Queen City Cuisine
Despite an overriding German influence, Cincinnati offers some eclectic and flavorful surprises.
Greek-Style Cincinnati Chili
In 1922, brothers Tom and John Kiradjieff, Macedonian immigrants, began ladling their seasoned meat sauce to theatre patrons and performers out of a small shop next to the Empress Theatre in downtown Cincinnati. Despite setting a culinary trend with devoted followers, the sole remaining Empress Chili location is in Alexandria, KY.
When Nicholas Lambrinides arrived in Cincinnati, he carried a dream and his mother’s time-honored recipes. Inspired by the flavors of his childhood, he and his sons opened a restaurant in 1949 with a view of the cityscape that inspired the name, Skyline Chili.
Gold Star, Blue Ash, Camp Washington and Dixie are some of the many restaurants featuring our local specialty. Check out this directory and plan to be delighted!
Ice Cream
Louis Charles Graeter began selling his small batch french pot ice cream from street carts in 1870. He and his wife, Regina, opened a Graeter’s store on E. McMillan, then later on Hyde Park Square and continued expanding from there.
The Aglameses Brothers, Thomas and Nicholas, immigrated from Greece and opened their first ice cream shop in 1908. The Oakley shop opened in 1913, where the brothers added candy and chocolate to their already popular, ice cream.
Cincinnati has a plentitude of delicious ice cream and this article from Cincinnati Magazine highlights 20 Ice Cream Shops You Need to Visit This Summer.
Goetta
Inspiring the annual Gliers Geottafest, Geotta (Get-uh) is more than just a breakfast food—it’s a flavorful Cincinnati tradition rooted in German heritage. Originally brought to the region by German immigrants, Goetta was created as a way to stretch meat by mixing it with hearty grains and spices. The result is a savory, satisfying dish that’s stood the test of time and earned a devoted following.
Most restaurants serving breakfast in Cincinnati, serve Goetta. It can also be purchased at local grocery stores, butchers and ordered online for shipping.
Gotta Get Your Goetta in the Cincy Region
Find more Cincinnati originals & faves to love in this directory from VisitCincy.