31 Best Italian Restaurants near North College Hill

“THIS is for the College Hill location... that Big Gripp is absolute ⛽ 🔥 👀 🤤“

“The food is amazing, they have a large wine and spirt offering. The staff are always courteous, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Casual dining with an upscale feel.“

“The best fine dining spot in Cincinnati. Very down to earth despite the classy atmosphere. Michael, you were the best server we could have asked for!! Thank you for such a lovely experience. The food was amazing, our servers recommendations were phenomenal!!“

“We travel all around the world, even compared to Italy, their home made pasta was the best we have ever eaten. We had appetizers that were awesome as well. We Highly recommend this place!“

“We ate at Caruso’s for the first time July 3, 2024. My wife and I thought our meals were 5 star, delicious! She had the Chicken Marsala and I had the Rigatoni Rustica. We asked our waiter Sam for his recommendations and we’re so glad we took his advice. Best Italian dishes we’ve ever enjoyed. We can’t wait to return with good friends. Excellent! Denny & Barb G.“

“Fabulous bar and food! At top of best in Cincy list!!!“

“Visited Rosie’s Italian Kitchen. Cannot believe it took us so long to check it out. Our server Austin gave very good suggestions and everything was outstanding ! We had the Arancini and Fried Lasagna bites to start and then the Honey Pie! Perfect blend of sweet heat . We also split the Cannoli Cookie with a scoop of vanilla gelato . Forgot to get a photo as we dug right in. We also met the Manager Alex and Kitchen Manager Victor who were so welcoming and made us feel like family . Already planning when we can go back !“

“Mama’s on Main has some of the best food we have enjoyed while visiting the area. It’s a must!!!“

“10 out of 10 for sure! We made reservations for 12 and with a party that size, I expected some hiccups of some sort! That was not the case at all! We were seated at the time of our reservation, the atmosphere was perfect, food was delicious and the service was top notch! Everyone loved their meal and we will definitely be back! If you haven’t tried this place out, I highly recommend you do, ASAP! You won’t be disappointed!“

“Norwood Piada is one of the best locations in Cincinnati!“

“Food is so good! Tried the new avocado chop salad today and it's my new fave!“

“We picked Biagio's for our twin's 21st Birthday dinner. It fell on a Tuesday and we were looking for something special, locally owned, with an intimate setting. We called ahead and the table was ready for us when we arrived. The minute we walked in, we knew we picked the right place. The parking was easy on the street out front. The restaurant is like walking into a secret. The aroma is rich and authentic, and the decor is comfortably elegant. We were well taken care of, without being rushed. The food and wine was outstanding! The dessert was fabulous! We really appreciate the experience we had and the service we received. You only get one shot celebrating that birthday dinner, and fortunately we made a perfect memory! Looking forward to going back soon.“

“As an Italian, I’m really happy and proud that Italian cuisine is well represented by Nicola’s. I went there with my lady to celebrate Saint Valentines in advance, and we were so happy to spend our time there. The place is wonderful, the service is perfect and the food… the food is astronomical! Personally I do love the Malfatti “A true love for Rome”. As being born and raised in Rome I do really appreciate that love for my city. Definitely a 10/10, and best place to experience Italian cuisine. P.S. Italiani, se siete di passaggio a Cincinnati fate un salto da Nicola, non ve ne pentirete“

“great food. my grandson loved it“

“Amazing experience at Wildweed and what an addition to the Cincinnati restaurant scene. We did the chef's table with wine pairing and they knocked it out of the park. From the service, every single person acknowledged and welcomed us to the food (so creative, delicious and locally inspired), to all the small touches of high end glassware for wines, beautiful furniture. I don't know how every single person is not raving about this spot. Can't wait to go back, as it's been the best meal in the city. With fine dining spots in the city lost like Table, Nuvo, L, this one I hope stands the test of time for a new modern type of fine dining.“

“We went to Buca today and our food came out so quickly after ordering and was delicious! Our waiter, Griffin, was wonderful and answered all the questions we had with delight. 10/10 would recommend.“

“Absolutely delightful. Superbly delicious Italian cuisine, served by a friendly and attentive staff.“

“UPDATED REVIEW: 4-30-25 Dining Experience

The traveling manager, Justin, reached out and invited me back in to try Forno again. This visit was spectacular from service (Maiya was amazing!) to the entire meal and after! We got the Burrata appetizer and a delicious saffron ball appetizer to start. Then, we got the half and half pasta bolognese and wild boar which were full of flavor! We also got a bottle of wine half off for ‘Wine Down Wednesday’! Thank you for reaching back out to make up for the prior birthday visit debacle. I would highly recommend Forno to anyone and also insist that you try their ‘Pope’s Chocolate Salame’ dessert because it is, without a doubt, the best dessert I’ve ever had. You won’t be disappointed!

Original review from my birthday dinner in November of 2024:

Dined with a party of 6 at Forno for my birthday (also noted on the reservation) and was very excited since it was my first time here and the reviews were anything short of wonderful!

I’ll start with what was slightly disappointing and end on a high note:

We were sat by a friendly host and were then introduced to our server. He did not ask if we were celebrating anything nor did he wish me a happy birthday. We were treated as any regular table (which is fine, I did not ask nor expect any “special” treatment). I suppose I was just hoping for a simple “happy birthday!!” enthusiastic verbal recognition or a candle in my dessert (that we were happy to and did pay for). I mean, hey, who doesn’t want a candle or someone to wish them happy birthday?

We had a pretty substantial bill so it wasn’t that we had hardly ordered anything. I will chalk it up to the restaurant being busy during this time. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit disappointing and my friends also commented that he didn’t even say happy birthday or give a candle.

The food was good. I liked my dish and my partner said his was decent. Other feedback from members in my party were “delicious! I want to try another dish now too but I am too full!” and “maybe a bit too salty for my tastes but otherwise good!”

The dessert salami was what blew me away, I wish I could order the entire thing (loaf?) of it, ha!

Not sure I would return to celebrate anniversary or anything, but maybe for a casual meal.“

“Chicken and steamed broccoli (+ salad and bread sticks)
Waitress forgot marinara sauce for side order of meatballs.
Wrong salad dressing.

Wheelchair accessibility: Handicap parking is completely full during peak hours.“

“The entrance delivers luxury and elegance. Hostess was very inviting and friendly! A live performance was also showcased at the front of the restaurant. A pianist played beautifully throughout the evening.

Heads up to first time guests- parking is ONLY valet or you need to find parking out on street with a meter.

We went to celebrate our anniversary and they made us feel so special. We were brought two glasses of champagne (which was delicious!) by our server as she greeted us.

Our server was wonderful! She had great recommendations and was so kind. Also very prompt and on top of everything!

There was a lady I’m unsure of her status. But she helped clean up a table (possibly supervisor? ) and she was speaking down to a young bus boy. To me it appeared to be a language barrier and that made my husband and I uncomfortable to see.

Let’s get to the food!
We started with Brussel Sprouts which were delicious! Highly recommend trying. The soft Gorgonzola dulce was such a nice compliment to the saltiness of the pancetta and perfectly seasoned Brussel sprouts.

For dinner entree my husband had the butternut squash risotto and I had NY strip that was paired with Potatoes.

Hands down the risotto is one of the best dishes I have had. Compliments to the chef on putting together such a fantastic dish. Sweetness paired with a subtle hints of pesto. This is one of those dishes you’re going to crave and will have to go back specifically for.

The Ny strip wasn’t special by any means. $57 I was expecting to be wowed. Overcooked, charred and lacked flavor that I was hoping for. The risotto coming in around $20 was the winner of the night. My husband and I both ate from it and it was enough.

We really enjoyed our evening! Again, the atmosphere was wonderful. So elegant and inviting. The service was fantastic. Our server was just amazing. We felt so welcomed and highly recommend the Brussels the risotto.“

“Gabbys and their owners recently held a dinner benefit for one of their former employees and chef with 30+ years experience. The hospitality by the team, the welcome we received and the support from their employees was excellent. In a world where community means alot, consider supporting small businesses who support others. I'll definitely make the drive to visit here during normal operation.“

“Great service awesome atmosphere but food (we ordered) a bit underwhelming. Appetizers were good, so was the burger we were told by a member of our party but our two Italian dishes were a bit one or two dimensional. But id go back to try something else for sure.“

“great food. my grandson loved it“

“The food was absolutely delicious!! I had the seafood Alfredo (shrimp and scallops). I loved it!! It was very filling and I have enough for another meal. Our waitress was very kind and patient with our fairly large group (9, including 4 kids ages from 4-9). It was a wonderful birthday celebration with my family!!“

“Cincinnati Pizza Week brought us here! Fiancé has high standards for Italian food and loved the red sauce on the pizza. Food was great. Wedge was the best wedge salad I’ve ever had and HUGE! Restaurant is decorated lovely and smells like Italy. Service, however, was disappointing. Host stand is at the other end of the entrance. Unless there’s a different entrance we didn’t know about- but didn’t see any signs stating otherwise. Host didn’t greet and rather went to the table and pointed for me to come to the table rather than walking us there. Table was hardly cleaned and food on the table cloth. Not a single person came to our table to greet us for almost 15 min. Server didn’t apologize for us waiting. Server hardly came by to check after food came out or would do so when walking by, not stopping to check on us. I wanted a bowl for the wedge salad. It was huge so hard to eat on the plate but she didn’t stop long enough for me to tell her and I had to blag someone else down. Al thought it was Pizza Week, I would’ve expected it to be busy but business didn’t seem busy and had several tables to expect this kind of service. Maybe she was just having a bad day.“

“We went for my birthday to check out the place. Good food and top notch service.“

“We recently attended a private "pop up" dinner here. The home made pasta dishes were absolutely delicious and the best pasta that I have experienced outside of Italy. All meal courses were wonderful and unique. The chef has a true gift. The service was friendly and efficient. We will definitely return!“

“I love Scotti's we have been going there for over 45 years. We have never had a bad meal. The food is great and so are the are the owners.i give Scotti's a 5“

“Was in town for the weekend and stumbled upon Pompilios. We were pleasantly suprised how good our meals were! The homemade Italian dressing was one of the best I’ve had.“

“This year we have made it a point to try more restaurants downtown. This place is Heaven. Absolutely the best restaurant we have experienced in a long time: upscale casual vibe, strong flavorful drinks (try the Distrito Federal!), and the food... lord... the Moroccan Eggplant served tableside is sultry, sweet, smooth and savory. We also enjoyed the Coquilles appetizer with perfectly cooked scallops and 1 bite of the Davidson burger raised the bar for all of the local competition. Shout-out to our wonderful server, Alexis, and the roaming Manager DJ for the warm welcome. Everything was perfect.“

“Y’all, Francesca is the best. These are the best croissants I have had in Cincy, and some of the best coffee. I came in to pick up a birthday cake and Francesca spoke with me in Italian and was so, so kind and generous. Definitely go see this place.“