I've been wanting to come here for years. Heard nothing but great things about Pepp & Dolores. My best friend and I just finished a 5K nearby and wanted to grab lunch. I mentioned this place and with no hesitation she said yes. I love the vibe outside and inside. Very laid back and relaxed feel. Also the natural lighting is inviting. Makes me feel like I'm in Europe. The food and drink menu looked so good that it was hard to choose what I want. My bestie mentioned it is tapas style which I love. So we shared our dishes. We ordered: Drinks: -House red- Cirelli, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo -Barbera Blend Salad: -Gem- gem lettuce, walnut, ubriaco Rosso cheese, croutons, citrus Caesar dressing, parmigiano-reggiano Lunch: -Limone- Spaghetti, Meyer Lemon, chili flake, parmigiano-reggiano, garlic breadcrumbs, Ricotta -Funghi- Maccheroni alla Chitarra, wild mushrooms, sherry cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano Since we didn't make reservations, we sat at the bar and our food came out right away. The salad was very light and had great flavor. Both the pastas were amazing but the limone is hands down my fave. Both wines paired well with my meals. Would I come back? Absolutely. I know my fiancée would love it here! What a great experience! Food and drinks were on point. All fresh ingredients and hand made. read more

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We booked a reservation for my birthday while in town celebrating and were ecstatic to be seated in the quaint basement bar. Our server was amazing and even gave us some other recommendations while we are in town! We started with the meatballs and devoured them. My husband commented how much the sauce reminded him of his Sicilian grandmother's sauce growing up. Hubby ordered the Sunday Sauce while I immediately knew I wanted the Limone! I now have a new favorite and immediately started searching for options closer to home once our trip ended. The balance of the lemon and ricotta with the spaghetti is absolutely divine! We loved the gelato options as our celebration came to an end. read more

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Just in Cincinnati for a work trip, and after scouring for pasta restaurants, I settled on Pepp & Dolores. It had a nice menu and moderately priced for my work budget. The restaurant has a great ambiance, the pasta was al dent and all the staff I interacted with were so helpful. It's a bit louder in here, but that kind of added to the vibe. First I started with the Barbera Blend which was delicious! G.D. Vajra was the name. Next I ordered the gem lettuce salad, I asked for dressing on the side, but dressing was on the salad when it came. I decided I would send it back if it was heavy dressed which it was not! I loved the cheese and walnuts. The Cesar dressing was lighter and not too thick and heavy. I was torn between the Grecian and the Limon but settled on the Limon. It was delish! If I had another day I'd come back for the Grecian. It was a little creamier than expected, but that was just it. I was expecting a thinner lemon sauce, it was a little thicker. I added red pepper flakes. Overall, I'd recommend this restaurant for the staff, ambiance and price point. You do need to have two dishes to get full, but I still feel the food pretty exceptional . read more

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Delicious food and fantastic service. My daughter brought me here for a birthday dinner a few weeks ago and we had a wonderful meal. To start we both ordered the Nocino Old Fashioned. It was divine! The appetizer we chose was the Arancini. It's fried risotto balls and it's amazing! For our entrees I chose the Limone pasta and my daughter chose the Spicy Vodka. We also chose the Meatballs for a sharable side. The entrees were awesome! The meatballs were average and I wouldn't order them again. They were good but not a standout. But the extra side the server brought out to us complimentary was fabulous! The Eggplant Involtini was so good! I'm not usually a fan of eggplant because when it's overcooked it is mealy. This was perfectly cooked and delicious! I'd definitely order it again. The service was fantastic! read more

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Holy canoli! This is THE place! I'm already planning my next visit. The food was so different and so delicious! read more

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Dinner at Pepp is always enjoyable! From the craft cocktails to the decadent gelato, it's all good here. The service is second to none. The eggplant appetizer is fantastic! I chose the crab and corn for my entiree and it was a fantastic decision. The atmosphere is lively and fun. Highly recommend this place! read more

Visiting Cinci for work and this place was recommended. I walked in with no reservations so no tables were available, but the bar was open and welcoming. Greeted right away. This place is rustic looking on the outside but open and well lit. I ordered a Margarita and the spaghetti (with 2 meatballs). Both were absolutely delish. Bartender was attentive and friendly. Would def come back if I'm in the area. read more

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First time visiting Cincinnati. Came here to Pepp & Dolores the day before running the Flying Pig Half Marathon. I ordered the Greens & Beans appetizer along with the arrabbiata pasta and a side of sourdough bread. Everything was pretty good. The Greens & Beans had a nice tomato-based broth that wasn't too heavy or overloaded with cheese, which I appreciated before race day. The arrabbiata pasta was also enjoyable -- plenty of tomato flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy. Overall, the meal felt filling without being too heavy. Hard to say how much it helped my race performance considering how crowded the event was, but it definitely felt like a solid pre-race dinner. A little expensive, but the food was good and I can see why it's such a popular Italian spot in Cincinnati. I'd definitely come back if I'm in town again. Last visited: May 2, 2026 read more

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Just went here for the first time to celebrate my birthday and I was curious to see if it was better than Mama's on Main. I thought it was, it was probably the best pasta dish I've ever had. Our server recommended a lot of good options. My favorites were the meatballs, the cucumbers and the crab and corn ravioli. Everything was delicious. I've already bought a gift card at Costco to come back! Unfortunately i ate before my phone did so i didn't get a lot of pics. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Crab and corn ravioli. Amazing!!! - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This restaurant went above and beyond. A group of friends and I came here to celebrate a 21st birthday. To start the meal off, I ordered a limoncello & tonic. It was refreshing and not too sweet. As a table, we did an order of housemade ricotta. This was the perfect appetizer and 100% would order again. I ordered the limone. It was light, flavorful, and creamy. I would order it again if I came back. To end the meal, they are known for bringing almond cookie/sweet treat to the table after your meal is completed. The restaurant has beautiful outdoor seating. They also have indoor seating which includes space at the bar, the main level seating, and seating in the basement. This restaurant is always booked so highly recommend making a reservation in advance. There is street parking and many local paid parking lots to park in. The service was speedy. The waitress was very kind and knowledgeable on the menu. She went out of her way to bring us homemade ice cream with a cannoli. Highly recommend for a date night or celebration! read more

Pepp & Dolores - Limone - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Service was excellent. They were attentive and made good suggestions. They handled out to go orders at the end of the night with careful timing to ensure they stayed warm. The ricotta cheese is amazing! We also had the arancini which was good and marinated cucumbers which were surprisingly good and I don't even like cucumbers. The limone and spicy vodka pastas were perfect. It was quiet and a great for a girls night read more

If you're looking for one of the best Italian spots in Cincinnati, Pepp & Dolores absolutely lives up to the hype. We started with the ricotta and grilled bread, and it was a favorite for our party of six. Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with a drizzle of olive oil. Paired with the warm, crispy bread, it was one of those simple dishes done exceptionally well. The veal cutlets were crispy , golden, and super tender, with just the right amount of brightness from the lemon and sauce. For pasta, we went with the gricia and the limone, and both were amazing. The gricia was rich, salty, and packed with flavor from the jowl bacon and cheese, while the limone was lighter, silky, and perfectly balanced with that citrusy kick. You can tell everything is made fresh. Service from Mike was great, super chill guy. The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. Definitely a spot I'll keep coming back to and recommending. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Gricia and Limone pasta - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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We had such a wonderful evening for a surprise birthday party! The service was good. The food was great. I had the crab and corn pasta; which I really enjoyed. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Pasta - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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After a long day of roadtripping, Pepp & Dolores was the time out we needed. An incredible atmosphere that feels small and quaint but gives you enough breathing room to feel comfortable. We were seated at the bar which was perfect because we like being close to what we love. I decided to try one of cocktails on the drink menu, I wasn't too fond of it so I changed course and ordered an espresso martini. It was the best decision I made that day. Scrumptious! I started with an appetizer of meatballs which were delicious and juicy followed by the Lobster pasta. I thought the espresso martini was the best decision I made that day but quickly after taking my first bite of pasta- I knew I was going to have to fight off the urge to lick my plate clean. I had another espresso martini for dessert and my companion and I left Pepp & Dolores thanking whatever Italian food Gods (and the chefs in the kitchen) were responsible for such an incredible meal. read more

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Delicious!!!! Enjoyed the house made ricotta, gem salad and the limone pasta. It was all so tasty! This was my last meal in cincy before heading home and i cannot wait to return! read more

Pepp & Dolores - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We love this place. The arancini is wonderful. The parking is the only downside, but there are a few lots and garages nearby. The have ice cream but not a full dessert menu. The funghi pasta was excellent. The portions are great for lunch here and if having dinner might get a salad along with the pasta. The pasta quality is top notch. We enjoyed coffee and gelato as well. But the arancini and the pasta dishes are what we will be coming back for hopefully sooner rather than later. This place is consistent, elevated and memorable. read more

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I moved from Cincinnati 2 years ago and this place continues to be excellent. My review from 4 years ago stays true. Still consistent and delicious to this day. Every time I come back to this city - P&D is a mandatory visit. Service is amazing. Ambiance is spectacular. A very special place I've shared with special people. Food is top tier and unmatched. Lots of love for this place. read more

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I had a chance to go back to Pepp last year in August with two of our out of town friends and HOLY MOLY- their food was EPIC!!!ABSOLUTELY loved their hospitality, the ambience was PERFECTION. I am so glad that Pepp is part of the Cincinnati food scene and can't wait for our next Pepp rendezvous read more

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We had such a tasty and enjoyable family dinner. The food tasted fantastic and you can taste the different layers of flavors. Our compliments to the chef. My daughter added that she believes it was the best meatballs she ever had, and she fancies herself a meatball connoisseur. Samantha, our server had such a pleasant attitude and offered great recommendations. The Service was all around. Awesome! Thank you for a great dinner experience tonight. read more

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Absolutely incredible! It's a no brainer for Pepp & Delores to be on the Yelp Top 100 US restaurants for 2026 because it was fantastic! The spicy vodka pasta was great and so was the Pomodoro! We didn't have a reservation but we were able to sit at the bar as a walk in which was great. We had incredible service even with it being extremely busy. We loved the overall vibe of the inside. It's perfect for a date night. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Nice vibe in the place, but a bit oversold. An enjoyable meal I had the Sunday Sauce which was very good but frankly the house made pasta was nothing special and over cooked. We really enjoyed the desert the gelato was on point and the additional amaretto cookies was a nice finish. The wait staff was very good and service was excellent. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Nice brow of the patio form Inside - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Pep & Dolores has been on our must-try list for a while, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The location in OTR is perfect, and we were immediately greeted by the friendliest staff when we walked in. The ambiance was amazing--loved the decor and being able to look out the windows and take in the OTR vibe. Our waiter was fantastic--super friendly and gave great recommendations on what to order. My friend and I ended up splitting two entrées so we could try more than one, and both were absolutely delicious. Everything we had was so good. What really stood out was how relaxed and welcoming the experience felt. Our waiter was so kind, let us sit and catch up without feeling rushed, and kept checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. Overall, we loved it, would definitely recommend it, and will 100% be back. read more

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My sister and I had a lovely dinner here this past weekend. We arrived for our reservation early and opted to forgo our table for bar seats downstairs and had a wonderful evening. We started out with the house-made ricotta (and it was INCREDIBLE) and each got a different spritz cocktail to sip on. We saved the remaining ricotta for when our charred broccolini came out and it was sooo delicious with that as well, highly recommend it for dipping your vegetable sides in! We also split the arancini and it was to die for. The risotto was chefs kiss. For mains, we got pasta, of course. I had the lobster and it was so tender and flavorful. Our server told us that the squid ink pasta is the most time consuming pasta they make since everything is house-made and they have to get it shaped perfectly (love the tentacle shape, so fun). My sister got the vodka pasta and it was classic, spicy, and incredibly flavorful. We shared bites of everything throughout the night and it was nice to be able to try so many dishes. For dessert, we each got vanilla mascarpone gelato with different toppings. I opted for olive oil + sea salt because I had it before back in Indy once and loved it. This time it was just as good, if not better! My sister got the crushed pistachio + mini chocolate chips. We each got a little espresso drink (classic espresso for me, cortado for her). It was the perfect end to a perfect dinner. Our server/bartender was very attentive, gave us recommendations, refilled our waters all night, and was super friendly. All around such a lovely night and it was less than a 10 minute walk from our Airbnb! Can't wait to come back. read more

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This is THE spot to visit in Cincinnati. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time because it fills up quickly. I got there earlier than my reservation so I chose to just have dinner at the bar and I'm glad I did because I met a really nice couple who I spoke with and laughed with the duration of my meal. I had dinner here after a Reds game. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from the stadium to the Over-the-Rhine area of town. Pepp and Dolores was such a satisfying dining experience with the delicious food and drinks, the friendly and helpful service, and the welcoming vibe of the place and the people. I split the spicy vodka, dunk bread, grilled shrimp, and meatballs with a friend of mine. Everything was tasty, I wish we had ordered more. I heard from others that their pesto pasta is amazing... I guess next time. read more

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A small little place, nope there is a basement and an entire other room not seen from the entrance. We made reservations for 6:30, for 3 people. We choose Pepp & Delores because of the reviews and a rating of one of the top 100 places to eat in the U.S. What we ordered: Appetizer: House made ricotta Artichoke alla giudia Both absolutely delicious The Pasta we ordered: Sunday sauce - this was a red sauce that came with meatballs. To me it was a little heavy but my husband and granddaughter loved it. Limone - a light flavor and very good on its own. Funghi - my favorite. A light white sauce that complimented the pasta and mushrooms. A very nice reasonably priced establishment. Worth coming back and trying other options. I would give it a 4.5 star rating. As the seating was tight for 3 people. read more

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Dinner here was fabulous!!! I particularly loved the ricotta and sourdough appetizer; so yummy!! I got the spicy vodka pasta as my entree and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our server was Mark; he was very friendly and attentive to our table! Excellent service! read more

Pepp & Dolores - My vodka pasta - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I never think about getting a reservation at Pepp & Dolores until it's too late, but not tonight! This one had been on the calendar for a while. Determined to not overeat on a weeknight in early January (Still clinging to those New Years Resolutions!), my friend and I split the Ricotta, Artichoke, Chicken and Limone pasta. Both of us were full, even enough left over for a small lunch tomorrow, and each dish was delicious! I want that Ricotta every day of my life. Is it the best bread item on any menu in Cincinnati? You tell me, but I think it might be. Our server (Mallory) was perfect. Highlighted a few things that we might not have tried, just the right amount of friendly chat, spot on with everything through the whole meal. I don't really want the secret to get out, but I also think P&D might be the best value in town. I guess when you are making it in house, no tariffs, right? Make plans, book a reservation a month or more out, and get there. It's worth it. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Limone pasta and Chicken Scarpariello - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I love the atmosphere here and the employees were nice and helpful. Our server explained all of the Gluten Free options for my friend. I didn't care for the artichokes appetizer nor my Gem salad. I did enjoy my Gricia pasta and do recommend this or the Limone. There's a parking lot across the street but I'd recommend paying at their terminals. read more

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Heard a lot about Pepp, and it definitely delivered! Definitely more of a formal vibe, so I'd recommend going in business casual to blend in (although some people had hoodies). Food was consistently good- we ordered a bread basket and artichokes and I ordered the Sunday sauce pasta. Portion sizes were perfect- not exorbitant, but also not too small like many nice restaurants. I think I'll be back! read more

Pepp & Dolores - Artichokes and bread - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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My favourite restaurant in Cincy! Their homemade pasta are delicious, very well made and with sometimes unusual combination of flavours. Their take on Italian cousine is a great example of how personal twist can create wonders! All the pasta dishes are great, go grab one if you still haven't been there! Super recommended as a date night, don't skip the excellent wines! read more

Pepp & Dolores - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We were driving through town and came here after looking at the reviews. I am celiac and there were a tremendous amount of options if you are gluten-free. You really can't go wrong. Our server was Madeline and she was fantastic too. I would come back here in a heartbeat for the gluten-free pasta, the mascarpone ice cream, the artichoke heart appetizer, the salad,... It was all so delicious. When I called, they told me they didn't have a reservation for hours, but I went on OpenTable and was able to get one instantly. I didn't figure that one out? But, whatever. We got in on a Tuesday night when it was packed. Who has a packed restaurant on a Tuesday night? Two big thumbs up for this very cool place. read more

On a random snowy day, I walked into this highly rated restaurant.. only to be taken on a magical trip to Pepp's kitchen and Dolores stove... the ricotta was heavenly, whipped ... and whipped it was. Devo themselves would be proud to taste. The chicken scarporelli was something tasty out of nonnas kitchen! Amazing service, super cool vibes and with delicious food.. this place delivers. read more

Pepp & Dolores - The ricotta - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is no ordinary Italian restaurant. Upon airing sacrosanct testimony on this restaurant, I braved the rickety, dilapidated Downtown--to savor it. What unfolded was a landmark food experience that I'll have difficulty matching. Realizing that the chef owners tirelessly sampled and modified their vodka sauce to perfection, I was compelled to try it. It really is perfect. Neither is it sweet, lumpy, overly vinegary/sour tasting, goopy, runny nor excessively thick or the like. What unfolds is the most marvelous vodka sauce that I've ever tasted anywhere, any place. I dream of returning and savoring this again. My humble experience with this dish elsewhere includes the chef including a smattering of prosciutto. Here, it would probably elevate this dish further, if such were possible. The pasta is made in house and needs no enumeration. It's packing all the qualities that a great homemade pasta should, flavorful, soft, nearly buttery, and the stuff of dreams. To double down on the evening, I ordered a second pasta dish, the mascarpone ravioli with butternut squash and parmigiano reggiano. While the cheese sauce, for me, was needlessly generous, and too rich to eat unaccompanied, it, coupled with the pumpkin seed pepitas, culminated in a most memorable food ensemble. I was concerned that the mascarpone cheese within the raviolis would prove too soft, mushy and adhesive like. Instead, it was perfect. We don't like mushy food, generally. Criticisms: Portions are European sized. I'd recommend skipping the salad and ordering a second pasta entree as I did. When here, it's all about the pasta and sauces. Take your $12 and channel it into heavenly adorned pasta. Bread is extra, and here, $8. Salads are $12, not exorbitant. Sit inside. There's an aroma of plumbing (covid related stale pipes) sewage pervading the air from a neighboring property. It's not thick, but when the wind blows just right, noticeable. Here, unlike the streets of Bangalore and Chennai, the pleasant aromas of roasted chile and mackerel were nowhere to be found to overpower this. The Maitre 'd came out and apologized for the second entree's late delivery, with the restaurant even providing complimentary anice cookies and more to boot. These alone might justify an 1800 mile trip to Ohio for me. To be a little sordid, and I don't wish to end on a negative note, not here, the 2 young female hosts weren't particularly ingratiating or enthused to seat me. I feel that they need to bolster their "conveying a welcoming hospitality" atmosphere, especially when this restaurant is the quintessential example of pure, unadulterated substance abounding. How will I ever return to the sea of mediocre Italian restaurants again, after this? Frankly, I don't know. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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When a restaurant makes the list of top restaurants time after time and it takes over a month to get a reservation, there's a high expectation that, unfortunately, Pepp and Dolores didn't meet. That's not to say it wasn't good, we had a good meal and our server was attentive but I just don't see what the hype is. We arrived early, so had a short wait before being led to our window table with lots of natural light and a view out onto the patio. The restaurant itself is casual; from the reviews, I expected it to be more upscale. Since it was our first visit, the server went over the menu and was sure to stress that the pasta is made inhouse and was served al dente (ours wasn't by the way). We ordered drinks; my spritz was very refreshing. For dinner we shared the carpaccio, and for our dinners, the spaghetti with Sunday Sauce and Chicken Scarpariello. The appetizer was good but the entrees fell short; even though the flavors in both were quite good, the chicken was dry and the pasta was overcooked. I don't know if we hit the restaurant on a bad night, but with all the other fantastic restaurants in OTR, I don't think we'll be going back any time soon. read more

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Pretty good, but for the price point, i'd choose Sotto ahead of this. We sat outside, we didn't see it ahead of time but thought the outdoor seating was a more private patio space, this was not the case. It was fine, but slightly bothersome as people were walking through as we were eating. Started with the fried artichoke and ricotta with grilled bread. Individually these make for nice starters, however paired together, the fat content was overwhelming. The fried artichoke was very oily, the bread came pre buttered, and the ricotta spread tasted more like butter than cheese, which was also topped with an additional pour of oil. Spicy vodka pasta was good, the noodles were cooked al dente and tasted fresh. The sauce had a good amount of heat. My only complaint was that the portion was very small, maybe even slightly smaller than a standard serving from Sotto. I was a bit more disappointed here just because I was eager to have something else after the starters. The complementary almond cookies were very good, probably my favorite from our meal. They start off crunchy and the texture becomes chewy, new to me and I liked it. I'd rate this restaurant higher if not for starters, the butter and oil content was just nauseating. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Ricotta spread (for grilled bread) & spicy vodka pasta - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Wonderful Italian eatery in downtown Cincy/OTR area. I was traveling solo, so I was able to sit at the bar and got right in, but the place was quite busy for a Thursday night so it's unlikely you could do that if you had a large party. I ordered a bread service - The Dunk, which came with an olive oil and fresh herbs. Absolutely delicious and the herbs were a little spicy at first! For my main, I had the Limone pasta. Handmade noodles, lemon, chili flakes, parmesan, breadcrumbs and ricotta all combined to make a really nice pasta dish. The portions aren't gigantic, but you will have room for dessert that way. I really enjoyed eating here and can't wait to try something different next time I'm back. read more

Pepp & Dolores - Limone - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Phenomenal food, service, and price. We ate at the downstairs bar and table area - dark but very intimate. Loved the carpaccio (so delicate and fresh) and the artichokes were perfectly cooked and prepared in a manner where you do no work to eat it. Just wow! Loved the Limon pasta. I would skip the meatballs as it was a little salty and nothing particularly special. Great service by Liz - she's efficient and just a great server and sales oriented. I would eat dinner here all the time! Thanks for a fantastic experience. read more

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Looking for a great Italian restaurant? Look no further! I stopped in recently on a Monday night for dinner and now I understand the hype! The restaurant was super cute inside however we opted for the patio while the weather is still nice. I tried the vodka pasta with sausage which was so filling and delicious! I loved the flavor of the sausage. I also tried the wedge salad and unlike many others I've had, this alone will make me come back! Our server was incredibly attentive and constantly walking the patio to check on us. When it comes to service, P&D gets it! I can't wait to return! read more

Pepp & Dolores - Spicy vodka pasta - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I thought I reviewed this place. It's so good. Service, food, ambience are all amazing. Pasta was fresh and perfectly cooked. I wish I could go every week! read more

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We went here for my milestone b'day dinner and absolutely loved every minute of the food and experience. Our server was the sweetest person ever. The food was really good. We had 3 apps and 2 entrees and every single thing was so satisfying. I will say get a reservation ahead in time since the restaurant was packed on a Monday night. There is a parking garage across the street, so it made parking very easy. read more

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