
Nothing warms the soul quite like a fresh bowl of pasta topped with your favorite sauce. While spaghetti, tortellini, and fettuccine are a few common favorites, there are actually over 600 different shapes of pasta. Because pasta is so versatile, it's no surprise that it has become such a popular dish all over the world.
Delicious pasta dishes paired with a glass of wine and a cozy, dimly-lit restaurant make for the ultimate dining experience. With World Pasta Day coming up October 25, there couldn't be a better opportunity to set out to find your new favorite dish around Cincinnati. To help, we pulled together a list of some of our favorite local restaurants for pasta.
118 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Enjoy delicious pasta dishes in this one-of-a-kind rustic basement dining room located in downtown Cincinnati. With dishes like Tortellini Con Formaggi, Penne Con Salsiccia, and many others, Sotto is truly a favorite for Ohio pasta lovers. Dinner is accompanied by an extensive cocktail menu, and dozens of wines are available by glass or bottle. You can also top off your meal was some decadent desserts and after-dinner drinks. If you're planning to visit on the weekend, be sure to make a reservation online.
1420 Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Delicious contemporary Italian dishes and a warm cozy atmosphere put this fantastic Over-the-Rhine restaurant near the top of our list. Nicola's Ristorante features a number of delicious pasta dishes all made in-house, as well as several traditional Italian entrees. With great food, a romantic atmosphere, and an extensive wine and bourbon list, Nicola's is a fantastic date night location. If you prefer to dine at home, you can easily order carryout online.
11525 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246
Some of the best Italian dining in the area can be found at Vincenzo's, a family-owned-and-operated, classic Cincinnati restaurant. You can expect fantastic food and incredible service. This menu features a wide array of traditional Italian favorites and all of the classic pasta dishes made with fresh ingredients. Dozens of wines are available by the glass or by bottle. Vincenzo's also occasionally hosts live music. The restaurant is open for dinner at 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
1501 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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A casual Over-the-Rhine Italian restaurant with family-style dishes, Pepp & Dolores should be at the top of your list for pasta. This restaurant features two dining rooms: a classy, airy main room and a dimly lit, cozy basement dining room. The Beet & Goat Cheese and Duck Ragu are must-tries! The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday and lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. You can also order carry out online.
810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204
If you're looking for a fine dining option with some of the best city views, Primavista is a must-try destination. The menu features an assortment of traditional Italian dishes, pastas, and both vegan and gluten-free options. Primavista is also known for its spectacular service, unique atmosphere, and delicious food. The dining room is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and reservations are recommended. The entire menu is also available for carryout.
3514 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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Try the spicy Spaghettini Arrabbiata or the delicious Tagliatelle Bolognese at Forno Osteria a popular Italian restaurant in Hyde Park. In addition to pasta, you can also enjoy some firewood brick-oven pizzas and a wide variety of wine and cocktails. Enjoy your dinner in a cozy, unique rustic dining room. For dessert, you have to try the Citrus Semifreddo! Sit at the bar if you'd like to watch the chefs in action. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
308 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220
A quaint neighborhood bistro serves up a number of your favorite pasta dishes from Penne Boscaiola to Seafood Alfredo. Biagio's Bistro is a unique atmosphere: The chef prepares pasta dishes in a full view kitchen. Expect large portions, great service, and affordable prices. Wine and cocktails are also available. The food is delicious, and prices are affordable, so it's easy to see why this restaurant has become a Cincinnati staple.
520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Enjoy a fresh bowl of authentic pasta while overlooking Cincinnati's beautiful Fountain Square at Via Vite. This trendy Italian bar and restaurant has been a popular downtown destination since 2007. The Handmade Crispy Gnocchi and the Tagliatelle Bolognese are some of the most popular pasta dishes; however, the menu is constantly changing, so it's always worth stopping by and trying something new. Curbside and carryout are available. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071
With authentic Italian pasta and some of the most delicious sauces around, it's no wonder Pompilios has been a local favorite since 1933. Not only is this a great place to eat, movie buffs will love the fact that scenes from Rain Man were filmed inside the restaurant. Build your own pasta dish with over 10 types of pasta and 10 homemade sauces. In addition to pasta, Pompilios offers an extensive bourbon, wine, and cocktail list. They also have some of the best Tiramisu in town. Stop-in Tuesday through Saturday or order takeout online.
2724 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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Enjoy your favorite pasta dish in this upscale, elegant dining room. Alfio's Buon Cibo's is truly a romantic experience. The chef's pasta recipes date back several generations, and many entrees have an Argentinean twist, which makes this restaurant truly unique. Alfio's also have a reputation for having some of the best ravioli in town. With fantastic wine, cocktail, and dessert menus, you're sure to have a fantastic dinner. Dine-in Tuesday through Saturday or order carry out online.
Where will you enjoy pasta around Cincinnati this year?

Notorious rock-and-roll bad boy Mick Jagger once proclaimed, tongue in cheek, that his habit of taking tea at 3 p.m. was proof of his rebelliousness. Whether you're a traditionalist or a free spirit, you'll find a great cup of tea and more at these wonderful tea rooms, restaurants, and shops around Cincinnati.
339 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, KY 41073
Just the charming name alone lets you know you're in for a delightful time when you visit Mrs. Teapots Tea Room. The colorful pink space is highlighted by a collection of teapots, cups, and saucers that line the walls. Their wide selection of domestic and imported teas is accompanied by a light menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, and other lunch favorites. You may want to skip those and go straight for Grandma's homemade bread pudding. Traditional high tea includes quiche, fruit, pastries, and finger sandwiches with Mrs. Teapot's signature chicken salad. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with high tea served at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Reservations are required.
2030 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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For nearly 40 years, The BonBonerie has been a Cincinnati institution. Their bakery and cafe include two tearooms. One is inside the cafe, accommodates parties of one to 14, and is open for seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The second is a private room for groups of 15 to 45, available to rent between 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Choose from 15 types of tea, including The BonBonerie's house blend of black tea with a hint of vanilla. Afternoon tea trays come with fruit breads, quiche, and an assortment of luscious desserts, all made fresh in the onsite bakery. Make it a family affair with the children's tea, a selection of kid-friendly treats like PB&J finger sandwiches. The BonBonerie is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
1606 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
How much do customers love Boba Cha? Their fans have been inspired to post poems on social media. All teas are brewed fresh and made with real fruit and other quality ingredients. Get your drink with or without bobas, the chewy tapioca balls that have become immensely popular in the last few years. If you prefer a cold drink, choose a snow, featuring frozen yogurt or soy milk shaved into fine slivers of ice. Customers give high marks to the friendly staff, who will help you find your perfect drink and customize it according to your preference. Hours are noon - 6 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
3880 Paxton Ave., Suite M, Cincinnati, OH 45209
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One trend often leads to another, and Milk Jar Café has all the hottest (and coolest!) beverages on the scene. If you like bubble tea, milk cap will be your new favorite. A cup of milk tea is topped with a silky layer of cream cheese, cream, and salt that fans liken to drinking melted cheesecake. Let your inner child come out to play at Milk Jar Café's cereal bar, where you add your choice of toppings to bowls of classic brands such as Lucky Charms, Rice Krispies, and Fruity Pebbles. Cereals are also one of more than 40 available toppings for Thai rolled ice cream. Milk Jar Café is open 1:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
122 W. Elder St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Churchill's Fine Teas may have a British name, but their comprehensive selection of tea comes from around the world. Inspired by their own love of the beverage, the Kern family has explored the 5,000-year history and traditions of tea to bring their customers the finest in loose leaf teas. More than a dozen tea varieties are represented, from black and green to oolong and spiced chai. Enjoy the perfect cup of tea at home with their teapots, cups and saucers, and accessories sold individually or in sets. A subscription to Churchill's Tea Club is a great gift for yourself or a tea-loving friend. Order online for convenient pickup. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
3212A Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Essencha® Tea House is your one-stop shop for tea to drink on-site or at home. The clever name is a hybrid of the words "essence" and "cha," which is the Chinese term for tea. Try one of their creative specialty drinks, such as Green Mojito, made from gunpowder green tea mixed with mint, vanilla, and lime flavors, then poured over boba. The baristas are happy to indulge your individual imagination by blending a drink to your specifications. Before you leave, pick out some of their fragrant loose leaf teas to take home. Essencha® Tea House is open noon - 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
211 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
No, Tea 'n' Bowl isn't some hip bowling alley serving tea instead of beer. While "Tea" is self-explanatory, "Bowl" is actually for hot pot and other delicious Chinese food served at the restaurant. The popular spot has been amassing an extensive amount of accolades, including "Best Chinese Cuisine" and "Best Bubble Tea" from Trip Advisor users an incredible five years in a row. Three different food menus feature "American" Chinese, authentic Chinese, and Malaysian dishes. Bubble tea options are equally extensive, with regular, milk, snow, and yogurt. All menu items can be ordered for carryout or delivery. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
A diverse group of famous writers, including Neil Gaiman, Agatha Christie, and Jane Austen, are known fans of tea. What's your preferred reading material when you're curled up with a "cuppa?"

There's never a wrong day to enjoy a great slice of pizza! Just in case you needed an excuse though, you'll be glad to know that National Pizza Day is right around the corner.
We are lucky to have so many dining incredible options in Cincinnati. From high-end restaurants with gourmet pies to mom-and-pop pizza joints with some of the best slices of town — there's something for every taste. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorites.
1211 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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If you love authentic, NY-style pizza, you're going to love Goodfella's Pizzeria. Their menu features all of the classics, build-your-own pizzas and calzones, and some great specialty pizzas. Feeling adventurous? Try the "Fuhgetaboutit" — a pizza topped with every available topping!
While you're there, make sure you plan to visit their Wiseguy Lounge, a 1920s prohibition-style bar where you'll find craft cocktails, high-end bourbons, rich leather sofas, and knowledgable, well-dress bartenders who are ready and willing to create the perfect craft cocktail to satisfy your cravings.
113 W. McMillan Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45219
Another excellent option for NY-style pizza, Adriatico's offers hand-tossed, extra-think, and deep-dish Sicilian pizzas. The restaurant has been voted "best pizza" according to several publications, including Cincinnati Magazine and City Beat. Build your own pizza or try some of their specialty pies like the Hawaiian, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or the "Inflation Fighter" with mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, sausage, ham, beef, and pepperoni.
If you enjoy desserts, you're in luck. They also have 12 rotating flavors of gelato, with pints available for carryout and delivery.
3531 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226
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If you haven't tried the incredible Detroit deep-dish gourmet pizzas at TAGLIO yet, you're missing out! With flavors like Prosciutto Artichoke, Greek Veggie, and Pepperoni + Hot Honey, there's so much to love. They also carry all the traditional pizza flavors including Spicy Italian, Bianco, and the "Old Schooler." Don't forget to add some crust dips. With flavors like Garlic + EVOO, Spicy Garlic, and Creamy Gorgonzola, they're well worth the extra dollar.
3166 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Ramundo's Pizzeria has been pleasing local customers for over 20 years. They've also been voted "Best Pizza Sauce in the City" by Cincinnati Magazine.
Choose a slice of traditional NY-style pizza or one of their specialty pies. One of their most popular pizzas is the Prosciutto, Lettuce, and Tomato (PLT) pizza. It's made with garlic-infused olive oil, prosciutto, mozzarella, and provolone. After it's baked, it's topped with romaine lettuce, tomato, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of mayo. Don't be scared; it's one of the best pizzas you'll ever eat!
Looking for something more traditional? You can't go wrong with "Uncle Frank's Special," made with homemade Italian sausage, homemade meatballs, and fresh sliced garlic.
7565 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236
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For a more upscale pizza experience, you'll want to visit Trio Bistro. It's been one of the area's premier dining destinations for over 20 years. Guests love the restaurant's excellent food, attentive staff, and casual charm.
They offer traditional and Margherita flatbreads and pizzas. However, we recommend some of their more exciting options. Other pizza flavors on the menu include Mexican, BBQ, Mediterranean, Thai, and Smoked Salmon!
3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
Catch-a-Fire Pizza prides itself on making creative, delicious wood-fired cuisine using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. It's located inside the taproom Madtree Brewing so you can enjoy this incredible pizza alongside some of the best beer the city has to offer. The menu features Classic Italian and Classic American pizzas with a variety of interesting topping combinations. On weekends, you can also enjoy brunch pizzas in flavors like Green Eggs & Ham, Tequila Sunrise, and Hangover Pie.
Looking for an adventure? Head over to their Blue Ash location and book one of their heated igloos. This one of the most exciting dining experiences you'll ever have! The igloos seat up to eight guests and even have Bluetooth speakers so you and your friends can enjoy your favorite tunes while you eat.
3637 Werk Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248
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A west side tradition for over 20 years, Werkhaus Pizza serves traditional and stuffed pizzas. The latter is made with two light layers of dough stuffed with fresh ingredients and topped with their house sauce.
If you like pizza with a pan-fried crust and plenty of cheese, this family-owned Italian restaurant is soon going to become one of your favorites.
3501 Werk Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248
Well-known for the generous toppings and incredible crust, Trotta's Pizza is another Cincinnati favorite. They offer traditional, Sicilian, and extra-thin crusts and a huge variety of toppings. Build your own or try some of their amazing specialty pizzas in flavors like Hot Wing, Chili Dip, Taco, BLT, Hawaiian, Steak, Ricotta Cheese, and Salami Roll-Up.
They offer a convenient drive-thru and also carry a wide selection of beers.
3200 Linwood Ave. Suite #2, Cincinnati, OH 45226
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When you get a late-night pizza craving, look no further than Bub's Pizza Bar. They're open until 2 am during the week and 3:30 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Not only is the pizza delicious, but the portions are huge, giving you a great value for the money. Flavorful and filling, it's everything you want after a night out on the town.
Choose a traditional pizza or some of their exciting flavors like Pesto and Goat Cheese, Goetta and Onion, and Extreme Pepperoni. They also offer a Vegan Pizza with a soy-free, dairy-free crust, marinara sauce, vegan cheese, and up to five veggie toppings.
205 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
Known for their cold beer, hot pizza, and happy customers, Mac's Pizza Pub is the ultimate laid-back pizza joint. Everything here is fresh-made, including the dough that's made in-house daily and the pizza sauce. They also grind their own cheese, slice all of their own vegetables, have their sausage fresh-ground, and use local ingredients whenever they can.
Stick with a traditional pizza or choose some of their fun specialties like the Pesto Primavera, Flying Pig, French Fry Pie, or Nashville Hot.
Which of these great pizza restaurants will steal your heart?

Did you know the Center of the World is in Ohio? Yes, there actually is an unincorporated community by that name near Youngstown, not far from the Pennsylvania state line.
But there are a number of truly compelling reasons why one of the state's slogans is, "Center of the Universe." If you're looking for a new home in 2021, here are a dozen fascinating features that make a great case for finding it in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati.
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Chili is a dish that lends itself to a wide range of ingredients and preparations. But Cincinnati still managed to put itself on the culinary map with a unique version that keeps people coming back for more. More of a sauce than a stew or soup, Cincinnati chili is almost always served on top of hot dogs or spaghetti noodles. Unexpected seasonings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate give the chili a Mediterranean flavor. Order it 3-way topped with cheddar cheese, add onions or beans to make it 4-way, or go for the works with 5-way.View this post on Instagram
Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati: which one is the perfect fit for you?

If ever there was a summer when we could all use a day on the golf course, it's this one. In the midst of a year that will long be remembered for face masks and Zoom meetings, a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors feels more precious than ever.
Did we mention that August is National Golf Month? When you get down to it, there may be no better game than golf for the times we're living through. You're outside, you can easily maintain social distancing, and you get to release some tension by hitting a ball really, really hard. We recommend doing just that at these Cincinnati area golf courses.
5820 Muddy Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233
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Woodland Golf Course is one of Cincinnati's true hidden gems. The 9-hole executive golf course at Woodland makes it a favorite of families, newcomers to the game, and anyone with an hour or two to kill before they have to head back to the office. It's fun, family-friendly, and affordable. Plus, if you're looking to try something new and exciting, Woodland is also home to an 18-hole footgolf course (think of it as a combination of golf and soccer) that has a reputation as one of the best in the Midwest.
4040 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241
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Public golf courses sometimes get a bad rap for being unkempt and poorly maintained. But Blue Ash Golf Course, often cited as one of Cincinnati's finest public courses, makes a strong argument to the contrary. With a reputation for being professionally and regularly maintained, Blue Ash Golf Course offers a fun and relaxing course that can challenge golfers of all skill levels. Golf Digest ranked Blue Ash Golf Course among the 75 best municipal golf courses in America. There are also terrific views to be had from just about any hole on this 18-hole, par-72 course.
5924 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45228
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Another of the top public courses in the city, California Golf Course lies on the east side of Cincinnati, on sloping terrain that overlooks the broad expanse of the Ohio River. You'd be hard-pressed to find a city-owned course with a better view. It's a fun 18-hole course, with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. California Golf Course is also one of Cincinnati's longest municipal golf courses, with 6,227 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70.
1240 Hickory Woods Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
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Nestled in the community of Loveland, Ohio—about 15 miles northeast of the Cincinnati city limits—Hickory Woods Golf Course is a spot that keeps golfers coming back time and time again. That's partly thanks to the picturesque scenery at Hickory Woods, but also because of its notoriously challenging greens, especially in the back nine. The course makes for a great weekend getaway, equally welcoming to rookies and seasoned golf veterans, and can test just about anyone's skill.
1201 Park Dr., Covington, KY 41011
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Devou Park Golf Course lies just over the Ohio line in Covington, Kentucky. One of its most striking features is its scenic hilltop location, which offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline. It's also a favorite haunt for local bird watchers, nestled among the rolling hills of Devou Park and right under a major flyway, and is a certified Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The staff is friendly and experienced, and the 18-hole course feels secluded and peaceful, despite being convenient to both cities.
1 Aston Oaks Dr., North Bend, OH 45052
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Frequently ranked among the best golf courses in Cincinnati, Aston Oaks Golf Club is a favorite of golfers from across the region. But it's a challenge. With swift greens and rolling fairways, the course is situated on a beautiful landscape that both transfixes and tests golfers of all skill levels. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the course at Aston Oaks Golf Club offers some truly magnificent scenery. It's perched above the Ohio River, and shaded by majestic white oaks and hickory trees. The 18-hole course features 6,908 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a par of 72.
600 Nordyke Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255
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Although its location on the far east side of Cincinnati might make it seem like a bit of a far-flung destination for some, the Vineyard Golf Course has a lot of great features that attract golfers from all over. A lot of it has to do with the course's handsome scenery, with gently rolling fairways and well-manicured greens lined with mature trees. It's simply a lovely golf course to look at, but the Vineyard offers up a challenging round as well. It's been called one of the best conditioned daily fee courses in Cincinnati and is a favorite of locals and visiting golfers alike.
450 E. 43rd St., Covington, KY 41015
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One of the finest public courses in the region on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, Twin Oaks Golf Course is known for its palatial Southern-style clubhouse as well as its beautifully maintained 18-hole, par-70 course. Twin Oaks was built in 1927 and is still one of the best places in Northern Kentucky to enjoy a day on the links. With a mixture of mature trees sprinkled throughout the course, as well as its fair share of sand and water obstacles, it's always a fun challenge.
4081 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229
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Avon Fields Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-66 course that's been challenging local golfers since it opened to the public in 1914. It's not only the oldest golf course in Cincinnati, but the oldest municipal golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains. It offers a fun and challenging game of golf to this day, but also has an immense amount of history on its fairways. Avon Fields has historically been very important to the city's African-American community and was one of the few courses in town that didn't discriminate based on race during the era of segregation.
Did we forget to mention your favorite golf course in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area? Let us know in the comments section below!