36 Best Italian Restaurants near North College Hill

“Excellent pizza and fairly good service. Not the most friendly of people working the counter when I've visited, but certainly not rude. The atmosphere is definitely old school pizza joints from back in the day. Definitely a must visit for this side of town. Get their Big Gripp Pizza!“

“I don't usually write reviews, and I'm sure of all reviews mine doesn't make too much difference - but I could not let this one go without saying how truly amazing this was. My server Sarah (apologies if not spelled correctly) was absolutely amazing - gave me a free lil palette cleanser of the passion fruit sorbet (freaking amazing). You go in expecting to pay a good bill, but honestly it was SUPER reasonable for the amount of food I got, the service, food quality, and the environment.I felt super comfortable eating alone here, too, so bonus points for that.Also - the food is incredible. My taste buds were so jazzed about it. If I could recreate the sauce that came with the veal short rib, I'd put it on everything haha.Anyway, kudos to the chef, and kudos to my amazing waitress Sarah. Would come back to Cincinatti for this restaurant ❤️“

“I don’t understand the hype. The food is authentic Italian but heavy on the seafood. Extremely expensive for the portions. Atmosphere was cool and chic but not my style. Definitely not a family place. Absolutely a true foodie place for someone who wants to try outside of the box Italian food.“

“We were here for a mid afternoon meal to celebrate a birthday. The Service was stellar, food was delicious and each person in our party of 5 loved their meal as well as the craft cocktails some of us enjoyed. It was my first experience having an apparel spritz and it was quite enjoyable. The price point per person with beer and cocktails was about $45 per person. I wasn’t sure how formal the attire would be and wore a casual dress with sandals. That was almost dressed up compared to most for the time of day, lots of shorts and jeans, if this helps anyone decide on what to wear. I highly recommend this establishment and will be going back.Dietary restrictions: The server made a point to ask if any of us had any dietary restrictions.“

“Went for a birthday dinner and had an excellent time. The service is impeccable--efficient, friendly, with all of the added touches of a fine dining establishment. The food overall was very good, although not perfect. The Amish chicken was a little too salty and the tartare was good but uninspired. The scallop was by far the best dish, I would come back again just for that!!Dessert was delicious, well balanced, with excellent pairings.Overall, would very much recommend.“

“Lovely spot. Menu has a lot of tempting items. I ate at the bar and the server was friendly and efficient. Lasagna was delicious. They have wine specials (on Wednesdays, I believe… could be Mondays- best to ask)Parking was easy. Seems like a lot of locals/regulars based on how people were being greeted as they came in (like old friends).Decor is interesting- feels like a European bistro, which was likely the intention.“

“If i could give it 100 stars I would. My mom and I came for restaurant week. It was my first time here, and I was very impressed! The view is amazing, the service was very nice from the guys parking our car at vallet to our waitress. The food was definitely the best part. It was the best Caesar salad I've ever eaten, the sea bass was melt in your mouth amazing and the dessert was great too! I will definitely be back“

“I stopped by Mama's while on a work trip looking for solid Italian food. This is a hard find in the Cincinnati area, but Mama's delivers. The chicken Parmesan was good, but the meatballs are the winner. Perfect date night place with an inviting atmosphere, definitely worth trying.“

“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 !“

“I've enjoyed coming to VV so much that I've made it a part of my weekly routine. I've been for a morning coffee, lunch, and dinner. They do a great job serving across all three areas of their menu.I'd highly recommend calling ahead for a reservation for lunch and dinner.“

“After a few disappointing visits to "best holiday brunch" spots we decided to check out someplace under the radar - our radar at least. I am a sucker for Italian food and Via Vite was having an Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet. Seems like a no brainer to me. We placed our reservations on Open Table and were charged a 50% hold fee for the reservation. With so many people no-showing on reservations these days, this makes sense to me. We arrived just before our time and were quickly shown to our table. The server was prompt and before you know it, we were heading for food. The buffet was not large, but if the items were good, there's no need for volume. Quality over quantity every day. The food was exceptional for holiday meal. The pasta and gnocchi dishes were fresh and tasty. The breakfast dishes were excellent. Fresh scrambled eggs, not powdered eggs. The French toast was made with Italian bread with added an unexpected and pleasant twist to the classic breakfast item. The bacon was butcher cut and perfectly chewy - at least perfect for me. I know some people like it crunchy. There was also roasted strip steak, carved on demand, and perfect little desert cups. The menu said salmon, but I did see it, maybe I missed it. It doesn't matter, I was highly satisfied. We will return. My only real complaint has ZERO to do with the restaurant, the parking at Fountain Square was $9, flat rate. NINE DOLLARS for 90 minutes. I thought the purpose of 3CDC was to support businesses within the CBD and OTR. Over priced parking will deter people from coming downtown for something less formal. If you want to grab lunch say at CityBird, the parking will cost you more than a sandwich. Nonsense.“

“Service and food was really good. Favorite was the flatbread pizza. Obviously a great wine selection. Server was friendly, engaging, and helpful in selecting items. The special this evening was gnocchi was excellent. We always enjoy going to this restaurant.“

“Nice addition to the fountain square area. Cool looking space and nice menu. Food was good, service was spotty and could use more help. Waiters were in the weeds. The cocktails were small for the price. Wine menu was ok. I'll try it again.“

“The food is always great here you can get pizzas, hoagies and even spaghetti. You can get different types of hoagies such as hoagies with mushroom sauce or pizza sauce or just a hoagie with pizza sauce and cheese . I have got food here for many years. You will really like this place and their foodWheelchair accessibility: There is a ramp that can take you up to the door to get in.“

“Ive been working in this area past few days and have been trying a new grinder every day. This place has the best hot subs Ive ever had, Just the tip and the Balboa are top tier!!Friendly and caring service, cant go wrong stopping here for lunch. They need some french fries though!“

“Had dinner at Subito on Saturday night and Gina’s service was exceptional. I was there with two girlfriends, and she provided great recommendations and was a pleasure to talk to. The Short Rib Campanelle was awesome. The food / wine and atmosphere were good and we really enjoyed ourselves, but Gina made our experience.“

“Here is my Favorite Gelato spot in Cincinnati. It has everything; The location which is a few steps from the Findlay Market which I tend to go frequently when planning to make a nice dinner, they have great service, the chill ambiance and of course the delicious gelatos. One of the main reasons I always tend to stop on this one is because they normally have Pistachio flavored gelato which is a big must for my wife and the other besides of my favorite flavor (cookies and cream) well there actual Ice cream cookies which are amazing! So amazing that I couldn't take a picture of it, BUT! if you look at the pic with the different flavors, they are are the bottom right corner. Definitely need to try them. If you haven't tried this place, give it a try, it wont disappoint.“

“We ate here on the request of my son who lives right up the street. We don't live in Cincinnati and actually went back just to have this food again. I must say when I ordered I was skeptical, the menu didn't give me what I wanted. I am glad I got past that because everyone's food was incredible. Totally not a chain and totally unlike any other Italian food I have had recently . Very nice surprise“

“I have been here twice with my son. We love it, it's clean. The staff is always super helpful and friendly. The first time we came they gave us a free Piada pepperoni stick since it was our first time and it with was delicious. Both times was very enjoyable. We will definitely be coming back.“

“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“

“Some of the best pizza I've ever had. Visiting from Vegas and would love to have this restaurant in town. I travel all over for work and the cheese coney pizza might be the most unique best tasting pizza I've ever had. Put that on the menu for good please.“

“"Chef James at Piada is a culinary genius! The carry-out Italian food from Piada is simply delicious. The flavors are authentic, the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is top-notch. Chef James's passion for Italian cuisine truly shines through in every dish. I highly recommend trying Piada for a taste of Italy right at your doorstep!"“

“Like the other location this Forno delivers every single time. The food is predictably delicious and the menue is fresh and bright. Let's talk about the tripe... the tomato sauce with it is the star and should be bottled for sale immediately. The gnochi is great. The artichoke soup is splendid. The pasta are all fantastic.“

“Easily the best Italian food we’ve had in the States. Casual family atmosphere, dress code is anything loose-fitting and stretchy because you will walked out stuffed. Had the Giovanni’s Special and the Trio Delight, the sauces on each dish were spectacular. This is such a Westside gem!“

“Been here several times and it's always been great! Done eat in, and take out and haven't had a complaint. Meatball hoagie is delicious and so are the pizzas! If you're in ask for the specials because it's bound to be delicious. The jalapeño popper pizza was awesome. And the staff is always friendly“

“Chicken Marsala was hot, tasty, full of flavor. Sliced bread and garlic butter was delicious. Meatball casserole was great. Red sauce is really flavorful with a touch of sweet. Pomp.salad out did itself and could be a meal on its own. Manhattan was good, mixed well. Good selection of wines.Parking: Lot is small, but street parking is close. At capacity, it would be difficult to park in the lot.“

“I've been wanting to go to Olive Garden for a while, but I didn't want to go by myself. Luckily, my prego BFF craved it, and we went together... The service and food were great, fresh and fast. Management even came to check and introduce herself. Their alcoholic beverages are so tasty. Clip below - salad and shrimp fritto misto, both were delish“

“I came in on 12/20/2023. I had received a gift card for Christmas for a free meal, this happened to me the same day I totaled my car. The manager was so very kind and told me to keep my card. I lost it in the middle of the restaurant. This man restored my faith in humanity and made my day a little brighter. He is a wonderful employee and I hope he gets recognition for his upstanding show of humanity.“

“Everything was delicious! Apps, salad and pizza! Cocktails were tasty and the wine menu is superb! Will definitely be back! We enjoyed a fun girls night out and shared everything we ordered - we loved the Cacio E Pepe, Caesar and another salad (not sure which one it was), and we ordered a variety of 3 pizzas - pepperoni Diavola - both great but my favorite was Funghi, Excellent service! Such a nice time!“

“Great FOOD! So much with soup, pickled salad, and the entree came with a side of noodles. I had a steak, my husband had the veal. their diabolo sauce was AMAZING!! And can't forget to mention the garlic bread! As they seated us, they lit the candle at our table that looks like it has the wax of the 100 tables before us! Great Service! Wonderful experience! Great for date night downtown. ps my husband called and made a 'reservation' but not sure it really mattered- bigger parties should call ahead.“

“Fantastic! Excellent food and hospitality in an incredibly gorgeous setting. I dined solo at the bar and Cory was a wonderful guide through my meal. His recommendations were on point, as were the martini and old fashioned he made for me. I started with the arancini and at first I was concerned it was overcooked as it was so crunchy on the outside, but the texture of the outside of the arancini combined with the softness of the inside and the sauce made each bite spectacular. I followed up with orecchiette with fennel sausage and loved it, especially the perpetual crunch that kept each bite intriguing. I then had the salmon with couscous and it was perfectly cooked with the textures of the couscous and the salmon skin playing together to give the dish depth beyond just the great flavor. The chef's expert skill of combining textures to give complexity and dimension is on display in each dish. I followed with the tiramisu and it was taaaaaasty. Great espresso too.Overall, a lovely experience. Whitney, the manager, was a great host and made me feel at home sitting at the bar. I'll be back.“

“I got one of the best pizzas I've ever had, and the best part was they have really good vegan cheese. I got the Old Schooler with vegan mozzarella and it was awesome. I didn't think black pepper sounded like a good idea for a pizza, but it's genius! It's been challenging finding a place with good vegan cheese. Normally I just get pizza without cheese, so thank you for offering such a delicious vegan option! Also, it was ready exactly when they said it would be.Vegetarian options: It's easy to substitute meat and dairy for vegan or vegetarian ingredients.“

“Food was good, but service was great. The restroom needed attention. Food was pricey considering the price of pasta, but was really good for entree. Had Tour of Italy and Seafood Pasta Alfredo. The Tiramisu we took home. Portions were good too.“

“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 hadn’t been there in about a year. It was Good Friday and met my friend for lunch. Our server was pleasant and got us our drink order and knew exactly when to come back for the order. I wanted only a light meal and wanted to eat vegetarian. The salad was delicious and I ordered Saratoga chips. It was just the right amount of food. The restaurant was was perfect for conversation. It’s located on the CSX rail line; we could hear the trains but the sound was still ok to have conversation. Five trains passed during our lunch! It was interesting to glance and see what was the consist. Food is reasonably priced, parking not a problem.Vegetarian options: I had a side salad that had fruit and cheese on it.Parking: Plenty of options as they are at a crosssroads.“

“Me and my 6 kids come in here once a week. It’s so nice having a place to go that we can all agree on! Food is great, kids meals are affordable. Staff is always very friendly and patient with the kids. Thank you!Kid-friendliness: Always kind to the kids. They love being able to place their own orders.“