We’ve all experienced a lot of change in the last couple of years, but the quality and diversity of Northern Kentucky’s dining scene remains just as exciting as it was before the pandemic. 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.

Nomad KY

225 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
facebook.com/nomadky/
859-360-7134
Hours: Tu-Th 4-10 p.m., F 4-11 p.m., Sa 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Closed Monday

Restaurant type: Mexican bar food with a twist
Atmosphere: Intimate/cozy
Price range: $4-$14
Opened: 2020
Delivery/Takeout: Carryout only

Most popular menu item: Strawberry Dreams Forever milkshake, which features ice cream blended with vanilla vodka, Frangelico, banana, cherry, chocolate and caramel. It’s topped with whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, strawberry wafer and a cherry.

Why you should go: Nomad’s creative milkshakes alone are enough reason to visit. But the restaurant also makes as much as it can in-house (including its housemade kimchi and house slow-smoked pork and chicken), so you’re guaranteed a fresh and unique meal. In addition, thanks to its indoor and outdoor seating, Nomad KY is a great place to eat in any season.

Tuba Brezelgarten

517 Sixth Ave., Dayton
facebook.com/tubabakingco/
859-835-2171
Hours: F-Sa noon-9 p.m., Su noon-7 p.m.

Restaurant type: German, but focused primarily on Southwestern Germany (Swabia)/Alpine region
Atmosphere: Casual, relaxed mom-and-pop restaurant
Price range: Affordable, under $15
Opened: Company began in 2018, opened in current location in June 2022
Delivery/Takeout: Carryout only

Most popular menu items: Chicken schnitzel, Spätzle, Flammkuchen and Bee Sting Cake

Why you should go: “To learn more about German cuisine, its history, complexity, and to taste scratch-made interpretations of it (which are surprisingly hard to come by in this area). Also just to meet our amazingly talented little team who care so much about what we’re doing,” says owner Drew Rath. “We are mostly a wholesale pretzel bakery—that’s why we are only open Friday to Sunday to the public. We are completely independent with no investors other than my wife and me. So when you spend a dollar here, it goes right back into this place and its longevity. We now own the building, too, so we plan to be here in Dayton for generations.”

Governor’s House Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen

314 Greenup St., Covington
governorshouse.wine
859-291-WINE (9463)
Hours: Tu-Th 4-10 p.m., F-Sa 4 p.m.-midnight, Closed Sunday and Monday

Restaurant type: Italian
Atmosphere: Restored Governor John W. Stephenson’s manion. Newly renovated with lots of history. Very cozy atmosphere with beautiful patios.
Price range: $10-$40
Opened: December 2021
Delivery/Takeout: Carryout only

Most popular menu items: Stuffed Meatballs, Wagyu Beef with Truffle Ravioli, Tuscan Filet and Pork Shank Osso Bucco

Why you should go: The Governor’s House has a wide selection of wines, bourbons and cocktails that are served with excellent Italian cuisine in a cozy, historic setting. Looking to host a private party? The restaurant also has beautiful party rooms.

Zozo’s Tavern

5991 N. Jefferson St., Burlington
zozostavern.com
859-689-9999
Hours: Tu-Sa 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m., Su 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Closed Monday

Restaurant type: Japanese and Mexican
Atmosphere: Laid back and comfortable
Price range: $5-$21
Opened: November 2019
Delivery/Takeout: Carryout only

Most popular menu items: Zozo’s roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, tobiko (fish roe), eel sauce and spicy mayo), Tonkotsu Ramen (pork bone with barbecue pork belly, nori (seaweed), spinach, scallions and a hard-boiled egg) and the restaurant’s tacos

Why you should go: Quality food and a unique experience. You can enjoy Japanese and Mexican cuisine in the same meal, ensuring everyone in the family walks away from lunch or dinner happy.

Hofbräuhaus Newport Brewery & Restaurant

200 E. Third St., Newport
hofbrauhausnewport.com
859-491-7200
Hours: Su-W 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Th-Sa 11 a.m.-midnight

Restaurant type: German-inspired classics and American favorites
Atmosphere: Authentic Bavarian bier hall experience
Price range: Entrees ranging from $11-$18, up to $25
Opened: 2003
Delivery/Takeout: Offer carryout via phone and delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub

Most popular menu items: Traditional beers, German favorites like schnitzel and bratwurst, burgers and cream puffs

Why you should go: “Located in the popular Newport on the Levee area, it’s a place where family and friends have enjoyed great beer, great food and fun times for the last 20 years,” says the restaurant. “It’s all wrapped up in a vibrant environment modeled after the legendary 400-plus-year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany—with authentically decorated rooms, live music and one of Greater Cincinnati area’s most scenic outdoor Biergartens with a view of the beautiful Cincinnati skyline.”

Kealoha’s Kitchen

3428 Decoursey Ave., Covington
kealohaskitchen.com
808-217-3070
Hours: W-Sa 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Closed Monday

Restaurant type: Hawaiian
Atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming
Price range: $5-$25
Opened: 2021, but was previously a food truck
Delivery/Takeout: Carryout, and delivery through Uber Eats

Most popular menu items: Teriyaki chicken, lumpia (Filipino-style fried rolls) and the Kanak combo deal (which includes four proteins, rice, a side and one lumpia)

Why you should go: One of the best places to find authentic Hawaiian cuisine without having to cross the Pacific Ocean. Owner Valentino Abafo hails from Hawaii and uses his experience to provide real Hawaiian flavors to his diners.

Parts & Labor

517 W. Seventh St., Newport
partsandlaborcincinnati.com
513-371-4464
Hours: W-F 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-7 p.m., Sa 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Restaurant type: Barbecue
Atmosphere: Operates within the Incubator Kitchen Collective. It’s a catering and prepared meals operation, with no walk-up dining at this location.
Price range: $10-$21
Opened: 2020
Delivery/Takeout: Delivery and carryout offered. Local delivery offered within 5 miles of the kitchen. Also offers delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.

Most popular menu items: Smoked Brisket, Sweet & Sticky Ribs, Chipotle-Roasted Carrots and Miso Cucumbers

Why you should go: “We make chef-driven, small-batch barbecue, which allows us to serve customers more like a personal chef than a cashier at a busy counter,” says Jeffrey Miller, co-chef and partner. “We describe Parts & Labor as ‘New School Barbecue’ because we blend a range of fresh ingredients and bold, international seasonings, using heat and smoke from hardwood fire. This allows us to deliver imaginative, yet familiar, dishes with unforgettable flavors.” Need a recommendation on what to order? Miller’s favorite items are the brisket and the Miso Cucumbers.