Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burgers, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches, or something else, Cincinnati has a wide variety of restaurants that offer each of these options for lunch.
In this article we share the best 11 places to get lunch around the Queen City.
Map of Best Lunch Places
The following map shows the location of every restaurant mentioned in this article:
Carl’s Deli
Located in the heart of Hyde Park, Carl’s Deli features a menu with more than 30 different deli sandwiches.
Our personal favorite is Carl’s Country Club, but you can’t go wrong with any of their offerings.
Website: Carl’s Deli
Location: 2836 Observatory Ave # A, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Fred & Gari’s
Located in Downtown Cincinnati, Fred & Gari’s is a gourmet deli that specializes in soups, deli sandwiches, and salads. Known as one of the favorite lunch spots for those who work Downtown, Fred & Gari’s has a reputation for delicious sandwiches and quick service.
Website: Fred & Gari’s
Location: 629 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Silverglades on 8th
Located in Downtown Cincinnati, Silverglades on 8th is a deli that has been around since 1922 and holds the title for the oldest deli in all of Cincinnati.
Their menu features homemade wraps, pizzas, gumbo, sandwiches, and bagels. If you’re in the mood for some deli food, you simply can’t go wrong with this spot.
Website: Silverglades on 8th
Location: 236 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Maplewood Kitchen & Bar
Also situated in Downtown Cincinnati, Maplewood Kitchen and Bar is a restaurant that offers a spacious interior, friendly service, and a menu packed with delicious food and drink options.
Known as a popular place to grab breakfast and lunch, Maplewood serves a variety of traditional American dishes including salads, sandwiches, cold pressed juices, and more.
Website: Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
Location: 525 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Lucius Q
Located in Pendleton just outside of Over-The-Rhine, Lucius Q serves up classic barbeque dishes like pulled pork sandwiches, rib tips, smoked bellies sandwiches, mac ‘n cheese and mashed potatoes.
In a spacious setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, this spot offers great food and a great atmosphere all rolled into one enjoyable experience.
Website: Lucius Q
Location: 1131 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Mazunte
One of the most popular places to grab some lunch outside of the Downtown area is Mazunte. Located between Oakley and Madisonville, Mazunte specializes in tacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican dishes.
The restaurant itself is laid back and cozy, with indoor and outdoor seating. The prices are reasonable, the portions are large, and the food itself is incredible.
Website: Mazunte
Location: 5207 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Taqueria San Marcos
Taqueria San Marcos is arguably the most unassuming taco spot on this list, which is fine with the people who know about it because it’s the best kept secret in Cincinnati.
Located in Norwood, Taqueria San Marcos serves some of the best authentic tacos and other Mexican dishes that you can find anywhere in the city.
Website: Taqueria San Marcos
Location: 5201 Carthage Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45212
Taqueria Mercado
Located Downtown, Taqueria Mercado is another popular spot to grab lunch. Their menu features a variety of tacos and burritos.
Our personal favorite is the barbacoa taco, but the whole menu is packed with delicious options.
Website: Taqueria Mercado
Location: 100 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Fireside Pizza
Located in the heart of Walnut Hills, Fireside Pizza is known for their wood-fired pizza, friendly service, and airy atmosphere.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, this makes a great spot to grab lunch when the weather is warm.
Website: Fireside Pizza
Location: 773 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Sichuan Chili
Located in Evendale, Sichuan Chili is an excellent spot to check out if you’re in the mood for some Chinese food.
Known for their quick service and large portions, their entire menu is packed with delicious items, but some of our favorites include the dumplings, sizzling lamb, Dan Dan noodles, and the twice cooked pork.
Website: Sichuan Chili
Location: 10400 Reading Rd #205b, Cincinnati, OH 45241
The Governor
Located on the east side of the city in Milford, The Governor is a modern diner that specializes in a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, among other menu items.
The restaurants itself has indoor and outdoor dining options and offers a great atmosphere to enjoy some lunch in the heart of Downtown Milford.
Website: The Governor
Location: 231 Main St, Milford, OH 45150
