I recently had dinner at Boca, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish.
We had a reservation and were seated promptly upon arrival. The front-of-house staff were welcoming, attentive, and incredibly kind. Zach was our server, and he truly went above and beyond in every aspect of our evening.
As first-time diners at Boca, we were a bit overwhelmed by the menu's incredible offerings, but Zach immediately took us under his wing. He guided us through the menu, explaining ordering recommendations, ingredients, flavor profiles, and preparation methods with a level of passion and storytelling that elevated the entire experience. His knowledge and enthusiasm made every dish feel special before it even arrived at the table.
We began the evening with cocktails. I ordered the Pim Royal, which was the perfect choice for a warm June evening refreshing, light, and packed with flavor.
To start, we had the Pommes Soufflés, which are an absolute must-order. I have never experienced such perfectly hollow potato pillows, especially when dipped into the beautifully balanced Béarnaise sauce. They were addictive and the ideal vessel for the rich, slightly tangy sauce.
For our petits plats, we enjoyed the Charred Leeks, Œufs Mayonnaise, and Diver Scallop. The leeks were wonderfully refreshing, served chilled with an unexpected but addictive pairing of anchovy and hazelnut. The crispy fried shallots added the perfect textural contrast.
The Œufs Mayonnaise was essentially the most elevated deviled egg imaginable. The perfectly jammy egg sat in a sauce so delicious that I had to stop myself from eating it by the spoonful.
The Diver Scallop was flawlessly seared and served atop what may be the most decadent Brussels sprouts I have ever eaten. Zach informed us that they are caramelized for hours in brown butter, and every minute of that effort was evident. They were unforgettable.
We then moved on to pasta, beginning with the Elote Cappellecci, a current feature and one of the standout dishes of the evening (which is saying a lot). In fact, I believe it may be one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. The delicate pasta burst with sweet corn and creamy mascarpone, while subtle spice and a gentle kick of jalapeño created a perfect balance. It was everything a summer pasta should be.
We paired it with the Lumache con Salsiccia, whose savory sauce was so addictive that we ordered bread simply to ensure not a single drop went to waste. Both pasta dishes were exceptional and showcased entirely different sides of the kitchen's talent.
Somehow, we still found room for another course, sharing the Chicken Pressée. It was incredibly moist, deeply savory, and served in a decadent sauce that tied the dish together beautifully.
Dessert presented perhaps the greatest challenge of the evening: deciding what to order. If I learned anything during my first visit to Boca, it's that there is no wrong order. Every dish feels worthy of being the star of the meal, so my advice is simple: order everything that sounds good. You'll spend less time debating and more time enjoying some truly incredible food.
We enjoyed the Chocolate Terrine, Le Citron, and Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake.
The Chocolate Terrine featured perfectly smooth dark chocolate paired with an incredible fruity olive oil that coated the palate and heightened every flavor. The pistachios provided the perfect finishing touch.
Le Citron was one of the most beautiful desserts I have ever seen. I almost hesitated to crack into its perfectly crafted shell. Once inside, the layered dessert showcased every dimension of lemon,from bright citrus zest to tart fruit while the hazelnut elements provided a wonderful balance.
My favorite dessert of the evening, however, was the Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake. It was quite simply the best cheesecake I have ever tasted. The mascarpone was light and silky, pairing beautifully with the cinnamon-walnut streusel.
Boca was a dream from start to finish. Every dish was masterfully crafted, every detail thoughtfully executed, and every interaction reflected professionalism, hospitality, and genuine care.
Special recognition goes to Zach, whose expertise, warmth, and passion transformed a great meal into an unforgettable experience. He is a tremendous asset to Boca and played a major role in making our first visit so memorable.
Boca is truly one of the shining stars of Cincinnati's dining scene, and I cannot wait to return. read more