A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Ohio

While the Buckeye State may not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of culinary prowess, the fact is, the best restaurants in Ohio are also some of the top-rated spots in the country. From long-standing institutions to hidden gems, fine dining establishments, award-winning restaurants in Ohio, and next-level eateries, our dining scene will surprise you in all the best ways. We've put together the following list of 12 bucket-list worthy restaurants to try in Ohio, so you can eat your way through the Buckeye State and discover a world of incredible cuisine this year!

1. January: Forage Public House

Let's kick off our year of culinary adventures in Ohio with a bang. Located in lovely Lakewood, Forage Public House is, at its core, fueled by Ohio agriculture. Their menu is colorful and creative; their drinks are inspired; and, all in all, they've quietly become a fan-favorite dining destination. Sustainable farming is all about producing quality crops without damaging the environment, and this practice is behind many ingredients used at Forage. And their grilled Amish chicken? Swoon!

Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

2. February: Guarino's Ristorante

Enjoy a romantic dinner with your special someone this month at Guarino’s. This ristorante in Cleveland's Little Italy was established in 1918, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in the city. One of the best restaurants in Ohio, this Cleveland classic has been run by the same family since the beginning, and its history is as noteworthy as its fare. Established just two years prior to Prohibition, the little neighborhood eatery began life as a speakeasy, and was a favorite spot for the Cleveland elite—and celebrities, with Frank Sinatra among the restaurant's regulars! In terms of cuisine, the recipes are from the Old Country and feature bright herbs and bold flavors. Guarino's is revered for its lasagna, a family recipe straight from Mama Guarino herself! This restaurant really has stood the test of time, and is a must-visit in Ohio.

Closed on Mondays. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closes at 8 p.m on Sunday.

3. March: The Spot Restaurant

March has us itching for a little road trip adventure, so we're headed up to the small town of Sidney to one of the coolest little diners around. Both literally and figuratively, this is "The Spot" to go to for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Ohio! What started out as a chuck wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary old-fashioned eatery that will make you feel like you've temporarily stepped foot into a "Happy Days" episode... and we're here for it!

Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

4. April: Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen

The Buckeye State has the largest Amish population in the country, and there's an abundance of Amish restaurants in Ohio. But there's really nothing that compares to Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen in Mount Hope. Not only does Mrs. Yoder's have the very best pies in the state, this Amish restaurant also has an epic buffet with hearty, stick-to-your-ribs classics such as fried chicken, roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, and green beans. (Just be sure to save room for dessert!)

Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

5. May: Mazunte

It's Cinco de Mayo, and we're in the mood for a little fiesta! The most delicious Mexican food in Ohio can be found at Mazunte. What sets this Mexican restaurant apart from the pack is its commitment to authentic ingredients and flavors. Mazunte's owner actually lived and staged in Mexico for a year, learning classic cooking techniques and old family recipes, which then made their way back to Cincinnati. Mazunte's tacos and empanadas are cult favorites, as is the grilled street corn. Mazunte isn't simply the best Mexican restaurant in the state—it's also one of the very best restaurants in Ohio.

Mazunte has three locations in Cincinnati: Mazunte Taqueria, Mazunte Mercado, and Mazunte Centro. Hours vary by location.

6. June: Eli's BBQ

Ohio's barbecue game is strong, and there's one restaurant that's earned national acclaim for its fall-off-the-bone, sticky-sweet meat. Eli's BBQ in Cincinnati pretty much *always* has a line, but it's absolutely worth the wait as it's one of the best places to eat in Cincinnati. The pulled pork and rib tips here are legendary, as is Eli's signature BBQ sauce. While you're there, do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle to take home!

Eli's BBQ is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

7. July: Fifty West

Looking for an epic summer twofer? Fifty West Brewery and Fifty West Canoe & Kayak are both located right across the street from each other, and with one stop here, you can get out on the river and then rest up at the brewpub. This excursion may just be the best way to spend a summer day in Cincinnati! The brews here are insane, and the food will fill you up after a day spent paddling down the Little Miami! Locations can also be found in Mason and Chillicothe.

Fifty West Brewing in Cincinnati is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

8. August: The Schoolhouse Restaurant

August has us feeling nostalgic, and there's no better place to commemorate the start of another school year than The Schoolhouse Restaurant in Camp Dennison. Housed in a refurbished schoolhouse that was built in the early 1860s during the Civil War, visiting this one-of-a-kind restaurant is like taking a step back in time. This long-standing restaurant is a perennial favorite, and once you've come and tasted the crispy fried chicken, honey-sweet cornbread, and melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes, you'll agree that this is the best "cafeteria" food around!

Closed Monday to Wednesday. Open Thursday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

9. September: Wolf's Ridge Brewing

'Tis the season of Oktoberfests, and we can't think of a better place to celebrate than Wolf's Ridge Brewery in Columbus. This Buckeye State brewery opened in 2013, and it's been gaining a lot of attention ever since. Known for its forward-thinking menu and incredible brews, Wolf's Ridge Brewing has been named *the* best restaurant in the city, and to that, we say "Prost!"

The taproom is open Tuesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., open Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Closed on Monday. Lunch Service is held Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner Service is available Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Brunch Service is available Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

10. October: The Golden Lamb

The Golden Lamb is located in charming downtown Lebanon, 40 minutes north of Cincinnati. The iconic restaurant and inn is the oldest continuously operating business in Ohio, having opened in 1803. It's also one of the most notoriously haunted establishments in Ohio, making it a perfect place to dine during the spookiest month of the year!

Restaurant open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Open from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

11. November: Pier W

All across the state of Ohio, there are several unique restaurants that are perfect for a night out with your partner or celebrating that special occasion, but there’s one restaurant in Ohio that’s simply unparalleled when it comes to the atmosphere and cuisine. From below, the view of Pier W can look a little unsettling, but the views from inside this northeast Ohio restaurant are simply stunning. This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience—and the cuisine here is fit for such a superlative spot, too! As we enter the most wonderful (and busiest) season of the year, take a night to relax and enjoy the views and ambiance of this only-in-Ohio restaurant... and feel thankful you live in the beautiful Buckeye State!

Pier W is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is held Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is available from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

12. December: Saint Francis Apizza

We're wrapping up our year of bucket-list Buckeye State eats with one of our absolute favorite pizza restaurants. Saint Francis Apizza in Cincinnati gives you everything you’re looking for in a dining destination. An outstanding menu, a special ambiance, and stellar service all combine to make for one memorable meal in the Queen City. This delightful restaurant epitomizes the exciting, locally minded, forward-thinking future of Ohio cuisine... and we're here for it. Plus, the reviews speak for themselves. Diners rave about the pizza here, especially the quality dough. As one reviewer put it: "This is the best pizza I've ever had." We'll just leave you with that!

Saint Francis Apizza has two locations—one on Erie Avenue, which is takeout only, and one on Madison Road, which offers dine-in service. The Madison Road location is open Wednesday to Friday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

There you have it: a dozen amazing Ohio restaurants. We think you'll agree that each one on the list is road-trip worthy. Now that you know about the popular bucket list restaurants in Ohio, find out about seven under-the-radar restaurants that are worth trying. What other Ohio restaurants would you add to this Buckeye State bucket list? Nominate them and let us know!

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