Cincinnati: Over the Rhine Ethnic Food Tour & Local Tastings

Summary

Walk Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine for global flavors and stories

You’ll walk Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine neighborhood with a local guide, tasting everything from BBQ steamed buns to Lebanese baklava at five different spots. Hear quirky stories behind murals and old buildings, share laughs over tacos or macarons, and pick up streetcar tips for exploring more on your own. It’s not just food—it’s people, history, little surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, this used to be a cemetery,” our guide, Jen, said as we stood under the big trees in Washington Park. I almost dropped my bubble tea — not what I expected to hear at the start of a food tour. The park was busy with kids chasing each other near the fountains, and somewhere behind us a dog barked at nothing in particular. We’d just met but Jen already felt like someone you could ask anything about Cincinnati — she pointed out a mural across the street, told us which buildings were haunted (I still get goosebumps thinking about that), and somehow made history sound like gossip.

We zigzagged through Over the Rhine’s old brick streets, past shops where people nodded or waved from inside. The first stop was a tiny spot with steamed buns — Hawaiian-style, pillowy soft, filled with smoky pork that left my fingers sticky. I tried to say “okonomiyaki” at the next place; Li laughed and helped me out (I probably butchered it). Each place felt different: Mexican tacos with bright salsa, then an Argentinean empanada that crumbled when I bit into it. The smells changed every block — sweet bread one minute, grilled onions the next.

I didn’t expect to end up in a modern beer garden sharing German pretzels with strangers who felt less like strangers by then. Jen handed out streetcar maps (“in case you want to wander later — trust me, you’ll want to”), and pointed out another mural I’d missed before. It rained for five minutes and nobody cared; we just ducked under an awning and kept talking about which dish was our favorite. Honestly, I still think about that French macaron — pistachio, if you’re curious.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Over the Rhine and ethnic foods

• Begin tour in Washington Park
• Visit Cincinnati Music Hall
• Stroll through ethnic neighborhood
• Walk along Central Parkway
• View colorful outdoor murals
• Receive streetcar map and tips

Top questions

How long does the Cincinnati ethnic food tour last?

The tour lasts around 3 hours and includes about 45-60 minutes of walking.

Where does the Over the Rhine food tour start?

The tour begins in Washington Park in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Are vegetarian options available on this food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Can you accommodate gluten-free or nut allergies?

No, unfortunately dietary restrictions like nut allergies or gluten-free cannot be accommodated.

Is this ethnic food tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

What foods are included on this Cincinnati ethnic eats tour?

The tour includes BBQ steamed buns, bubble tea, okonomiyaki, tacos, Lebanese pitas, French macarons, and more.

Does this tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates rain or shine—dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Is public transportation nearby for after the tour?

Yes, public transportation options including the free Cincinnati Streetcar are nearby.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all tastings at five locally owned restaurants—think BBQ steamed buns, bubble tea or macarons—plus a local professional guide who shares stories along the way. You’ll also get tips on using Cincinnati’s free streetcar network so you can keep exploring after your last bite.