HOME RUN! my girl and I went for our third anneversary. I had a steak and she had sushi. the food was amazing. we saw some friends there and our waitress overheard us talking about anneversary. unbenownst to either of us she had prepared a dissert with candle for us. made me look like a hero in her eyes. well done embers and crew. we will be back.
(5)
Brian C.
Dinner Jan 19 The Restaurant: beautiful decor, cozy, intimate and very classy. The Service: it was okay. Our water glasses were empty quite a lot. I was a bit surprised no wait staff were there just to fill water glasses. And I will never understand why when people order water to drink, they just don't bring a bigger glass to begin with. But, our server's suggestions were "spot on". I especially appreciated that he mentioned the house salad had blue cheese and made sure that was okay. The Food: portions are not big, so if your real hungry or a big eater you had better order an appetizer or two. BUT, what Embers loses in quantity, it more than makes up for in Quality! Everything ordered at our table was beautifully presented. The ingredients were fresh, very flavorful&, seasoned wonderfully and cooked perfectly. I ordered the Seared Sea Scallop was blown away at the unique taste of the dish. The scallops were rather small, but seared perfectly and tasted even better than they looked. The Boursin Risotto with mushrooms was incredible and was a magnificent accompaniment with the scallops. The only thing that was ordered that was disappointing was the side dish of Asparagus. A surprisingly large portion, enough for table to share, but very bland and flavorless. The Desserts: The Bonbonerie Opera Cream Torte was simply decadent! A wonderful creation that simply melted in my mouth! My table also ordered the Oreo Stuffed Donuts, they were unique and a very different dessert. Very, very rich and plenty enough to share. This is certainly not a place to go after a softball game with the boys. It is expensive, so be prepared to pay a lot, but it is worth it!
(4)
Caroline C.
Embers has successfully dredged itself out of the depths of being a "special occasion" restaurant with their lively bar and weekly specials. The bar is almost always packed (even on week nights) thanks to their bar menu and sushi menu. Sign up for their email newsletter and find out what wine specials they have for "Wine Week" during the last week of each month. Serious wines for minimum pricing. What a great way to try a glass of an upscale wine ($100/bottle) without making the commitment of a whole bottle. I was originally afraid to post about their great specials because I didn't want it to be more crowded than it already is, but we go here so often now, I don't mind sharing the joy. As far as their dining room? I don't know because I haven't eaten there in years. The prices are ridiculous. I suspect that their steaks aren't USDA Prime and that they just employ the use of cleverly placed "quotation marks". And $45 for Dover Sole Meuniere? I've paid less than that a Michelin 3 star... Don't waste your money on that or their Bonbonerie desserts.
(4)
Eleni K.
I finally got to try Embers out! I have been for cocktails, but never dinner in the dining room. There was about an hour and a half wait, but no biggie as we had a seat at the bar. My only complaint about the bar was the bartenders never asked us if we would like a bar menu for an appetizer or anything while we waited,....for an hour and a half! We finally got to the dining room and our server, Clay, was amazing! He recommended the natural filet which was incredible and cooked to perfection! The sides were ok. Good, but not out of the park. The begneits were tasty with a great raspberry sauce, I think the filet was worth the price, but the sides need a bit of work. But seriously, if you go, sit in Clay's section. Awesome service!!!!
(4)
Lisa H.
We've been dining at Embers off and on for a few years now. Lately we've become regulars thanks to the genius addition of their bar menu. The main restaurant, while very nice, is a little too stuffy for my tastes. The newly remodeled bar has a great vibe and while you can order anything off the regular menu, the bar menu is amazingly good and super affordable. The street ribs and duck fat fries are a favorite. Embers also does a great steak although I wish I could get more jazzed about their sides. Service is always friendly and very accomodating.
(4)
Amanda C.
Embers is great because I can get scrumptious sushi, and my husband can get a delicious steak. I love steak, but the sushi here is so good that I've never ordered one. The husband says it's pretty stellar, though. The restaurant has a nice ambiance, with soft lighting and an elegant feel. It's pretty pricey, but a nice place for a special occasion.
(4)
Mariana P.
This was a great Groupon find. This is definitely a classy establishment.... my favorite part of the night was the old lady two tables back who had Cruella DeVille hair.....If you are going to come here, just know that people who come here dress up, so get your hair did. The food and and service was great. It does lose one star because they serve warm water lobster, not your usual cold water. Warm water is definitely not as good. Our waiter told us that the older patrons complained that the cold water lobsters were too small, so they switched to warm water, which are bigger. Anyway, warm water lobster sucks, so don't order it. Everything else was great though!
(4)
Mindy W.
I think I have an unfair advantage with Embers because I didn't have to pay for my meal! I came here for a bridal shower luncheon, and I was thoroughly impressed. The service for our large party was really wonderful. They were very discreet, trying not to interrupt our festivities, but were on top of refilling drinks and clearing plates. I had the Trio Salad, but it might be from their restaurant called Trio and not on their menu. Uuuh, delish! It's one of the best salads I have ever had-I can't wait to recreate it tonight! It was made with spinach and bibb lettuce (THANK YOU for not using field greens, blech), pine nuts, cranberries, grilled onion, smoked goat cheese and I chose Salmon over chicken. I am always leery of restaurants that have sushi, seafood, steak, etc. all rolled into one, but the salmon on my salad was perfect. It wasn't over-seasoned, it was a perfect portion and it wasn't overcooked even though they didn't ask how I wanted it. MAJOR points on not overcooking/ over-seasoning such a beautiful piece of fish. If I lived nearby it would be a great lunch spot with the girls or romantic dinner spot for date nights. I was really impressed!
(4)
Monica W.
I really enjoyed my experience here! The food here is so so good! I went here with my boyfriend and my family. Everyone was very please with our orders. I ordered the stuffed avocados and the duck fat fries both were soo good. The avocados were stuffed with yummy seafood and the fries were nice and crispy with yummy sauces on the side. My mom ordered the pad thai which I tried and I thought was very good. My dad ordered a steak which was perfectly beautiful! My sister ordered Macaroni and cheese. Now I must say that she and I both agreed that this has to be the best macaroni and cheese ever!! It was flavorful and creamy! My boyfriend ordered a chicken dish that was very tasty. We had excellent service here! And the waiter even gave us the fried Oreo's for dessert on the house!! What a nice guy!
(5)
Benjamin W.
I went to Embers with some co-workers one night for an appreciation dinner, and I felt extremely appreciated. The service was wonderful, as was the food. I ordered a Filet Mignon and a Caesar salad. I was impressed with the salad, which included optional anchovy, and the steak was perfect. The price per glass of wine was a bit higher than I like to pay, but it's in line with the other prices at the restaurant and the caliber of the restaurant. At about $9/glass, it was noticeable.
(5)
Ron G.
Great alternative to the usual Cincinnati steakhouses. Great service, amazing food, and unique preparation compared to most of the other local spots. Wife is vegan and they were more than happy to whip her up a vegan dish on the spot. Decent wine selection and great ambiance. Price is about where I would expect it--nothing outrageous, but by no means a bargain. And don't forget the oreo doughnuts--INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!
(4)
Remard C.
Was in Cincinnati for our anniversary and wanted to try out a steakhouse that we hadn't been to. I came across Embers on Yelp and decided to check it out. We were not disappointed. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and most of all they know how to cook a steak. I had the New York strip and it was cooked perfectly. I also had a add on lobster tail which wasn't as sweet or tender as Morton's, but still very good. I didn't try any of the sushi but definitely will next time. Definitely a good place to go to impress a client, family, or a date.
(4)
Josh S.
The groupon was a rip off. Their parking situation sucks. Will NEVER go back.
(1)
Jason B.
Ate at Embers last night. Georgeous restaurant. We had sushi and steaks, and some side dishes. The food was all pretty good, but I don't think it was worth the price. The sushi rolls were good, but not worth $17. My friend's steak was not bad, but was overcooked. Next time we will go somewhere else. It's a good place for a drink, but overly priced.
(3)
Alexandra K.
I didn't know Ember's existed until today. This restaurant is a high class steakhouse, seafood restaurant, AND sushi bar combined. I had a dinner meeting here and the atmosphere was almost perfect for the meeting except for the fact that sometimes we had trouble hearing each other over the noise of the restaurant. I ordered the lobster bisque ($6) which was to die for, I mean literally melt in your mouth (not that it wasn't hot already) and had a nice little spicy kick to it. I also ordered an eel roll ($7.50) which didn't live up to my expectations of an eel roll. I didn't like the crunch of the cucumber in the middle. I like my eels to be soft and gooey! I tried my companions food and I can also attest to the fact that the edamame is excellent as well as the seaweed salad. One of my colleagues ordered the kobe beef sushi (yes, raw beef) and it loved it. I was too scared to try it. The restaurant is beautiful with low lighting. The waiter we had was impeccable in his service. Always polite, always served and took orders on the correct side, brought more drinks without us having to ask, and gladly split up the bill into separate checks after we forgot to mention that. Now this place is nice, but you're going to pay for it. I spent about $22 on a meal just for myself after tip. And that was with ordering a soup and one sushi roll. The restaurants main entrees of seafood and steak will run you at about $30 a piece. Yes, I know! Check out the burning torch thing that's out by the street. It's pretty cool!
(4)
Kate C.
I normally avoid places that are rumored to be popular with "cougars" and the midlife crisis set. A visit to Embers reminded me that I need to form my own opinion before listening to others. We stepped in the door for a late dinner and were promptly greeted by a hostess and directed to a roomy booth in the main dining room. The server took our drink order (the bartender pours a nice Manhattan) and we poured over the special, Restaurant Week menu. Between the two of us, we decided to try one of everything. The dishes were inventive, featured a nice presentation and represented a solid fusion concept. My dining companion and I are foodies who have done some traveling together in the name of good eats. We've eaten in some spectacular restaurants and were quite surprised by how well Embers pulled off dinner. We will likely go back another time, even if we have to contend with cougars (which we didn't spot).
(4)
Taylor W.
I have been here three times. Once for a company dinner and twice with my wife. The first time I got the cowboy steak with a baked potato and veggies. Very, very good steak. Huge. Classic dish with the baked potato. The steak just melts when you eat it. Again. Very, very good. I've had a steak at Carlo and Johnny and this one was better. Granted, I wouldn't say that I am a fine steak connoisseur. Second time, I had the rack of lamb. Again, very, very good. I actually had a gift card there but couldn't find it so I just paid - hence the third visit when I found the gift card. All the side dishes were excellent as well. Not a huge sample, but every time I've been its been excellent. If I want a really good steak, this is where I will go until I get a chance to sample some other venues.
(5)
Marisa D.
This place was great. MUCH better service & food than Jag's & for roughly the same if not less $$. Had some cooked sushi rolls, they were tasty. The petit filet was the perfect size & the sauteed garlic spinach was a great substitute side. along with tasty onion straws. I have to say the house salad was nothing special though. The Precinct/Celestial will always be 5* steak places to me, but I still loved it.
(4)
Rhonda D.
I've only been here for happy hour. My understanding is that dinner is on the expensive side. On Thursdays, the bar menu is half off, select wine and beer is $5, house cocktails are also $5. I've liked all the menu items I've tried, but my favorite is the Stuffed Avocado. It's two avocado halves stuffed with crab and shrimp, drizzled with spicy mayo and teriyaki. Delish! If you're a sushi fan, they have half off sushi rolls on Wednesday. The atmosphere relaxed but classy.
(4)
Dan L.
Don't waste your time on this place. Go to any of Jeff Ruby's establishments and you will get a better steak, cooked properly, and might have a few dollars left in your pocket. Everything about this place is mediocre at best. The sides should be stellar for what they charge, but I have had better sides at a chain restaurant. I guess it helps slightly that I had a Groupon so it cut the cost down a little, but keep in mind that as a "Grouponer" you are a second class citizen at Embers. I was told that the only available reservation for a Grouponer is 9:45 pm... yeah right. Will never eat here again.
(2)
Beth F.
Fabulous! The finest restaurant meal I have had in recent memory. Pricey though, so save up for a special occasion.
(5)
Jamie S.
Best sushi in Cincinnati!! Fresh and yummy combinations. Half price on Wednesday in the bar area. Be careful...it's addicting!! Bar area can be quite loud. Dining room is much quieter.
(5)
Rachael G.
I went to Embers during the tennis tournament this summer, so it was really crowded; however, the bartender was awesome and made the best Hendricks cocktail I've ever had.....and I have had my fair share of Hendricks cocktails. The food was amazing. I would definitely come here again for a special occasion.
(4)
T R.
Went to dinner with a party of 10 this past Saturday (1/3) for my fiance's birthday, we were immediately seated but at a table/booth only set up for 9. Since we weren't allowed to add a seat on the end and the chair side had two bigger guys we squeezed an additional person in the booth. Not ideal in any event but with the temperature outside an unseasonably high 62 the inside was a balmy 78, according to the thermostat by the front door. We requested the A/C be kicked up but no marked difference was ever noted. Anyways...the wait staff was very friendly and attentive - no complaints there. Our group actually joked as it seemed there were as many wait staff persons as there were customers. That said the drinks took a little longer than you would expect but that was nothing compared to how long we waited on the food, but to be fair we did have a large group. The food btw was good, no complaints from the group. As I mentioned earlier we were there for a birthday so we all received a complimentary Oreo donut (9 dollar value) which tasted delicious and was a nice touch by the server/manager. The less than ideal seating arrangement coupled with the tropical climate made it a generally uncomfortable experience. The food was good but bordering on overpriced all of which are my reasons for deducting 2 stars. For the price they charge I would expect better. Only reason I didn't give it 2 stars was because of how pleasant the staff/management was.
(3)
Brent P.
New Year's Eve dinner '14. The good and bad: Drinks: Grey Goose slightly dirty Martini's were "best ever", according to the wives. All drinks priced well for a big city restaurant. Rolls: good, came with whipped butter. Appetizer: Rock Tempura Shrimp, very bad - should never have left the kitchen; someone messed up! Tempura lost its crunch on the way to the table (aka, soggy), shrimp was curled up baby shrimp probably frozen right out of the Kroger sale bin, not hot, the dish was overall unappealing looking, the sauce/flavor was good. Salads: excellent! We ordered 3 types. All greens were fresh/cold/crispy, plenty of goodies (bacon, anchovies, etc) - I was told by the ladies the anchovies were fresh. Main Dishes: fish dishes good (extra thumbs up on the Sea Bass), sushi rolls were as good as we can find anywhere, all dishes looked beautiful, the only slight complaint was the fish portion sizes per price. Desert: had the chocolate cake - dry, very dry, may have sat around for awhile causing the bread to dry. Service: outstanding (you will go far, Zach); multiple well dressed and respectful waiters, servers and managers getting involved and in synch. Ambiance: excellent. Cleanliness: excellent.
(4)
Logan E.
The food was great. Everyone around here knows the food is great. I mean, it's not cheap, but it's pretty well worth it. The filet mignon (which I'm making it a mission to try everywhere in town) was superb, and the creme brulee was fantastic. Our server was a super kind, fantastic individual named Jessica. I was able to observe that she had been having a hard night, but she didn't let it affect our experience even a little bit. She's awesome, and I'd highly recommend asking for her if you stop on in.
(4)
William F.
My son and I went there since we had a Groupon and wanted to give it a try. The service was excellent and they seated us right away. Seemed like we sat there for a little while and the manager came over and took our drink order. Our server was very nice, but seemed nervous while giving us some recommendations. I had the Filet which was cooked perfectly and my son had the Ohio Ribeye. His was really rare, but he didn't tell me until it was too late. I am certain they would have made it right though. We had the macaroni and cheese which he called "amazing". Overall, we had a fun night bonding. The food and service was really good, but a little pricy for my taste.
(4)
Tyler E.
My wife and I tried this restaurant for the first time last night. Overall we were both impressed. We were seated promptly and our waiter quickly came to out table to greet us and take our drink orders. He was very helpful and gave us recommendations. We started with sushi that was very reasonably priced in my opinion. The drinks and other food were a little on the pricey side but keep in mind that this is an upscale restaurant. The service and food was excellent. This is a great place for a special occasion or perhaps a business dinner.
(4)
Rosie C.
I came to embers in a large group of very diverse palates. We ranged from strictly vegan to hard core beef lovers. All were satisfied. The diverse menu did not overreach it's abilities. The different cuts of beef from around the country (they specified where) were so tender and expertly prepared. Our group ordered the filet mignon, ribeye, Chilean sea bass, seared scallops and vegan vegetable platter. And it was all divine. We did not order any sushi and cannot speak to that , but what we did have was spectacular. In terms of beverages, our waitress was very knowledgeable about the extensive wine list and recommended a fantastic bottle of a red blend. As for their cocktail menu, creative twists on loved classics. The decor, ambiance and staff completed the experience and completed our night.
(5)
Hilary C.
The food is so amazing. The atmosphere is perfect. The service is great. This is by far my favorite place.
(5)
Sam T.
We stumbled accross 1/2 price bar menu the first night we came. While the bar was hopping, we found a table immediately and the service was excellent. Decent wine selection and interesting, upscale kinds of food. The stuffed avocados were great as was the grilled truffled cheese and tomato soup. (The soup was really a dip, not a soup at all, but it tasted okay). Try the oreo stuffed doughnuts with raspberry sauce. AMAZING! The bar was full of 40-somethings in suits which had come after work or with a date. Makes for good people watching.
(4)
Ted M.
I went in thinking this was going to be one of those places that specializes in fat infused mediocracy, like maybe splitting the difference between the cheesecake factory and John Robert's Table. I was wrong. Its better than that. In fact the food was good, well executed, and not a loser in the house. The Service was attentive and grown up. Kobe roll was Delish, wine was very good without being overly refined.
My boyfriend and I often go to the Precinct when we want a good steak. After dining at Embers, we will continue to stick with Precinct. Our waiter had an odd creepiness to him, and he spoke so softly we couldn't hear him even after repeatedly asking him to speak up. We started with sushi, which was far spicier than the waiter informed us it was. I ordered a filet, which was lined with fat. To top it all off, my boyfriend and I both were up sick all night and the next day. We will NEVER go back there. Even if we hadn't gotten sick - their menu is pricier than Precinct and quality isn't even close.
(1)
Stephanie B.
This place is perfect for my steak-loving husband and sushi-loving me! All of the suggestions from our very friendly server were excellent, especially the Green Goddess salad. The wine list and bar selection are great overall, although the beer list could have been a bit more interesting. It was an older crowd, which is fine by me... I don't mind feeling a little younger by comparison for a night. I wish we had saved room for the donuts! The only negative was a loud and somewhat intoxicated elderly couple near us who, by the sound of it, were negotiating plans for a rather hostile divorce. It was weird... who drops $100 for such an occasion? If you're going to make awful memories in a restaurant that will probably make you avoid said restaurant in the future, go to Chili's or something.
(4)
David H.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Embers is really in a class of its own in Cincinnati. Serving the best quality ingredients in the best casual fine dining atmosphere is what Embers is known for. Their surf and turf is arguably the best in town. Sushi is fantastic! Service is spot on. Great management too!
(5)
Jessica S.
I rarely ever venture to the not-mall section of Montgomery Road so it wasn't until Restaurant Week 2011 that I ever heard of and been to Embers. The best thing about Embers is that it's more high-scale than expected. What I mean by that is when you walk in you'll see a nice, clean, almost-fancy bar and in the dining area you see art, candles on the table, and will be presented with a pretty stellar wine and champagne list. I wouldn't expect that kind of thing from a restaurant within a mile from the largest mall in the area (especially since most of the restaurants around there are chains or bars). The menu is full of great steak, seafood, pasta, and sushi. Order the lobster bisque for an appetizer - it's probably the best I've had. I usually don't like when steakhouses (or other non-Japanese restaurants) have sushi on the menu, but the sushi at Embers doesn't disappoint. What keeps Embers from a fifth star from me is the service and the proximity to downtown. The latter isn't their fault at all, just my own little opinion. If it were closer to downtown I'd frequent it more often... simple as that. The service, however, is definitely their issue they need to sort out. Our waitress was very, very slow getting water refills and getting us our checks. I'd love it if the service was as good as the food. If I ever have a reason to head up to Kenwood and feel like prancing around in my little black dress, I'll head back to Embers.
(4)
Katy L.
We have eaten here several times, mostly when other restaurants are booked. The food and service are good, the atmosphere is upscale strip-mall. Until last night...FRIED GARLIC HIDING IN MY SUSHI SALAD? Are you kidding me? Who expects to order HAMACHI and get piles of fried garlic unless you are in a Korean Restaurant? DISGUSTING, we are all still sick with headaches.
(3)
Sami O.
A great upscale environment to eat at. The food is wonderful. I'd recommend getting the bone in ribeye. It's very well seasoned and tastes magnificent!
(4)
Foodie M.
Great restaurant. Bar area is always fun with 1/2 off specials on Thursdays. Bartenders do great job with special drink request.Shisito peppers are a tasty app along with stuffed avocado. Entree favs include sea bass, sushi rolls, duck fat fries and sliders. Steaks are also winners here at this trendy hot spot. Enjoy
(4)
Bernard B.
I really liked the restaurant until I had some fraud on my credit card from them. I talked to the owner Jon and was promised that it would be removed. Unfortunately, he did nothing to help the situation and I had to have my bank remove it. I believe in supporting local shops. This one I can't anymore. Shame on the the lack of follow-up.
(1)
Stephen S.
Embers is a solid choice for the Cincinnati suburbs. The service here is fantastic and I love how I'm treated every time I come. I've never been blown away by any of the food but I've never had anything bad either (and I'm convinced if I really didn't like something then with the fantastic service they'd make sure it was made right). This place makes me think of that ol' sweater that you're not going to put on for a night out on the town but you keep going back to for the warmth and familiarity.
I was looking for someplace to celebrate my son's college graduation for a group of 9. I found it at Embers. I made it known ahead of time that this was a special occasion, and they treated it and us with the aplomb it deserved without being asked. The food is great, but they should recommend eating dessert first and working your way backwards, The oreo filled donuts and banana panini are unique and outrageously good (add the homemade Bailey's cookies & cream ice cream to anything!). Our server, Alex, was outstanding, and took our fun in stride while providing top-notch service. The menu is varied, and everyone (including our pickiest) found something to enjoy. I can recommend Embers without qualification.
(4)
Dan M.
Sushi and steaks. Naturally, this will be an expensive place. You're highly unlikely to get out of here for less than $40/head, but if you book an appetizer, entree, and drink, you're likely to spend over $60/head. The sushi was fresh and crisp tasting. The filet looked delicious and the rack of lamb was tasty (even if I had to really dissect it from how fatty it was). Both were cooked medium rare (as requested) and tender as can be. If you don't want the fancy atmosphere, the bar area is great, but it doesn't come with bar prices. Judging by the Aston Martin and the talk with some restaurant-goers, I think it's a place to be seen about Cincinnati amongst those who are into being seen about Cincinnati. Overall, the food is great, but somehow doesn't seem worthy of such a high price tag. Bottom Line: I'll be back if I'm craving a fantastic steak and willing to shell out some serious cashola.
(4)
Sarah R.
Yum. We ate here this week, and it was delicious. I had the small filet and my fiance had the scallops plus a salad. For 2 entrees (no sides included, just the small accompaniments included with the entree), a salad, and 2 glasses of wine, our bill was 90 bucks plus tip. A bit on the expensive side, but totally delicious. The service was great - water glasses were always full, and our server was really friendly and down to earth. I had the malbec by the glass, and it was really good. It was half-price sushi night in the bar and the place was PACKED. Packed enough that I took one look and thought "I'd pay double price for sushi just to not have to be packed into a bar with 200 people." Comparatively, the dining room was empty - we had our choice of tables. We will *definitely* be back, and after looking at the reviews below, I'm super sad I didn't look at the dessert menu - but we were pretty full, so we passed. Good thing, because if I had seen fried oreos or opera cream cake, I would have made room for dessert.... One star off because it was a little expensive, the girl answering the phone to the restaurant was kind of out of it, the bar was so packed you couldn't even walk in, and because our waiter didn't suggest that we share a side dish - we didn't realize the accompaniments described in the menu were so tiny. IE: the filet came with gnocchi - and there were 4. 4 DELICIOUS tiny gnocchi - but 4 none the less.
(4)
R.J. s.
Made my very first visit to Embers and was NOT disappointed. We reserved the private room for my parents 65th wedding anniversary. We had a reservation for 13 at 6:30 we were seated as soon as we arrived. After being greeted by a smiling gracious hostess. Zak Minturn our most excellent server allowed us to set our own pace for drink orders, menu decisions and selections. He explained every special and patiently made recommendations. We spent the time sharing stories and taking pictures as the food began to arrive. Pork Chops, Filet, Sushi and Sirloin with plenty of great sides. Every thing was prepared perfectly arriving hot and tasty prepared to perfection. Everyone was very satisfied. We took more pictures told more stories and thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the anniversary. Desert menus arrived again every question answered and helpful suggestions made. Our 3 hour dinner flew by and everyone had a fantabulous time. A dining experience as it was meant to be. I would highly recommend the Embers for your next 5 star dinner in Kenwood.
(5)
Chris A.
By far the Worst steak I've ever eaten. Why not just say all marble with a hint of meat. You should never ever call yourself a steak place.
(1)
Lorinn W.
All I can say is......TRY their KOBE Sushi Rolls and their OREO doughnuts!!!! Unbelievably delicious. Then, try everything else!! They offer bar specials every night. Half price sushi weekly! Extremely enjoyable always!
(5)
Pamela F.
Snagged a Groupon $25 for $50 dining credit to try this place out. Steaks ($32-38 range) are well-aged, perfectly seared, buttery and accompanied by bearnaise. Tried the bleu cheese wedge, hefty chunks of bleu, bacon crumbles over iceberg and potatoes au gratin with tangy cheeses. Good wine list, sampled a couple before settling on a glass of Paraduxx zinfandel- cabernet ($15). This is an amazing wine, with the silky mouthfeel of Orin Swift red blend the Prisoner (my favorite) -- the spicy richness of Zinfandel and rich berry-leather-vanilla notes of a good cabernet really stands up to the steaks. I tried a sip of Liberty School (and I usually like Paso Robles reds) but it felt thin and a bit watery mid-palate. Shared a half order of the fried oreo donut -- rich, hot and steamy.
(4)
Allen C.
Embers is an amazing place to dine in Cincinnati. One of the best places in the city for steak or sushi. The food is outstanding. Fine dining without a pretentious atmosphere. The staff is amazing. Owner and managers are all around to be sure that you are enjoying you meal too. The bar side of Embers is great for a more informal atmosphere with the same great food if you want to socialize or catch a game on TV and a bar menu. If you are very hungry, that Cowboy steak is one of the best I've had. Also recommend trying the Duck Fat Fries.
(5)
Deborah H.
Although I have reviewed Embers before, my experience there tonight was so amazing, I had to write another. I will start by saying that we wanted an early reservation in order to have a nice dinner before our Christmas eve commitments. That can be tricky, because staff can arrive in shifts, and the kitchen is not always geared-up for immediate orders. Not to worry, we were approached right away for drink and appetizer orders. I had the small filet, which was the best I ever had, and my dining companion had the ribeye with blue-cheese encrusted crab, which he said was incredible. The service was wonderful, and the holiday music playing in the background was so nice. I was so relaxed in the comfortable booth, with flickering candle light, soft music and a perfect dinner.
The service was great and the food was good. Had the surf and turf with Mac n cheese and brussel sprouts and caprese salad. Everything tasted good but not excellent. The mac n cheese was grainy and the Brussel sprouts were a bit undercooked but the taste was fine. The steak was cooked perfectly but was limited in flavor, the lobster was great as was the caprese salad.
(4)
Ron C.
Two adults for dinner. This is our third time at this restaurant. We've enjoyed better sushi there on half-price sushi night at the bar than on this occasion. Pork chop was very good - rest of dishes were not particularly good. In particular the onion rings as a side were detestable. When fast food restaurants serve up better rings, then you know there's trouble in the kitchen. Our server was not the best, even while the overall service was good. After three experiences we've decided there are other places that have earned our interest.
(3)
Jonathan E.
we had a fantastic dinner experience. the staff is courteous and well-trained (a bit more so than i expected for this part of cincinnati). recommended. it's a bit pricey, so we'll be back for the next special occasion.
(4)
Todd L.
Nice atmosphere and solid food. I opted for the sashimi platter as a starter in place of a salad. Tuna and yellowtail, nice presentation and great taste. For my main, I did their specialty 'Ohio' ribeye, medium rare, salt crusted ribeye with a blue cheese, crab topping in a bourbon demi glaze (the glaze was great, the crab, blue cheese topping was just ok - kind of a strange mix of you ask me). As a side, I tried the boursin au gratin potatoes...a really nice dish. Would definitely recommend Embers.
(4)
William K.
This place knows steak. Fantastic piece of meat treated with the respect it deserved! Top notch service! Valet parking. The flavors were spot on. Highly recommended!
(4)
Lee Anne B.
Definitely one of our "go to" restaurants. From the nightly bar specials to 1/2 price sushi night to a formal dinner in the dining room the Embers staff never fails to disappoint. Steaks and sushi done right and a lobster tail that is the best in any restaurant in the City. The manager, Michael, is always visible in both the bar and the restaurant. He is hospitality at its best. If you want some great service and a knowledgeable server, ask to sit in Stan's area. While we have had nothing but exceptional service, Stan always makes us feel like we are welcome family coming home. Also, do yourself a favor and save room for some Oreo donuts, Salted Carmel Chocolate cake or the Banana Panini. This girl HATES bananas and I will eat it every time my husband orders it!! Enjoy!
(5)
Paul K.
Much better than expected. I am always skeptical about a restaurant that serves various kinds of food. It seems to me they are not experts or something. An American restaurant has Sushi and Rolls in its menu. I would refuse to go. Or at least I won't eat sushi there anyway. But Ember's surprised me with its ambiance, attitude, and food which I couldn't ask for more. I could not catch our server's name. However he was super helpful and kind. He was knowledgeable with the items on the menu. I thought Ember's is a chain having a few restaurants around this area. That's why my expectation was low on the food. I was wrong. They did not have that strong feeling of salty taste and pre-made dishes. Everything tasted fresh, and I could taste different dimensions of ingredients. Many people would try to kill me for saying this but their rib was better than Montgomery's. It's my preference that I don't like sauce overpowering actual ribs. Also sea bass was cooked perfectly. I liked their dark atmosphere, too. It just gives you the upscale feeling. It was just right between casual and fancy. So the restaurant is really all-around for any occasion. Well, actually it's rather pricey for any occasion. Overall, it's a great restaurant. I cannot say the best, though.
(4)
Margaret G.
Upon arrival we seated ourselves in the bar area for happy hour. We had glasses of water on our table almost before sitting down . We ordered sliders and crab cakes. Both was delicious and served within 10 mins. Our waitress was fabulous.
(4)
Amanda H.
Surprise, surprise, I had a Groupon! lol So off to Embers I went. They have some killer specials like Wednesday 1/2 price sushi and Thursday 1/2 all the WHOLE bar menu. I wanted to try a bunch of small plates so I went on a Thursday. I really like Embers but it is a higher price point so I usually save it for special occasions. I went in when they opened at 5 and it was already pretty crowded so I opted for a seat at the bar. The bartender was a little stand offish to me for the first 30 minutes I was there.The fact that I was wearing scrubs and using a Groupon made her act very uppity. But once I ordered quite a bit a food and mentioned the blog and suddenly she was a lot nicer. Even though she gave me a bad taste the management was just great. Two men in suits were making their way to all the patrons asking if everything was good and chatting. I like that! It shows they are really invested in a good experience for their customers. Since the bar menu was 1/2 off I loaded up with some things to sample and save, then a meal to eat. I started off with the Seared Diver Scallop. You only get one scallop for $10 but its worth it, especially when its 1/2 off. I could order three of these and make it my dinner. It was a perfectly pan seared scallop with a beet puree. The texture of the puree was spot on- smooth and velvety. Then they topped it with apple dices, goat cheese, fried prosciutto and hazelnuts. It was very balanced and super yummy. Seriously get this, you will not be disappointed. My second small plate was the steak tartar. I hate to knock it, because I think its me. I've had tartar of different meats about 5 times now, and I've yet to enjoy it. Which is odd because I love carpaccio. But I tasted it sans the bread, didn't like it, and didn't save the rest. Its just sooo bland. But the stuffed avocados!!!! Holy mother of jesus these things were awesome. Its a peeled avocado stuffed with crap, shrimp, masago, scallion, drizzled with a spicy cream sauce and teriyaki. Due to my low carb diet, I just ate the stuffing and a small amount of the avocado. It packed a little heat that balanced out the creaminess of everything else. And just when you thought i was to mushy, you'd get a bite of scallion or shrimp to pull the textures through. For dinner I got the Colorado filet and a side of caramelized Brussels sprouts. These were both excellent. Exactly what I would expect for the price. A great cut of meat cooked perfectly and some crunchy sweeter sprouts. imageimage I already had a huge doggy bag, but still had some money on my groupon left to spend so I got the Tempura Sea Bass sushi. Dummy me didn't look at the price and it ended up being an extra $17 for the roll. It was awesome, but I would probably only order it again on 1/2 price sushi night due to the price. Inside the roll was avocado, crab, and salmon. Then it was topped with Sea bass and teriyaki sauce. It was good! A lot of the same components of the stuffed avocados but completely different flavors. I love Embers, I've never been disappointed there. Its a wonderful, quality restaurant with good food for special occasions.
(5)
Danielle D.
Loved this spot. I came here with my friends who are regulars. We shared edamame, the green goddess salad, a few sushi rolls, strip steak, and the oreo donuts. As a NYC girl in Cincinnati, I was skeptical about the sushi - but it was excellent. All of our food was was delicious and the service was impeccable. We had some drinks in the bar before dinner - the bar area is very spacious and the tables in the restaurant are nicely spread out. I thought the prices were very reasonable. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)
David W.
We ate there last night for the first time. I must say the was really good. When we arrived a little earlier then our reservation we had a drink at the bar first. The bartender was very quick and friendly. When we were seated we has great food and service. The manager came over twice saying our food will be right out and apologizing on the wait. But we didn't think we waited long at all. For out wait they even gave us a free desert of our choice. So of course we chose the Oreo doughnuts. They were amazing!
(5)
William D R.
We made a reservation for two last night and our table was ready when we arrived at 6:45pm and asked if we could have 10-15 minutes to Have a drink at the bar. When we were ready we were seated promptly. My wife ordered another glass of wine, the bread was delivered promptly. We split a Salad. She ordered Grilled Sea bass and I ordered the 8 oz. Aged Filet. My wife said it was the best she had ever had. My Filet was cooked to perfection medium rare and very tender. Our waiter was outstanding and as it was my Birthday he gave a complimentary dessert. The sound level was very good. We highly recommend the Embers.
(5)
Jean E.
One of the best dining experiences I've had. The staffing and service were first rate, start to finish. The food was delicious, and the plating beautiful. The sushi was probably the best I've ever eaten. Halibut perfectly cooked and served over watercress salad. Atmosphere classic, clubby, upscale, yet completely relaxing and comfortable. Expensive, but worth the money.
(5)
Daniel K.
Great service and the oreo stuffed doughnuts are crazy good. Cocktails read a little better than they tasted but were still good. The sushi and steak are both on point. Overall, a great spot for a nice night out.
(4)
juan p.
Embers is a very good restaurant and I could say is excellent. It has mantained it's quality over the years. The sushi and steaks are superb. The service and wine list is excellent. The environment is a little noisy but kind of average. One of my favorite places for a good meal deal of high quality
(5)
Yuna D.
Went here with the mister for a dinner date. Ambiance is really nice and quiet. Most people come here dressed all spiffy, but some people were casual. Servers are very attentive and friendly. We were able to get seated at a booth with zero wait time, but I think reservations would be a good idea since it got busy as dinner service progressed. We got a Spicy Crunchy Roll to share, which was a solid appetizer with varying texture. Bread came with embedded olives for half of the basket, with garlic butter which was good. Bread was soft. yum. Boyfriend got wine, and he thought it was weird but he downed the whole thing (he's sitting next to me and doesn't remember the name of it.) I got the Lemon Twizzle, but the vodka was strong with this one. Entrees were delicious--the mister got the seabass, and I got the 14 oz. New York Strip. The seabass flaked apart and was very tasty, and the apple curry sauce that it came with had a nice flavor to it without being overpowering. The steak had a nice spice crust. We also got onion straws, which was a bit greasy, but the mac & cheese was good. For dessert we tried the oreo stuffed donuts. SUPER SWEET, so if you have a major sweettooth, then this is for you. There's four donuts, with a side of raspberry sauce (sweet), and black raspberry chip icecream, so this is good for at least two people. I also got the chocolate mousse, which comes with a side of whipped cream and raspberry drizzle in a chocolate tuile bowl. I liked the mousse more because it was light. Excellent place for a date. The bill came out steep though (nearly $200), but well worth.
(5)
Mike B.
Very good food and very good service but the only keeping this from being five stars is the price; I understand the quality, but a little pricey even for a business meeting dinner. I was with bosses so the bill is covered but they are priced out of range for a regular business trip meal. I enjoyed the cowboy steak and the Brussels sprouts, but the cauliflower was a little dry this time
(4)
Diana A.
Was good, but glad we had a Group on; the prices are a bit high for what they offer.
(3)
Aaron S.
Been here twice, once for a special occasion and once for happy hour in the bar. We had sushi and a filet on the first visit and some small plates at the happy hour. This is a little more expensive than most but the food is phenomenal, and great wine selection as well. Try the sushi roll with Kobe beef! The sliders and stuffed avocados were also very good in the bar.
(5)
Robin T.
Embers is an upscale steakhouse (sushi too) located in a strip mall. I was a little shocked by the prices given the strip mall location and everything is a la carte (when you pay $40+ for a steak it should at least come with a salad or a potato/side). However, you do get excellent food and service here. Portions are on the small side, but every bite is delicious. We were not rushed in the slightest, we could have stayed all night and I am not sure they would have cared. Being rushed at a restaurant is one of my pet peeves, especially when you are about to drop $100 per person. Had dinner here for the first time this evening with a client, we were a party of 9. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals (8 steaks and 1 scallops entree). For appetizers, we shared the crab cakes and chicken spring rolls, both of which were delightful. For my entree, I had the Filet Mignon Oscar cooked to a perfect medium rare (ordered "medium" as instructed by my server). We also shared sides of duck fat fries (yum!), mashed and au gratin potatoes, and my favorite, the caramelized Brussels sprouts. For dessert, we shared the banana panini, Oreo donuts (O.M.G.), and chocolate mousse. I loved the donut (one is more than enough) but everyone else raved about the banana panini which unfortunately, I didn't try. Our server, Stan, was wonderful and made fantastic recommendations from the wine to the desserts. In fact his attention to detail was probably half the enjoyment. I would definitely come back for a special occasion or client meeting again (nice atmosphere for entertaining clients).
(5)
Ben B.
Just had Beth's birthday dinner here, and we're leaving here very impressed and we're usually tough critics.... She absolutely loved the vanilla n bourbon mashed sweet potatoes. We both really enjoyed the sea bass with roasted root veggies and banana panini for desert was really good too
(5)
Katie K.
We ate here about 2 weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had purchased a local deal, so we knew that we would be limited on what we could order. The server was nice enough to allow us to order off the bar menu, which was great! We were able to try multiple appetizers and still order two fabulous meals. The guacamole with plaintains is delicious. We will be back!
(5)
Jacquelynn A.
So unless you are upper class and wearing a $500 suit then you aren't going to get very good service. My boyfriend, 2 year old, and I happened upon this place while we were shopping for baby items at Kenwood Mall and decided we would give it a try. The dining room was all but empty and the hostesses took one look at us (Myself in jeans and a sweatshirt, my boyfriend in jeans and a tshirt and my son in kids clothing, a normal families attire) and declared that there was no room in the dining room and that we had to sit at the bar...with our 2 year old. Now at this point I'm already miffed, but then it takes 25 minutes just to get a waitress to get us drinks. Then another 20 minutes to even get our order for food. I am pregnant and hungry and the last thing I want to do is wait an hour to eat and my 2 year old is hungry too alright. So we FINALLY get our food and drinks and the waitress has the nerve to come along and tell me that my two year old is being too loud. First of all I've seen loud children and you had better believe I keep better control of my kid than that, he is too well disciplined to even throw a fit in a grocery store. He had simply said "Hi" to an older woman down the bar because he is friendly like that and somehow she had gotten offended? So then we finish our food and we get the check and it was what you'd expect from a higher class place so that didn't bother me. But as we are leaving a hostess had the nerve to tell me that it was a suit and tie environment and that is why we had to sit in the bar. If that is the case then post a sign somewhere. But I have been to war twice for this country, her little too-good talking behind included, so I feel that NO ONE should be judged on what they are wearing. I am a PAYING CUSTOMER and deserved to be treated with respect. Needless to say I will not be returning.
(1)
Kay T.
Originally from Cincinnati and currently living in Colorado, I saw the Groupon for Embers and decided to go there when I visited home. I got the Colorado filet which isn't too comparable to the steaks in Colorado but I would have to say it is probably one of the best steaks I have had in Cinci, however it is pretty expensive. I don't remember if the steak came with a side item, but I do remember it coming with a delish garlic bloom (I don't know why but it was a really good garlic bloom). I also had the sushi, which was really good and fresh. The service was also superb. I didn't use the valet parking because I can park my own car and walk a minute or two. I take one star off because of the prices and valet that really isn't necessary (but it is in Kenwood...). I hope Embers has some more deals, more items on their happy hour, or something doing promotions. I would go back again.
(4)
Peter B.
Embers is the quintessential gathering place for successful adults (30+ in age). A interesting fusion between designer sushi rolls and prime cut steaks coupled with an electric bar scene makes Embers an excellent choice for an after-work gathering or to impress a date. The service is excellent and the food prepared with a flash of art culinarie. If you like surf & turf, have your steak "oscared" either traditionally or a la Embers with a medley of seafood. Valet parking is offered and somewhat necessary given the small size of the parking lot. If you arrive after 6:30 pm, it may be hard to find a seat at the bar!
(4)
Kara K.
This may be one of my favorite Groupon finds. We came in on a Sunday night for dinner. I had checked out the menu in advance & knew it would be pricey even with the Groupon. Wine averaged about $9/glass. Normally this wouldn't dissuade me, but the BF & I had had a long, exhausting day, so I stuck with water & the BF got a coke. We each ordered a steak - colorado filet for me & I want to say NY strip for the BF. At $32 each, our steaks did not come cheap, but they were delicious. Sides are a la carte, but most are large enough to share. We went with the $5 mashed potatoes. Our food came out very quickly, though considering how few people were in the restaurant, I guess we shouldn't have been so surprised. Our steaks were cooked to our specifications & had very little (if any) fat on them. Our waitress was a little slow, particularly slow in bringing the check. We probably wouldn't have normally noticed, but we had been awake since 5am & really wanted to go home & get to sleep. However, the bus boys were great. Constantly refilling our water glasses, clearing our plates the second we finished, asking if there was anything else we needed. If only our waitress had been so attentive. Once I have the funds, I'll go back. Until then, I'll wait for the next Groupon deal.
(4)
April A.
My fiance and I went to Embers for our anniversary. The atmosphere in this restaurant is very nice. We knew before going that it was an upscale restaurant, so we picked out nice outfits for the evening. I had a scallop appetizer that was heavenly!! I can't remember what my fiance got. We both got the same dish, which we usually don't do, but it sounded so good. We got the filet oscar over a portabello mushroom with hollandaise sauce and lump crab on top. The steak literally melted in my best. To this day that is definitely the best steak I have ever had. We ended up spending $134 for our meal, and it was worth every dime!!!
(5)
Lee B.
I recently went to eat here for a friend's birthday, and it was fantastic. I think that this is a good restaurant for a special occasion. I ordered the Colorado 8 oz filet with a sweet potato. It had been awhile since I had a really good steak, and it was awesome. I know that at some restaurants you can't gauge how well cooked the steaks will be, but I ordered a med-rare steak and I was happy to find that it's what I got. My friend picked a slice of bonbonerie (spelling?) opera cake, and it was the perfect end to the night. I've seen from other reviews that the bar menu is more reasonable than the dining area. I'd like to go back sometime soon and check out the bar. Also of note, my friend has a 3 yo son who was well-behaved and the staff seemed to be kid-friendly.
(4)
Melissa S.
the servers were snobby, otherwise the FOOD WAS AMAZING!! had sushi and the guacomole. the owner was a total sweetie and he was so happy and I liked the energy of the place. i would totally take a client to eat here. prices were reasonable and parking easy too. the staff could use a little attitude adjustment.. :)
(5)
Van N.
Embers is THE place to go eat. HANDS DOWN. Thomas and Debbie at the bar are amazing!! They are the two sweetest people you'll ever meet. and the food is great. Hideki makes some of the best sushi i've EVER had. The service is impeccable and the food is awesome. I would definitely recommend the crab cakes and peppered yellowfin tuna. SO GOOD! Embers you totally have my heart. And trust me i know food. I come from the land of amazing food...Los Angeles. Oh and the regulars at the bar are a riot too...super sweet and funny. If you're ever in town you have to go!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Paul C.
HOME RUN! my girl and I went for our third anneversary. I had a steak and she had sushi. the food was amazing. we saw some friends there and our waitress overheard us talking about anneversary. unbenownst to either of us she had prepared a dissert with candle for us. made me look like a hero in her eyes. well done embers and crew. we will be back.
(5)Brian C.
Dinner Jan 19 The Restaurant: beautiful decor, cozy, intimate and very classy. The Service: it was okay. Our water glasses were empty quite a lot. I was a bit surprised no wait staff were there just to fill water glasses. And I will never understand why when people order water to drink, they just don't bring a bigger glass to begin with. But, our server's suggestions were "spot on". I especially appreciated that he mentioned the house salad had blue cheese and made sure that was okay. The Food: portions are not big, so if your real hungry or a big eater you had better order an appetizer or two. BUT, what Embers loses in quantity, it more than makes up for in Quality! Everything ordered at our table was beautifully presented. The ingredients were fresh, very flavorful&, seasoned wonderfully and cooked perfectly. I ordered the Seared Sea Scallop was blown away at the unique taste of the dish. The scallops were rather small, but seared perfectly and tasted even better than they looked. The Boursin Risotto with mushrooms was incredible and was a magnificent accompaniment with the scallops. The only thing that was ordered that was disappointing was the side dish of Asparagus. A surprisingly large portion, enough for table to share, but very bland and flavorless. The Desserts: The Bonbonerie Opera Cream Torte was simply decadent! A wonderful creation that simply melted in my mouth! My table also ordered the Oreo Stuffed Donuts, they were unique and a very different dessert. Very, very rich and plenty enough to share. This is certainly not a place to go after a softball game with the boys. It is expensive, so be prepared to pay a lot, but it is worth it!
(4)Caroline C.
Embers has successfully dredged itself out of the depths of being a "special occasion" restaurant with their lively bar and weekly specials. The bar is almost always packed (even on week nights) thanks to their bar menu and sushi menu. Sign up for their email newsletter and find out what wine specials they have for "Wine Week" during the last week of each month. Serious wines for minimum pricing. What a great way to try a glass of an upscale wine ($100/bottle) without making the commitment of a whole bottle. I was originally afraid to post about their great specials because I didn't want it to be more crowded than it already is, but we go here so often now, I don't mind sharing the joy. As far as their dining room? I don't know because I haven't eaten there in years. The prices are ridiculous. I suspect that their steaks aren't USDA Prime and that they just employ the use of cleverly placed "quotation marks". And $45 for Dover Sole Meuniere? I've paid less than that a Michelin 3 star... Don't waste your money on that or their Bonbonerie desserts.
(4)Eleni K.
I finally got to try Embers out! I have been for cocktails, but never dinner in the dining room. There was about an hour and a half wait, but no biggie as we had a seat at the bar. My only complaint about the bar was the bartenders never asked us if we would like a bar menu for an appetizer or anything while we waited,....for an hour and a half! We finally got to the dining room and our server, Clay, was amazing! He recommended the natural filet which was incredible and cooked to perfection! The sides were ok. Good, but not out of the park. The begneits were tasty with a great raspberry sauce, I think the filet was worth the price, but the sides need a bit of work. But seriously, if you go, sit in Clay's section. Awesome service!!!!
(4)Lisa H.
We've been dining at Embers off and on for a few years now. Lately we've become regulars thanks to the genius addition of their bar menu. The main restaurant, while very nice, is a little too stuffy for my tastes. The newly remodeled bar has a great vibe and while you can order anything off the regular menu, the bar menu is amazingly good and super affordable. The street ribs and duck fat fries are a favorite. Embers also does a great steak although I wish I could get more jazzed about their sides. Service is always friendly and very accomodating.
(4)Amanda C.
Embers is great because I can get scrumptious sushi, and my husband can get a delicious steak. I love steak, but the sushi here is so good that I've never ordered one. The husband says it's pretty stellar, though. The restaurant has a nice ambiance, with soft lighting and an elegant feel. It's pretty pricey, but a nice place for a special occasion.
(4)Mariana P.
This was a great Groupon find. This is definitely a classy establishment.... my favorite part of the night was the old lady two tables back who had Cruella DeVille hair.....If you are going to come here, just know that people who come here dress up, so get your hair did. The food and and service was great. It does lose one star because they serve warm water lobster, not your usual cold water. Warm water is definitely not as good. Our waiter told us that the older patrons complained that the cold water lobsters were too small, so they switched to warm water, which are bigger. Anyway, warm water lobster sucks, so don't order it. Everything else was great though!
(4)Mindy W.
I think I have an unfair advantage with Embers because I didn't have to pay for my meal! I came here for a bridal shower luncheon, and I was thoroughly impressed. The service for our large party was really wonderful. They were very discreet, trying not to interrupt our festivities, but were on top of refilling drinks and clearing plates. I had the Trio Salad, but it might be from their restaurant called Trio and not on their menu. Uuuh, delish! It's one of the best salads I have ever had-I can't wait to recreate it tonight! It was made with spinach and bibb lettuce (THANK YOU for not using field greens, blech), pine nuts, cranberries, grilled onion, smoked goat cheese and I chose Salmon over chicken. I am always leery of restaurants that have sushi, seafood, steak, etc. all rolled into one, but the salmon on my salad was perfect. It wasn't over-seasoned, it was a perfect portion and it wasn't overcooked even though they didn't ask how I wanted it. MAJOR points on not overcooking/ over-seasoning such a beautiful piece of fish. If I lived nearby it would be a great lunch spot with the girls or romantic dinner spot for date nights. I was really impressed!
(4)Monica W.
I really enjoyed my experience here! The food here is so so good! I went here with my boyfriend and my family. Everyone was very please with our orders. I ordered the stuffed avocados and the duck fat fries both were soo good. The avocados were stuffed with yummy seafood and the fries were nice and crispy with yummy sauces on the side. My mom ordered the pad thai which I tried and I thought was very good. My dad ordered a steak which was perfectly beautiful! My sister ordered Macaroni and cheese. Now I must say that she and I both agreed that this has to be the best macaroni and cheese ever!! It was flavorful and creamy! My boyfriend ordered a chicken dish that was very tasty. We had excellent service here! And the waiter even gave us the fried Oreo's for dessert on the house!! What a nice guy!
(5)Benjamin W.
I went to Embers with some co-workers one night for an appreciation dinner, and I felt extremely appreciated. The service was wonderful, as was the food. I ordered a Filet Mignon and a Caesar salad. I was impressed with the salad, which included optional anchovy, and the steak was perfect. The price per glass of wine was a bit higher than I like to pay, but it's in line with the other prices at the restaurant and the caliber of the restaurant. At about $9/glass, it was noticeable.
(5)Ron G.
Great alternative to the usual Cincinnati steakhouses. Great service, amazing food, and unique preparation compared to most of the other local spots. Wife is vegan and they were more than happy to whip her up a vegan dish on the spot. Decent wine selection and great ambiance. Price is about where I would expect it--nothing outrageous, but by no means a bargain. And don't forget the oreo doughnuts--INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!
(4)Remard C.
Was in Cincinnati for our anniversary and wanted to try out a steakhouse that we hadn't been to. I came across Embers on Yelp and decided to check it out. We were not disappointed. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and most of all they know how to cook a steak. I had the New York strip and it was cooked perfectly. I also had a add on lobster tail which wasn't as sweet or tender as Morton's, but still very good. I didn't try any of the sushi but definitely will next time. Definitely a good place to go to impress a client, family, or a date.
(4)Josh S.
The groupon was a rip off. Their parking situation sucks. Will NEVER go back.
(1)Jason B.
Ate at Embers last night. Georgeous restaurant. We had sushi and steaks, and some side dishes. The food was all pretty good, but I don't think it was worth the price. The sushi rolls were good, but not worth $17. My friend's steak was not bad, but was overcooked. Next time we will go somewhere else. It's a good place for a drink, but overly priced.
(3)Alexandra K.
I didn't know Ember's existed until today. This restaurant is a high class steakhouse, seafood restaurant, AND sushi bar combined. I had a dinner meeting here and the atmosphere was almost perfect for the meeting except for the fact that sometimes we had trouble hearing each other over the noise of the restaurant. I ordered the lobster bisque ($6) which was to die for, I mean literally melt in your mouth (not that it wasn't hot already) and had a nice little spicy kick to it. I also ordered an eel roll ($7.50) which didn't live up to my expectations of an eel roll. I didn't like the crunch of the cucumber in the middle. I like my eels to be soft and gooey! I tried my companions food and I can also attest to the fact that the edamame is excellent as well as the seaweed salad. One of my colleagues ordered the kobe beef sushi (yes, raw beef) and it loved it. I was too scared to try it. The restaurant is beautiful with low lighting. The waiter we had was impeccable in his service. Always polite, always served and took orders on the correct side, brought more drinks without us having to ask, and gladly split up the bill into separate checks after we forgot to mention that. Now this place is nice, but you're going to pay for it. I spent about $22 on a meal just for myself after tip. And that was with ordering a soup and one sushi roll. The restaurants main entrees of seafood and steak will run you at about $30 a piece. Yes, I know! Check out the burning torch thing that's out by the street. It's pretty cool!
(4)Kate C.
I normally avoid places that are rumored to be popular with "cougars" and the midlife crisis set. A visit to Embers reminded me that I need to form my own opinion before listening to others. We stepped in the door for a late dinner and were promptly greeted by a hostess and directed to a roomy booth in the main dining room. The server took our drink order (the bartender pours a nice Manhattan) and we poured over the special, Restaurant Week menu. Between the two of us, we decided to try one of everything. The dishes were inventive, featured a nice presentation and represented a solid fusion concept. My dining companion and I are foodies who have done some traveling together in the name of good eats. We've eaten in some spectacular restaurants and were quite surprised by how well Embers pulled off dinner. We will likely go back another time, even if we have to contend with cougars (which we didn't spot).
(4)Taylor W.
I have been here three times. Once for a company dinner and twice with my wife. The first time I got the cowboy steak with a baked potato and veggies. Very, very good steak. Huge. Classic dish with the baked potato. The steak just melts when you eat it. Again. Very, very good. I've had a steak at Carlo and Johnny and this one was better. Granted, I wouldn't say that I am a fine steak connoisseur. Second time, I had the rack of lamb. Again, very, very good. I actually had a gift card there but couldn't find it so I just paid - hence the third visit when I found the gift card. All the side dishes were excellent as well. Not a huge sample, but every time I've been its been excellent. If I want a really good steak, this is where I will go until I get a chance to sample some other venues.
(5)Marisa D.
This place was great. MUCH better service & food than Jag's & for roughly the same if not less $$. Had some cooked sushi rolls, they were tasty. The petit filet was the perfect size & the sauteed garlic spinach was a great substitute side. along with tasty onion straws. I have to say the house salad was nothing special though. The Precinct/Celestial will always be 5* steak places to me, but I still loved it.
(4)Rhonda D.
I've only been here for happy hour. My understanding is that dinner is on the expensive side. On Thursdays, the bar menu is half off, select wine and beer is $5, house cocktails are also $5. I've liked all the menu items I've tried, but my favorite is the Stuffed Avocado. It's two avocado halves stuffed with crab and shrimp, drizzled with spicy mayo and teriyaki. Delish! If you're a sushi fan, they have half off sushi rolls on Wednesday. The atmosphere relaxed but classy.
(4)Dan L.
Don't waste your time on this place. Go to any of Jeff Ruby's establishments and you will get a better steak, cooked properly, and might have a few dollars left in your pocket. Everything about this place is mediocre at best. The sides should be stellar for what they charge, but I have had better sides at a chain restaurant. I guess it helps slightly that I had a Groupon so it cut the cost down a little, but keep in mind that as a "Grouponer" you are a second class citizen at Embers. I was told that the only available reservation for a Grouponer is 9:45 pm... yeah right. Will never eat here again.
(2)Beth F.
Fabulous! The finest restaurant meal I have had in recent memory. Pricey though, so save up for a special occasion.
(5)Jamie S.
Best sushi in Cincinnati!! Fresh and yummy combinations. Half price on Wednesday in the bar area. Be careful...it's addicting!! Bar area can be quite loud. Dining room is much quieter.
(5)Rachael G.
I went to Embers during the tennis tournament this summer, so it was really crowded; however, the bartender was awesome and made the best Hendricks cocktail I've ever had.....and I have had my fair share of Hendricks cocktails. The food was amazing. I would definitely come here again for a special occasion.
(4)T R.
Went to dinner with a party of 10 this past Saturday (1/3) for my fiance's birthday, we were immediately seated but at a table/booth only set up for 9. Since we weren't allowed to add a seat on the end and the chair side had two bigger guys we squeezed an additional person in the booth. Not ideal in any event but with the temperature outside an unseasonably high 62 the inside was a balmy 78, according to the thermostat by the front door. We requested the A/C be kicked up but no marked difference was ever noted. Anyways...the wait staff was very friendly and attentive - no complaints there. Our group actually joked as it seemed there were as many wait staff persons as there were customers. That said the drinks took a little longer than you would expect but that was nothing compared to how long we waited on the food, but to be fair we did have a large group. The food btw was good, no complaints from the group. As I mentioned earlier we were there for a birthday so we all received a complimentary Oreo donut (9 dollar value) which tasted delicious and was a nice touch by the server/manager. The less than ideal seating arrangement coupled with the tropical climate made it a generally uncomfortable experience. The food was good but bordering on overpriced all of which are my reasons for deducting 2 stars. For the price they charge I would expect better. Only reason I didn't give it 2 stars was because of how pleasant the staff/management was.
(3)Brent P.
New Year's Eve dinner '14. The good and bad: Drinks: Grey Goose slightly dirty Martini's were "best ever", according to the wives. All drinks priced well for a big city restaurant. Rolls: good, came with whipped butter. Appetizer: Rock Tempura Shrimp, very bad - should never have left the kitchen; someone messed up! Tempura lost its crunch on the way to the table (aka, soggy), shrimp was curled up baby shrimp probably frozen right out of the Kroger sale bin, not hot, the dish was overall unappealing looking, the sauce/flavor was good. Salads: excellent! We ordered 3 types. All greens were fresh/cold/crispy, plenty of goodies (bacon, anchovies, etc) - I was told by the ladies the anchovies were fresh. Main Dishes: fish dishes good (extra thumbs up on the Sea Bass), sushi rolls were as good as we can find anywhere, all dishes looked beautiful, the only slight complaint was the fish portion sizes per price. Desert: had the chocolate cake - dry, very dry, may have sat around for awhile causing the bread to dry. Service: outstanding (you will go far, Zach); multiple well dressed and respectful waiters, servers and managers getting involved and in synch. Ambiance: excellent. Cleanliness: excellent.
(4)Logan E.
The food was great. Everyone around here knows the food is great. I mean, it's not cheap, but it's pretty well worth it. The filet mignon (which I'm making it a mission to try everywhere in town) was superb, and the creme brulee was fantastic. Our server was a super kind, fantastic individual named Jessica. I was able to observe that she had been having a hard night, but she didn't let it affect our experience even a little bit. She's awesome, and I'd highly recommend asking for her if you stop on in.
(4)William F.
My son and I went there since we had a Groupon and wanted to give it a try. The service was excellent and they seated us right away. Seemed like we sat there for a little while and the manager came over and took our drink order. Our server was very nice, but seemed nervous while giving us some recommendations. I had the Filet which was cooked perfectly and my son had the Ohio Ribeye. His was really rare, but he didn't tell me until it was too late. I am certain they would have made it right though. We had the macaroni and cheese which he called "amazing". Overall, we had a fun night bonding. The food and service was really good, but a little pricy for my taste.
(4)Tyler E.
My wife and I tried this restaurant for the first time last night. Overall we were both impressed. We were seated promptly and our waiter quickly came to out table to greet us and take our drink orders. He was very helpful and gave us recommendations. We started with sushi that was very reasonably priced in my opinion. The drinks and other food were a little on the pricey side but keep in mind that this is an upscale restaurant. The service and food was excellent. This is a great place for a special occasion or perhaps a business dinner.
(4)Rosie C.
I came to embers in a large group of very diverse palates. We ranged from strictly vegan to hard core beef lovers. All were satisfied. The diverse menu did not overreach it's abilities. The different cuts of beef from around the country (they specified where) were so tender and expertly prepared. Our group ordered the filet mignon, ribeye, Chilean sea bass, seared scallops and vegan vegetable platter. And it was all divine. We did not order any sushi and cannot speak to that , but what we did have was spectacular. In terms of beverages, our waitress was very knowledgeable about the extensive wine list and recommended a fantastic bottle of a red blend. As for their cocktail menu, creative twists on loved classics. The decor, ambiance and staff completed the experience and completed our night.
(5)Hilary C.
The food is so amazing. The atmosphere is perfect. The service is great. This is by far my favorite place.
(5)Sam T.
We stumbled accross 1/2 price bar menu the first night we came. While the bar was hopping, we found a table immediately and the service was excellent. Decent wine selection and interesting, upscale kinds of food. The stuffed avocados were great as was the grilled truffled cheese and tomato soup. (The soup was really a dip, not a soup at all, but it tasted okay). Try the oreo stuffed doughnuts with raspberry sauce. AMAZING! The bar was full of 40-somethings in suits which had come after work or with a date. Makes for good people watching.
(4)Ted M.
I went in thinking this was going to be one of those places that specializes in fat infused mediocracy, like maybe splitting the difference between the cheesecake factory and John Robert's Table. I was wrong. Its better than that. In fact the food was good, well executed, and not a loser in the house. The Service was attentive and grown up. Kobe roll was Delish, wine was very good without being overly refined.
(4)Dale H.
Dinner last night was AMAZING! Service by Nicole was excellent. My Black Angus filet was cooked perfectly. Added some delicious sautéed mushrooms. We ordered a few sides: creamed spinach, duck fat fries, and mashed potatoes. All were gobbled up and enjoyed by all. Split a chopped salad with my hubby. Good idea since half the salad was just the right size. They were out of the Oreo stuffed donuts :0( but the banana paninis were out of this world! Cinnamon bread was used which really made the dish. Also tried the chocolate mousse that was light as a feather! Our favorite restaurant for special occasions!
(5)Jennifer R.
My boyfriend and I often go to the Precinct when we want a good steak. After dining at Embers, we will continue to stick with Precinct. Our waiter had an odd creepiness to him, and he spoke so softly we couldn't hear him even after repeatedly asking him to speak up. We started with sushi, which was far spicier than the waiter informed us it was. I ordered a filet, which was lined with fat. To top it all off, my boyfriend and I both were up sick all night and the next day. We will NEVER go back there. Even if we hadn't gotten sick - their menu is pricier than Precinct and quality isn't even close.
(1)Stephanie B.
This place is perfect for my steak-loving husband and sushi-loving me! All of the suggestions from our very friendly server were excellent, especially the Green Goddess salad. The wine list and bar selection are great overall, although the beer list could have been a bit more interesting. It was an older crowd, which is fine by me... I don't mind feeling a little younger by comparison for a night. I wish we had saved room for the donuts! The only negative was a loud and somewhat intoxicated elderly couple near us who, by the sound of it, were negotiating plans for a rather hostile divorce. It was weird... who drops $100 for such an occasion? If you're going to make awful memories in a restaurant that will probably make you avoid said restaurant in the future, go to Chili's or something.
(4)David H.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Embers is really in a class of its own in Cincinnati. Serving the best quality ingredients in the best casual fine dining atmosphere is what Embers is known for. Their surf and turf is arguably the best in town. Sushi is fantastic! Service is spot on. Great management too!
(5)Jessica S.
I rarely ever venture to the not-mall section of Montgomery Road so it wasn't until Restaurant Week 2011 that I ever heard of and been to Embers. The best thing about Embers is that it's more high-scale than expected. What I mean by that is when you walk in you'll see a nice, clean, almost-fancy bar and in the dining area you see art, candles on the table, and will be presented with a pretty stellar wine and champagne list. I wouldn't expect that kind of thing from a restaurant within a mile from the largest mall in the area (especially since most of the restaurants around there are chains or bars). The menu is full of great steak, seafood, pasta, and sushi. Order the lobster bisque for an appetizer - it's probably the best I've had. I usually don't like when steakhouses (or other non-Japanese restaurants) have sushi on the menu, but the sushi at Embers doesn't disappoint. What keeps Embers from a fifth star from me is the service and the proximity to downtown. The latter isn't their fault at all, just my own little opinion. If it were closer to downtown I'd frequent it more often... simple as that. The service, however, is definitely their issue they need to sort out. Our waitress was very, very slow getting water refills and getting us our checks. I'd love it if the service was as good as the food. If I ever have a reason to head up to Kenwood and feel like prancing around in my little black dress, I'll head back to Embers.
(4)Katy L.
We have eaten here several times, mostly when other restaurants are booked. The food and service are good, the atmosphere is upscale strip-mall. Until last night...FRIED GARLIC HIDING IN MY SUSHI SALAD? Are you kidding me? Who expects to order HAMACHI and get piles of fried garlic unless you are in a Korean Restaurant? DISGUSTING, we are all still sick with headaches.
(3)Sami O.
A great upscale environment to eat at. The food is wonderful. I'd recommend getting the bone in ribeye. It's very well seasoned and tastes magnificent!
(4)Foodie M.
Great restaurant. Bar area is always fun with 1/2 off specials on Thursdays. Bartenders do great job with special drink request.Shisito peppers are a tasty app along with stuffed avocado. Entree favs include sea bass, sushi rolls, duck fat fries and sliders. Steaks are also winners here at this trendy hot spot. Enjoy
(4)Bernard B.
I really liked the restaurant until I had some fraud on my credit card from them. I talked to the owner Jon and was promised that it would be removed. Unfortunately, he did nothing to help the situation and I had to have my bank remove it. I believe in supporting local shops. This one I can't anymore. Shame on the the lack of follow-up.
(1)Stephen S.
Embers is a solid choice for the Cincinnati suburbs. The service here is fantastic and I love how I'm treated every time I come. I've never been blown away by any of the food but I've never had anything bad either (and I'm convinced if I really didn't like something then with the fantastic service they'd make sure it was made right). This place makes me think of that ol' sweater that you're not going to put on for a night out on the town but you keep going back to for the warmth and familiarity.
(3)John M.
Groupon offered up a $25 for $50 at Embers, so I figured, "why not?!" My wife and I stopped in there on a Sunday evening about a week ago. The atmosphere is nice, with dimmed lighting, leather booths, etc. I still can't quite get used to what could be considered a "fine dining" restaurant being in a shopping center, but hey, who am I to judge... oh wait, I do a fair number of reviews for Yelp! Haha! Anyway, I had a Colorado filet, duck-fat fries, and sautéed Spinach which was all quite good. Overall, I felt my experience there was good and I really have nothing bad to say about it. That said, for some reason it didn't really drive me to want to go back there; it was kind of a vanilla experience. I guess I feel like if you're gonna drop enough money to eat at Embers, spend a little bit more and go to any of Jeff Ruby's joints; the atmosphere and the food is just better. To be honest, Embers feels like a high end Applebees or TGI-Fridays, sans the "Grandma's" attic, random collection of crap on the walls. Its a fine place, and I'm not gonna say that I won't ever go back there, but It just wasn't blow-me-away impressive. Honestly, I wanted to give this place the 2-star, "Meh, I've had better," but I didn't think that would be fair, so it got the 3-star A-Ok rating; its actually a, 3-star, "meh, its okay" rating.
(3)Joe C.
I was looking for someplace to celebrate my son's college graduation for a group of 9. I found it at Embers. I made it known ahead of time that this was a special occasion, and they treated it and us with the aplomb it deserved without being asked. The food is great, but they should recommend eating dessert first and working your way backwards, The oreo filled donuts and banana panini are unique and outrageously good (add the homemade Bailey's cookies & cream ice cream to anything!). Our server, Alex, was outstanding, and took our fun in stride while providing top-notch service. The menu is varied, and everyone (including our pickiest) found something to enjoy. I can recommend Embers without qualification.
(4)Dan M.
Sushi and steaks. Naturally, this will be an expensive place. You're highly unlikely to get out of here for less than $40/head, but if you book an appetizer, entree, and drink, you're likely to spend over $60/head. The sushi was fresh and crisp tasting. The filet looked delicious and the rack of lamb was tasty (even if I had to really dissect it from how fatty it was). Both were cooked medium rare (as requested) and tender as can be. If you don't want the fancy atmosphere, the bar area is great, but it doesn't come with bar prices. Judging by the Aston Martin and the talk with some restaurant-goers, I think it's a place to be seen about Cincinnati amongst those who are into being seen about Cincinnati. Overall, the food is great, but somehow doesn't seem worthy of such a high price tag. Bottom Line: I'll be back if I'm craving a fantastic steak and willing to shell out some serious cashola.
(4)Sarah R.
Yum. We ate here this week, and it was delicious. I had the small filet and my fiance had the scallops plus a salad. For 2 entrees (no sides included, just the small accompaniments included with the entree), a salad, and 2 glasses of wine, our bill was 90 bucks plus tip. A bit on the expensive side, but totally delicious. The service was great - water glasses were always full, and our server was really friendly and down to earth. I had the malbec by the glass, and it was really good. It was half-price sushi night in the bar and the place was PACKED. Packed enough that I took one look and thought "I'd pay double price for sushi just to not have to be packed into a bar with 200 people." Comparatively, the dining room was empty - we had our choice of tables. We will *definitely* be back, and after looking at the reviews below, I'm super sad I didn't look at the dessert menu - but we were pretty full, so we passed. Good thing, because if I had seen fried oreos or opera cream cake, I would have made room for dessert.... One star off because it was a little expensive, the girl answering the phone to the restaurant was kind of out of it, the bar was so packed you couldn't even walk in, and because our waiter didn't suggest that we share a side dish - we didn't realize the accompaniments described in the menu were so tiny. IE: the filet came with gnocchi - and there were 4. 4 DELICIOUS tiny gnocchi - but 4 none the less.
(4)R.J. s.
Made my very first visit to Embers and was NOT disappointed. We reserved the private room for my parents 65th wedding anniversary. We had a reservation for 13 at 6:30 we were seated as soon as we arrived. After being greeted by a smiling gracious hostess. Zak Minturn our most excellent server allowed us to set our own pace for drink orders, menu decisions and selections. He explained every special and patiently made recommendations. We spent the time sharing stories and taking pictures as the food began to arrive. Pork Chops, Filet, Sushi and Sirloin with plenty of great sides. Every thing was prepared perfectly arriving hot and tasty prepared to perfection. Everyone was very satisfied. We took more pictures told more stories and thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the anniversary. Desert menus arrived again every question answered and helpful suggestions made. Our 3 hour dinner flew by and everyone had a fantabulous time. A dining experience as it was meant to be. I would highly recommend the Embers for your next 5 star dinner in Kenwood.
(5)Chris A.
By far the Worst steak I've ever eaten. Why not just say all marble with a hint of meat. You should never ever call yourself a steak place.
(1)Lorinn W.
All I can say is......TRY their KOBE Sushi Rolls and their OREO doughnuts!!!! Unbelievably delicious. Then, try everything else!! They offer bar specials every night. Half price sushi weekly! Extremely enjoyable always!
(5)Pamela F.
Snagged a Groupon $25 for $50 dining credit to try this place out. Steaks ($32-38 range) are well-aged, perfectly seared, buttery and accompanied by bearnaise. Tried the bleu cheese wedge, hefty chunks of bleu, bacon crumbles over iceberg and potatoes au gratin with tangy cheeses. Good wine list, sampled a couple before settling on a glass of Paraduxx zinfandel- cabernet ($15). This is an amazing wine, with the silky mouthfeel of Orin Swift red blend the Prisoner (my favorite) -- the spicy richness of Zinfandel and rich berry-leather-vanilla notes of a good cabernet really stands up to the steaks. I tried a sip of Liberty School (and I usually like Paso Robles reds) but it felt thin and a bit watery mid-palate. Shared a half order of the fried oreo donut -- rich, hot and steamy.
(4)Allen C.
Embers is an amazing place to dine in Cincinnati. One of the best places in the city for steak or sushi. The food is outstanding. Fine dining without a pretentious atmosphere. The staff is amazing. Owner and managers are all around to be sure that you are enjoying you meal too. The bar side of Embers is great for a more informal atmosphere with the same great food if you want to socialize or catch a game on TV and a bar menu. If you are very hungry, that Cowboy steak is one of the best I've had. Also recommend trying the Duck Fat Fries.
(5)Deborah H.
Although I have reviewed Embers before, my experience there tonight was so amazing, I had to write another. I will start by saying that we wanted an early reservation in order to have a nice dinner before our Christmas eve commitments. That can be tricky, because staff can arrive in shifts, and the kitchen is not always geared-up for immediate orders. Not to worry, we were approached right away for drink and appetizer orders. I had the small filet, which was the best I ever had, and my dining companion had the ribeye with blue-cheese encrusted crab, which he said was incredible. The service was wonderful, and the holiday music playing in the background was so nice. I was so relaxed in the comfortable booth, with flickering candle light, soft music and a perfect dinner.
(5)Brian B.
Another Saturday night, and another exquisite meal at Embers Restaurant. When we have friends come in town we often turn to Embers for dinner because of their diverse menu, excellent food, and friendly service that is sure to impress our guests. This night did not disappoint! We have our favorite waiters at Embers, but overall their service team understands how to put the guest first better than almost any restaurant. The friendly hostess sat us at a warm booth in the back and we were greeted by many of the service team on the way to our seats. Our waiter Brian had already set up the table to accommodate our wine with a decanter and aerator table side. We began the meal by opening a couple bottles of wine, one an Australian Shiraz by Molly Dooker, and the second a decade old Napa Valley Cabernet. Both were delicious from the start, but the cab would really shine later in the meal when the steak arrived. The first course we ordered was the green goddess salad, a recent fixture to their menu and our favorite salad available at this time. The dressing is creamy and delicious, while the crunch of the radish, candied pecans, and cucumber adds a nice texture to the Bibb lettuce. Not being a fan of blue cheese, I subbed it for Parmesan for a lighter, but still flavorful cheese. For the second course we turned to their sushi menu, and began with the toro, or fatty tuna, that was a special for the evening. It came two pieces to an order and lightly seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and green onions. We enjoyed one bite per person, and wow was it a great bite! So soft and tender it almost melted in your mouth. We would order more, but this stuff is expensive and we had a lot more food on the tasting menu I was creating for our table. Next up for our third course, I ordered two sushi rolls. One was a special for the night with seared toro and green onions on top with an inside full of tempura shrimp, cucumber, and avocado. On the side they served a seven pepper dipping sauce, but it's a bit too spicy for my taste and I opted for a side of sweet eel sauce made in house. The seared toro on top made for a soft and flavorful mouthfeel, while the shrimp tempura inside added the perfect crunch. The second roll was a custom creation that I've been ordering now for years at Embers. Dubbed the double tempura sea bass roll, this roll consists of tempered sea bass on top and in the middle. Sounds simple, but it is perfectly delicious with the crunchy fish throughout and the rich, yet moist flavor profile of the sea bass. You can add avocado or mango (available seasonally) inside for an added bonus. Next up was our main course for which I ordered the prime strip steak "pan seared" style. This style is amazing and should be highlighted more on the menu for I fear most patrons don't know about it. The steak is seasoned with their homemade steak dust and seared to lock in the flavors, then plated with cipollini onions, roasted mushrooms, gnocchi, and shaved Parmesan, and then topped with a truffle sauce made from reduced veal stock. All around delicious combination that needs to be shared with others. Embers was kind enough to split the steak four ways in the back and design each person's plate accordingly. Their prime steak is some of the best in the city and the sauce is heavenly. Medium rare came out bright red throughout and tender as ever. Each bite was a delicious combination of flavors that left everyone fully satisfied and the Napa cab paired perfectly with this course. To accompany the steak, we ordered a side of "Burke" vegetables. This medley was created by my family and is ordered at almost every Embers dinner. The delicious combination of brussel sprouts, carrots, onions, cauliflower, and broccoli is sautéed with olive oil till lightly browned. One of our favorite healthy and flavorful sides to pair with any meat, chicken, or fish. Maybe if enough people request the "Burke" vegetable medley Embers will add it to the menu! We wouldn't have done justice for our guests if we stopped there, so we pushed forward even though I don't think anyone needed more food at this point. When contemplating dessert, you need to start thinking about their Oreo stuffed donuts. This award-winning dessert is paired with Bailey's cookies and cream ice cream and a delicious dipping sauce made with bourbon and vanilla. One donut for each guest perfectly satisfied our sweet tooth. This dish is meant for sharing at the end of a big meal and I'm confident it will end your meal with a happy belly too. We will keep coming back to Embers often and I'll keep recommending it to anyone that appreciates great food and service or is interested in celebrating a special occasion. After hundreds of visits, it is consistently one of the best restaurants in town. My only "warning" is that after you dine here you will likely become a regular too!
(5)Adam W.
The service was great and the food was good. Had the surf and turf with Mac n cheese and brussel sprouts and caprese salad. Everything tasted good but not excellent. The mac n cheese was grainy and the Brussel sprouts were a bit undercooked but the taste was fine. The steak was cooked perfectly but was limited in flavor, the lobster was great as was the caprese salad.
(4)Ron C.
Two adults for dinner. This is our third time at this restaurant. We've enjoyed better sushi there on half-price sushi night at the bar than on this occasion. Pork chop was very good - rest of dishes were not particularly good. In particular the onion rings as a side were detestable. When fast food restaurants serve up better rings, then you know there's trouble in the kitchen. Our server was not the best, even while the overall service was good. After three experiences we've decided there are other places that have earned our interest.
(3)Jonathan E.
we had a fantastic dinner experience. the staff is courteous and well-trained (a bit more so than i expected for this part of cincinnati). recommended. it's a bit pricey, so we'll be back for the next special occasion.
(4)Todd L.
Nice atmosphere and solid food. I opted for the sashimi platter as a starter in place of a salad. Tuna and yellowtail, nice presentation and great taste. For my main, I did their specialty 'Ohio' ribeye, medium rare, salt crusted ribeye with a blue cheese, crab topping in a bourbon demi glaze (the glaze was great, the crab, blue cheese topping was just ok - kind of a strange mix of you ask me). As a side, I tried the boursin au gratin potatoes...a really nice dish. Would definitely recommend Embers.
(4)William K.
This place knows steak. Fantastic piece of meat treated with the respect it deserved! Top notch service! Valet parking. The flavors were spot on. Highly recommended!
(4)Lee Anne B.
Definitely one of our "go to" restaurants. From the nightly bar specials to 1/2 price sushi night to a formal dinner in the dining room the Embers staff never fails to disappoint. Steaks and sushi done right and a lobster tail that is the best in any restaurant in the City. The manager, Michael, is always visible in both the bar and the restaurant. He is hospitality at its best. If you want some great service and a knowledgeable server, ask to sit in Stan's area. While we have had nothing but exceptional service, Stan always makes us feel like we are welcome family coming home. Also, do yourself a favor and save room for some Oreo donuts, Salted Carmel Chocolate cake or the Banana Panini. This girl HATES bananas and I will eat it every time my husband orders it!! Enjoy!
(5)Paul K.
Much better than expected. I am always skeptical about a restaurant that serves various kinds of food. It seems to me they are not experts or something. An American restaurant has Sushi and Rolls in its menu. I would refuse to go. Or at least I won't eat sushi there anyway. But Ember's surprised me with its ambiance, attitude, and food which I couldn't ask for more. I could not catch our server's name. However he was super helpful and kind. He was knowledgeable with the items on the menu. I thought Ember's is a chain having a few restaurants around this area. That's why my expectation was low on the food. I was wrong. They did not have that strong feeling of salty taste and pre-made dishes. Everything tasted fresh, and I could taste different dimensions of ingredients. Many people would try to kill me for saying this but their rib was better than Montgomery's. It's my preference that I don't like sauce overpowering actual ribs. Also sea bass was cooked perfectly. I liked their dark atmosphere, too. It just gives you the upscale feeling. It was just right between casual and fancy. So the restaurant is really all-around for any occasion. Well, actually it's rather pricey for any occasion. Overall, it's a great restaurant. I cannot say the best, though.
(4)Margaret G.
Upon arrival we seated ourselves in the bar area for happy hour. We had glasses of water on our table almost before sitting down . We ordered sliders and crab cakes. Both was delicious and served within 10 mins. Our waitress was fabulous.
(4)Amanda H.
Surprise, surprise, I had a Groupon! lol So off to Embers I went. They have some killer specials like Wednesday 1/2 price sushi and Thursday 1/2 all the WHOLE bar menu. I wanted to try a bunch of small plates so I went on a Thursday. I really like Embers but it is a higher price point so I usually save it for special occasions. I went in when they opened at 5 and it was already pretty crowded so I opted for a seat at the bar. The bartender was a little stand offish to me for the first 30 minutes I was there.The fact that I was wearing scrubs and using a Groupon made her act very uppity. But once I ordered quite a bit a food and mentioned the blog and suddenly she was a lot nicer. Even though she gave me a bad taste the management was just great. Two men in suits were making their way to all the patrons asking if everything was good and chatting. I like that! It shows they are really invested in a good experience for their customers. Since the bar menu was 1/2 off I loaded up with some things to sample and save, then a meal to eat. I started off with the Seared Diver Scallop. You only get one scallop for $10 but its worth it, especially when its 1/2 off. I could order three of these and make it my dinner. It was a perfectly pan seared scallop with a beet puree. The texture of the puree was spot on- smooth and velvety. Then they topped it with apple dices, goat cheese, fried prosciutto and hazelnuts. It was very balanced and super yummy. Seriously get this, you will not be disappointed. My second small plate was the steak tartar. I hate to knock it, because I think its me. I've had tartar of different meats about 5 times now, and I've yet to enjoy it. Which is odd because I love carpaccio. But I tasted it sans the bread, didn't like it, and didn't save the rest. Its just sooo bland. But the stuffed avocados!!!! Holy mother of jesus these things were awesome. Its a peeled avocado stuffed with crap, shrimp, masago, scallion, drizzled with a spicy cream sauce and teriyaki. Due to my low carb diet, I just ate the stuffing and a small amount of the avocado. It packed a little heat that balanced out the creaminess of everything else. And just when you thought i was to mushy, you'd get a bite of scallion or shrimp to pull the textures through. For dinner I got the Colorado filet and a side of caramelized Brussels sprouts. These were both excellent. Exactly what I would expect for the price. A great cut of meat cooked perfectly and some crunchy sweeter sprouts. imageimage I already had a huge doggy bag, but still had some money on my groupon left to spend so I got the Tempura Sea Bass sushi. Dummy me didn't look at the price and it ended up being an extra $17 for the roll. It was awesome, but I would probably only order it again on 1/2 price sushi night due to the price. Inside the roll was avocado, crab, and salmon. Then it was topped with Sea bass and teriyaki sauce. It was good! A lot of the same components of the stuffed avocados but completely different flavors. I love Embers, I've never been disappointed there. Its a wonderful, quality restaurant with good food for special occasions.
(5)Danielle D.
Loved this spot. I came here with my friends who are regulars. We shared edamame, the green goddess salad, a few sushi rolls, strip steak, and the oreo donuts. As a NYC girl in Cincinnati, I was skeptical about the sushi - but it was excellent. All of our food was was delicious and the service was impeccable. We had some drinks in the bar before dinner - the bar area is very spacious and the tables in the restaurant are nicely spread out. I thought the prices were very reasonable. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)David W.
We ate there last night for the first time. I must say the was really good. When we arrived a little earlier then our reservation we had a drink at the bar first. The bartender was very quick and friendly. When we were seated we has great food and service. The manager came over twice saying our food will be right out and apologizing on the wait. But we didn't think we waited long at all. For out wait they even gave us a free desert of our choice. So of course we chose the Oreo doughnuts. They were amazing!
(5)William D R.
We made a reservation for two last night and our table was ready when we arrived at 6:45pm and asked if we could have 10-15 minutes to Have a drink at the bar. When we were ready we were seated promptly. My wife ordered another glass of wine, the bread was delivered promptly. We split a Salad. She ordered Grilled Sea bass and I ordered the 8 oz. Aged Filet. My wife said it was the best she had ever had. My Filet was cooked to perfection medium rare and very tender. Our waiter was outstanding and as it was my Birthday he gave a complimentary dessert. The sound level was very good. We highly recommend the Embers.
(5)Jean E.
One of the best dining experiences I've had. The staffing and service were first rate, start to finish. The food was delicious, and the plating beautiful. The sushi was probably the best I've ever eaten. Halibut perfectly cooked and served over watercress salad. Atmosphere classic, clubby, upscale, yet completely relaxing and comfortable. Expensive, but worth the money.
(5)Daniel K.
Great service and the oreo stuffed doughnuts are crazy good. Cocktails read a little better than they tasted but were still good. The sushi and steak are both on point. Overall, a great spot for a nice night out.
(4)juan p.
Embers is a very good restaurant and I could say is excellent. It has mantained it's quality over the years. The sushi and steaks are superb. The service and wine list is excellent. The environment is a little noisy but kind of average. One of my favorite places for a good meal deal of high quality
(5)Yuna D.
Went here with the mister for a dinner date. Ambiance is really nice and quiet. Most people come here dressed all spiffy, but some people were casual. Servers are very attentive and friendly. We were able to get seated at a booth with zero wait time, but I think reservations would be a good idea since it got busy as dinner service progressed. We got a Spicy Crunchy Roll to share, which was a solid appetizer with varying texture. Bread came with embedded olives for half of the basket, with garlic butter which was good. Bread was soft. yum. Boyfriend got wine, and he thought it was weird but he downed the whole thing (he's sitting next to me and doesn't remember the name of it.) I got the Lemon Twizzle, but the vodka was strong with this one. Entrees were delicious--the mister got the seabass, and I got the 14 oz. New York Strip. The seabass flaked apart and was very tasty, and the apple curry sauce that it came with had a nice flavor to it without being overpowering. The steak had a nice spice crust. We also got onion straws, which was a bit greasy, but the mac & cheese was good. For dessert we tried the oreo stuffed donuts. SUPER SWEET, so if you have a major sweettooth, then this is for you. There's four donuts, with a side of raspberry sauce (sweet), and black raspberry chip icecream, so this is good for at least two people. I also got the chocolate mousse, which comes with a side of whipped cream and raspberry drizzle in a chocolate tuile bowl. I liked the mousse more because it was light. Excellent place for a date. The bill came out steep though (nearly $200), but well worth.
(5)Mike B.
Very good food and very good service but the only keeping this from being five stars is the price; I understand the quality, but a little pricey even for a business meeting dinner. I was with bosses so the bill is covered but they are priced out of range for a regular business trip meal. I enjoyed the cowboy steak and the Brussels sprouts, but the cauliflower was a little dry this time
(4)Diana A.
Was good, but glad we had a Group on; the prices are a bit high for what they offer.
(3)Aaron S.
Been here twice, once for a special occasion and once for happy hour in the bar. We had sushi and a filet on the first visit and some small plates at the happy hour. This is a little more expensive than most but the food is phenomenal, and great wine selection as well. Try the sushi roll with Kobe beef! The sliders and stuffed avocados were also very good in the bar.
(5)Robin T.
Embers is an upscale steakhouse (sushi too) located in a strip mall. I was a little shocked by the prices given the strip mall location and everything is a la carte (when you pay $40+ for a steak it should at least come with a salad or a potato/side). However, you do get excellent food and service here. Portions are on the small side, but every bite is delicious. We were not rushed in the slightest, we could have stayed all night and I am not sure they would have cared. Being rushed at a restaurant is one of my pet peeves, especially when you are about to drop $100 per person. Had dinner here for the first time this evening with a client, we were a party of 9. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals (8 steaks and 1 scallops entree). For appetizers, we shared the crab cakes and chicken spring rolls, both of which were delightful. For my entree, I had the Filet Mignon Oscar cooked to a perfect medium rare (ordered "medium" as instructed by my server). We also shared sides of duck fat fries (yum!), mashed and au gratin potatoes, and my favorite, the caramelized Brussels sprouts. For dessert, we shared the banana panini, Oreo donuts (O.M.G.), and chocolate mousse. I loved the donut (one is more than enough) but everyone else raved about the banana panini which unfortunately, I didn't try. Our server, Stan, was wonderful and made fantastic recommendations from the wine to the desserts. In fact his attention to detail was probably half the enjoyment. I would definitely come back for a special occasion or client meeting again (nice atmosphere for entertaining clients).
(5)Ben B.
Just had Beth's birthday dinner here, and we're leaving here very impressed and we're usually tough critics.... She absolutely loved the vanilla n bourbon mashed sweet potatoes. We both really enjoyed the sea bass with roasted root veggies and banana panini for desert was really good too
(5)Katie K.
We ate here about 2 weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had purchased a local deal, so we knew that we would be limited on what we could order. The server was nice enough to allow us to order off the bar menu, which was great! We were able to try multiple appetizers and still order two fabulous meals. The guacamole with plaintains is delicious. We will be back!
(5)Jacquelynn A.
So unless you are upper class and wearing a $500 suit then you aren't going to get very good service. My boyfriend, 2 year old, and I happened upon this place while we were shopping for baby items at Kenwood Mall and decided we would give it a try. The dining room was all but empty and the hostesses took one look at us (Myself in jeans and a sweatshirt, my boyfriend in jeans and a tshirt and my son in kids clothing, a normal families attire) and declared that there was no room in the dining room and that we had to sit at the bar...with our 2 year old. Now at this point I'm already miffed, but then it takes 25 minutes just to get a waitress to get us drinks. Then another 20 minutes to even get our order for food. I am pregnant and hungry and the last thing I want to do is wait an hour to eat and my 2 year old is hungry too alright. So we FINALLY get our food and drinks and the waitress has the nerve to come along and tell me that my two year old is being too loud. First of all I've seen loud children and you had better believe I keep better control of my kid than that, he is too well disciplined to even throw a fit in a grocery store. He had simply said "Hi" to an older woman down the bar because he is friendly like that and somehow she had gotten offended? So then we finish our food and we get the check and it was what you'd expect from a higher class place so that didn't bother me. But as we are leaving a hostess had the nerve to tell me that it was a suit and tie environment and that is why we had to sit in the bar. If that is the case then post a sign somewhere. But I have been to war twice for this country, her little too-good talking behind included, so I feel that NO ONE should be judged on what they are wearing. I am a PAYING CUSTOMER and deserved to be treated with respect. Needless to say I will not be returning.
(1)Kay T.
Originally from Cincinnati and currently living in Colorado, I saw the Groupon for Embers and decided to go there when I visited home. I got the Colorado filet which isn't too comparable to the steaks in Colorado but I would have to say it is probably one of the best steaks I have had in Cinci, however it is pretty expensive. I don't remember if the steak came with a side item, but I do remember it coming with a delish garlic bloom (I don't know why but it was a really good garlic bloom). I also had the sushi, which was really good and fresh. The service was also superb. I didn't use the valet parking because I can park my own car and walk a minute or two. I take one star off because of the prices and valet that really isn't necessary (but it is in Kenwood...). I hope Embers has some more deals, more items on their happy hour, or something doing promotions. I would go back again.
(4)Peter B.
Embers is the quintessential gathering place for successful adults (30+ in age). A interesting fusion between designer sushi rolls and prime cut steaks coupled with an electric bar scene makes Embers an excellent choice for an after-work gathering or to impress a date. The service is excellent and the food prepared with a flash of art culinarie. If you like surf & turf, have your steak "oscared" either traditionally or a la Embers with a medley of seafood. Valet parking is offered and somewhat necessary given the small size of the parking lot. If you arrive after 6:30 pm, it may be hard to find a seat at the bar!
(4)Kara K.
This may be one of my favorite Groupon finds. We came in on a Sunday night for dinner. I had checked out the menu in advance & knew it would be pricey even with the Groupon. Wine averaged about $9/glass. Normally this wouldn't dissuade me, but the BF & I had had a long, exhausting day, so I stuck with water & the BF got a coke. We each ordered a steak - colorado filet for me & I want to say NY strip for the BF. At $32 each, our steaks did not come cheap, but they were delicious. Sides are a la carte, but most are large enough to share. We went with the $5 mashed potatoes. Our food came out very quickly, though considering how few people were in the restaurant, I guess we shouldn't have been so surprised. Our steaks were cooked to our specifications & had very little (if any) fat on them. Our waitress was a little slow, particularly slow in bringing the check. We probably wouldn't have normally noticed, but we had been awake since 5am & really wanted to go home & get to sleep. However, the bus boys were great. Constantly refilling our water glasses, clearing our plates the second we finished, asking if there was anything else we needed. If only our waitress had been so attentive. Once I have the funds, I'll go back. Until then, I'll wait for the next Groupon deal.
(4)April A.
My fiance and I went to Embers for our anniversary. The atmosphere in this restaurant is very nice. We knew before going that it was an upscale restaurant, so we picked out nice outfits for the evening. I had a scallop appetizer that was heavenly!! I can't remember what my fiance got. We both got the same dish, which we usually don't do, but it sounded so good. We got the filet oscar over a portabello mushroom with hollandaise sauce and lump crab on top. The steak literally melted in my best. To this day that is definitely the best steak I have ever had. We ended up spending $134 for our meal, and it was worth every dime!!!
(5)Lee B.
I recently went to eat here for a friend's birthday, and it was fantastic. I think that this is a good restaurant for a special occasion. I ordered the Colorado 8 oz filet with a sweet potato. It had been awhile since I had a really good steak, and it was awesome. I know that at some restaurants you can't gauge how well cooked the steaks will be, but I ordered a med-rare steak and I was happy to find that it's what I got. My friend picked a slice of bonbonerie (spelling?) opera cake, and it was the perfect end to the night. I've seen from other reviews that the bar menu is more reasonable than the dining area. I'd like to go back sometime soon and check out the bar. Also of note, my friend has a 3 yo son who was well-behaved and the staff seemed to be kid-friendly.
(4)Melissa S.
the servers were snobby, otherwise the FOOD WAS AMAZING!! had sushi and the guacomole. the owner was a total sweetie and he was so happy and I liked the energy of the place. i would totally take a client to eat here. prices were reasonable and parking easy too. the staff could use a little attitude adjustment.. :)
(5)Van N.
Embers is THE place to go eat. HANDS DOWN. Thomas and Debbie at the bar are amazing!! They are the two sweetest people you'll ever meet. and the food is great. Hideki makes some of the best sushi i've EVER had. The service is impeccable and the food is awesome. I would definitely recommend the crab cakes and peppered yellowfin tuna. SO GOOD! Embers you totally have my heart. And trust me i know food. I come from the land of amazing food...Los Angeles. Oh and the regulars at the bar are a riot too...super sweet and funny. If you're ever in town you have to go!
(5)