Helping You Find Your Next Home
When I moved to Cincinnati, I expected to learn new roads, discover new neighborhoods, and figure out where the locals liked to spend their weekends.
What I didn't expect was that Cincinnati would have an entire food culture that seems to come with its own set of rules.
If you're new to the area, there are a few local favorites you'll hear about almost immediately. Some may sound a little unusual at first. Some may become new favorites. And a few might leave you wondering how you've lived this long without them.
Either way, trying these Cincinnati classics is practically part of the relocation process.
Cincinnati Chili
Let's start with the one everyone talks about. The first thing to know is that Cincinnati chili is not trying to be traditional chili. It's its own thing entirely. Served over spaghetti and topped with a mountain of finely shredded cheese, it's one of the city's most iconic foods. Locals order it by the "way"—three-way, four-way, five-way—and somehow everyone seems to know exactly what that means. My advice? Don't overthink it and definitely DON'T OVEREAT IT!
Where to Try It
Skyline Chili is the classic starting point, although you'll quickly discover that many Cincinnatians have strong opinions about their favorite chili spot.
Goetta
When someone first explained goetta to me, I nodded politely while secretly wondering if they were making it up. They were not. Goetta is a Cincinnati breakfast staple with roots in the area's German heritage. Made with meat, oats, and spices, it has a flavor and texture that's difficult to describe until you've tried it yourself. Many newcomers are skeptical. Many newcomers eventually become fans. My advice: Order it crispy and you will be addicted. It is as DELICIOUS as bacon!
Where to Try It
Eckerlin Meats at Findlay Market is one of the most well-known places to experience this local favorite. I say buy Glier's in Kroger and fry it up!
Graeter's Ice Cream
If Cincinnati had an official dessert, this would probably be it. Graeter's Ice Cream isn't just an ice cream shop—it's part of the local culture. Ask a few Cincinnatians for their favorite flavor and you'll likely hear Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip more than once. Even if you're not usually an ice cream person, this is one local tradition worth participating in. My advice: It's not my favorite flavor but all the others are really good ice cream! Get you some.
Where to Try It
Any Graeter's location throughout Greater Cincinnati.
LaRosa's Pizza
At some point after moving here, someone is going to ask if you've had LaRosa's Pizza. It's not really a question. It's more of a Cincinnati welcome ceremony. LaRosa's has been a local favorite for generations and has become part of countless family traditions, sporting events, and community gatherings. My advice: Mehhhhhhh, it's fine for quick and cheap pizza.
Where to Try It
LaRosa's Pizzeria locations can be found throughout the region.
Buckeyes
Simple, delicious, and unmistakably Ohio, Buckeyes are peanut butter and chocolate candies that resemble the nut from Ohio's state tree. They tend to show up around holidays, family gatherings, and community events—and once you've had one, you'll understand why. My advice: You can find them at many local bakeries, candy shops, and specialty stores throughout the year.
Festival Food
One thing I quickly learned about Cincinnati is that there always seems to be a festival happening somewhere. And wherever there's a festival, there's food. Whether it's Oktoberfest, a neighborhood celebration, a church festival, a food truck event, or a cultural festival, Cincinnati does an incredible job of bringing people together. It's one of the things I love most about living here. The city embraces community in a way that's hard to describe until you've experienced it for yourself.
My Advice for Newcomers
Try everything at least once. Order the Cincinnati chili. Give goetta a chance. Treat yourself to Graeter's Ice Cream. Spend an afternoon at Findlay Market. Before long, you'll find yourself recommending your favorite Cincinnati foods to the next person who moves here. And that's usually when you realize Cincinnati has started to feel like home.