We had a lot of fun trying out balsamic vinegar flavours while we waited for dinner time to roll around. They have stacks of little plastic couples all over the store and you are able to wander around sampling things without any intense store associate supervision which I appreciated. We ended up picking out seven different bottles of oil and vinegar because they were having a buy six get one free sale! There is a seasonal fog flavour that is very good, as well as the lemongrass mint which was surprisingly refreshing The store associate recommended I try putting it in hot water like tea (?!) which sounds very interesting. I do think the store seems a little expensive. To be fair though, I have no idea how these products compare to what you can buy in store however. read more

The lady running the store is rude. Tried to ask questions and she just ignored me. Wouldn't recommend coming here!

Amazing find after checking out some decadence over at Graeter's! The staff was incredibly helpful and assisted us in picking out flavors for our friends that were dogsitting back home for us, asking questions to select the right flavors of olive oil and balsamic instead of trying to foist something pre-packaged upon us. They even wrapped the gift set for us, adding that personal touch that a large chain just can't touch! read more

Poor business practices. Refusal to honor shelf price if item rings up higher and will not make adjustment if customer notices they paid more. read more

The selection of balsamic vinegar and olive oil at The Spicy Olive is unrivaled in Cincinnati. Whenever I am near the store I always stop by to see what new varieties of balsamic vinegar and olive oil they have. The associates are passionate about these products and love to answer questions. They are wonderful at making pairing elections if you just ask. I usually end up picking up a bottle or two and heading over to Kroger to pick up the food pairings they suggested. They have never led me wrong. My all time fav balsamic is the fig. Go in to see what tickles your palate. You won't be disappointed. read more

It's an impressive showroom, with many options to try. If you've never been to a taste and buy olive oil store before, this will be a treat for you. They have many flavored oils - olive and otherwise, as well as white and red balsamic vinegar. They also have a decent selection of sundry items. You may need some time to wander around and take it all in. The staff was very friendly and happy to answer questions, and help make selections. I personally am not a fan of flavored olive oils which does seem to be the majority of their selection (this must be popular with most people). As a result, there were only a few oils for me to choose from. At first I wasn't sure I was going to find what I wanted, but did manage to get a decent dipping oil Originally I stopped in to get some actual aged balsamic. A lot of what you may buy at the grocery store is likely to be flavored, sweetened and colored....not the real thing. The 18 year aged balsamic here is quite thick and has a deep, rich flavor. The pricing on this is reasonable. read more

The Spicy Olive - Specialty Food Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Stumbled upon Spicy Olive in Hyde Park Sq when I went to pick up my Blue Oven bread from the Farmers' Market. Ducked into this new shop to seek refuge from the sun and found myself staring at a wide selection of balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils, with a loaf of bread under one arm. Serendipitous. You can make your way across the room, tasting every kind of balsamics or olive oil. My taste buds were instantly tickled by the Fig Balsamic Vinegar, and I could imagine my fresh Blue Oven bread drenched in it. I also tried the Dark Chocolate Balsamic (they have some interesting flavors), which wasn't too sweet--I could easily imagine it slathered on pork chops. And the classic Aged Balsamic Vinegar is a thing of beauty. I was too preoccupied with the prospect of getting home with my bread and perfectly matching vinegar to spend too much time with the olive oils. Certainly not cheap, but reasonable if you want quality and unbelievable taste. Their original store is in West Chester where they also hold cooking classes. This new location in Hyde Park Sq seems perfect--fits in with the farmers' market crowd. read more

Love this store! So many unusual varieties of oils and vinegars it's hard to decide what to buy. Great that you can taste before you buy. Everything is very fresh. read more

Stopped in looking for a specific regions olive oil. They did not have what I was looking for but after talking with the store employee, I sampled some of the olive oils that they did have. They only had Southern Hemisphere olive oil at this time and after sampling a few, I purchased a couple if different ones to use while cooking. The lady was very informative and was able to answer any question I asked and even threw in a few points I should have asked about :) The price, in my opinion, is reasonable compared to how much a very good olive oil can cost. The best, as stated earlier, is that you can sample the different oils (and vinegars) to find just the right flavor you're looking for. read more

I have shopped at the West Chester location before and have always received good customer service. However, I visited the shop for their open house this past Saturday and I will never go back! I was acknowledged by the clerk and as I was answering her question, in my mid-sentence, she completely ignored me and started helping someone else who she obviously knew. My husband and I proceeded to the back where the wine shop is located. I felt like we were at a private party that we weren't invited too! People were standing in the entranceway and wouldn't move so we could enter. No one acknowledge us not even the owners. It was a very unwelcome, rude experience! read more

All I have to say is ... buy this olive oil!!! There are dozens of varieties, that rotate in and out. Any type that sounds good to you is delicious! You can try them all in the store before you buy. I particularly LOVE the Tuscan Herb olive oil - I am telling you, buy this oil and try it - you will love it, and if not ship it to me :-) It is amazing on bread, shrimp scampi, off your finger, whatever! The Garlic olive oil is great too. Yes these oils are more expensive than most in the grocery store, but if you are cooking at home, you should be using high quality ingredients, it will make a difference in the taste of your food. Check it out! And after you buy some oil, go across the street to The Breadsmith and buy some bread to eat it on. read more

I love coming to the Spicy Olive when my inner foodie is ready to try something new and adventurous. On my first visit I was introduced to a Cranberry Pear White Balsamic that was incredible. Paired with their Blood Orange Olive Oil - together they are UMAZING! Be sure to take advantage of the top notch customer service and allow the staff to make recommendations. Whether you're making a vinaigrette or looking to do some cooking/grilling, they know their business and will set you up. Prices, as expected, are on the higher side, but the quality and variety of their products is unmatched. read more

Ok not a big olive oil or vinegar fan but I have been here probably 5 times by now to pick some up for family. Took my wife to a couple different places this morning that had olive oil tastings and this place by far she liked better than the other two. It takes us 30 min to get there but it is with the drive. Do yourself a favor if u are a oil or vinegar fan, head over to Hyde park plaza read more

The Spicy Olive never fails to disappoint. The woman who runs S.O. pays incredible attention to you the entire time you're in the shop. It's truly an experience, similar to wine tasting, every visit to their store. The prices of the oils and vinegars are extremely reasonable, especially when you consider the quality of the product and the experience of the purchase. read more

Went in there today for the first time. Everyone was so nice, Thank You! All I can say is WONDERFUL Flavors!!! Bought five different flavors and my daughter made us the Best Gourmet Dinner with these lovely oils! Very affordable. Best flavors I have ever tasted or bought. I am already planning to go back for more flavors and the bread they use for tasting is terrific! This is my new favorite place. Everyone has to try this place:) read more

What a fantastic place! Quality service and product selection - and a beautiful store. If you love cooing, love wine and or love unique gift items, this is an awesome discovery! Will definitely be back to learn new things about the unique world inside the Spicy Olive! read more