, authentic Italian food. Contemporary Italian with handmade pasta, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, seafood, steak, and game. Menu crafted using fresh local and imported Italian ingredients. Signature dishes: Tagliatelle Bolognese, Mama's Eggplant Parmigiana, Lumache alla Vodka, crispy gnocchi with four-cheese fonduta and truffle. Wine list features nearly 200 labels. Recently renovated with expanded outdoor dining, plush upstairs seating, and an expanded pasta station where guests can watch fresh pasta sheeted and cut by hand. Live music nightly. Chef's Table experience available beside the pasta station window. Multiple private event spaces for rehearsal dinners, weddings, and business meetings.
Brothers Vincenzo and Agostino Gabriele have served authentic Northern Italian cuisine in this stunning 1860 former bank building since 1986. Ranked #22 Best Restaurant in America by Yahoo Cuisine and Best Italian Restaurant in Kentucky by The Daily Meal. The elegant downtown space features tableside food preparation, flaming specialty desserts, and a wine cellar housed in the original bank vault. Chef Agostino imports San Daniele prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano, and De Cecco pasta directly from Italy.
Louisville's premier fine-dining Italian, open since August 2004 on Frankfort Avenue. Managing Partners: Executive Chef Joshua Moore and GM Jonathan Tarullo. Moore started as a pastry assistant at Vincenzo's at 14 and has since cooked at the James Beard House, served Muhammad Ali and Robert DeNiro, and grows produce on his own 10-acre farm to supply the restaurant. Voted Best Italian by Louisville Magazine three consecutive years (2017â2019). Just named to USA Today's 2026 Restaurants of the Year list. White-linen atmosphere with live music WedâSat in the bar. Complimentary valet parking.
A Western Hills tradition since 1993, specializing in Chicago-style deep dish and stuffed pizzas built from scratch daily. The building looks like a house from the outside, but inside it's warm, comfortable, and unmistakably a neighborhood restaurant. The stuffed pizza is the signature â layers of dough, fresh ingredients, and house-made sauce baked into something worth the wait. The full menu includes pastas, sandwiches, and salads. Homemade desserts, especially the peanut butter pie, are a local favorite. Draft and bottled beer available. A West Side staple with a loyal following.
California-style pizza and Italian fare from co-owners Liz Valenti and Elizabeth "Wiley" Wiley, who met at Grinnell College and reunited decades later to open this rustic-chic eatery. The name honors Wiley's mother, who collected coins and always kept a wheat penny for luck. Valenti trained at Tony Gemignani's International School of Pizza in San Francisco; the focaccia uses leftover pizza dough in the traditional Italian method. Mom's marinara recipe anchors the menu. The Taylor Street pizza and eggplant fries are crowd favorites. Exceptional allergy accommodationsâgluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options abound. James Beard Foundation recognized Wiley in their Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership program.