9 Date-Night Cincinnati Restaurants With A Great View

This blog was originally published in 2013; we have since updated it to reflect the most current and accurate information.

There’s no better way to enjoy summer with your significant other than with dinner and a a great view.

1. Primavista

810 Matson Place, Price Hill, (513) 251-6467.

This West Side Italian restaurant presents guests with views of the river and Downtown Cincinnati. It has been named “Best Italian Restaurant” by Cincinnati Magazine’s Reader’s Choice, as well as “Best Dining with a View,” “Best Date Spot,” and “Most Romantic.”

Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri. and 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

Free parking and carry out are available.

2. 360 Revolving Restaurant

668 West Fifth St., Covington, (859) 491-5300

This is Greater Cincinnati’s only revolving restaurant and one of the country’s few remaining ones. As it slowly turns, the restaurant gives patrons stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline and Ohio River.

It’s open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tues. – Sun. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday Brunch.

Closed for Sunday dinner and Monday.

3. Moerlin Lager House

115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, (513) 421-2337

With 23 varieties of beer on tap, 53 bottled and 3 in cans, the Moerlin Lager house is a great spot for beer lovers. The Christian Moerlin Brewing Company was founded in 1853 in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine-Neighborhood. Guests can enjoy views of the Smale Riverfront Park and Suspension Bridge into Covington.

4. The Celestial Steakhouse

1071 Celestial Street, Cincinnati, (531) 241-4455

Whether you’re in the mood for a delectable, top-tier steak or another intricate entree, this Four-Star, Four-Diamond restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Cincinnati Skyline and the Ohio River.

Don’t skip out on the wine list, either; it’s one of the most renowned in the entire city.

Hours: Sun.: 4 PM – 9 PM, Mon.- Thurs.: 5 PM – 9 PM, Fri. and Sat.: 5 PM – 10:30 PM

5. Montgomery Inn Boathouse

925 Riverside Drive, Downtown, (513) 721-7427

A popular spot for ribs (they claim to sell more ribs than anyone else in America), this restaurant sits at the east end of Sawyer Point and offers great views of the green hills and church steeples across the river. An upstairs sports lounge is covered with memorabilia on the walls and autographed photos of famous visitors.

After finishing their ribs, guests can indulge in Graeter’s black raspberry chip ice cream for dessert. Bottles of barbecue sauce can also be bought.

Lunch 11:00am – 3:00pm, Mon. – Fri.

Dinner 3:00pm – 9:00pm, Sun. 3:00pm – 10:00pm, Mon. – Thurs. 3:00pm – 11:00pm, Fri. & Sat.

6. Chart House

405 Riverboat Road, Newport, KY, (859) 261-0300

Located on the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, Chart House offers larger-than-life views of the waterfront and the skyline.

The menu is heavy in premium seafood and contemporary American fare, while the atmosphere is decidedly upscale.

Dinner Hours: Mon. – Thurs.: 5 PM – 10 PM, Fri. and Sat.: 5 PM – 11 PM

7. Via Vite

520 Vine Street, Fountain Square, Cincinnati, (513) 721-8483

This modern Italian eatery is the perfect laid-back spots for great views, renowned Italian entrees and great pizzas. It also offers the Piazza Bar and plenty of cocktail and wine selections for discerning diners.

Via Vite has earned mention from top publications for its great atmosphere and enduring innovations from Florentine head chef, Cristian Piestoso.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri.: 11 AM – 11 PM, Bar: 2 AM, Sat. and Sun. Brunch: 10 AM – 3 PM, Sat. Dinner: 4 PM – 11 PM, Sun. Dinner: 4 PM – 10 PM

8. Cabana on the River

7445 Forbes Road, (513) 941-7442.

This restaurant is only open in the summer and is known for its salads, burgers and Long Island Iced Tea. It’s hidden away on River Road in Addyston and has a great view of the river and Kentucky hills.

9. City View Tavern

403 Oregon St., Mount Adams, (513) 241-8439

Views at City View include the Cincinnati skyline, the Ohio River, the flags at Sawyer Point and I-471 bridge. Pair a great burger with a delicious Bloody Mary here. The bar opens at noon everyday during its summer season.