When your family and friends visit you in Cincinnati, you want to show the city off. And there may be no better way to get a feel for the Queen City than through its food and drink scene.

Whether you want to take your out-of-towners to try our version of chili at a local parlor, experience a spot like Arnold’s Bar and Grill — which is well over 150 years old — or confirm just how amazing Graeter’s ice cream is, there’s an iconic spot in every corner of this city to enjoy a good meal and drink.

The following list includes the oldies but goodies, as well as newcomers that have been getting national praise. Keep scrolling to see some of the restaurants, bars and dessert spots that make Cincinnati stand out.

Wildweed

With a penchant for non-traditional pastas and sauces and some cool and funky artwork, Wildweed offers an experience highly praised by national food publications. Maybe your family read about Chef David and Lydia Jackman’s Over-the-Rhine restaurant in Bon Appetit or the New York Times and is excited to try dishes like the Honey Nut Squash Doppio Ravioli, with crab apple, lemon quark, treviso, preserved lemon and aged gouda, or the Spiced Trout, crafted with nduja sausage, sweet potato, “3 sisters” succotash and brown butter. You can dine in the main dining room, or book the chef’s counter for a unique experience that blends Wildweed’s culinary creations into a story of food and place. While you’re there, be sure to take time to appreciate the murals created by local artists. 1301 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine.

Ghost Baby

For a uniquely Cincinnati experience, take your visitors into an underground beer tunnel-turned-nightclub. Ghost Baby is located several stories below Vine Street in a 170-year-old lagering tunnel formerly used by Champion Brewing (beer was aged and cooled in lagering tunnels before refrigeration). The historic, dimly-lit space, which had been vacant since the 1850s, features soaring ceilings with stone archways and opulent decor. Check out The Rattle Room for a happy hour or impromptu meetup and order a cocktail from the ornate bar designed after a baby’s rattle, or book your reservation for The Den, a speakeasy-esque lounge where you can enjoy drinks and live music. Esquire also named it “One of the Best Bars in America” this year. 1314 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine.

Arnold’s Bar and Grill

To give visitors a taste of Cincinnati history, there’s no better spot than Arnold’s Bar and Grill, the Queen City’s oldest continuously operating bar. Serving up food and drinks since 1861, Arnold’s is the oldest continuously running tavern in town, complete with dark wood walls, vintage memorabilia and a bathtub rumored to have been used to make gin during Prohibition. A Cincinnati classic, it serves up a nice range of bar-and-grill-style options — wings, sandwiches and burgers, plus vegan and gluten-free options — at bargain prices. Enjoy a local draft in the outdoor beer garden and almost daily live music. It was also once named one of the best bars in America by Esquire magazine. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown.

Camp Washington Chili

Named one of the “10 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati” by USA Today, there’s no question as to why Camp Washington Chili has been operating since 1940. The diner is the quintessential chili parlor of days gone by with its classic mid-century sign out front, dining counter inside and photos and newspaper clippings along the wall. In addition to the amazing chili, which won an “American Regional Classic” James Beard Foundation Award in 2000, the menu also includes burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fries, coleslaw and salad — something for everyone, plus it’s the only restaurant open 24 hours a day (except Saturday and Sunday). 3005 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington.

Zip’s Cafe

Zip’s Cafe was founded in 1926 and is nearing its 100th birthday. With meat delivered daily from Avril-Bleh and “simple but fresh” toppings, Zip’s classic burgers are grilled on a flat top, which cooks them in their own delicious fat. If you’re looking to expand your palate beyond the classic Zip Burger — once named the best burger in Ohio by Food & Wine magazine — the cafe offers specialties such as the Flying Pig, topped with shaved ham and bacon, or the popular Girthburger (named by former Cincinnati Bengals punter Pat McInally), topped with a butterflied grilled mettwurst. 1036 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout.

Somerset

Your guests will get two vacations in one: Somerset offers a lush oasis that brings to mind faraway places. Tucked away in Over-the-Rhine, the bar features a greenhouse bar, outdoor garden, a converted double-decker bus that serves up a rotating selection of food pop-ups and decor from around the world. Indoors, there are two bar spaces, one being the plant-filled conservatory and the other located in their cozy lounge. Outside, you can enter the garden through a set of antique gates from India where you’ll find tropical plants, unique seating nooks and imported pieces from co-founder and creative lead James Fisher’s collection, as well as the collections of his friends and family. It’s the perfect place to recharge and bask in the worldly ambiance while enjoying a delicious drink from Somerset’s one-of-a-kind cocktail menu, all without leaving Cincinnati. 139 E. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine.

Nolia

Bringing New Orleans-style flair and fare to Over-the-Rhine, Nolia offers an upscale, yet approachable, experience that will wow both locals and visitors. The exposed brick and bold floral wallpaper add a bright and airy feeling to the intimate setting, and the rotating, seasonal menu features innovative and delectable plates that add modern twists to classic Southern flavors. To drink, the bar can mix up one of Nolia’s signature cocktails like the Sweater Weather (vodka and house-made pepper brine) or The Postcard (dark rum, falernum, pineapple, tamarind cardamom syrup and lime). Nolia also has a selection of red, white, sparkling and dessert wines, as well as mocktails. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine.

The Golden Lamb

Wow your out-of-town guests by taking them to the oldest restaurant and bar in the Greater Cincinnati area. Golden Lamb was opened in 1803 by Jonas Seaman, originally from New Jersey like many early Ohio settlers. In a time when many couldn’t read, businesses were often marked by symbols that represented their names — in this case, a golden lamb. Present-day, the historic hotel and restaurant in the heart of Lebanon has served 12 presidents and an array of other famous figures. The menu offers a range of American fare, ranging from fried chicken and roast turkey to burgers and grilled cheese. The attached Black Horse Tavern is a more casual dining spot on the backside of the hotel that serves specialty cocktails and the same delicious menu as the main dining area. 27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon.

Longfellow

Longfellow is the Over-the-Rhine version of a dive bar. Cool crafted cocktails include selections like the Spruce Goose, with barrel-aged gin, honey, lime, bitters and tonic, and a fun pay-it-forward board menu allows you to buy drinks for friends, strangers and crushes. If you’re hungry, try the Scrap Sandwich, featuring slicer scraps, lettuce, grain mustard, butter and pickled shallot on a baguette. 1233 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine.

Sotto

A classic when you need a cozy spot, Sotto offers a rustic Italian dining experience in a basement trattoria. Located under sister restaurant Boca, this Tuscan-inspired spot calls to mind a wine cellar with its low lighting, wooden ceiling beams and rough brick walls. It also offers one of the most raved-about culinary experiences in Cincinnati. The menu offers handmade pasta (the short rib cappellacci is a bestseller, and for a very good reason), a selection of antipasti like bread, salads and grilled octopus, and Secondi options with big-ticket items like the Bisteca Fiorentina, a grilled Creekstone porterhouse steak, and the Scottadito — a Rocky Mountain lamb rack. But make sure you save room for dessert, because the ricotta donuts wrap up the meal on a sweet note. 118 E. Sixth St., Downtown.

Northside Yacht Club

Fresh off an appearance on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Northside Yacht Club is a gastropub that’s a little bit naughty nautical, a little bit rock ‘n roll. The restaurant and bar is known for many things, but one of those is its inventive menu of over-the-top, indulgent dishes (almost always offered with a veggie/vegan option). Kick your feet up and chill with a drink and a plate of something greasy and delicious: The landlocked yacht club serves up handcrafted classics like sandwiches, burgers, wings and fries, but with a twist, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. They also have an extensive craft cocktail list — including their infamous peanut butter tequila shooter — as well as brunch on the weekends. 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside.

Pompilios

This restaurant has been offering classic family Italian food for generations, and you can’t go wrong with any pasta dish or the homemade lasagna. Founder Colonel Pompilio was also the first to secure a liquor license in Kentucky after Prohibition ended, so it has an extensive bourbon list at its attached bar, Colonel Pomp’s Tavern. Visitors can also see an iconic piece of cinematic history: the payphone Tom Cruise used in the toothpick scene in Rain Man, which was filmed in the restaurant. 600 Washington Ave., Newport.

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

Why not treat your visitors to a little bit of opulence? Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, right next to Fountain Square, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is one of Cincinnati’s premier restaurants, offering a menu of some of the finest steaks, sushi, drinks and desserts in the city. It’s also attracted numerous celebrity guests, including Joe Burrow, George Clooney, Kevin Hart, Spike Lee, Lionel Messi and more. 505 Vine St., Downtown.

Gold Star Chili

Gold Star Chili began in 1964 when brothers Dave, Charlie, Frank and Basheer Daoud bought a hamburger restaurant in Mt. Washington. Having watched his mother pick out spices at the market as a boy in Jordan, Dave decided to draw on that experience and seek out the best spice suppliers, tweaking their chili’s original recipe until it was something completely unique. The brothers changed the name of their restaurant to Gold Star Chili in 1965, and it’s since grown to nearly 20 locations across the Greater Cincinnati area. The chili’s still made in small batches and its recipe is carefully guarded, having only been entrusted to three people. Today, you can now get it not only on coneys and spaghetti, but also on Gold Star’s delicious burgers and fries. They also offer vegetarian chili, swapping out the beef for Beyond Meat, and both classic and “hellacious” (spicy and delicious) chicken sandwiches. Multiple locations.

Skyline Chili

Skyline has been one of the pioneers of Cincinnati chili since it first opened in 1949. First founded by Greek immigrants, the chili parlor pours the Queen City staple over spaghetti or hot dogs and tops it with a mound of cheese, oyster crackers, and — depending on your taste preference — onions and beans. Also available are chili burritos, fries, potatoes and vegetarian chili, which is made with black beans and rice. Multiple locations.

The Aperture 

The Aperture is the real deal, a first-rate addition to our city’s dining firmament and the perfect spot to take guests looking for well-crafted, high-quality Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Not downtown or in Over-the-Rhine, The Aperture is located in the center of Walnut Hills, enriching the up-and-coming neighborhood with a palate-thrilling splash. The restaurant says its menu focuses on three pillars — intention, balance and focus — and critical thought is put into every component of each dish. The menu features a selection of mezzes, or small plates like charred eggplant, swordfish skewers and lamb ribs. You can also try the pasta and grain options, like the Gnochetti + Rabbit, or go family-style and split a lab shank, grilled branzino or dry-aged pork chop. 900 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills.

Blue Jay Restaurant

This homey Northside diner has been owned and operated by the Petropoulos family since 1967. Stepping inside is almost like stepping back in time with the row of cozy booths, wood paneling on the walls and the dining counter. The menu features classic breakfast and lunch dishes that come in generous portions, as well as Cincinnati-style chili in a bowl, on coneys or as ways. Out-of-towners will be excited to learn they could be sitting in the very booth where Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell sat in the 2017 movie, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, or Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek in 2018’s The Old Man and the Gun. 4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside.

Cafe Mochiko

You can take visitors to Cafe Mochiko, which also recently appeared on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, for one of their delicious pastries (the ube halaya croissant is heavenly), but this Asian-American cafe is also a cozy spot for dinner. The menu offers laidback yoshoku-style fare (Western food reinvented in a Japanese way); try the Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), served with karashi mayo, the Chili Miso Udon (sweet and spicy miso, charred negi, shiitake mushroom and crispy garlic) or one of the weekly ramen specials, which, if you’re lucky, could be their famous Cincinnati chili-style ramen. 1524 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills.

LaRosa’s

Buddy LaRosa started his pizzeria in 1954 with only $400 and his Aunt Dena’s pizza recipe. Now, LaRosa’s is arguably the best-known pizza chain in Cincinnati. Branching out beyond pizza, the 60-plus restaurants across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana also serve calzones, hoagies, pasta dishes and salads. For dessert, try the Cheesecake Scoops or triple-chocolate brownie. Multiple locations.

Montgomery Inn

World famous for its ribs, Ted and Matula Gregory’s Montgomery Inn has been a staple in Cincinnati since 1951. Matula’s secret-recipe sweet and tangy all-natural barbecue sauce dresses the hand-spiced, slow-roasted and custom-broiled ribs and is featured on everything from barbecue spring chicken and pork chops to Saratoga chips. 9440 Montgomery Road, Montgomery; 925 Riverside Drive, East End.

Aglamesis Bro’s

This classic 1900s ice cream parlor has been wooing foodie visitors from all around the country with its unblemished reputation for quality for generations. The location in Oakley has remained virtually unchanged since it opened in 1913, with its chic Tiffany lamps and a marble soda fountain, offering just the right amount of nostalgia as you sit at the counter with a dish of ice cream or Italian ice (try the pink champagne flavor). 3046 Madison Road, Oakley; 9899 Montgomery Road, Montgomery; 304 Main St., Hamilton.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

It’s not a trip to Cincinnati until you make your way to a Graeter’s. Not only does the ice cream parlor offer unique flavors — especially its legendary Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip — but the ice cream itself is uniquely crafted. Graeter’s still uses the French pot method of its founder, resulting in a creamy ice cream base that’s leveled up with the addition of gourmet chocolate, which is poured over the churning cream to make a shell that artisans then break up to create the gigantic chunks your guests will love. Multiple locations.

Servatii

For dessert, your guests have tried Cincinnati’s ice cream; now it’s time to try the baked goods. Servatii is a German- and European-style bakery that’s been crafting delicious pastries, donuts, cookies, cakes, pretzels, bread and more for over 60 years. You’ll often find desserts in its cases that are harder to come by elsewhere — things like eclairs, tortes and cannoli. All Servatii’s recipes are authentic, and they’re even a peanut-free bakery for those with allergies. Multiple locations.

The BonBonerie

Speaking of desserts, your visitors can’t leave Cincinnati without trying The Bonbonerie’s famous opera cream torte. The cake has been this bakery and tea room’s signature dessert for over 30 years. It features a double chocolate chip cake filled and iced with a rich vanilla opera cream, which is then covered in a chocolate glaze and shavings of Belgian chocolate and topped with white chocolate buttercream rosettes and hand-cut white chocolate diamonds. It’s worth a trip to Cincinnati all on its own, but you should also visit for their Afternoon Tea services, featuring 15 different types of specialty blended teas and an assortment of finger sandwiches, desserts and scones. 2030 Madison Road, O’Bryonville.