Two friends and I had dinner at Alfio's on a week night. We were seated at a table where the air con was blowing directly down on us. It was hot outside, so the air con was running continuously. We asked to switch tables and were told they were completely booked, so not possible. However, after an hour and a half at least 5 tables had not been filled and the earlier ones were starting to turn over, so not sure how honest that was. We asked four different staff people to do something about the cold air--even tape a menu over it, if nothing else. I observed that the other vents had little plastic deflectors to direct the air away from the diners just below, but it was missing from the one over us. No one apologized, not did they really try to do anything to solve the problem. I would have left before ordering the food, but my friend had really been looking forward to trying Alfio's. The food was good, but not really special enough to make up for the lack of customer service.
(2)
Megan N.
Service was fantastic. We had the scallops and short rib ravioli. Both were fantastic!
The food is fresh and excites the palate. The wine list has dramatically improved to a point where it's on par with any top restaurant. It is nice to have a chef that cares about his patrons. Scallops awesome, empanadas great stater, short rib ravioli a must! Love this place!
(5)
Nanette P.
OMG...are you looking for GREAT food and GREAT service and GREAT atmosphere! Here is your place! All the recipes are made fresh...even all the pasta's. Empenada's are AWESOME!!! We have taken many people there and everyone has loved it and even gone back a second time. We have had everything from the pasta dishes to the steaks and never been disappointed. Date night, special occasion or a reason to get together with good friends, this is your place to go! By the way, ask to meet Alfio while you are there...these are his families recipes....you will love them!
(5)
Cincy R.
New Year's Dinner was amazing. Braised short ribs and seared Argentine Scallops. When we are in town, this is always our first stop. Looking forward to the wine dinner on Tuesday at Alfio's!
(5)
Rene B.
This restaurant space has a hard time keeping one concept for more than a year or two. We tried this new restaurant on New Years Eve; we were more impressed with the food than we had anticipated! Our service was sub-par, not to blame the holiday. It was busy but not slammed. Our server wasn't able to provide recommendations between dishes (it sounded as if he hadn't tried many of them) and when asked for a spoon for my creme brulee, it took over 5 minutes to return. A good server would ask an SA to drop one off if he was busy; eating this dessert with a fork was not easy. The decor is unimpressive; they have a few TjMaxx-looking Italian "paintings" on the walls. The big black block Alfio logo on the back wall is a bit tacky. But great food!
(4)
Reem B.
This place is new here but there's nothing really special about it except the location. I live in Hyde park and like hanging out there most of the time. our experience there was just OK nothing great nor bad. the food tasted good but doesn't have a signature of its own as I expected . the decor and atmosphere was just fine. so I'm not sure if I'll be back here since tellers of hyde park is just next door and it has almost same feel but with coupons which is always a plus for me!
(3)
Taylor S.
The ravioli and tiramisu was good, but I was not a fan of the empanadas. The empanadas at Argentine Bean Bistro are MUCH better and much more authentic.
(3)
Doug O.
We were so impressed with Alfio's. We started out with the scallops which were outstanding and the salad/dressing it was served on was actually my favorite part (I couldn't stop eating it). I followed that with the grilled romain salad - again, could not stop eating it. The flavors were so good! For dinner, my wife had the 5-cheese ravioli (very good) and I tried the Argentinian side with the ribeye. I was a little shy about trying a steak but the meat, seasoning, grill flavor, and the chimichurri sauce was again - outstanding! Couple all of that with great service and a super friendly wait staff (thanks Michelle) and I know this will be one of our favorites going forward.
(5)
Eduard R.
Once again, Alfio's delivered a unique dining experience and delicious food from a local restaurant. The service was very good with a great wine recommendation. The mushroom ravioli which was award winning from the taste of blue ash was extremely fresh with a cream sauce that was creamy and light at the same time. Just a great balance that you always want but rarely get.
(4)
Alyx B.
Fantastic! Went once and waitress remembered us and our order. She also offered for us to call ahead in future and Alfio would make us special order due to food allergies and vegan preference...we did call ahead and he was eager to meet the challenge. He also came out to meet us when we ate there. Great food and amazing service!
(5)
Bret F.
Place was awesome. Server very knowledgable and personable, food cooked perfect and delicious, and chef Alfio came out and introduced himself to all the tables and followed up after dinner. Great time! Great place! Will be back soon.
Meh service. Lackluster overpriced cuisine. Came in on Opening Day. 2nd of 6 tables total though waited over an hour for an over and undercooked gristly steak swimming in oil.
(1)
Heather C.
We had a pretty mediocre dinner here this weekend. The white wines we ordered while waiting at the bar (Patagonia Sauv Blanc and Riesling) were really unremarkable -- super sweet and nothing special. The other reviews mentioned baskets of bread to start, which we never saw. Weird. The empanadas were good, though the spinach was chilly in the middle. My risotto was gummy, though it was flavored alright. The shrimp in the risotto were not very well seasoned and didn't have a sear on them. Hubby's veal was good, but nothing to rave about. Our waitress was sweet and helpful, but when it came to ordering wine with dinner, her recommendations were quite limited -- the staff had tasted some wines, but not all, and she indicated that the owner wouldn't let them taste bottles to get a feel for the rest of the list (We gave her a pour of the bottle we ended up getting so she could at least say she'd tried it). The fact that the waitstaff hasn't tasted the wine is just a bad sign that the owners aren't investing properly in educating their staff... bummer.
(2)
Jeff S.
In town for a couple of nights after having been on road for 5 weeks. Wanted to sit down to nice meal, not typical road warrior fare. Unsure where to go, pulled up Yelp for suggestions. Since I was in the Square this place came up. I remembered reading about it and chef when it was opening awhile back. I remember thinking that combination of Argentine and Italian food seemed intriguing and maybe should try it sometime, but somehow that sentiment got put on backburner. Fast forward to present and a Friday evening trying to figure something for my better half and I, alas, with no reservations anywhere, as well. Using Yelp's provided phone, called in and talked with Scott. He politely explained they were booked up but thought maybe could work something out. Told him we could be there in a few minutes. Walked in door 2 minutes later. Although packed, was immediately greeted and seated after explaining I had just spoken to Scott. Our waiter, attentive and knowledgeable, got us started to menu in short order. Nice beer and wine selection. Didn't feel like having wine, so had local brew, nice cold Mt Carmel. Next up, caprese salad, very fresh and tasty. Other reviews mention how good empanadas and ravioli are. They are not steering you wrong! Ribeye with relish cooked to order and very flavorful. Overall food, taste and presentation, were wonderful. Tab was just shy of $70 for two, not inexpensive, but certainly reasonable for such nice dining. What's not to like about this place? Service, food, atmosphere, and reasonable price here make it a must. We'll be back! Oh, and a shout out to, Scott! It's nice to see owners attentive to their patrons! Thanks!
(5)
Donald B.
Returned without our terrier: loved the exquisite scallop appetizer; the squash soup was wonderful; the mussels were average; .enjoyed the Belgian Pale Ale; .nice al fresco; and superb service.
(4)
Bob V.
a friend said it was great! - goin' to give it a try
(4)
Kathryn W.
Valentines Night . Had to wait about 8 minutes at the bar till our table was ready. Bartender made two nice martinis for us in that time. We were shown to a pleasant table for two and did not feel the restaurant was too loud at all--and we are sensitve to that. Our young waiter was sweet and truthful. He told us the evening's specials and their price--a pet peeve of mine is when they don't tell you. We shared the scallops and had two salads. His was fresh and good but mine was the grilled romaine and we both thought that mine was better. He then had the lamb chops--huge serving--if you are a big eater this must be the way to go. He loved them. I had the short rib ravioli and had to take some home! Of course we had to try desserts which were good too. Throughout the meal, we had just enough interaction with the waiter to give us what we needed and not so much it intruded on our special day. We were not rushed in spite of the fact they were busy.This place is a keeper.
(5)
Laura M.
My husband and I went here for Valentine's Day last night. The food had some of the most unique and savory flavor combinations of any meal we've had in a long time. We had the empanada special, which was some type of beef and swiss combination (I believe short rib). We tried the butternut squash soup and Argentine chili. All was amazing, the chili had a really unique flavor that I could not put my finger on. We each had a salad, mine was the grilled romaine, which had an amazing tomato vinaigrette on top. A very unique sweet and savory combination. My husband's main course was the special, which was filet mignon ordered Medium Rare. It was cooked to perfection and very tender with a unique flavoring as well. I had the Short Rib Ravioli and it was to die for. You could definitely tell the ravioli was homemade. I decided to order this since it was a unique dish, and it did not disappoint. I noticed some of the other reviews knocked the service, but we had no issue there either. We absolutely loved our meals and will definitely be back!
(5)
R S.
We went to Alfio's on a cold Thursday night. It was very quiet and the service was prompt and thorough, but not particularly charming. The food was well executed, although a bit uneven. The scallop appetizer was excellent, however, the caprese salad barely had any basil on it. My husband's lamb was generously portioned and perfectly cooked, but my scallop pasta was just ordinary considering the price point. The cheesecake dessert was very nice. All in all, it's a very good restaurant with a well balanced menu and pleasant ambiance, but it's not the most exciting place in the world. I hope Alfio's survives, but they need to work on providing a little something extra if they want to be a repeat destination.
(4)
Sharmeela S.
Amazing food. The empanadas were delicious. Like a fresh stuffed croissant. I could eat ten of them. The fried goat cheese salad was excellent as well, especially if you enjoy beets. The lamb risotto was superb. I was literally depressed that I just could not finish the huge portion. The peanut butter cheesecake was good but the crepes are better. Hope to dine here again soon. Only wish parking in Hyde Park was easier to find!
(5)
John T.
I dont know Ashley M. 2 days ago, but this place is awesome ...delisioso! How could she be in Atlanta and Cincinnati so close? Great food ....period .
Celebrated my wife's birthday at Alfio's on 3/22/13. All four of our meals were excellent. Probably the best meal I have had in awhile. I had the 4 cheese ravioli. Their butternut squash soup was amazing. Better than all that I spoke with executive chef Alfio and requested a dessert called Tartufo which is an authentic Italian dessert. He was kind enough to make four for us and they were awesome. We will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Michelle R.
My husband and I went here for his birthday dinner. The atmosphere was a bit noisy if your looking for a romantic dinner. We ordered a bottle of Argentinian Sauvignon blanc and it was just ok. The food on the other hand....amazing!!! We shared the cheese and artichoke bruschetta to start, then my husband had a seafood linguine and I ordered the land and sea, lamb chops and scallops over mushroom and spinach risotto. Best lamb I have had in a long time, cooked to perfection and tasty. I loved it! My only complaint would be I would struggle not to order the lamb every time! Must try something else next time. Highly recommend.
(4)
Andrea J.
Big fan! I met a friend for dinner and we skipped the (awesome sounding) appetizers and went straight to the main course. I had the seafood risotto and he had the short rib ravioli. He said his ravioli was amazing, but he ate it so fast I didn't get to try any! My seafood risotto was delicious, exactly what I was in the mood for...except it could have had a little more lobster/crab meat (had about 4 shrimp, 5-6 muscles, and very little crab/lobster). I was going to give them 4 stars but our server earned that 5th star. I checked in on Yelp (duh!) and there is an offer for a free scoop of gelato. This girl does not pass up a free dessert! Our server told me they had 3 flavors, espresso, mint, and a black forest chocolate with cherries and coconut. She described the black forest so well that I was really excited about it. When it came, I took 2 bites and decided it wasn't worth the calories (description was better than the actual taste). Our server noticed that I wasn't a fan and asked if I wanted a different flavor. I felt bad since it was free so I told her no, it was fine. She said, are you sure? I told her yes, the other 2 flavors didn't appeal to me. I did say if they had salted caramel then I would totally go for that. She said, let me check! 1 minute later, I had an awesome salted caramel gelato in front of me! 2 minutes later, it was gone...LOL!! So thank you for the "negative calorie dessert" because it was wonderful. Great service! One other thing to note, the atmosphere is a little more casual than I expected. A little dressier than jeans, but not a full on fancy date night place either. I will be back, for sure!
(5)
Leif H.
I had Alfio's on my "list" of places to try for a long time, but had put it off because I usually prefer to go downtown or to OTR, rather than Hyde Park. Wow. I am so glad we finally tried it. We came back again two weeks after first trying it. This is definitely abnormal, as we usually wait at least a few months before revisiting. The restaurant is a fair size. The ambiance feels a little crowded because of all of the tables (even if it's not full). The dress is nicer than most, which I prefer. The service was really good. We had a waitress that really helped answer our questions and directed us to the popular dishes. The wine list is large. You can definitely find something on there that you would like. For an appetizer, we started with the empanadas. These are awesome. The order comes with three and you can mix and match which ones you want. The spinach and cheese and the prosciutto and red pepper were our favorites. For entrees, we tried the ravioli and the seafood risotto. You can split the ravioli into two orders to try multiple kinds; however, you should just take my word and only focus on the Short Rib Ravioli. This was the whole reason we came back within weeks of our first visit. Just order two servings of the Short Rib and you'll be in heaven. During our visits, we also had the Steak Ravioli and the Crab and Shrimp Ravioli. In our opinion, both of these were good, but not in the same league as the short rib. The seafood risotto was okay and had a fair amount of mixed seafood. But, I am very critical of my risottos because there are many good ones in the city. I probably would not order it again. I was very close to giving this 5 stars. The noise level is the only reason it is not 5. If you only take 1 thing from this review, GET THE SHORT RIB RAVIOLI. You will thank me later.
(4)
Todd R.
Over priced & tasteless I ordered the seafood risotto, the description said muscles, shrimp & lobster which on paper sounds good but that translates to 5 muscles 4 smallish frozen shrimp & 0-1 lobster bits, there was a pice about as long as a toothpick and thee possibly 4 times the width of a toothpick and thin like linguini. Believe me when I say I raked through that risotto with my fork like a chimp looking for a bug & found nothin, nadda, zilch. This minuscule amount of Seafood is perched atop roughly 2 cups of risotto void of taste & flavor. I wouldn't be surprised if they told me it was just rice boiled in cream. To add insult to injury it cost an undeserving $28
(2)
Stephanie B.
I've been meaning to try Alfio's for a while. With good word of mouth regarding the menu, an interesting concept (I love Argentine beef), and a great location, this place looked very promising! Unfortunately, it all fell flat when I recently tried it out. I went for dinner with my parents on a Thursday at about 8pm. My first gripe: The acoustics were terrible. Our waiter had to yell in order to tell us the daily specials, and I could simultaneously clearly hear a conversation happening on the other side of the room. If you want to have a nice conversation over dinner, you're out of luck at Alfio's. Next, the food: The portions are large, as are the prices. I had the Argentine flank steak, and the beef was cooked to my liking, incredibly flavorful and fatty in the right ways. Unfortunately, they ruined the deliciousness of the meat by pouring a very acidic pepper/tomato chutney all over the meat. Don't try to fix what's not broken! Maybe next time, Alfio's.
(3)
Maya H.
This is a LONG review so TLDR: Get the butternut soup, get dessert ANY dessert. Everything is good but the ravioli is best. A side order of risotto makes everything better. And dont let your boyfriend order whatever he wants or you will end up tasting half the menu. ;) We came here during our anniversary vacation in Ohio. I picked it off yelp because my boyfriend loves italian food, especially ravioli. We had spent the day at kings island so we were really hungry. The inside seating is so loud. I asked for a able outside even though it had been sporadically raining, because I would rather be a little wet than deaf. However, we still got great service even though for a while we were the only couple on the front patio. We ordered the empanada trio. To be honest I was not impressed by their regular menu ones as much as their special empanada, which was a spicy chicken one. It was soooo good. I wish they would make it a regular menu item. I also ordered the butternut squash mascarpone soup, and my boyfriend ordered the cioppino. The butternut soup was our favourite, but he really loved the cioppino. I would say the butternut soup is a must-try. For dinner my boyfriend ordered the steak ravioli and the five cheese angus ravioli. the portion size was very large and he was estatic. Honestly the ravioli was amazing, definitely the highlight of the meal. I let him order for me, since we had come here for him, and the waitress talked him into trying the chimichurri steak. She super talked this steak up, so maybe it set my expectations too high, but I thought the ravioli was much better. The steak was well cooked and well-seasoned, but after eating the ravioli I would have preferred more ravioli. It came with some delicious parmesan potatoes though, and some seasoned broccoli that was delicious. I have no idea what they did to the broccoli but even my boyfriend ate it. We split an order of risotto, I really recommend the risotto. I was extremely impressed- it was well-cooked and had a great flavor. Bear with me, but for dessert we actually both got dessert too? I KNOW I KNOW sooo much food but we were celebrating and hungry. We got some sweet potato and brown sugar gelato and that was actually amazing. It was my boyfriends fav We got the goat cheese cheesecake and it was phenomenal, it was one of my favourite desserts I have ever had out. I went home and looked up a recipe.
(5)
David L.
This is easily my favorite Restaurant in Cincinnati. The food is perfection and not a thing on the menu will disappoint you. It is great for a date night, and for the quality of food you get the price is very good. I would compare everything on the menu to anything at any of Jack Ruby's places for far better cost. The wine list is generous and not over priced, the service is great, and dessert is an absolute must.
(5)
Tessa X.
Alfio's food will always have a special place in my heart. I have some very fond memories of romantic dinners on special occasions. I first visited Alfios with my boyfriend on his birthday last summer. We got all dressed up and had a great time. Alfio even stopped by our table afterwards to talk to us and thank us! He was very sweet and clearly proud of his food. He has an interesting background that has influenced his culinary passions - born and raised in Argentina to Italian parents, which explains the unique combo of both Argentine and Italian menu options. The food here is fantastic. I love the Argentine meat entrees - the grilled lamb chops and the rib eye with chimichurri are both incredibly tender with out of this world flavor. Even the leftovers were a treat. Other things I've tried include the empanadas (yum), the scallops (they melt perfectly in your mouth), and the ravioli (1/2 crab cake and 1/2 short rib - both excellent). Alfio is clearly a talented chef and I'm glad he's cooking here in Cincinnati! I do agree with other reviewers, the acoustics are bad. When the room is full, everyone's conversations seem to converge into one loud cacophony. On Valentine's Day, we were sitting at a corner table and at the end of our meal, I could hear every drunken word from a loud woman on the opposite side of the room. I'm not sure if they can do anything to make the environment less loud and more intimate... But we were in a good mood from all the food/wine/good service so we just laughed about it! I love Alfio's. One of my favorite restaurants!
(5)
Zack F.
This is a nice restaurant in a popular area which is a plus. They were very accommodating of our large group. The service was impeccable and that's rarely the case with large groups. Everyone was attended to, the food came out at the appropriate time, and checks were split as needed, all without breaking a sweat. The food is interesting. A fusion of sorts. Unfortunately for vegetarians, there are very few choices; and for vegans maybe none? They won top honors in several categories in Taste of Cincinnati, so you know they are doing something right. I certainly enjoyed my meal and found it satisfying, if a bit heavy and perhaps a little pricey for the portion size? All in all, it was a good experience, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well. For me though, this is not going to be a regular destination.
(4)
Amy E.
I've been meaning to try this place since before it opened, but I somehow didn't get around to it until recently. The empanada trio was delicious and a great way to start the meal. I got half short rib ravioli, half lobster ravioli, and both were delicious. That short rib ravioli just melts in your mouth. The seafood risotto comes with a generous helping of seafood, which is always appreciated. Got the tres leche cake for dessert which was amazing. I like that this is a great date place, but I noticed that they took really good care of families with young children as well. Service was excellent. I look forward to going back.
(5)
Matt G.
Visited on a Thursday night. We arrived at 6:30 and the place was not very full. It started to get more crowded around 7:30. The waitress (Jennifer) was extremely knowledgeable about wine and the menu. She made a lot of good suggestions for our party. You can't go wrong with any of the dishes here but I highly recommend the ravioli. I tried 3 different kinds and each one was great in it's own way. The portions are quite large for the price and I believe the restaurant is an overall value as far as price point. I would easily pay $20-30 for all of the entrees. The wine selection is large and didn't appear overpriced. Dessert was fantastic and Alfio even came out to say hello to our table after the meal. Definitely will recommend to others and I will be back!
(5)
David D.
Food was SoSo. Got the ravioli short ribs and let's just say they fell way "Short" couldn't taste the meat and the sauce was way to salted. We also got the empanadas and I'm not going to lie I've had HOT POCKETS taste better. So loud you can't hear anything so don't bother talking while there. I'd look into other restaurants before you eat here.
(2)
Ana S.
Went here one evening and everything was so pleasant! We had an amazing waiter who was completely passionate about the food being served, and talked about the owner highly. We ordered the trio empanadas, which was really good. For the main meal, my husband had the cheese ravioli and I had the short rib ravioli, they were both AMAZING. I was a bit skeptical at first because I love the short rib ravioli at Sotto, and didn't want to be disappointed. It was pretty damn good, even as leftovers the next day. We ended the dinner with salted caramel gelato, and we couldn't be any happier! Can't wait to go his new restaurant.
(5)
Aly S.
We went here for a birthday party with a group of 7, which is an activity I would suggest here. We got the idea because my boyfriend's parents met Alfio himself at the Spicy Olive and ever since have been very interested in checking the place out. Our waiter was very attentive, when my in-laws had extensive wine questions they got the head waiter who helped up decide on a few bottles to share. We were visited later in the meal by one of their Italian waiters who asked about our wines, which was entertaining and a nice touch. As everyone else says, the empanadas are a must. The spinach one was my favorite. They are easily sharable, we got 2 orders for 6 people. The very popular short rib ravioli was not to die for as most say (in my opinion! don't hate me Yelpers). The sauce was too heavy and there was just way too much of it. The rib eye steak entree was covered in Chimichurri, and had amazing char and flavor. It was cooked to medium perfection (very much pink, what many restaurants serve as medium rare). We had the tiramisu for dessert, I loved the frozen strawberry stuff on top, I ate it off both of our orders. I also want to mention that they get their seafood from Keegan's Seafood which is right next door, and which our waiter described as the freshest seafood he has ever had. Now I haven't had it, but has he ever been to a coastal city? Anyway I would love to go back and try the seafood. Also just want to mention that you can dress up if you want but we all wore jeans.
(4)
Sonali R.
Ordered takeout for my hubby and myself yesterday since we were feeling like Italian and couldn't leave the house since our toddler was sleeping. Just moved to the area and had not tried this restaurant. Butternut squash soup was the best I ever had! The fig salad had a wonderful dressing and the mushroom ravioli was fantastic. When we got home, the zucchini appetizer wasn't included ( and we had already paid for it). When I called to ask them about it, the owners were as nice as can be. Scott personally came and dropped off a fresh order at our home at 9p on a busy weeknight. We were impressed with the quality of food and the customer service. I asked my husband when is he taking me here for date night? Can't wait to experience dining at the restaurant.
(5)
Tina E.
Went there to celebrate 30th anniversary. Wish I would have read reviews 1st. Food was very good but it was so loud we couldn't even talk across the table to each other. Not so intimate of a setting.
(3)
Jessica D.
I have this cute little crush on alfios. Kind of like the crush where you want to talk to the girl/guy but you're too nervous to muster up the courage. I would drive past it longingly en route to Whole foods, knowing there was some culinary magic occurring inside. After all, taking on argentine-Italian fusion requires gumption from the chef (one would assume). But alas, my time finally came on my one year anniversary with one beguiling Jay Umbleby. Alfios is the perfect place to dine on such a momentous occasion! And as expected, alfios did not disappoint. Everything on the menu is extraordinary. I struggled to finalize my decision for both appetizer and main course. By suggestion of our [handsome ] waiter, we went with fried zucchini and a side of pesto cream sauce as an appetizer, short rib veal ravioli for jay and seafood risotto for me. The zucchini was a tad salty, but not oily. Could have gone for more pesto in the sauce, but the meal was delicious nonetheless. Jays ravioli with a bit of truffle in the brown sauce is impossible to replicate, it was so good. The type of food where you savor each and every bite. The smallest morsel, packed with flavor. Healthy portion, as well. My meal was better than his, if that's even possible. Genuinely one of the best servings of risotto I've had in my lifetime. Shrimp, lobster, and mussels were served in droves. Perhaps a 1 tablespoon risotto to seafood ratio. I almost fainted in happiness, as I thought, this is what an Italian shark's diet must be like. Lucky bastards! Alfios is just as lovely as I imagined. Perfect for a special date or celebration.
(5)
Jennifer B.
I cannot say enough great things about Alfio's! My mom and I went last night for our girls night- neither of us had been before, but a good friend recommended the restaurant to us. We were blown away with the food, service, and unique space. We had the skirt steak, steak ravioli, empanadas, and brown sugar goat cheese cheesecake. Everything was yummy!! I've been searching for a great Italian spot since moving from Chicago and love that Alfio's also has some Argentinean mixed into their food. We will continue to dine at Alfio's and can't wait to go back! PS- great happy hour too!
(5)
Ashley M.
Alfio Buon Cibo is a restaurant that screams for attention and tries to be something it's not. We came here for a Saturday night dinner and were greeted by friendly hostesses and an over-enthusiastic server who was quick to tell us all about Alfio and his culinary talent. Listening to all the hype, we were very excited to try this food that apparently won so many accolades. I suggested ordering a few small plates and sharing to enjoy everything Alfio has to offer. We ordered the following: empanada trio, grilled lobster tail, grilled scallops, and per the server's recommendation, skirt steak with Argentine relish. Sad to say, out of all those dishes, nothing impressed me--and all the dishes certainly did not match the price of the meal, especially for a town like Cincinnati. The empanadas were good, but nothing extraordinary. I liked the grilled lobster tail, which was bacon-wrapped and grilled over Italian guacamole topped with pineapple salsa, but the dish itself did not live up to the description. The guacamole was barely seasoned and lacked any special ingredients; it reminded me of just eating plain mashed avocado. Calling a few pieces of flavored cubed pineapple "salsa" also seems a bit of a stretch. The grilled scallops were even more disappointing, as they arrived to the table buried under a salad mixture, which is again deceiving by the description of the "tomato, onion, and mixed pepper Argentine relish", which I would imagine to be a compliment to the scallops and not stealing the whole show. However, by far the most disappointing part of our meal was the server's very own recommendation of the skirt steak. We ordered the steak medium, however, it arrived extremely well done and incredibly tough. I had trouble slicing the steak and struggled to chew it as well. For a restaurant that features a "From the Argentine Grill" as an exclusive section on their menu, I did not expect quality this poor. The one thing that really bothers me about this place is all the apparent recognition it receives without having a greater level of respect for fine food. I was able to easily point out six pieces of cubed tomato from my relish that were all sliced in ranging clunky sizes; the sauce surrounding my steak arrived at the table a splattered, oily mess; every dish was presented to us sloppily plated; and even the Argentinian style grilled meat did not live up to the hype. Perhaps there are times when Chef Alfio tries harder to impress his clientele, such as during the wine experience when "Alfio whips out his best food", as told by our server, but for dropping close to a bill that evening, I would expect for us to enjoy the food that wins awards and rivals the very best Alfio has to offer.
(2)
Jeff R.
I've been here a couple of times and have been waiting to write a review until I've tried a few more dishes and had different servers. Alfio's is solid but not more than that and I have to admit that I'm puzzled by the 4 stars because every visit has been between a 2-3 star experience for me and my group, but with a few 4 star dishes thrown in. Ambiance: nothing special, certainly nothing worthy of a 4 star rating. The room is somewhat spartan with little or nothing to keep the noise down. I downloaded a handy app that gives average and peak decibel levels. Alfio qualifies as very noisy with an average of 85 db and peak of 94dbA. Hearing loss WILL result from extended periods of noise above 85dbA. Practically, what this means is that in a restaurant, if you're at a table of 6, you'll find yourself raising your voice significantly to have a conversation. 2 stars The wine list is "meh" and has the usual markups. I WOULD NOT order by the glass. At least twice I've had wine that had been left in the bottle too long and obviously was very much off its peak. Local beers are underrepresented with just two breweries listed. C'mon guys! With all the great stuff now going on in Cincinnati you can and should do better. To add insult to injury, they have NOTHING ON TAP OR DRAFT. Everything comes in cans and bottles. Oh and by the way, you pour your own: the waitress plops down the glass and can and the rest is up to you. No big deal but REALLY? When a meal is going to cost me upwards of 55-60/person, I expect a higher level of service. 2 stars. Service: The staff are friendly pretty knowledgeable about the menu and reasonably prompt. But we had to ask twice for different drinks because they never showed. 3 stars The food. It was solid, but nothing better than that. Between the times that I've gone and tasting the different mains ordered by our parties, I'd say that I've tried about 50% of what's on their menu. Almost everything was a 3, some were two (eg, skirt steak, which is actually cooked, presented and from a cut that looks, feels and tastes like brisket) to a few 4's (the seafood risotto and the nut encrusted salmon). 3 stars. So there you have it. Overall, considering that the food is ultimately is the most important metric, I'd score it a 3. If I happened to be in the neighborhood, I wouldn't avoid it for a meal but it's definitely not a destination for me.
(3)
Roberto R.
Best churrasco I have ever had! It was perfectly cooked to medium... and do not forget to request the chimichurri since it does not come along with the churrasco plate.
(5)
Eli D.
After reading the reviews I was hopeful. I had the rib eye entree. The steak itself was flavorless and stringy, and the sauce seemed like a mere topping which didn't really complement the (lack of) flavor. The side of butternut squash mashed potatoes was amazing, but the broccolini was a bit too "al dente," practically raw. I was not impressed, but this is just my opinion as the quality did not justify the prices. There are many, many, many better places to eat in Cinci, so there exists no need to dine here again.
(2)
Ben S.
I rather enjoyed this place last time I was in Cinci, and would definitely go again. I wish there was a 4.5 as I was a little less impressed by the service, but only due to having to wait forever for water refills. I'm big on water, lol. Seriously though, they had a lamb special that night with two ravioli. I was told the short rib ravioli is some of the best you can have, so I asked about substitution. It was allowed and that basically sealed this 5 star rating. The price is good to go, the lamb came out perfectly medium rare and I basically lost my shit over the short rib ravioli. All in all, the place doesn't feel or look all that spectacular...decor makes me feel like I'm at a generic place, but the food preparation makes this place worth traveling to. I mean, its not Nicola's...but you definitely get a fantastic meal at a great price and I'd wager they could serve the braised rib ravioli only and stay in business. Give it a go!
(5)
Erich W.
I have now been to Alfio's twice and has been delicious both times. It seems to be a hidden gem in that for as good as it is I have never had to wait. I am certainly fine with that The location has had a problem with restaurant turnover int the past which is interesting given its location in the heart of Hyde Park Square. The decor is fine but nothing unique. Service was prompt and courteous on both occasions as well. I always felt well taken care of. Wine list had a nice selection by the glass. The food is what sets this Italian Restaurant apart in my opinion. The Bruschetta appetizer was excellent and more memorable than the Empanadas, which were just good. The main star in my opinion is the Ravioli, which they have won Best of Taste at Taste of Cincinnati. I had the Short Rib Ravioli the first time and most recently the Crab Ravioli. Both were exceptional and paired well with their respective sauces. You can't go wrong with either but I think the Short Rib was a tad better. I have also tried the Risotto which also was very good. I definitely will put this on my good to restaurants when I want an awesome meal
(4)
Alishia L.
If you are ready to fall in love with a restaurant from start to finish then come here. We went on a family date on 3/13/2015 ( Kids are 11 and 8) all of us being 1st time diners. We were sat immediately, had a very polite and knowledgeable waitress who split the girls salad and entree without any hesitation. She kept our glasses filled and did not push or rush us. The food was amazing. The girls had short rib ravioli (minus a few forkfuls that I took) and the poached pair and fig salad. I enjoyed the pistachio salmon and dad had the lamb. We ate so quickly there was no time to take a picture! We will be back :)
(4)
Steven F.
Sat on the patio with 3 other tables. After 10 minutes watching waiter after waiter walk by and NOT ONE even acknowledge me, I left. The empanadas are good, but they're not shitty service good. I hear they're opening a place in trendy, crowded OTR. You'll have to do better than that to succeed there
(1)
Red P.
Of course I was excited to try this place but not for reasons you might think! It was a first date and like most singles today, we met on-line. He had visited my blog and was thoughtful enough to put a lot of effort into the location for our first date. That in itself was impressive!! I had not tried Alfio's and was excited to check it out. The location is in the Hyde Park Square and Alfio's has been there for about two years. I felt welcomed from the minute I walked in (thanks to my date) but also thanks to the staff who were attentive and the atmosphere which was cozy, and perfect for a rainy Friday night. We sat at the bar and enjoyed a drink before we moved to our table for the main affair. I always love my time at the bar which is where you can get a real feel for the place and get the inside scoop from the staff. We had a 7:15 reservation and the place was lively and included a nice mix of diners enjoying the weekend kickoff. We started with a bottle of Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio and it was lovely. My date had his heart set on the mussels for an appetizer and it was a decision he did not regret. I even enjoyed them, simmering in lot's of garlic and wine. It was a good sign he was willing to share so I felt confident the date was going well! I opted for the Empanada Trio which is an authentic Argentine fried pastry- Spicy beef, spinach, and prosciutto with roasted red peppers and mozzarella. Amazing!! I was feeling pretty satisfied at this point but had to move on to the next course. Our server was very patient and helpful as we took our time enjoying each other, and narrowing our choices. I choose the Skirt Steak with Argentine relish and it was incredible!!! Tender, juicy and flavorful; it left an impact on my taste buds! It was served with butternut squash mash potatoes and brocolini but they did not get my attention since I only had room for the steak. My date selected the Five Cheese Angus Ravioli which was highly recommended by our server. He was pleased but I definitely liked my choice better. We never made it to desert but did enjoy a final drink at the bar and a really nice kiss good night. Do yourself a favor and make a plan to try this amazing restaurant! I think you will enjoy it!! Buon cibo Red Pearl P.S. A second date is a certainty!!
(4)
Katie K.
We went on a Friday night to celebrate my graduation from graduate school. My parents had called ahead to have a bottle of Champagne waiting on the table; the server was never notified about the Champagne. The food was good, and the soup we had was amazing. The atmosphere was a bit stuffy and it was VERY loud. We will be back to give this place another shot. But all and all, we were not overly impressed with our first visit. Perhaps mid week when it is less crowded will help with the poor acoustics.
(3)
Josephine M.
Great atmosphere! Fun for groups. Mussels and shrimp pasta could have been better. The mussels were small but the shrimp were big. Was looking forward to my dessert but they forgot it so they gave me a card for one free dessert. The scallops for appetizer were really big and tasty!
(4)
Jen L.
We had a little girl's night out here last weekend and had a nice time. The food was good. I had the special which was a lamb risotto and it was warm and rich and I liked it very much. They have a good variety on their wine list and the location is great. I will definitely be back with my husband to try some other menu items.
(4)
Maggie B.
Five star food and service at a four or three star price. We had a fantastic first trip to Alfio's. The atmosphere is perfect. Romantic and cozy with dim lighting without being dark. Loved the arches in the center room. We started with the Empanada Trio which was fantastic. The prosciutto one and spinach one were both delicious. The beef one was ground beef, which I am not crazy about, but the spice profile was super interesting. We followed with the Fried Goat Cheese and Beet salad. The pairing was perfectly balanced. The beets were marinated so they had a great flavor without the dirt aftertaste. The butternut squash and mascarpone soup was nothing short of a spiritual experience. The bread and butter was also a cut above. The butter was creamed with garlic and herbs. We went for the Short Rib Ravioli for the main. The truffle sauce was simply divine. Dessert was the only thing that wasn't fantastic. We ordered the Chocolate Caramel Tiramisu. It was served with house made strawberry whipped cream and a house made double chocolate cookie. Those were delicious touches but the tiramisu itself was more like a chocolate layer cake. I am not a cake fan, so I was disappointed. We will be sure to try one of the other options next time. Service was phenomenal. Our waitress, Michelle, was attentive and had great suggestions. Her wine suggestion was spot on. We can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Mike O.
Very loud, but all restaurants are like that these days. Seafood risotto had great flavor but didn't have the lobster in it as advertised and the muscles were very small. The highly acclaimed short rib ravioli- the sauce was excellent but the ravioli " pasta" itself was undercooked and tough. The Filet mignon was excellent. The cheery sauce was very good and I recommend the squash mashed which was very very good. Desserts was nice try the goat cheese cake.
(3)
Heather M.
Very satisfied. We are Italian, and this restaurant provides the best homemade ravioli we've had in Cincinnati. However, the ravioli is thicker than ravioli we would make at home. The short-rib ravioli was our favorite. The lamb in the lamb risotto was tough. The spinach empanadas were delicious. Our server was knowledgable on all of the ingredients for each plate. The tiramisu was tasty!
(4)
Heather W.
I had high hopes for this spot after raves from friends but perhaps they over hyped it. Don't get me wrong the food was good- the atmosphere just wasn't great. Cincinnati has so many restaurants that pair both phenomenal food and atmosphere and I feel alfios fell short. My only other complaint was the gelato. It was a bit icy and left me disappointed at the end of my meal. I'll likely give it another shot if I'm looking for a spot in hyde park but I'd likely hit tellers first unfortunately.
(3)
Kelly M.
if you have not had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant then put in a reservation for tonight! You're definitely missing out! The staff first off makes the atmosphere very welcoming. The owner Scott is one of the nicest people you will ever meet! I have had MANY items at this restaurant ( Empanada, Bacon wrapped lobster tail, Spinach and apple salad, short rib ravioli, crab cake and shrimp ravioli..... etc) i think i just named the whole menu, but you get the point! ITS ALL DELICIOUS! If you save room make sure you get dessert!!! Most restaurants are either great at dinner or dessert this place hits it out of the park with both!!
(5)
Amy W.
Score! We live less than 1/2 mile up the road and had never eaten at Alfio's until early May. I experienced it for the first time with a group of girlfriends. Since then, we've been there 3 times in 3 months. Delicious, authentic, gourmet & original. Ruby Red Trout: MY favorite dish. The trout is grilled to perfection over a bed of mascarpone polenta & grilled asparagus. If you love fish, this is the entree for you. Short Rib Ravioli: Pasta lover? Alfio's makes their own ravioli from scratch. The short rib is such an original idea for ravioli and is absolutely addicting. Husband had the Rib Eye with Chimichurri: he loves this dish and says he could eat the chimichurri on its own. We split the grilled Romaine Salad. I've made this myself at home and it's the only dish I can criticize. It was just okay. I'm not sure I can pinpoint what the problem was, but my own version was far better. Appetizers: Get the empanada trio! I would even order these as an entree. All three flavors were surprisingly good. Despite my disappointment with the grilled romaine salad, Alfio's is still 5 stars in my book. Undoubtedly, the best restaurant in Hyde Park Square!
(5)
Elena K.
Excellent Great service, amazing menu and both owners came by to check on our table. I was very impressed with my entree which happened to be a special for the wine tasting dinner. Truffle salt encrusted filet with grilled asparagus and Gorgonzola mashed potatoes. Simply amazing. The other dish is the Seafood Risotto also delicious.
(5)
Tyler S.
The short rib ravioli was nothing short of amazing. For dessert you have to give the Argentinian Dolce de leche crepes a try they are to die for.
(5)
Mallory B.
Unbelievably good. We shared an appetizer of empanadas (the spinach one was out of this world), tomatoes with mozzarella, and then my friend had the short rib ravioli, which had more flavor than any single dish I've ever had. I had the lamb chops with mint chimichurri and it was awesome - it came with mashed butternut squash and broccolini. And we shared a bottle of wine which was amazing. We passed on dessert but I wish we hadn't! So good!
(5)
Sara M.
Our visit to Alfio's was a last-minute decision, but a seriously good one. This is another place that caught my attention because of their stand at Taste of Cincinnati. Their short rib ravioli has a special place in my heart. On my weekly "daddy-daughter date," we got the empanada trio, and swapped out the spinach with cheese (we'd had it a Taste) for their special--a bar-b-que that was delicious. But, our favorite was probably the prosciutto with roasted red peppers and mozzarella. For my entree, I got the pistachio crusted salmon. It was delicious, and I am still craving more of the sides (green beans and butternut squash mashed potatoes). My dad got the special, which was some sort of pasta with shrimp. The shrimp was good, but the sauce was too mac-and-cheese-like for my liking. The deconstructed tiramisu was good, though a little hard to eat (I guess that's what you get for ordering something "deconstructed"). It's a little expensive, but I personally think their prices are appropriate for the good food and service. Looking forward to coming back.
(5)
Ryan Z.
This review could easily be a 3 star, which would be a huge shame considering the quality of the food. The food was imaginative and tasty and very well priced. The problem was with the bar/ice. When we first arrived, I noticed a large black bug in the ice behind the bar. I pointed it out to the bartender who used her ice scooper to scoop it out of the container. That was it. She didn't wash the ice scooper. She didn't drain the container. Nothing. It was like it wasn't a big deal. We sat down at our table for dinner and almost forgot about the bug. I ordered a bottle of wine and we all asked for our waters w/o ice. Towards the end of the meal, the waitress refilled my water with her jug and I noticed a small bit of black something floating in my water. I hope it wasn't part of the bug, but I don't know. What I do know is that I wouldn't have had to worry about it if the bartender had properly addressed the issue when we pointed it out to her in the first place. Ok, after writing this review, I'm a little sick to my stomach and I just can't justify 4 stars. It's inexcusable to risk your customer's health with such apathy. It's just so disappointing because the food was genuinely VERY good!
(3)
Amanda C.
I love Alfio's! We live in the neighborhood and so enjoy having an Italian-Argentine restaurant within walking distance. The menu changes seasonally, so there's usually something new and adventurous to try. We visited most recently on the first day of their spring menu. Because my husband was one of the first to order the seasonal ravioli, Alfio stopped by to see how he liked it. It was very sweet, and you could tell Alfio is very earnest about people enjoying his food. All the wait staff are very friendly and eager to explain the menu. It's nice to experience such enthusiasm. The jaw-dropping, delicious food is why this restaurant deserves 5 stars, though. It's one of those places I feel like eating in silence to enjoy every morsel as much as it deserves. (Perhaps I'm not that much fun at dinner parties...) Oh, and a tip! Alfio's offers carry-out.
(5)
Al B.
Great food (mint lamb was awesome!). Terrible service. Slow to take orders, seemed a little hopped up, didn't come to check on dinners once even though we had asked for a wine list to order a glass with the meal. Won't be back.
(3)
Gerri H.
This was our first time at Alfio's and we were impressed! Superior service and food. Alfio made a special sauce for the ribs based on my husband's dietary needs. Empanadas were a great start. My short rib ravioli were fabulous. Scott, Alfio and our waitress made us feel like we were part of their family.
(5)
Steve T.
Very good food. Reasonable prices. Dependable service.
(4)
David C.
My wife and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary last night at Alfio's. What a fortunate choice. We sat outside in the early evening breeze and enjoyed people watching on Hyde Park Square. The atmosphere was wonderful! Our server, Shelly, was there within just a couple of moments to greet us and get our drink order. As a craft beer fan I was excited to see the large number of local breweries in their beer selection. My wife ordered a Malbec wine that she raved about. So we were off to a great start, but it just kept getting better. Shelly brought our bacon wrapped, Grilled Lobster Tail appetizer. It's served on a bed of "Italian" guacamole. It was amazing, both the lobster but frankly, the guac stole the show. I found out that they make it with mascarpone cheese! Are you kidding me? It was so creamy, yet the avocado dice was large enough that it's flavor wasn't overpowered. Sumptuousness is an understatement. As we reminisced about our 25 years together, we never felt hurried. In fact, quite the opposite - as if we were the only table she had. Really great service! Our entrees were delivered and they were visually stunning. (about half way through the meal I thought of writing a review and couldn't believe I did not get a picture) Mine was the daily special of three perfectly grilled lamb chops with two perfectly seared sea scallops served on a bed of creamy wild mushroom risotto, topped with grilled baby onions. My mouth is watering just remembering the aroma, but the thing that amazed me was the texture of the scallops. Perfectly seared and soooo creamy. Often, when I have scallops they are over cooked and a bit chewy...not these. My bride ordered the Sauteed Mussels and Shrimp. These gems are sauteed in a saffron/garlic butter sauce and served on a bed of perfectly al dente linguini. The balance of flavor was amazing. Overall it was an amazing evening spent with the love of my life. I'm grateful for such a great evening celebrating! .
(5)
Anjelica N.
Alfio's was one of those restaurants everyone's driven past, say "I wanna try this place out" only to subsequently never visit. It's a shame. Alfio's Italian-Argentine cuisine is amazing! The restaurant itself isn't too big.It's pretty cozy. I visited on a nice early summer day. The windows were open. My friends and I grabbed a high-top by the window for an early dinner. My appetizer was the butternut squash mascarpone soup. I'm not sure what drew me to it but I had a nice little cup. It's flavorful and creamy, but not overpowering. My friends all had a bite and were instantaneously jealous. It was good enough that one of the girls ordered her own bowl after trying mine. For the main course, I had the goat cheese ravioli. I love cheese. I'm OBSESSED with goat cheese. Also, I can never say no to pasta. It was a no brainer and boy was it delicious. The goat cheese isn't too pungent to overwhelm your palate. It was delicately flavorful accented by the mild tomato pesto. The portion was definitely more than enough. I also got to nab a bit of the lamb. As expected, it was pretty good. Soft and juicy with dollops of the herbed chimichurri...it almost made me regret my choice of ravioli..but only almost.
(4)
Tim L.
Great location. Unique dishes, and a good drink list. Salmon, gnocchi, ravioli, and risotto - all confirmed as big time playoff wins. Complimentary bread was choice. Great spot to get a nice meal and be well taken care of without totally breaking the bank.
(5)
Bill E.
Came here with a friend from Argentina, so he really knows the food and wine etc.. We were seated at 7pm in the back by the wine wall and our server was Sean he was a good server, but really didn't do anything special to make our visit awesome. He brought out house made bread and both of us could tell the chef uses lard instead of butter in making the bread, it was served warm and with a cold roasted garlic butter. Cold butter at a restaurant is a pet peeve of mine... Anyway we split the trio of empandas and they were good, the spinach and cheese one was probably the best one we had. Onto the main course we both decided on the Argentine Skirt steak, when asked about the portion size the server made a notion with his hands how big, but not an exact weight like 8 oz for example. The steak was cooked perfect and we requested the relish on the side so both of us could really taste the steak and I am glad we did. The dish was served with butternut squash mashed potatoes and broccolini, the broccolini was a bit under cooked and needed a touch of salt. For dessert we decided to split Dulce de leche Cheese Cake Alfajor- described as Argentine style moon pie filled with caramel cheese cake and draped in chocolate ganache. It was good it also came with a berry compote. My Argentine friend liked the restaurant and said he would be back to try some other things. Price- 40 per It was starting to get packed when we were eating our dinner..
(3)
Chris C.
I ate dinner here for the first time on a Thursday night, with 7 other people - we had a reservation. I think that for the most part everyone really liked the food. I thought that the service was average/good, especially for a large group. My food was so good that I will come back. Some of the group ordered Ravioli (I had a sample of the 5 cheese Angus Ravioli and it was very good - I imagine the red sauce had cream in it because it was so tasty). Others in the group tried a Risotto entree or Parmigiana or Lamb Chops. I had the Melon Berry salad - it was so good and tasty that I couldn't stop eating it to try anything else until it was gone! I also had the Shrimp & Crab cake: Lump crabmeat and shrimp over Italian guacamole with a spicy sweet red pepper aioli - it looked very pretty and it was delicious. I thought it was a nice touch that Alfio himself came to our table before we ordered, to shake our hand and thank us for being there, and to see what we'd like to know about the menu.
(4)
Megan T.
I can't get enough of Alfio's! The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. Chef Alfio is extremely talented in his creations and his food pairings. Everyone is very accommodating when it comes to good allergies and diet preferences. Their wine dinner is my favorite night of the month! If you haven't tried Alfio's yet, you're missing out!
(5)
Kate J.
After discovering Alfio's a year ago at Taste of Blue Ash, I finally made it in. I thought 'if they're able to serve gourmet food in large batches, and it tastes this great in a fair atmosphere, I'm sure the plated dinners are fantastic.' We started with a nice Malbec recommended by the server. It was good, but I'm not a wine expert. We ordered the empanada trio because we'd had it at the Taste, and a newer cheese kind of appetizer. Both were great, but I liked the empanadas better. We also ordered the butternut squash soup. That tasted very fresh. Also ordered a spinach apple salad. Also very good. My husband ordered the fish of the night. It was very fresh and had a great unique taste. I ordered the skirt steak. I ordered medium as recommended. It was difficult to cut, but also very red in the middle. I was hoping for pink. So I'm not sure that was cooked right. Looking back I wish I would have gone for more of the Italian food route. Next visit I will. Desert brought a Creme Brulee with butterscotch pretzel base and carmelized bananas. We went looking to try a new place that has different kinds of food. We found that. This place is not quite, so it wouldn't be super romantic. I think they could improve the steak cooking as those seem to be trouble spots based on reviews I read. We plan to return as we're sure anytime we have out of town guest this would be a great place to take them. I'm sure they probably change up the menu which is ALWAYS the right thing to do. I'm looking forward to see what Alfio has for me next time!
(4)
Natalie A.
I'm very picky about my Italian food, especially pasta. Alfio's is one of two places I have discovered in Cincinnati that cooks their pasta correctly, that is, al dente (the other is Sotto). Kudos, Alfio! You have to try Alfio's short rib ravioli. It was divine! I also recommend the empanada trio, which was incredible. All in our party thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and the atmosphere and service was excellent. Exceptional food, definitely worth the price! We'll be back.
(5)
Merilee M.
Went here for my husbands birthday at the end of March. We were treated like royalty! Incredible service, so friendly and attentive. We ordered the short rib ravioli and the lamb. Both entrees were some of the best we have ever had. For dessert we ate the tiramisu and that finished off the evening perfectly! As we walked out the door one of the owners said Happy Birthday to my husband and handed him a 20% off card for our next visit! We will be back!!
(5)
Michael H.
Excellent choice for an evening of two. Started with Empanada Trio and the Butternut Squash Marscarpone soup. We had the Five Cheese Angus Ravioli and the Short Rib ravioli (my favorite). The Martini ' s were very good which my favorite was the Blueberry Pomegranate. Only downside is parking can be somewhat tricky. Service was very excellent.
(5)
Rick P.
About th 4th time we have been there in the last year and half. Reservations are spot on, never a lot of waiting after arrival. There is nothing on the menu that is not excellent that we have tried. Wait staff is very helpful.
Alfio's has become a staple in my list of places to take folks visiting us here in Cincinnati. The mix of clever Italian pastas and interesting Argentinian meats, plus seafood dishes, offers something for everyone. A must-have is the squash soup...delicious!
(5)
Lindsey O.
Arrived about 6:30 on a Tuesday night (7/9/13) without reservations, but we were able to get a table. The gentleman who greeted us (owner?) was very friendly and welcoming. The interior of the restaurant is a great improvement from when I was last there four or five years ago (when it was occupied by the steakhouse Red). It is brighter and more open. I really liked the exposed brick and overall atmosphere. Our service was excellent. The waitress knew a lot about the menu and wine list. Unfortunately, they were out of the wine I initially ordered. I got another Chardonnay which was just okay. We ordered the empanadas as a starter, and they were excellent. One was spinach and cheese, one was prosciutto, and one was chicken. My husband liked all three equally, but I think the prosciutto was the best. For entrees, I had the goat cheese ravioli and my husband had the chicken parmesan. The portion size of the chicken parmesan was HUGE, but he will be happily eating it again for lunch today. My goat cheese ravioli was very good. Just enough that I didn't finish the whole dish, but not so much I needed to take any home. I tried a bite of their homemade bread with butter, and it was delicious. Our bill was around $60 (one appetizer, two glasses of wine, and two entrees), so this will be a restaurant we save for special occasions. Overall, it was very good and a nice place to hit for date nights.
(4)
MelaCat R.
If the two items from the Taste of Cincinnati are any indication of what's on the menu at this place, I know I am going to love it. At the Taste they had a spinach empanada, the spinach tasted so fresh it was like they were picking it from a garden behind their booth. It can only get better if it was that good at a street festival. The veal stuffed ravioli with a cream truffle sauce. First truffles make just about everything better, but the one ravioli I was served was excellent. I have been thinking about the food at this place since last week. I place to visit their restaurant very soon. I hope I will not be disappointed.
(4)
Sarah T.
I was visiting Cincinnati last week (used to be a resident for many years) and Alfio's, of course, made my list of eateries to visit during my week-long vacation. A friend and I went and had a wonderful time, treated like family even though we came in 30 minutes before close. The service is always friendly, food always outstanding and the friendly chef visiting your table is always a plus. My favorites are: Empanadas, Butternut Squash Soup, Short Rib Ravioli and Deconstructed Creme Brulee. I recommend this spot to anyone dining in the city!!
(5)
Jonathan W.
Great food and wine selection. Acoustics are a little loud though. If you can get over that, that space has finally found a winning restaurant!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Lynn G.
Two friends and I had dinner at Alfio's on a week night. We were seated at a table where the air con was blowing directly down on us. It was hot outside, so the air con was running continuously. We asked to switch tables and were told they were completely booked, so not possible. However, after an hour and a half at least 5 tables had not been filled and the earlier ones were starting to turn over, so not sure how honest that was. We asked four different staff people to do something about the cold air--even tape a menu over it, if nothing else. I observed that the other vents had little plastic deflectors to direct the air away from the diners just below, but it was missing from the one over us. No one apologized, not did they really try to do anything to solve the problem. I would have left before ordering the food, but my friend had really been looking forward to trying Alfio's. The food was good, but not really special enough to make up for the lack of customer service.
(2)Megan N.
Service was fantastic. We had the scallops and short rib ravioli. Both were fantastic!
(5)Joseph O.
Our first visit here exceeded our expectations. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. In house made pastas are outstanding. My Lamb chops were cooked perfect. Service was on spot, not too rushed and not slow. Looking forward to our next meal there and trying some different appetizers and entrées.
(5)La F.
The food is fresh and excites the palate. The wine list has dramatically improved to a point where it's on par with any top restaurant. It is nice to have a chef that cares about his patrons. Scallops awesome, empanadas great stater, short rib ravioli a must! Love this place!
(5)Nanette P.
OMG...are you looking for GREAT food and GREAT service and GREAT atmosphere! Here is your place! All the recipes are made fresh...even all the pasta's. Empenada's are AWESOME!!! We have taken many people there and everyone has loved it and even gone back a second time. We have had everything from the pasta dishes to the steaks and never been disappointed. Date night, special occasion or a reason to get together with good friends, this is your place to go! By the way, ask to meet Alfio while you are there...these are his families recipes....you will love them!
(5)Cincy R.
New Year's Dinner was amazing. Braised short ribs and seared Argentine Scallops. When we are in town, this is always our first stop. Looking forward to the wine dinner on Tuesday at Alfio's!
(5)Rene B.
This restaurant space has a hard time keeping one concept for more than a year or two. We tried this new restaurant on New Years Eve; we were more impressed with the food than we had anticipated! Our service was sub-par, not to blame the holiday. It was busy but not slammed. Our server wasn't able to provide recommendations between dishes (it sounded as if he hadn't tried many of them) and when asked for a spoon for my creme brulee, it took over 5 minutes to return. A good server would ask an SA to drop one off if he was busy; eating this dessert with a fork was not easy. The decor is unimpressive; they have a few TjMaxx-looking Italian "paintings" on the walls. The big black block Alfio logo on the back wall is a bit tacky. But great food!
(4)Reem B.
This place is new here but there's nothing really special about it except the location. I live in Hyde park and like hanging out there most of the time. our experience there was just OK nothing great nor bad. the food tasted good but doesn't have a signature of its own as I expected . the decor and atmosphere was just fine. so I'm not sure if I'll be back here since tellers of hyde park is just next door and it has almost same feel but with coupons which is always a plus for me!
(3)Taylor S.
The ravioli and tiramisu was good, but I was not a fan of the empanadas. The empanadas at Argentine Bean Bistro are MUCH better and much more authentic.
(3)Doug O.
We were so impressed with Alfio's. We started out with the scallops which were outstanding and the salad/dressing it was served on was actually my favorite part (I couldn't stop eating it). I followed that with the grilled romain salad - again, could not stop eating it. The flavors were so good! For dinner, my wife had the 5-cheese ravioli (very good) and I tried the Argentinian side with the ribeye. I was a little shy about trying a steak but the meat, seasoning, grill flavor, and the chimichurri sauce was again - outstanding! Couple all of that with great service and a super friendly wait staff (thanks Michelle) and I know this will be one of our favorites going forward.
(5)Eduard R.
Once again, Alfio's delivered a unique dining experience and delicious food from a local restaurant. The service was very good with a great wine recommendation. The mushroom ravioli which was award winning from the taste of blue ash was extremely fresh with a cream sauce that was creamy and light at the same time. Just a great balance that you always want but rarely get.
(4)Alyx B.
Fantastic! Went once and waitress remembered us and our order. She also offered for us to call ahead in future and Alfio would make us special order due to food allergies and vegan preference...we did call ahead and he was eager to meet the challenge. He also came out to meet us when we ate there. Great food and amazing service!
(5)Bret F.
Place was awesome. Server very knowledgable and personable, food cooked perfect and delicious, and chef Alfio came out and introduced himself to all the tables and followed up after dinner. Great time! Great place! Will be back soon.
(5)Mohit M.
Alfio's is in the spot that was previously occupied by Poco a Poco. For those of you who don't know which spot I'm talking about, google it. For those of you who don't have google, #whatareyoudoingwithyourlife Now on to the part that may actually affect your culinary choices. FOOD To me, this is always BY FAR the most important part. Here's what I tasted/heard reactions about from friends: 1) Fried Zucchini with Goat Cheese and Pesto - very tasty. But then again, if you're frying something and it's NOT very tasty, then #whatareyoudoingwithyourlife 2) Herbed Goat Cheese Ravioli - for those of who notice things, you'll notice that Goat Cheese is a buzz word when I narrow down a menu. But a GC* appetizer followed by a GC* entree is more GC than most baby goats produce annually.** *Goat Cheese **National Geographic Also, the edges were harder than I prefer. I don't know if that means they were undercooked or overcooked, but according to anything, it means something. 3) Bruschetta - we got half and half of the Bruschetta dish listed on the menu with the Sausage Bruschetta dish listed as a special. The Sausage Bruschetta is, indeed, special; the vegetarian counterpart is more like a Cheese Bread, but an easy crowd pleaser. 4) Skirt Steak with Argentine Relish - I didn't try this personally, but my friend said this was his favorite thing he tried. And he's what I would call a "foodie." 5) Argentine Chili - both of the other people at my table tried this and neither commented one way or the other. Take that for what you want. DESSERT Out of the Deconstructed Crème Brûlée Bonbon, Nutella Pie, and Zuccotto Cake, your best bet is with the Creme Brulee or the Nutella Pie. But I've told you before and I'll tell you again: if you're using Nutella as an ingredient and your dish is not phenomenal, then #whatareyoudoingwithyourlife WHAT I LEARNED 1) I should get the Seafood Canneloni next time. I was eyeing it for a while, but made a slip of the tongue when it was my turn to order. "It's ok," I keep telling myself. "Mistakes like this build character." 2) You may have had this conversation with yourself before going to Alfio's: "Argentina and Italy? Those countries don't share a border, let alone a chef." I learnt that the chef's grandparents and parents are from Italy, but he himself grew up in Argentina. 3) Meeting the chef makes it hard to not like a restaurant.
(3)Justus K.
Meh service. Lackluster overpriced cuisine. Came in on Opening Day. 2nd of 6 tables total though waited over an hour for an over and undercooked gristly steak swimming in oil.
(1)Heather C.
We had a pretty mediocre dinner here this weekend. The white wines we ordered while waiting at the bar (Patagonia Sauv Blanc and Riesling) were really unremarkable -- super sweet and nothing special. The other reviews mentioned baskets of bread to start, which we never saw. Weird. The empanadas were good, though the spinach was chilly in the middle. My risotto was gummy, though it was flavored alright. The shrimp in the risotto were not very well seasoned and didn't have a sear on them. Hubby's veal was good, but nothing to rave about. Our waitress was sweet and helpful, but when it came to ordering wine with dinner, her recommendations were quite limited -- the staff had tasted some wines, but not all, and she indicated that the owner wouldn't let them taste bottles to get a feel for the rest of the list (We gave her a pour of the bottle we ended up getting so she could at least say she'd tried it). The fact that the waitstaff hasn't tasted the wine is just a bad sign that the owners aren't investing properly in educating their staff... bummer.
(2)Jeff S.
In town for a couple of nights after having been on road for 5 weeks. Wanted to sit down to nice meal, not typical road warrior fare. Unsure where to go, pulled up Yelp for suggestions. Since I was in the Square this place came up. I remembered reading about it and chef when it was opening awhile back. I remember thinking that combination of Argentine and Italian food seemed intriguing and maybe should try it sometime, but somehow that sentiment got put on backburner. Fast forward to present and a Friday evening trying to figure something for my better half and I, alas, with no reservations anywhere, as well. Using Yelp's provided phone, called in and talked with Scott. He politely explained they were booked up but thought maybe could work something out. Told him we could be there in a few minutes. Walked in door 2 minutes later. Although packed, was immediately greeted and seated after explaining I had just spoken to Scott. Our waiter, attentive and knowledgeable, got us started to menu in short order. Nice beer and wine selection. Didn't feel like having wine, so had local brew, nice cold Mt Carmel. Next up, caprese salad, very fresh and tasty. Other reviews mention how good empanadas and ravioli are. They are not steering you wrong! Ribeye with relish cooked to order and very flavorful. Overall food, taste and presentation, were wonderful. Tab was just shy of $70 for two, not inexpensive, but certainly reasonable for such nice dining. What's not to like about this place? Service, food, atmosphere, and reasonable price here make it a must. We'll be back! Oh, and a shout out to, Scott! It's nice to see owners attentive to their patrons! Thanks!
(5)Donald B.
Returned without our terrier: loved the exquisite scallop appetizer; the squash soup was wonderful; the mussels were average; .enjoyed the Belgian Pale Ale; .nice al fresco; and superb service.
(4)Bob V.
a friend said it was great! - goin' to give it a try
(4)Kathryn W.
Valentines Night . Had to wait about 8 minutes at the bar till our table was ready. Bartender made two nice martinis for us in that time. We were shown to a pleasant table for two and did not feel the restaurant was too loud at all--and we are sensitve to that. Our young waiter was sweet and truthful. He told us the evening's specials and their price--a pet peeve of mine is when they don't tell you. We shared the scallops and had two salads. His was fresh and good but mine was the grilled romaine and we both thought that mine was better. He then had the lamb chops--huge serving--if you are a big eater this must be the way to go. He loved them. I had the short rib ravioli and had to take some home! Of course we had to try desserts which were good too. Throughout the meal, we had just enough interaction with the waiter to give us what we needed and not so much it intruded on our special day. We were not rushed in spite of the fact they were busy.This place is a keeper.
(5)Laura M.
My husband and I went here for Valentine's Day last night. The food had some of the most unique and savory flavor combinations of any meal we've had in a long time. We had the empanada special, which was some type of beef and swiss combination (I believe short rib). We tried the butternut squash soup and Argentine chili. All was amazing, the chili had a really unique flavor that I could not put my finger on. We each had a salad, mine was the grilled romaine, which had an amazing tomato vinaigrette on top. A very unique sweet and savory combination. My husband's main course was the special, which was filet mignon ordered Medium Rare. It was cooked to perfection and very tender with a unique flavoring as well. I had the Short Rib Ravioli and it was to die for. You could definitely tell the ravioli was homemade. I decided to order this since it was a unique dish, and it did not disappoint. I noticed some of the other reviews knocked the service, but we had no issue there either. We absolutely loved our meals and will definitely be back!
(5)R S.
We went to Alfio's on a cold Thursday night. It was very quiet and the service was prompt and thorough, but not particularly charming. The food was well executed, although a bit uneven. The scallop appetizer was excellent, however, the caprese salad barely had any basil on it. My husband's lamb was generously portioned and perfectly cooked, but my scallop pasta was just ordinary considering the price point. The cheesecake dessert was very nice. All in all, it's a very good restaurant with a well balanced menu and pleasant ambiance, but it's not the most exciting place in the world. I hope Alfio's survives, but they need to work on providing a little something extra if they want to be a repeat destination.
(4)Sharmeela S.
Amazing food. The empanadas were delicious. Like a fresh stuffed croissant. I could eat ten of them. The fried goat cheese salad was excellent as well, especially if you enjoy beets. The lamb risotto was superb. I was literally depressed that I just could not finish the huge portion. The peanut butter cheesecake was good but the crepes are better. Hope to dine here again soon. Only wish parking in Hyde Park was easier to find!
(5)John T.
I dont know Ashley M. 2 days ago, but this place is awesome ...delisioso! How could she be in Atlanta and Cincinnati so close? Great food ....period .
(5)Greg S.
I had just read of Alfio's unprecedented feat, winning all three categories (Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert) at The Taste of Cincinnati, when by happenstance I was invited to join some friends for Alfio's monthly Six Course Wine Dinner. As this restaurant was now on my radar, I eagerly accepted. When I previewed the menu, which included Nutella Mashed Potatoes in the 5th course (yes, you read that right - Nutella Mashed Potatoes), I knew it would be interesting, to say the least. Situated on Erie Avenue in Hyde Park Square, Alfio's Buon Cibo (Alfio's Good Food) is easy to find. Parking was not difficult, but then again I was there on a Monday at 7:00. Friday/Saturday may be a different story. There is a nice classic bar area at the front of the restaurant, and the crowd seems to be a little more on the upscale side. I didn't see many of the "shorts and sandals" crowd the night I was there. The tables were nicely set for the six-course dinner (there were approximately 60 people there for this event, pretty much closing the restaurant for almost 3 hours), with white tablecloths, small candles, and plenty of silverware. Each course was paired with an appropriate wine, and prior to the course being served, the chef himself, along with one of the two wine representatives who helped with the pairing for that course, explained what we were about to have. The show, I mean the meal, started promptly at 7:00. Without making this too long winded, let me say that overall, the meal was magnificent and well worth the $75 cost. Not something to do every day, but to treat yourself to this now and then with a group of friends is certainly very much worthwhile. The courses were varied, but flowed well as a meal. Our 1st course was a fried goat cheese salad with micro greens, candied pistachios with apple compote in a truffle Champagne honey vinaigrette. The goat cheese was fried perfectly, and served at the most perfect of temperatures. The accompanying sauce was very flavorful, and not too sweet. This was paired with a nice rose. The 2nd course consisted of lump crab cake ravioli in an organic spinach and grape tomato spicy cream sauce. The ravioli was delicious, and the filling tasted of fresh crab. The cream sauce was magnificent - silky with just the right amount of spice so as to not overpower the crab. The wine, my absolute favorite of the night and one of my favorites now of all time, was a Terra Doro Petite Sirah. Smooth to start with a great finish and warm earth notes, I fell in love with this wine. It impressed Alfio's so much that they have now put it on the menu. I would go back just for that wine. So as not to turn this into a novel, the other courses were: 3rd - Lamb ragout wrapped in lasagna stuffed with a five cheese blend. Paired with a pinot noir. 4th - Thai basil sorbet with watermelon, pomegranate, cucumber and passion fruit, along with a nice Prosecco. 5th course - Pan seared pecan bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, crusted in serrano cinnamon sugar over Nutella mashed potatoes with a mint bourbon reduction. The pork was cooked perfectly and simply melted in your mouth. Best bacon I have ever had, and the Nutella mashed potatoes, although odd sounding, were delicious. Try that one at home with pork sometime, it is really excellent. The mint bourbon reduction was fantastic, too. This came with a strong B Side red Blend to stand up to the bold flavors. The 6th course - Dessert - was an inverted Zucotto cake with caramel cherry mousse topped with chocolate ganache, and came with a sparkling rose. Fantastic. The servers were excellent, and except for one small misstep with a dropped wine flute from a very full tray, they performed well. The meal's pace was nice, with enough time to discuss each course and share some small talk with your fellow diners. The crowd seemed appreciative, and I heard no complaints from anyone, except for a few who didn't like a wine or two. I personally have nothing but compliments, and the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th courses were what you would refer to as memorable. The 1st and 3rd, while very good, just didn't have the same outstanding culinary "oomph" that the other four did. After the meal, which took 2 hours and 45 minutes (as it should), Alfio and the wine experts were available to answer any questions you might have had. I spoke with the chef for several minutes, and he was as nice and receptive as could be. He seemed to really enjoy having people in his restaurant who were as passionate about food as he was. It was an enjoyable evening filled with good company, good food, good wine, and we even had a local celebrity in the crowd. I look forward to gathering up a few friends and doing this again. Alfio's does this the second Monday of every month, at least for now. Buono!
(5)Tartufo F.
Celebrated my wife's birthday at Alfio's on 3/22/13. All four of our meals were excellent. Probably the best meal I have had in awhile. I had the 4 cheese ravioli. Their butternut squash soup was amazing. Better than all that I spoke with executive chef Alfio and requested a dessert called Tartufo which is an authentic Italian dessert. He was kind enough to make four for us and they were awesome. We will definitely be back soon.
(5)Michelle R.
My husband and I went here for his birthday dinner. The atmosphere was a bit noisy if your looking for a romantic dinner. We ordered a bottle of Argentinian Sauvignon blanc and it was just ok. The food on the other hand....amazing!!! We shared the cheese and artichoke bruschetta to start, then my husband had a seafood linguine and I ordered the land and sea, lamb chops and scallops over mushroom and spinach risotto. Best lamb I have had in a long time, cooked to perfection and tasty. I loved it! My only complaint would be I would struggle not to order the lamb every time! Must try something else next time. Highly recommend.
(4)Andrea J.
Big fan! I met a friend for dinner and we skipped the (awesome sounding) appetizers and went straight to the main course. I had the seafood risotto and he had the short rib ravioli. He said his ravioli was amazing, but he ate it so fast I didn't get to try any! My seafood risotto was delicious, exactly what I was in the mood for...except it could have had a little more lobster/crab meat (had about 4 shrimp, 5-6 muscles, and very little crab/lobster). I was going to give them 4 stars but our server earned that 5th star. I checked in on Yelp (duh!) and there is an offer for a free scoop of gelato. This girl does not pass up a free dessert! Our server told me they had 3 flavors, espresso, mint, and a black forest chocolate with cherries and coconut. She described the black forest so well that I was really excited about it. When it came, I took 2 bites and decided it wasn't worth the calories (description was better than the actual taste). Our server noticed that I wasn't a fan and asked if I wanted a different flavor. I felt bad since it was free so I told her no, it was fine. She said, are you sure? I told her yes, the other 2 flavors didn't appeal to me. I did say if they had salted caramel then I would totally go for that. She said, let me check! 1 minute later, I had an awesome salted caramel gelato in front of me! 2 minutes later, it was gone...LOL!! So thank you for the "negative calorie dessert" because it was wonderful. Great service! One other thing to note, the atmosphere is a little more casual than I expected. A little dressier than jeans, but not a full on fancy date night place either. I will be back, for sure!
(5)Leif H.
I had Alfio's on my "list" of places to try for a long time, but had put it off because I usually prefer to go downtown or to OTR, rather than Hyde Park. Wow. I am so glad we finally tried it. We came back again two weeks after first trying it. This is definitely abnormal, as we usually wait at least a few months before revisiting. The restaurant is a fair size. The ambiance feels a little crowded because of all of the tables (even if it's not full). The dress is nicer than most, which I prefer. The service was really good. We had a waitress that really helped answer our questions and directed us to the popular dishes. The wine list is large. You can definitely find something on there that you would like. For an appetizer, we started with the empanadas. These are awesome. The order comes with three and you can mix and match which ones you want. The spinach and cheese and the prosciutto and red pepper were our favorites. For entrees, we tried the ravioli and the seafood risotto. You can split the ravioli into two orders to try multiple kinds; however, you should just take my word and only focus on the Short Rib Ravioli. This was the whole reason we came back within weeks of our first visit. Just order two servings of the Short Rib and you'll be in heaven. During our visits, we also had the Steak Ravioli and the Crab and Shrimp Ravioli. In our opinion, both of these were good, but not in the same league as the short rib. The seafood risotto was okay and had a fair amount of mixed seafood. But, I am very critical of my risottos because there are many good ones in the city. I probably would not order it again. I was very close to giving this 5 stars. The noise level is the only reason it is not 5. If you only take 1 thing from this review, GET THE SHORT RIB RAVIOLI. You will thank me later.
(4)Todd R.
Over priced & tasteless I ordered the seafood risotto, the description said muscles, shrimp & lobster which on paper sounds good but that translates to 5 muscles 4 smallish frozen shrimp & 0-1 lobster bits, there was a pice about as long as a toothpick and thee possibly 4 times the width of a toothpick and thin like linguini. Believe me when I say I raked through that risotto with my fork like a chimp looking for a bug & found nothin, nadda, zilch. This minuscule amount of Seafood is perched atop roughly 2 cups of risotto void of taste & flavor. I wouldn't be surprised if they told me it was just rice boiled in cream. To add insult to injury it cost an undeserving $28
(2)Stephanie B.
I've been meaning to try Alfio's for a while. With good word of mouth regarding the menu, an interesting concept (I love Argentine beef), and a great location, this place looked very promising! Unfortunately, it all fell flat when I recently tried it out. I went for dinner with my parents on a Thursday at about 8pm. My first gripe: The acoustics were terrible. Our waiter had to yell in order to tell us the daily specials, and I could simultaneously clearly hear a conversation happening on the other side of the room. If you want to have a nice conversation over dinner, you're out of luck at Alfio's. Next, the food: The portions are large, as are the prices. I had the Argentine flank steak, and the beef was cooked to my liking, incredibly flavorful and fatty in the right ways. Unfortunately, they ruined the deliciousness of the meat by pouring a very acidic pepper/tomato chutney all over the meat. Don't try to fix what's not broken! Maybe next time, Alfio's.
(3)Maya H.
This is a LONG review so TLDR: Get the butternut soup, get dessert ANY dessert. Everything is good but the ravioli is best. A side order of risotto makes everything better. And dont let your boyfriend order whatever he wants or you will end up tasting half the menu. ;) We came here during our anniversary vacation in Ohio. I picked it off yelp because my boyfriend loves italian food, especially ravioli. We had spent the day at kings island so we were really hungry. The inside seating is so loud. I asked for a able outside even though it had been sporadically raining, because I would rather be a little wet than deaf. However, we still got great service even though for a while we were the only couple on the front patio. We ordered the empanada trio. To be honest I was not impressed by their regular menu ones as much as their special empanada, which was a spicy chicken one. It was soooo good. I wish they would make it a regular menu item. I also ordered the butternut squash mascarpone soup, and my boyfriend ordered the cioppino. The butternut soup was our favourite, but he really loved the cioppino. I would say the butternut soup is a must-try. For dinner my boyfriend ordered the steak ravioli and the five cheese angus ravioli. the portion size was very large and he was estatic. Honestly the ravioli was amazing, definitely the highlight of the meal. I let him order for me, since we had come here for him, and the waitress talked him into trying the chimichurri steak. She super talked this steak up, so maybe it set my expectations too high, but I thought the ravioli was much better. The steak was well cooked and well-seasoned, but after eating the ravioli I would have preferred more ravioli. It came with some delicious parmesan potatoes though, and some seasoned broccoli that was delicious. I have no idea what they did to the broccoli but even my boyfriend ate it. We split an order of risotto, I really recommend the risotto. I was extremely impressed- it was well-cooked and had a great flavor. Bear with me, but for dessert we actually both got dessert too? I KNOW I KNOW sooo much food but we were celebrating and hungry. We got some sweet potato and brown sugar gelato and that was actually amazing. It was my boyfriends fav We got the goat cheese cheesecake and it was phenomenal, it was one of my favourite desserts I have ever had out. I went home and looked up a recipe.
(5)David L.
This is easily my favorite Restaurant in Cincinnati. The food is perfection and not a thing on the menu will disappoint you. It is great for a date night, and for the quality of food you get the price is very good. I would compare everything on the menu to anything at any of Jack Ruby's places for far better cost. The wine list is generous and not over priced, the service is great, and dessert is an absolute must.
(5)Tessa X.
Alfio's food will always have a special place in my heart. I have some very fond memories of romantic dinners on special occasions. I first visited Alfios with my boyfriend on his birthday last summer. We got all dressed up and had a great time. Alfio even stopped by our table afterwards to talk to us and thank us! He was very sweet and clearly proud of his food. He has an interesting background that has influenced his culinary passions - born and raised in Argentina to Italian parents, which explains the unique combo of both Argentine and Italian menu options. The food here is fantastic. I love the Argentine meat entrees - the grilled lamb chops and the rib eye with chimichurri are both incredibly tender with out of this world flavor. Even the leftovers were a treat. Other things I've tried include the empanadas (yum), the scallops (they melt perfectly in your mouth), and the ravioli (1/2 crab cake and 1/2 short rib - both excellent). Alfio is clearly a talented chef and I'm glad he's cooking here in Cincinnati! I do agree with other reviewers, the acoustics are bad. When the room is full, everyone's conversations seem to converge into one loud cacophony. On Valentine's Day, we were sitting at a corner table and at the end of our meal, I could hear every drunken word from a loud woman on the opposite side of the room. I'm not sure if they can do anything to make the environment less loud and more intimate... But we were in a good mood from all the food/wine/good service so we just laughed about it! I love Alfio's. One of my favorite restaurants!
(5)Zack F.
This is a nice restaurant in a popular area which is a plus. They were very accommodating of our large group. The service was impeccable and that's rarely the case with large groups. Everyone was attended to, the food came out at the appropriate time, and checks were split as needed, all without breaking a sweat. The food is interesting. A fusion of sorts. Unfortunately for vegetarians, there are very few choices; and for vegans maybe none? They won top honors in several categories in Taste of Cincinnati, so you know they are doing something right. I certainly enjoyed my meal and found it satisfying, if a bit heavy and perhaps a little pricey for the portion size? All in all, it was a good experience, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well. For me though, this is not going to be a regular destination.
(4)Amy E.
I've been meaning to try this place since before it opened, but I somehow didn't get around to it until recently. The empanada trio was delicious and a great way to start the meal. I got half short rib ravioli, half lobster ravioli, and both were delicious. That short rib ravioli just melts in your mouth. The seafood risotto comes with a generous helping of seafood, which is always appreciated. Got the tres leche cake for dessert which was amazing. I like that this is a great date place, but I noticed that they took really good care of families with young children as well. Service was excellent. I look forward to going back.
(5)Matt G.
Visited on a Thursday night. We arrived at 6:30 and the place was not very full. It started to get more crowded around 7:30. The waitress (Jennifer) was extremely knowledgeable about wine and the menu. She made a lot of good suggestions for our party. You can't go wrong with any of the dishes here but I highly recommend the ravioli. I tried 3 different kinds and each one was great in it's own way. The portions are quite large for the price and I believe the restaurant is an overall value as far as price point. I would easily pay $20-30 for all of the entrees. The wine selection is large and didn't appear overpriced. Dessert was fantastic and Alfio even came out to say hello to our table after the meal. Definitely will recommend to others and I will be back!
(5)David D.
Food was SoSo. Got the ravioli short ribs and let's just say they fell way "Short" couldn't taste the meat and the sauce was way to salted. We also got the empanadas and I'm not going to lie I've had HOT POCKETS taste better. So loud you can't hear anything so don't bother talking while there. I'd look into other restaurants before you eat here.
(2)Ana S.
Went here one evening and everything was so pleasant! We had an amazing waiter who was completely passionate about the food being served, and talked about the owner highly. We ordered the trio empanadas, which was really good. For the main meal, my husband had the cheese ravioli and I had the short rib ravioli, they were both AMAZING. I was a bit skeptical at first because I love the short rib ravioli at Sotto, and didn't want to be disappointed. It was pretty damn good, even as leftovers the next day. We ended the dinner with salted caramel gelato, and we couldn't be any happier! Can't wait to go his new restaurant.
(5)Aly S.
We went here for a birthday party with a group of 7, which is an activity I would suggest here. We got the idea because my boyfriend's parents met Alfio himself at the Spicy Olive and ever since have been very interested in checking the place out. Our waiter was very attentive, when my in-laws had extensive wine questions they got the head waiter who helped up decide on a few bottles to share. We were visited later in the meal by one of their Italian waiters who asked about our wines, which was entertaining and a nice touch. As everyone else says, the empanadas are a must. The spinach one was my favorite. They are easily sharable, we got 2 orders for 6 people. The very popular short rib ravioli was not to die for as most say (in my opinion! don't hate me Yelpers). The sauce was too heavy and there was just way too much of it. The rib eye steak entree was covered in Chimichurri, and had amazing char and flavor. It was cooked to medium perfection (very much pink, what many restaurants serve as medium rare). We had the tiramisu for dessert, I loved the frozen strawberry stuff on top, I ate it off both of our orders. I also want to mention that they get their seafood from Keegan's Seafood which is right next door, and which our waiter described as the freshest seafood he has ever had. Now I haven't had it, but has he ever been to a coastal city? Anyway I would love to go back and try the seafood. Also just want to mention that you can dress up if you want but we all wore jeans.
(4)Sonali R.
Ordered takeout for my hubby and myself yesterday since we were feeling like Italian and couldn't leave the house since our toddler was sleeping. Just moved to the area and had not tried this restaurant. Butternut squash soup was the best I ever had! The fig salad had a wonderful dressing and the mushroom ravioli was fantastic. When we got home, the zucchini appetizer wasn't included ( and we had already paid for it). When I called to ask them about it, the owners were as nice as can be. Scott personally came and dropped off a fresh order at our home at 9p on a busy weeknight. We were impressed with the quality of food and the customer service. I asked my husband when is he taking me here for date night? Can't wait to experience dining at the restaurant.
(5)Tina E.
Went there to celebrate 30th anniversary. Wish I would have read reviews 1st. Food was very good but it was so loud we couldn't even talk across the table to each other. Not so intimate of a setting.
(3)Jessica D.
I have this cute little crush on alfios. Kind of like the crush where you want to talk to the girl/guy but you're too nervous to muster up the courage. I would drive past it longingly en route to Whole foods, knowing there was some culinary magic occurring inside. After all, taking on argentine-Italian fusion requires gumption from the chef (one would assume). But alas, my time finally came on my one year anniversary with one beguiling Jay Umbleby. Alfios is the perfect place to dine on such a momentous occasion! And as expected, alfios did not disappoint. Everything on the menu is extraordinary. I struggled to finalize my decision for both appetizer and main course. By suggestion of our [handsome ] waiter, we went with fried zucchini and a side of pesto cream sauce as an appetizer, short rib veal ravioli for jay and seafood risotto for me. The zucchini was a tad salty, but not oily. Could have gone for more pesto in the sauce, but the meal was delicious nonetheless. Jays ravioli with a bit of truffle in the brown sauce is impossible to replicate, it was so good. The type of food where you savor each and every bite. The smallest morsel, packed with flavor. Healthy portion, as well. My meal was better than his, if that's even possible. Genuinely one of the best servings of risotto I've had in my lifetime. Shrimp, lobster, and mussels were served in droves. Perhaps a 1 tablespoon risotto to seafood ratio. I almost fainted in happiness, as I thought, this is what an Italian shark's diet must be like. Lucky bastards! Alfios is just as lovely as I imagined. Perfect for a special date or celebration.
(5)Jennifer B.
I cannot say enough great things about Alfio's! My mom and I went last night for our girls night- neither of us had been before, but a good friend recommended the restaurant to us. We were blown away with the food, service, and unique space. We had the skirt steak, steak ravioli, empanadas, and brown sugar goat cheese cheesecake. Everything was yummy!! I've been searching for a great Italian spot since moving from Chicago and love that Alfio's also has some Argentinean mixed into their food. We will continue to dine at Alfio's and can't wait to go back! PS- great happy hour too!
(5)Ashley M.
Alfio Buon Cibo is a restaurant that screams for attention and tries to be something it's not. We came here for a Saturday night dinner and were greeted by friendly hostesses and an over-enthusiastic server who was quick to tell us all about Alfio and his culinary talent. Listening to all the hype, we were very excited to try this food that apparently won so many accolades. I suggested ordering a few small plates and sharing to enjoy everything Alfio has to offer. We ordered the following: empanada trio, grilled lobster tail, grilled scallops, and per the server's recommendation, skirt steak with Argentine relish. Sad to say, out of all those dishes, nothing impressed me--and all the dishes certainly did not match the price of the meal, especially for a town like Cincinnati. The empanadas were good, but nothing extraordinary. I liked the grilled lobster tail, which was bacon-wrapped and grilled over Italian guacamole topped with pineapple salsa, but the dish itself did not live up to the description. The guacamole was barely seasoned and lacked any special ingredients; it reminded me of just eating plain mashed avocado. Calling a few pieces of flavored cubed pineapple "salsa" also seems a bit of a stretch. The grilled scallops were even more disappointing, as they arrived to the table buried under a salad mixture, which is again deceiving by the description of the "tomato, onion, and mixed pepper Argentine relish", which I would imagine to be a compliment to the scallops and not stealing the whole show. However, by far the most disappointing part of our meal was the server's very own recommendation of the skirt steak. We ordered the steak medium, however, it arrived extremely well done and incredibly tough. I had trouble slicing the steak and struggled to chew it as well. For a restaurant that features a "From the Argentine Grill" as an exclusive section on their menu, I did not expect quality this poor. The one thing that really bothers me about this place is all the apparent recognition it receives without having a greater level of respect for fine food. I was able to easily point out six pieces of cubed tomato from my relish that were all sliced in ranging clunky sizes; the sauce surrounding my steak arrived at the table a splattered, oily mess; every dish was presented to us sloppily plated; and even the Argentinian style grilled meat did not live up to the hype. Perhaps there are times when Chef Alfio tries harder to impress his clientele, such as during the wine experience when "Alfio whips out his best food", as told by our server, but for dropping close to a bill that evening, I would expect for us to enjoy the food that wins awards and rivals the very best Alfio has to offer.
(2)Jeff R.
I've been here a couple of times and have been waiting to write a review until I've tried a few more dishes and had different servers. Alfio's is solid but not more than that and I have to admit that I'm puzzled by the 4 stars because every visit has been between a 2-3 star experience for me and my group, but with a few 4 star dishes thrown in. Ambiance: nothing special, certainly nothing worthy of a 4 star rating. The room is somewhat spartan with little or nothing to keep the noise down. I downloaded a handy app that gives average and peak decibel levels. Alfio qualifies as very noisy with an average of 85 db and peak of 94dbA. Hearing loss WILL result from extended periods of noise above 85dbA. Practically, what this means is that in a restaurant, if you're at a table of 6, you'll find yourself raising your voice significantly to have a conversation. 2 stars The wine list is "meh" and has the usual markups. I WOULD NOT order by the glass. At least twice I've had wine that had been left in the bottle too long and obviously was very much off its peak. Local beers are underrepresented with just two breweries listed. C'mon guys! With all the great stuff now going on in Cincinnati you can and should do better. To add insult to injury, they have NOTHING ON TAP OR DRAFT. Everything comes in cans and bottles. Oh and by the way, you pour your own: the waitress plops down the glass and can and the rest is up to you. No big deal but REALLY? When a meal is going to cost me upwards of 55-60/person, I expect a higher level of service. 2 stars. Service: The staff are friendly pretty knowledgeable about the menu and reasonably prompt. But we had to ask twice for different drinks because they never showed. 3 stars The food. It was solid, but nothing better than that. Between the times that I've gone and tasting the different mains ordered by our parties, I'd say that I've tried about 50% of what's on their menu. Almost everything was a 3, some were two (eg, skirt steak, which is actually cooked, presented and from a cut that looks, feels and tastes like brisket) to a few 4's (the seafood risotto and the nut encrusted salmon). 3 stars. So there you have it. Overall, considering that the food is ultimately is the most important metric, I'd score it a 3. If I happened to be in the neighborhood, I wouldn't avoid it for a meal but it's definitely not a destination for me.
(3)Roberto R.
Best churrasco I have ever had! It was perfectly cooked to medium... and do not forget to request the chimichurri since it does not come along with the churrasco plate.
(5)Eli D.
After reading the reviews I was hopeful. I had the rib eye entree. The steak itself was flavorless and stringy, and the sauce seemed like a mere topping which didn't really complement the (lack of) flavor. The side of butternut squash mashed potatoes was amazing, but the broccolini was a bit too "al dente," practically raw. I was not impressed, but this is just my opinion as the quality did not justify the prices. There are many, many, many better places to eat in Cinci, so there exists no need to dine here again.
(2)Ben S.
I rather enjoyed this place last time I was in Cinci, and would definitely go again. I wish there was a 4.5 as I was a little less impressed by the service, but only due to having to wait forever for water refills. I'm big on water, lol. Seriously though, they had a lamb special that night with two ravioli. I was told the short rib ravioli is some of the best you can have, so I asked about substitution. It was allowed and that basically sealed this 5 star rating. The price is good to go, the lamb came out perfectly medium rare and I basically lost my shit over the short rib ravioli. All in all, the place doesn't feel or look all that spectacular...decor makes me feel like I'm at a generic place, but the food preparation makes this place worth traveling to. I mean, its not Nicola's...but you definitely get a fantastic meal at a great price and I'd wager they could serve the braised rib ravioli only and stay in business. Give it a go!
(5)Erich W.
I have now been to Alfio's twice and has been delicious both times. It seems to be a hidden gem in that for as good as it is I have never had to wait. I am certainly fine with that The location has had a problem with restaurant turnover int the past which is interesting given its location in the heart of Hyde Park Square. The decor is fine but nothing unique. Service was prompt and courteous on both occasions as well. I always felt well taken care of. Wine list had a nice selection by the glass. The food is what sets this Italian Restaurant apart in my opinion. The Bruschetta appetizer was excellent and more memorable than the Empanadas, which were just good. The main star in my opinion is the Ravioli, which they have won Best of Taste at Taste of Cincinnati. I had the Short Rib Ravioli the first time and most recently the Crab Ravioli. Both were exceptional and paired well with their respective sauces. You can't go wrong with either but I think the Short Rib was a tad better. I have also tried the Risotto which also was very good. I definitely will put this on my good to restaurants when I want an awesome meal
(4)Alishia L.
If you are ready to fall in love with a restaurant from start to finish then come here. We went on a family date on 3/13/2015 ( Kids are 11 and 8) all of us being 1st time diners. We were sat immediately, had a very polite and knowledgeable waitress who split the girls salad and entree without any hesitation. She kept our glasses filled and did not push or rush us. The food was amazing. The girls had short rib ravioli (minus a few forkfuls that I took) and the poached pair and fig salad. I enjoyed the pistachio salmon and dad had the lamb. We ate so quickly there was no time to take a picture! We will be back :)
(4)Steven F.
Sat on the patio with 3 other tables. After 10 minutes watching waiter after waiter walk by and NOT ONE even acknowledge me, I left. The empanadas are good, but they're not shitty service good. I hear they're opening a place in trendy, crowded OTR. You'll have to do better than that to succeed there
(1)Red P.
Of course I was excited to try this place but not for reasons you might think! It was a first date and like most singles today, we met on-line. He had visited my blog and was thoughtful enough to put a lot of effort into the location for our first date. That in itself was impressive!! I had not tried Alfio's and was excited to check it out. The location is in the Hyde Park Square and Alfio's has been there for about two years. I felt welcomed from the minute I walked in (thanks to my date) but also thanks to the staff who were attentive and the atmosphere which was cozy, and perfect for a rainy Friday night. We sat at the bar and enjoyed a drink before we moved to our table for the main affair. I always love my time at the bar which is where you can get a real feel for the place and get the inside scoop from the staff. We had a 7:15 reservation and the place was lively and included a nice mix of diners enjoying the weekend kickoff. We started with a bottle of Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio and it was lovely. My date had his heart set on the mussels for an appetizer and it was a decision he did not regret. I even enjoyed them, simmering in lot's of garlic and wine. It was a good sign he was willing to share so I felt confident the date was going well! I opted for the Empanada Trio which is an authentic Argentine fried pastry- Spicy beef, spinach, and prosciutto with roasted red peppers and mozzarella. Amazing!! I was feeling pretty satisfied at this point but had to move on to the next course. Our server was very patient and helpful as we took our time enjoying each other, and narrowing our choices. I choose the Skirt Steak with Argentine relish and it was incredible!!! Tender, juicy and flavorful; it left an impact on my taste buds! It was served with butternut squash mash potatoes and brocolini but they did not get my attention since I only had room for the steak. My date selected the Five Cheese Angus Ravioli which was highly recommended by our server. He was pleased but I definitely liked my choice better. We never made it to desert but did enjoy a final drink at the bar and a really nice kiss good night. Do yourself a favor and make a plan to try this amazing restaurant! I think you will enjoy it!! Buon cibo Red Pearl P.S. A second date is a certainty!!
(4)Katie K.
We went on a Friday night to celebrate my graduation from graduate school. My parents had called ahead to have a bottle of Champagne waiting on the table; the server was never notified about the Champagne. The food was good, and the soup we had was amazing. The atmosphere was a bit stuffy and it was VERY loud. We will be back to give this place another shot. But all and all, we were not overly impressed with our first visit. Perhaps mid week when it is less crowded will help with the poor acoustics.
(3)Josephine M.
Great atmosphere! Fun for groups. Mussels and shrimp pasta could have been better. The mussels were small but the shrimp were big. Was looking forward to my dessert but they forgot it so they gave me a card for one free dessert. The scallops for appetizer were really big and tasty!
(4)Jen L.
We had a little girl's night out here last weekend and had a nice time. The food was good. I had the special which was a lamb risotto and it was warm and rich and I liked it very much. They have a good variety on their wine list and the location is great. I will definitely be back with my husband to try some other menu items.
(4)Maggie B.
Five star food and service at a four or three star price. We had a fantastic first trip to Alfio's. The atmosphere is perfect. Romantic and cozy with dim lighting without being dark. Loved the arches in the center room. We started with the Empanada Trio which was fantastic. The prosciutto one and spinach one were both delicious. The beef one was ground beef, which I am not crazy about, but the spice profile was super interesting. We followed with the Fried Goat Cheese and Beet salad. The pairing was perfectly balanced. The beets were marinated so they had a great flavor without the dirt aftertaste. The butternut squash and mascarpone soup was nothing short of a spiritual experience. The bread and butter was also a cut above. The butter was creamed with garlic and herbs. We went for the Short Rib Ravioli for the main. The truffle sauce was simply divine. Dessert was the only thing that wasn't fantastic. We ordered the Chocolate Caramel Tiramisu. It was served with house made strawberry whipped cream and a house made double chocolate cookie. Those were delicious touches but the tiramisu itself was more like a chocolate layer cake. I am not a cake fan, so I was disappointed. We will be sure to try one of the other options next time. Service was phenomenal. Our waitress, Michelle, was attentive and had great suggestions. Her wine suggestion was spot on. We can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
(5)Mike O.
Very loud, but all restaurants are like that these days. Seafood risotto had great flavor but didn't have the lobster in it as advertised and the muscles were very small. The highly acclaimed short rib ravioli- the sauce was excellent but the ravioli " pasta" itself was undercooked and tough. The Filet mignon was excellent. The cheery sauce was very good and I recommend the squash mashed which was very very good. Desserts was nice try the goat cheese cake.
(3)Heather M.
Very satisfied. We are Italian, and this restaurant provides the best homemade ravioli we've had in Cincinnati. However, the ravioli is thicker than ravioli we would make at home. The short-rib ravioli was our favorite. The lamb in the lamb risotto was tough. The spinach empanadas were delicious. Our server was knowledgable on all of the ingredients for each plate. The tiramisu was tasty!
(4)Heather W.
I had high hopes for this spot after raves from friends but perhaps they over hyped it. Don't get me wrong the food was good- the atmosphere just wasn't great. Cincinnati has so many restaurants that pair both phenomenal food and atmosphere and I feel alfios fell short. My only other complaint was the gelato. It was a bit icy and left me disappointed at the end of my meal. I'll likely give it another shot if I'm looking for a spot in hyde park but I'd likely hit tellers first unfortunately.
(3)Kelly M.
if you have not had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant then put in a reservation for tonight! You're definitely missing out! The staff first off makes the atmosphere very welcoming. The owner Scott is one of the nicest people you will ever meet! I have had MANY items at this restaurant ( Empanada, Bacon wrapped lobster tail, Spinach and apple salad, short rib ravioli, crab cake and shrimp ravioli..... etc) i think i just named the whole menu, but you get the point! ITS ALL DELICIOUS! If you save room make sure you get dessert!!! Most restaurants are either great at dinner or dessert this place hits it out of the park with both!!
(5)Amy W.
Score! We live less than 1/2 mile up the road and had never eaten at Alfio's until early May. I experienced it for the first time with a group of girlfriends. Since then, we've been there 3 times in 3 months. Delicious, authentic, gourmet & original. Ruby Red Trout: MY favorite dish. The trout is grilled to perfection over a bed of mascarpone polenta & grilled asparagus. If you love fish, this is the entree for you. Short Rib Ravioli: Pasta lover? Alfio's makes their own ravioli from scratch. The short rib is such an original idea for ravioli and is absolutely addicting. Husband had the Rib Eye with Chimichurri: he loves this dish and says he could eat the chimichurri on its own. We split the grilled Romaine Salad. I've made this myself at home and it's the only dish I can criticize. It was just okay. I'm not sure I can pinpoint what the problem was, but my own version was far better. Appetizers: Get the empanada trio! I would even order these as an entree. All three flavors were surprisingly good. Despite my disappointment with the grilled romaine salad, Alfio's is still 5 stars in my book. Undoubtedly, the best restaurant in Hyde Park Square!
(5)Elena K.
Excellent Great service, amazing menu and both owners came by to check on our table. I was very impressed with my entree which happened to be a special for the wine tasting dinner. Truffle salt encrusted filet with grilled asparagus and Gorgonzola mashed potatoes. Simply amazing. The other dish is the Seafood Risotto also delicious.
(5)Tyler S.
The short rib ravioli was nothing short of amazing. For dessert you have to give the Argentinian Dolce de leche crepes a try they are to die for.
(5)Mallory B.
Unbelievably good. We shared an appetizer of empanadas (the spinach one was out of this world), tomatoes with mozzarella, and then my friend had the short rib ravioli, which had more flavor than any single dish I've ever had. I had the lamb chops with mint chimichurri and it was awesome - it came with mashed butternut squash and broccolini. And we shared a bottle of wine which was amazing. We passed on dessert but I wish we hadn't! So good!
(5)Sara M.
Our visit to Alfio's was a last-minute decision, but a seriously good one. This is another place that caught my attention because of their stand at Taste of Cincinnati. Their short rib ravioli has a special place in my heart. On my weekly "daddy-daughter date," we got the empanada trio, and swapped out the spinach with cheese (we'd had it a Taste) for their special--a bar-b-que that was delicious. But, our favorite was probably the prosciutto with roasted red peppers and mozzarella. For my entree, I got the pistachio crusted salmon. It was delicious, and I am still craving more of the sides (green beans and butternut squash mashed potatoes). My dad got the special, which was some sort of pasta with shrimp. The shrimp was good, but the sauce was too mac-and-cheese-like for my liking. The deconstructed tiramisu was good, though a little hard to eat (I guess that's what you get for ordering something "deconstructed"). It's a little expensive, but I personally think their prices are appropriate for the good food and service. Looking forward to coming back.
(5)Ryan Z.
This review could easily be a 3 star, which would be a huge shame considering the quality of the food. The food was imaginative and tasty and very well priced. The problem was with the bar/ice. When we first arrived, I noticed a large black bug in the ice behind the bar. I pointed it out to the bartender who used her ice scooper to scoop it out of the container. That was it. She didn't wash the ice scooper. She didn't drain the container. Nothing. It was like it wasn't a big deal. We sat down at our table for dinner and almost forgot about the bug. I ordered a bottle of wine and we all asked for our waters w/o ice. Towards the end of the meal, the waitress refilled my water with her jug and I noticed a small bit of black something floating in my water. I hope it wasn't part of the bug, but I don't know. What I do know is that I wouldn't have had to worry about it if the bartender had properly addressed the issue when we pointed it out to her in the first place. Ok, after writing this review, I'm a little sick to my stomach and I just can't justify 4 stars. It's inexcusable to risk your customer's health with such apathy. It's just so disappointing because the food was genuinely VERY good!
(3)Amanda C.
I love Alfio's! We live in the neighborhood and so enjoy having an Italian-Argentine restaurant within walking distance. The menu changes seasonally, so there's usually something new and adventurous to try. We visited most recently on the first day of their spring menu. Because my husband was one of the first to order the seasonal ravioli, Alfio stopped by to see how he liked it. It was very sweet, and you could tell Alfio is very earnest about people enjoying his food. All the wait staff are very friendly and eager to explain the menu. It's nice to experience such enthusiasm. The jaw-dropping, delicious food is why this restaurant deserves 5 stars, though. It's one of those places I feel like eating in silence to enjoy every morsel as much as it deserves. (Perhaps I'm not that much fun at dinner parties...) Oh, and a tip! Alfio's offers carry-out.
(5)Al B.
Great food (mint lamb was awesome!). Terrible service. Slow to take orders, seemed a little hopped up, didn't come to check on dinners once even though we had asked for a wine list to order a glass with the meal. Won't be back.
(3)Gerri H.
This was our first time at Alfio's and we were impressed! Superior service and food. Alfio made a special sauce for the ribs based on my husband's dietary needs. Empanadas were a great start. My short rib ravioli were fabulous. Scott, Alfio and our waitress made us feel like we were part of their family.
(5)Steve T.
Very good food. Reasonable prices. Dependable service.
(4)David C.
My wife and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary last night at Alfio's. What a fortunate choice. We sat outside in the early evening breeze and enjoyed people watching on Hyde Park Square. The atmosphere was wonderful! Our server, Shelly, was there within just a couple of moments to greet us and get our drink order. As a craft beer fan I was excited to see the large number of local breweries in their beer selection. My wife ordered a Malbec wine that she raved about. So we were off to a great start, but it just kept getting better. Shelly brought our bacon wrapped, Grilled Lobster Tail appetizer. It's served on a bed of "Italian" guacamole. It was amazing, both the lobster but frankly, the guac stole the show. I found out that they make it with mascarpone cheese! Are you kidding me? It was so creamy, yet the avocado dice was large enough that it's flavor wasn't overpowered. Sumptuousness is an understatement. As we reminisced about our 25 years together, we never felt hurried. In fact, quite the opposite - as if we were the only table she had. Really great service! Our entrees were delivered and they were visually stunning. (about half way through the meal I thought of writing a review and couldn't believe I did not get a picture) Mine was the daily special of three perfectly grilled lamb chops with two perfectly seared sea scallops served on a bed of creamy wild mushroom risotto, topped with grilled baby onions. My mouth is watering just remembering the aroma, but the thing that amazed me was the texture of the scallops. Perfectly seared and soooo creamy. Often, when I have scallops they are over cooked and a bit chewy...not these. My bride ordered the Sauteed Mussels and Shrimp. These gems are sauteed in a saffron/garlic butter sauce and served on a bed of perfectly al dente linguini. The balance of flavor was amazing. Overall it was an amazing evening spent with the love of my life. I'm grateful for such a great evening celebrating! .
(5)Anjelica N.
Alfio's was one of those restaurants everyone's driven past, say "I wanna try this place out" only to subsequently never visit. It's a shame. Alfio's Italian-Argentine cuisine is amazing! The restaurant itself isn't too big.It's pretty cozy. I visited on a nice early summer day. The windows were open. My friends and I grabbed a high-top by the window for an early dinner. My appetizer was the butternut squash mascarpone soup. I'm not sure what drew me to it but I had a nice little cup. It's flavorful and creamy, but not overpowering. My friends all had a bite and were instantaneously jealous. It was good enough that one of the girls ordered her own bowl after trying mine. For the main course, I had the goat cheese ravioli. I love cheese. I'm OBSESSED with goat cheese. Also, I can never say no to pasta. It was a no brainer and boy was it delicious. The goat cheese isn't too pungent to overwhelm your palate. It was delicately flavorful accented by the mild tomato pesto. The portion was definitely more than enough. I also got to nab a bit of the lamb. As expected, it was pretty good. Soft and juicy with dollops of the herbed chimichurri...it almost made me regret my choice of ravioli..but only almost.
(4)Tim L.
Great location. Unique dishes, and a good drink list. Salmon, gnocchi, ravioli, and risotto - all confirmed as big time playoff wins. Complimentary bread was choice. Great spot to get a nice meal and be well taken care of without totally breaking the bank.
(5)Bill E.
Came here with a friend from Argentina, so he really knows the food and wine etc.. We were seated at 7pm in the back by the wine wall and our server was Sean he was a good server, but really didn't do anything special to make our visit awesome. He brought out house made bread and both of us could tell the chef uses lard instead of butter in making the bread, it was served warm and with a cold roasted garlic butter. Cold butter at a restaurant is a pet peeve of mine... Anyway we split the trio of empandas and they were good, the spinach and cheese one was probably the best one we had. Onto the main course we both decided on the Argentine Skirt steak, when asked about the portion size the server made a notion with his hands how big, but not an exact weight like 8 oz for example. The steak was cooked perfect and we requested the relish on the side so both of us could really taste the steak and I am glad we did. The dish was served with butternut squash mashed potatoes and broccolini, the broccolini was a bit under cooked and needed a touch of salt. For dessert we decided to split Dulce de leche Cheese Cake Alfajor- described as Argentine style moon pie filled with caramel cheese cake and draped in chocolate ganache. It was good it also came with a berry compote. My Argentine friend liked the restaurant and said he would be back to try some other things. Price- 40 per It was starting to get packed when we were eating our dinner..
(3)Chris C.
I ate dinner here for the first time on a Thursday night, with 7 other people - we had a reservation. I think that for the most part everyone really liked the food. I thought that the service was average/good, especially for a large group. My food was so good that I will come back. Some of the group ordered Ravioli (I had a sample of the 5 cheese Angus Ravioli and it was very good - I imagine the red sauce had cream in it because it was so tasty). Others in the group tried a Risotto entree or Parmigiana or Lamb Chops. I had the Melon Berry salad - it was so good and tasty that I couldn't stop eating it to try anything else until it was gone! I also had the Shrimp & Crab cake: Lump crabmeat and shrimp over Italian guacamole with a spicy sweet red pepper aioli - it looked very pretty and it was delicious. I thought it was a nice touch that Alfio himself came to our table before we ordered, to shake our hand and thank us for being there, and to see what we'd like to know about the menu.
(4)Megan T.
I can't get enough of Alfio's! The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. Chef Alfio is extremely talented in his creations and his food pairings. Everyone is very accommodating when it comes to good allergies and diet preferences. Their wine dinner is my favorite night of the month! If you haven't tried Alfio's yet, you're missing out!
(5)Kate J.
After discovering Alfio's a year ago at Taste of Blue Ash, I finally made it in. I thought 'if they're able to serve gourmet food in large batches, and it tastes this great in a fair atmosphere, I'm sure the plated dinners are fantastic.' We started with a nice Malbec recommended by the server. It was good, but I'm not a wine expert. We ordered the empanada trio because we'd had it at the Taste, and a newer cheese kind of appetizer. Both were great, but I liked the empanadas better. We also ordered the butternut squash soup. That tasted very fresh. Also ordered a spinach apple salad. Also very good. My husband ordered the fish of the night. It was very fresh and had a great unique taste. I ordered the skirt steak. I ordered medium as recommended. It was difficult to cut, but also very red in the middle. I was hoping for pink. So I'm not sure that was cooked right. Looking back I wish I would have gone for more of the Italian food route. Next visit I will. Desert brought a Creme Brulee with butterscotch pretzel base and carmelized bananas. We went looking to try a new place that has different kinds of food. We found that. This place is not quite, so it wouldn't be super romantic. I think they could improve the steak cooking as those seem to be trouble spots based on reviews I read. We plan to return as we're sure anytime we have out of town guest this would be a great place to take them. I'm sure they probably change up the menu which is ALWAYS the right thing to do. I'm looking forward to see what Alfio has for me next time!
(4)Natalie A.
I'm very picky about my Italian food, especially pasta. Alfio's is one of two places I have discovered in Cincinnati that cooks their pasta correctly, that is, al dente (the other is Sotto). Kudos, Alfio! You have to try Alfio's short rib ravioli. It was divine! I also recommend the empanada trio, which was incredible. All in our party thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and the atmosphere and service was excellent. Exceptional food, definitely worth the price! We'll be back.
(5)Merilee M.
Went here for my husbands birthday at the end of March. We were treated like royalty! Incredible service, so friendly and attentive. We ordered the short rib ravioli and the lamb. Both entrees were some of the best we have ever had. For dessert we ate the tiramisu and that finished off the evening perfectly! As we walked out the door one of the owners said Happy Birthday to my husband and handed him a 20% off card for our next visit! We will be back!!
(5)Michael H.
Excellent choice for an evening of two. Started with Empanada Trio and the Butternut Squash Marscarpone soup. We had the Five Cheese Angus Ravioli and the Short Rib ravioli (my favorite). The Martini ' s were very good which my favorite was the Blueberry Pomegranate. Only downside is parking can be somewhat tricky. Service was very excellent.
(5)Rick P.
About th 4th time we have been there in the last year and half. Reservations are spot on, never a lot of waiting after arrival. There is nothing on the menu that is not excellent that we have tried. Wait staff is very helpful.
(5)Ed P.
Late last week my wife and I met another couple for dinner at the newly opened Alfio's Buon Cibo in Hyde Park Square. Alfio's opened about a month ago in the former Poco a Poco spot (which I enjoyed during its short lifespan). Chef Alfio Gulisano was born to Italian parents but grew up in Argentina. So the menu is a mix of both cuisines, with most of it focusing on recipes from his family's Italian heritage. I made a reservation for 6:45 and arrived to find the restaurant with just a few tables occupied. The bar area is just past the hostess stand and had a number of guests already there enjoying glasses of wine. As we waited for one of our friends to arrive, the restaurant became increasingly crowded and a couple of larger parties also made their way inside. Our server for the evening offered suggestions not only for dinner but also was very knowledgeable about the wine list and even suggested an Argentinean beer, Quilmes, a lager with a little more flavor than most of our own domestically produced options. He was quick to provide refills throughout the night. The other employees that we did see throughout the night were all helpful and provided excellent service. My wife started with the spinach and apple salad with spicy honey candied pecans, goat cheese, red onion, and dried cherries in a quince pomegranate vinaigrette ($9). I didn't order a starter of my own, but was happy to share a few bites of her salad. It was an excellent blend of flavors and I loved it. One of our friends tried the butternut squash mascarpone soup and said it was very tasty as well (cup $4 and bowl $7). For dinner I decided on the chicken saltimbocca, which combined pan seared chicken breasts with prosciutto, roasted red peppers and sage then cooked in white wine and butter sauce and served over fettuccini ($18). The presentation was a bit strange with the large roasted red pepper dwarfing the rest of the dish, but the portion size was excellent with two full chicken breasts. The sauce was a delicious butter and wine based sauce and the flavor combination was really good. I also considered ordering the chicken caprese - sautéed chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil in a white wine shitake mushroom sauce served over spaghetti ($19). One of our friends ordered this dish and it was much prettier in presentation. I didn't sample any it, but I think I would consider giving that a try next time, as she seemed to really enjoy it. My wife ordered one of two specials for the night, eggplant parmigiana ($14). They also offer Lobster ($25), Portabella ($16), and Chicken ($18). This dish again was a large serving with three large slices of eggplant that were breaded and fried and then smothered with marinara and mozzarella. I'm not usually one to enjoy eggplant parmigiana, but I stole a few bites anyway and I though this was again very good. I would even rank it above most of the chicken parmigiana I have had in the last few years. The fourth plate at our table was braised veal short ribs in porcini and shitake truffle mushroom broth served over creamy polenta and asparagus ($22). Again I did not sample any of the dish, but our friend commented that it was good. He added that they weren't the best short ribs he's ever had, but that they were tender and tasty. Overall we had a great dining experience at Alfio's and I'm sure we will be back for more food in the hopefully near future.
(4)C F.
Alfio's has become a staple in my list of places to take folks visiting us here in Cincinnati. The mix of clever Italian pastas and interesting Argentinian meats, plus seafood dishes, offers something for everyone. A must-have is the squash soup...delicious!
(5)Lindsey O.
Arrived about 6:30 on a Tuesday night (7/9/13) without reservations, but we were able to get a table. The gentleman who greeted us (owner?) was very friendly and welcoming. The interior of the restaurant is a great improvement from when I was last there four or five years ago (when it was occupied by the steakhouse Red). It is brighter and more open. I really liked the exposed brick and overall atmosphere. Our service was excellent. The waitress knew a lot about the menu and wine list. Unfortunately, they were out of the wine I initially ordered. I got another Chardonnay which was just okay. We ordered the empanadas as a starter, and they were excellent. One was spinach and cheese, one was prosciutto, and one was chicken. My husband liked all three equally, but I think the prosciutto was the best. For entrees, I had the goat cheese ravioli and my husband had the chicken parmesan. The portion size of the chicken parmesan was HUGE, but he will be happily eating it again for lunch today. My goat cheese ravioli was very good. Just enough that I didn't finish the whole dish, but not so much I needed to take any home. I tried a bite of their homemade bread with butter, and it was delicious. Our bill was around $60 (one appetizer, two glasses of wine, and two entrees), so this will be a restaurant we save for special occasions. Overall, it was very good and a nice place to hit for date nights.
(4)MelaCat R.
If the two items from the Taste of Cincinnati are any indication of what's on the menu at this place, I know I am going to love it. At the Taste they had a spinach empanada, the spinach tasted so fresh it was like they were picking it from a garden behind their booth. It can only get better if it was that good at a street festival. The veal stuffed ravioli with a cream truffle sauce. First truffles make just about everything better, but the one ravioli I was served was excellent. I have been thinking about the food at this place since last week. I place to visit their restaurant very soon. I hope I will not be disappointed.
(4)Sarah T.
I was visiting Cincinnati last week (used to be a resident for many years) and Alfio's, of course, made my list of eateries to visit during my week-long vacation. A friend and I went and had a wonderful time, treated like family even though we came in 30 minutes before close. The service is always friendly, food always outstanding and the friendly chef visiting your table is always a plus. My favorites are: Empanadas, Butternut Squash Soup, Short Rib Ravioli and Deconstructed Creme Brulee. I recommend this spot to anyone dining in the city!!
(5)Jonathan W.
Great food and wine selection. Acoustics are a little loud though. If you can get over that, that space has finally found a winning restaurant!
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