Restaurant Recommendations
Restaurant recommendations within two blocks of the historic Netherland Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio, our official Haiku North America hotel and event space.
Best Fancy Place (expensive but really worth it)
Orchids at the Palm Court, in the hotel next to the lobby. The only five-star restaurant in Ohio. Sunday Buffet Brunch is amazing but you will need a reservation in advance. You will probably never eat in a more elaborate room.
Best 1950s Diner
Hathaway’s at 25 West Fifth Street (just outside the entrance to the hotel) has been serving great food since 1956. Open most days 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
Best Breakfast in Cincinnati
Sleepy Bee, 8 East Fourth Street, open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Best Lunch Restaurant
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar, 525 Race Street, open 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Best “Sports Bar” Dinner Restaurant
Yard House, 95 East Freedom Way (near the Underground Railroad Freedom Center), open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Actually, three blocks from the hotel but worth the extra distance.)
Best Local Food that Cincinnati is Famous For
Skyline Chili, two locations within two blocks of the hotel: 643 Vine Street and 254 East Fourth Street, open 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Try a “Five Way,” which is spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and grated cheese. That was a favorite meal of former First Lady Barbara Bush.
Best Ice Cream
Graeter’s, on Fountain Square, operated by the same family since 1870, open 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Their most popular flavor is “black raspberry chip.” Good pastries for breakfast or anytime.
Best Bakery/Sandwich Shop
Paris Baguette at the corner of Fourth Street and Race Street is the best French bakery in Ohio.
Best Fancy Place (expensive but really worth it)
Orchids at the Palm Court, in the hotel next to the lobby. The only five-star restaurant in Ohio. Sunday Buffet Brunch is amazing but you will need a reservation in advance. You will probably never eat in a more elaborate room.
Best 1950s Diner
Hathaway’s at 25 West Fifth Street (just outside the entrance to the hotel) has been serving great food since 1956. Open most days 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
Best Breakfast in Cincinnati
Sleepy Bee, 8 East Fourth Street, open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Best Lunch Restaurant
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar, 525 Race Street, open 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Best “Sports Bar” Dinner Restaurant
Yard House, 95 East Freedom Way (near the Underground Railroad Freedom Center), open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Actually, three blocks from the hotel but worth the extra distance.)
Best Local Food that Cincinnati is Famous For
Skyline Chili, two locations within two blocks of the hotel: 643 Vine Street and 254 East Fourth Street, open 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Try a “Five Way,” which is spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and grated cheese. That was a favorite meal of former First Lady Barbara Bush.
Best Ice Cream
Graeter’s, on Fountain Square, operated by the same family since 1870, open 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Their most popular flavor is “black raspberry chip.” Good pastries for breakfast or anytime.
Best Bakery/Sandwich Shop
Paris Baguette at the corner of Fourth Street and Race Street is the best French bakery in Ohio.
