Cincinnati’s culinary scene is more than chili and ice cream. Black-owned restaurants in Cincinnati are full of surprises. Even though it’s home to the city’s first cereal bar, dedicated to the nostalgia of the ’90s, Black restaurants in Cincinnati have proven to be both innovative and incredibly talented. This is evident by how many of these restaurants have produced award-winning dishes and received accolades that are recognized nationwide.
If you need a reason to travel to Ohio, let supporting Black-owned restaurants inspire you. Here are the best Black-owned restaurants in Cincinnati and surrounding areas.
Alabama Que
Dwan Ward is a firefighter turned restauranteur. He officially launched Alabama Que in 2008 after word got around that Ward was an awesome cook at the fire station where he was employed. He quickly became the chef for events, and when spouses tasted his food, he started to cater baby showers, graduations, and weddings.
- Location: Corryville
- Owner: Dwan Ward
- Type of Cuisine: Southern, Strictly Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Alabama Que is known for its turkey tips.
- Know Before You Go: It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. All side items are non-pork-based. Greens and green beans are made with smoked turkey. Baked beans are vegetarian beans. All meat is cooked on a separate grill and cut with different knives.
The Aperture
When dining at The Aperture, prepare for a menu that reflects three fundamental tenets: intention, balance, and focus. Chef Jordan Anthony-Brown created the restaurant by putting critical thought into every detail. The menu reflects Mediterranean mezze-style dining with small plates and seasonal cooking. Guests will see influences from Southern France, Italy, Greece, and the Levant.
What’s great about The Aperture is Chef Anthony-Brown created a restaurant that fosters meaningful experiences and human connection through his intentions and hospitality.
- Location: Walnut Hills
- Owner: Chef Jordan Anthony-Brown
- Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Menu Spotlight: Hummus Tehina with a wood-grilled pita. Chicken Liver Mousse, Charred Carrot, Mafaldine, Short Rib Pastrami.
- Know Before You Go: While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are best to ensure you can experience the restaurant. Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance are subject to a charge.
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
Just 30 minutes south of Cincinnati in the town of Union is a warm and rustic restaurant serving food that comforts the soul. Chef Christian Gill took over the business after his friend and original owner, PJ Neumann, died. Chef Gill is whipping up elevated comfort classics in a welcoming atmosphere. When you bite into one of his signature biscuits, just know he learned from the best: his grandmother and mother.
- Location: Union, Kentucky
- Owner: Chef Christian Gill
- Type of Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: Boomtown Biscuit, The Yukon, is made with fried chicken, sawmill gravy, smoked cheddar, and bacon and served with Yukon fries or smoked cheddar grits.
- Know Before You Go: Syrups are house-made.
French Toast Heaven
You know that exciting feeling when it’s the weekend and your favorite restaurant has the weekend breakfast and brunch menu available? Well, you don’t have to wait until the weekend for such excitement. Executive Chef and Owner Kevin “Chef Maurice” Jordan wanted to create what he calls a “vacation-like” feeling with his restaurant, French Toast Heaven, where French Toast takes center stage.
As one of the newest restaurants on the block, French Toast Heaven has already created a name for itself as one of the best breakfast spots in Southern Ohio.
- Location: West Chester
- Owner: Kevin “Chef Maurice” Jordan
- Type of Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: Peach Cobbler French Toast, Banana Foster French Toast, and Fish & Grits.
- Know Before You Go: Doesn’t accept reservations. Vegetarian dishes are available.
Honey Uninhibited
Honey Uninhibited is a cultural melting pot where the South’s staples meet Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The founders love good music, art, décor, and hospitality and bring that to the forefront with Honey Uninhibited.
The restaurant is designed to be a place where you can kick your feet up and relax while drinking a mimosa. True to its name, the owners are on a mission to revitalize and champion guests to be their true, uninhibited selves.
- Location: Covington, Kentucky
- Owner: Former Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End, Carlos Dunlap
- Type of Cuisine: Southern
- Menu Spotlight: Sweet Chick Half, Jalapeno Honey Cornbread, and BBQ Chicken Deviled Eggs.
- Know Before You Go: Reservations are encouraged. There’s also a location in Miami.
Island Frydays
Jamaican native Leo Morgan founded Island Frydays in 2009. The University of Cincinnati alumni and former football captain decided to bring the delicious food he cooked for friends and teammates to the table. He opened Island Frydays as a place to experience a taste of the Caribbean on Fridays.
In true Caribbean culture, Morgan’s goal is for people to release stress and keep their minds off of the day’s worries through his comforting and delicious recipes.
- Location: Corryville
- Owner: Jamaican native Leo Morgan
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu Spotlight: Boneless Jerk Chicken, Jerk Wings with the Jerk Pasta
- Know Before You Go: Closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Nolia Kitchen
Even though the city is hundreds of miles away, there’s still a way to experience the addicting cuisine found in New Orleans, thanks to Chef Jeff Harris. We normally don’t recommend trying New Orleans’ cuisine outside of The Big Easy, but Chef Harris is from there.
He serves southern classics at Nolia Kitchen, which is located in his home city, but with unconventional twists based on his upbringing in NOLA. The restaurant has been named one of the top places to dine in the country and was a James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2023.
- Location: Over-the-Rhine
- Owner: Chef Jeff Harris
- Type of Cuisine: Creole, Southern
- Menu Spotlight: Menu rotates. Skillet Cornbread, Jambalaya, Fish Au Poivre
- Know Before You Go: Reservations are accepted. Large vegetarian selection.
Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar
Leave it to Ohio to create a space for the young and youthful at heart. Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar (SMV) is the most fun you will have eating a bowl of cereal. Think back to those moments growing up when you would eat a bowl of cereal while playing video games or watching cartoons. The creators behind SMV are bringing back this nostalgia with more than 70 cereals to choose from.
The menu also features oatmeal, bagels, parfaits, breakfast sandwiches, and hot coffee for the once young, energized child who now needs a cup of coffee to get going in the morning.
- Location: Avondale Town Center on Reading Road
- Owners: Arielle Nelson and Toledo Hill
- Type of Cuisine: American Breakfast, Cereal
- Menu Spotlight: Corporate’s Free Lunch made with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Apple Jacks, Brownies, Strawberries, Chocolate Drizzle, and Strawberry Milk. You can also create your own.
- Know Before You Go: You can order online.
Yakitori Hibachi Lounge
Kenneth Bibb II and Jason Chapman are childhood friends who share a passion for community, food, and service. These two men have come together to provide the city with a unique and modern twist on hibachi with Yakitori Hibachi Lounge. The lounge takes traditional Japanese hibachi and adds a little urban flare.
The co-founders’ number one goal is to keep you coming back for more with great food and drinks, excellent service, and unforgettable vibes.
- Location: Roselawn
- Owners: Kenneth Bibb II and Jason Chapman
- Type of Cuisine: Japanese fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Ying Yang Wings, Vegetable Hibachi, Hibachi Fries
- Know Before You Go: Reservations accepted.
Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant
This is one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in town. Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant is the only restaurant in Cincinnati serving an authentic Ethiopian experience and cuisine. What keeps people coming back, in addition to the flavorful dishes, is the exceptional service. Chef Zeleke makes people feel right at home and strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter her doors.
- Location: Western Hills
- Owner: Dawit Zeleke
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Menu Spotlight: Special Mixed Platter, Vegetarian Platter, Honey Wine, Ethiopian Coffee
- Know Before You Go: Vegetarian options are available. The menu can be hard to understand because a majority of it is written in Amharic. Be patient.
While visiting Cincinnati, take some time to explore the rich Black history throughout the city which has earned its respect and rightful place in history. Cincinnati played a significant role in getting those enslaved further North with the Underground Railroad, with many crossing the Ohio River. Cincinnati is also home to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
