The Grand Finale is another classic Cincinnati restaurant that has sadly ceased operation as of Dec. 31, 2021. Many memories. So sad.
CarolT
Our family remarked that we've never had a bad meal or experience at Grand Finale and we've eaten there many times, usually for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Excellent service and quiet ambiance.
Feldest
Always enjoy the crepes, salad with avocado dressing, the delicious spaghetti toss had the most wonderful (and big!) sundried tomatoes and of course the featured cheesecake (blueberry with a lemon glaze) was our personal grand finale. Two of us dined and every item was spot on, absolutely top shelf dining, they check all the boxes with excellence. My husband and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary here 33 years ago. We've been back every year since. Grand Finale has been in business for decades and their high standards keep their reputation strong along with loyal customers. Thank you for excellent management Grand Finale we highly recommend you and look forward to coming back!
Ann M.
My young adult daughter and I went here for dinner this past Saturday night. I had been there before with my husband and another couple on a couple different occasions, and it was wonderful, but it had been a few years, so I wasn't sure if anything had changed. Fortunately, nothing has changed. Everything was perfect. Our server, Kate, was phenomenal from the minute she walked up and greeted us. She offered some good suggestions, asked some questions to show she was truly interested in our experience, and checked back on us regularly. We started with the artichoke hearts appetizer, with the hearts baked with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and it was delicious. I would never have thought to prepare them this way. We each had a salad - I had the house, and my daughter had the Caesar - and they were good. I tried the creamy avocado dressing, which was very tasty. My daughter had the Chicken Ginger and loved it. I figured she'd have some left, because it was a huge portion, but she liked it so well she ate every bite, plus the mushroom crêpe that was her chosen side. I also chose the mushroom crêpe as the side for my 8 ounce sirloin, that was one of the daily specials. The steak was good, nicely flavored and served with herbed butter and topped with a couple grilled shrimp, although in retrospect I probably would have preferred the leanness of a filet a little more. There was a little bit of gristle in the sirloin, even though it had the look (small and thick) and taste of a filet. The mushroom crêpe, on the other hand, was heavenly. Unlike my daughter, I wasn't able to finish all of my meal, so I have some leftovers to enjoy for lunch this week - a little steak, about 2/3 of the crepe, and a shrimp. I had my usual Manhattan to drink, and my daughter enjoyed their Spanish wine. We each had an after dinner drink also - she chose a 20 year Tawny, and I had a custom made warm espresso martini, with vanilla vodka and Kahlúa. For dessert we split the Bananas Foster, which was tasty but a little more liquidy/runny and less carmelized than what I'm used to having in New Orleans and elsewhere. It was a bit disappointing. I'd give my steak and the Bananas Foster both four stars, but everything else, including the service and ambience, were a solid five stars. They also fit us in on just a few minutes' notice, when our afternoon event finished in time to allow us to have an early dinner. I'm looking forward to being back in town sometime soon for a repeat visit!
MattS
I hope you can share this as a public review. The Grand Finale is a great place for romantics, for celebrations or those that just want a nice meal out, in a cozy atmosphere. We recently dined to celebrate my wife's birthday. The service was excellent as is the norm at this restaurant. Our waiter was attentive while also allowing us to enjoy ourselves. The food was delicious. I had their rack of lamb for the first time and it exceeded my expectations. The chutney sauce on the side was a great compliment to the meat. My wife had her favorite, the chicken ginger. Anyone that has taste for chicken would not be disappointed by this gem. I always sneak a bite. The menu never changes much nor does it need to. There is a nice variety, everything they serve is delicious and if you want something different, the specials are usually as good as many of their go to dishes. I always recommend saving room for desert. Our favorites include the Chocolate Cordial pie (a mountain of chocolate mousse with a delicious crust hiding somewhere at the bottom), any of their cheesecakes, and their custard. But you can't go wrong on their desert menu. Beautiful and delicious. The restaurant is set in an old Victorian home in historic Glendale and the restaurant is very cozy with antique furniture, art on display throughout and decor from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I would consider this a nice restaurant, but with prices that won't make you regret the extras and one where men need not where a jacket. Stop in some time. I think you'll find yourself returning for the friendly folks that serve you and the delicious delights that call your name.
Kristin P.
I come here every year with my family for our annual Ladies Lunch! The menu is very unique with great pairings of ingredients and dishes. You'll definitely be able to find your favorites with a little twist. They have a small brunch menu on Sundays!But the real reason you're here is for the dessert...just skip the food and go straight to dessert! You honestly will not be disappointed. My absolute favorite is their apple cinnamon cheesecake with vanilla sauce. I'm drooling right now just thinking about it! Might have to go tomorrow
ArleenH
Grand Finale is consistently Great! It is my favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. I love the salads, crepes, appetizers, bread, entree's, and of course the home made desserts. The atmosphere is so pleasant. I have so many favorite's the hard part is making a decision.
WilliamH
I was looking for a restaurant for date night with my wife, this was definitely the right choice the food was excellent the service is excellent the atmosphere was perfect. I will definitely be returning for date night the future
Went out for the first time in 2 years - since the Covid outbreak! Celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Grand Finale was wonderful as usual. Thank you to our server, Virginia, for additional attention to the occasion. ❤️
Virginia, our server, was exceptional. It's been a very long time since a server was this friendly and helpful. Food is always outstanding. It was louder than normal from all the Christmas luncheons. Great time!!
Our meal and server were outstanding. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. I had thee specials which were the seafood chowder and salad with broiled scallops, bacon and blue cheese with a warm bacon vinaigrette dressing. My friend had the brunch crepe and fruit. We both thought our meals were lovely. We had the puff pastry dessert and it was as delicious as it was beautiful. Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. We had a wonderful brunch and would come back again!
hexemeister
We always have our Christmas family dinner at the Grand Finale. We have never been disapointed. The food is always perfect and the service fantastic. We will be back next year for certain.
Debby
Grand Finale doesn't have as large a menu as other restaurants, but the menu is varied and every item I've tried has been so delicious. The restaurant is beautiful inside. The ambiance is as if it's a place "where everybody knows your name" (if you're familiar with the Cheers theme song), The servers are spot on and friendly without being intrusive. Grand Finale is just a really nice place to go relax and have a good meal. My favorite item on the menu is "buy a round of beers for the people in the back of the house." Which I did.
SiobhanT
We were looking forward to celebrating with brunch and arrived to find that some limited breakfast options are only served on Sundays. Not to ruin the spirit, we ordered from their menu (which consisted of 6-7 salad choices and $20+ entrees more suited for dinner) only to be underwhelmed. My husband ordered a filet and potatoes and said the steak was bland and didn't have any flavor, neither did his potatoes. My crab cakes were fine, but they were just fine. My mother ordered the quiche and quite liked it, but it came out so hot that it took her more than 20 minutes to be able to eat anything. I long for the day when they bring back the buffet brunch and until then I don't think we will be back.
MiriamJ
We were of course pleased with the food but especially with the service. Our waitress has been well educated and was very much attentive and helpful and really knew her menu. She also entered into our food questions with great knowledge and was very helpful. We were glad she was there. We know how hard it is to get wait staff these days but you are really doing a good job in your education process with new people. Keep up the great work.
The Grand Finale is another classic Cincinnati restaurant that has sadly ceased operation as of Dec. 31, 2021. Many memories. So sad.
Our family remarked that we've never had a bad meal or experience at Grand Finale and we've eaten there many times, usually for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Excellent service and quiet ambiance.
Always enjoy the crepes, salad with avocado dressing, the delicious spaghetti toss had the most wonderful (and big!) sundried tomatoes and of course the featured cheesecake (blueberry with a lemon glaze) was our personal grand finale. Two of us dined and every item was spot on, absolutely top shelf dining, they check all the boxes with excellence. My husband and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary here 33 years ago. We've been back every year since. Grand Finale has been in business for decades and their high standards keep their reputation strong along with loyal customers. Thank you for excellent management Grand Finale we highly recommend you and look forward to coming back!
My young adult daughter and I went here for dinner this past Saturday night. I had been there before with my husband and another couple on a couple different occasions, and it was wonderful, but it had been a few years, so I wasn't sure if anything had changed. Fortunately, nothing has changed. Everything was perfect. Our server, Kate, was phenomenal from the minute she walked up and greeted us. She offered some good suggestions, asked some questions to show she was truly interested in our experience, and checked back on us regularly. We started with the artichoke hearts appetizer, with the hearts baked with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and it was delicious. I would never have thought to prepare them this way. We each had a salad - I had the house, and my daughter had the Caesar - and they were good. I tried the creamy avocado dressing, which was very tasty. My daughter had the Chicken Ginger and loved it. I figured she'd have some left, because it was a huge portion, but she liked it so well she ate every bite, plus the mushroom crêpe that was her chosen side. I also chose the mushroom crêpe as the side for my 8 ounce sirloin, that was one of the daily specials. The steak was good, nicely flavored and served with herbed butter and topped with a couple grilled shrimp, although in retrospect I probably would have preferred the leanness of a filet a little more. There was a little bit of gristle in the sirloin, even though it had the look (small and thick) and taste of a filet. The mushroom crêpe, on the other hand, was heavenly. Unlike my daughter, I wasn't able to finish all of my meal, so I have some leftovers to enjoy for lunch this week - a little steak, about 2/3 of the crepe, and a shrimp. I had my usual Manhattan to drink, and my daughter enjoyed their Spanish wine. We each had an after dinner drink also - she chose a 20 year Tawny, and I had a custom made warm espresso martini, with vanilla vodka and Kahlúa. For dessert we split the Bananas Foster, which was tasty but a little more liquidy/runny and less carmelized than what I'm used to having in New Orleans and elsewhere. It was a bit disappointing. I'd give my steak and the Bananas Foster both four stars, but everything else, including the service and ambience, were a solid five stars. They also fit us in on just a few minutes' notice, when our afternoon event finished in time to allow us to have an early dinner. I'm looking forward to being back in town sometime soon for a repeat visit!
I hope you can share this as a public review. The Grand Finale is a great place for romantics, for celebrations or those that just want a nice meal out, in a cozy atmosphere. We recently dined to celebrate my wife's birthday. The service was excellent as is the norm at this restaurant. Our waiter was attentive while also allowing us to enjoy ourselves. The food was delicious. I had their rack of lamb for the first time and it exceeded my expectations. The chutney sauce on the side was a great compliment to the meat. My wife had her favorite, the chicken ginger. Anyone that has taste for chicken would not be disappointed by this gem. I always sneak a bite. The menu never changes much nor does it need to. There is a nice variety, everything they serve is delicious and if you want something different, the specials are usually as good as many of their go to dishes. I always recommend saving room for desert. Our favorites include the Chocolate Cordial pie (a mountain of chocolate mousse with a delicious crust hiding somewhere at the bottom), any of their cheesecakes, and their custard. But you can't go wrong on their desert menu. Beautiful and delicious. The restaurant is set in an old Victorian home in historic Glendale and the restaurant is very cozy with antique furniture, art on display throughout and decor from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I would consider this a nice restaurant, but with prices that won't make you regret the extras and one where men need not where a jacket. Stop in some time. I think you'll find yourself returning for the friendly folks that serve you and the delicious delights that call your name.
I come here every year with my family for our annual Ladies Lunch! The menu is very unique with great pairings of ingredients and dishes. You'll definitely be able to find your favorites with a little twist. They have a small brunch menu on Sundays!But the real reason you're here is for the dessert...just skip the food and go straight to dessert! You honestly will not be disappointed. My absolute favorite is their apple cinnamon cheesecake with vanilla sauce. I'm drooling right now just thinking about it! Might have to go tomorrow
Grand Finale is consistently Great! It is my favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. I love the salads, crepes, appetizers, bread, entree's, and of course the home made desserts. The atmosphere is so pleasant. I have so many favorite's the hard part is making a decision.
I was looking for a restaurant for date night with my wife, this was definitely the right choice the food was excellent the service is excellent the atmosphere was perfect. I will definitely be returning for date night the future
Went out for the first time in 2 years - since the Covid outbreak! Celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Grand Finale was wonderful as usual. Thank you to our server, Virginia, for additional attention to the occasion. ❤️
Virginia, our server, was exceptional. It's been a very long time since a server was this friendly and helpful. Food is always outstanding. It was louder than normal from all the Christmas luncheons. Great time!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Our meal and server were outstanding. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. I had thee specials which were the seafood chowder and salad with broiled scallops, bacon and blue cheese with a warm bacon vinaigrette dressing. My friend had the brunch crepe and fruit. We both thought our meals were lovely. We had the puff pastry dessert and it was as delicious as it was beautiful. Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. We had a wonderful brunch and would come back again!
We always have our Christmas family dinner at the Grand Finale. We have never been disapointed. The food is always perfect and the service fantastic. We will be back next year for certain.
Grand Finale doesn't have as large a menu as other restaurants, but the menu is varied and every item I've tried has been so delicious. The restaurant is beautiful inside. The ambiance is as if it's a place "where everybody knows your name" (if you're familiar with the Cheers theme song), The servers are spot on and friendly without being intrusive. Grand Finale is just a really nice place to go relax and have a good meal. My favorite item on the menu is "buy a round of beers for the people in the back of the house." Which I did.
We were looking forward to celebrating with brunch and arrived to find that some limited breakfast options are only served on Sundays. Not to ruin the spirit, we ordered from their menu (which consisted of 6-7 salad choices and $20+ entrees more suited for dinner) only to be underwhelmed. My husband ordered a filet and potatoes and said the steak was bland and didn't have any flavor, neither did his potatoes. My crab cakes were fine, but they were just fine. My mother ordered the quiche and quite liked it, but it came out so hot that it took her more than 20 minutes to be able to eat anything. I long for the day when they bring back the buffet brunch and until then I don't think we will be back.
We were of course pleased with the food but especially with the service. Our waitress has been well educated and was very much attentive and helpful and really knew her menu. She also entered into our food questions with great knowledge and was very helpful. We were glad she was there. We know how hard it is to get wait staff these days but you are really doing a good job in your education process with new people. Keep up the great work.