Many things have changed over the last year, but the quality and diversity of Northern Kentucky’s dining scene remain just as exciting as they were before the pandemic. What has changed is that many of us have gained a new appreciation for takeout, local dishes and the experience of eating inside a restaurant. The NKY Magazine staff has gathered an array of Northern Kentucky’s favorite dining spots, new and old, for this year’s restaurant guide. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, pizza or burgers, familiar favorites or creative new cuisine, the restaurants that follow offer something to satisfy any diner or gourmand. It’s time to rediscover our local dining scene, and these great eateries are a great place to start.
Cedar
701 Main St., Covington
cedarculinary.com
859-360-1187
Restaurant type: Brunch and cocktails
Atmosphere: Bright, open-air and chic
Price range: $9-$27
Opened: 2020
Delivery/Takeout: Takeout available
Most popular menu items: Crabby Ben (Sixteen Bricks sourdough, bacon jam, lemon-crab compound, poached eggs, hollandaise and paprika), The Hangover (housemade breakfast potatoes, chorizo, avocado, eggs, crema, cilantro, jalapeno and house pico de gallo) and Bloody Marys (they offer four variations!)
Why you should go: Cedar gives you a mini vacation in the middle of your day. Kick back, relax and enjoy some of the best Bloody Marys around.
Kampuchea Kitchen
1045 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas
kampucheakitchen.square.site
859-814-8012
Restaurant Type: Cambodian/Khmer cuisine
Atmosphere: Warm, cozy, boho and rustic-modern
Price range: $5-$16.50
Opened: July 30, 2020
Delivery/Takeout: DoorDash, takeout and curbside pickup
Most popular menu items: Cambodian Noodle Bowl (noodles, pickled papaya, herbs, sweet and sour fish sauce and protein of choice) and Num Pang (Cambodian sandwich with cucumber, pickled papaya, cilantro, chili aioli and choice of pork, chicken or Cambodian sausage)
Why you should go: If you’re looking for a new cultural experience that’s not your typical Asian-American restaurant, Kampuchea Kitchen is for you. This bistro gives foodies a unique, funky experience to try international food in a warm and inviting environment.
The Pretzel Place
411 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
thepretzelplaceky.com
859-781-6569
Restaurant type: Pretzels and specialty sandwiches
Atmosphere: Family-friendly, casual
Price range: $3.50-$10.50
Opened: September 2016
Delivery/Takeout: DoorDash, Uber Eats and carryout
Most-popular menu items: Butter Salted pretzels, Cinnamon Sugar pretzels and Spicy Italian Sandwich (served on a regular or jalapeno cheddar pretzel with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, banana peppers, oil and vinegar, and oregano)
Why you should go: This small, family-owned business has been making in-house dough since 2016. All pretzels are baked daily, so everything is guaranteed fresh. The Pretzel Place offers delicious treats for an affordable price, paired with friendly service that will make you feel like you’re family.
Bourbon House Pizza
7500 Oakbrook Road, Florence
bourbonhousepizza.com
859-282-7999
Restaurant type: Pizzeria with pasta, salads, hoagies and appetizers
Atmosphere: Relaxed and cozy
Price range: Varies, with pizzas ranging from $7 to $28 based on size and customization
Opened: 2007
Delivery/Takeout: Delivery and carryout
Most popular menu items: Chicago deep dish pizza, garlic knots and pizza balls
Why you should go: Bourbon House Pizza prides itself on making its dough and robust sauce daily with the best and freshest ingredients. The small, family-run business is also known for their customer service and sharing their love of food with their customers.
Pensive Distilling Co.
720 Monmouth St., Newport
pensivedistilling.com
859-360-5579
Restaurant type: Modern comfort food and craft cocktails
Atmosphere: Casual, laid back and inviting
Price range: $10-$14
Opened: 2021
Delivery/Takeout: Offers food to-go.
Most popular menu items: Brokers Tip (bourbon-glazed shrimp and sharp cheddar grits) and American Pharaoh Sliders (sliders with caramelized red onion, corn salsa and chipotle ranch aioli)
Why you should go: Pensive Distilling Co. may be new, but they offer some serious craft cocktails. Get your friends together for a brunch session and enjoy delicious comfort food with boozy drinks.
Wabi Sabi Sushi
508 Madison Ave., Covington
facebook.com/wabisabicovington/
859-360-5097
Restaurant type: Sushi, Korean and Japanese cuisine
Atmosphere: Fun, casual dining
Price range: Rolls $3-$11, entrees $11-$22
Opened: 2015
Delivery/Takeout: DoorDash (half-price deals not offered) and carryout
Most popular menu items: Bibimbap Stone Bowls and four sushi rolls: Honey Salmon, Red Double, Sassy Girl and Drunken Taco
Why you should go: Wabi Sabi prides itself on pairing good sushi with excellent service. General Manager Rob Lorton previously worked with Cloud 9 Sushi and has brought that same dining experience to Covington. Wabi Sabi is owned by the same restaurant group that owns Cloud 9 Sushi and Aroma in Kenwood.
Hofbräuhaus Newport Brewery & Restaurant
200 E. Third St., Newport
hofbrauhausnewport.com
859-491-7200
Restaurant type: German-inspired classics and American favorites
Atmosphere: German beerhall with a view of the Cincinnati skyline
Price range: $11-25
Opened: 2003
Delivery/Takeout: Delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) and carryout
Most popular menu items: German favorites like schnitzel and bratwurst, burgers and cream puffs
Why you should go: Hofbräuhaus guarantees that great beer and great food make for a good time. Diners can enjoy a wide selection of traditional beer that’s brewed on site each day under the direction of the brewery’s Bavarian brew master. Pair a beer with the German-inspired food and any night of the year will feel like Oktoberfest.
