Allez Cafe — Restaurant in Cincinnati

This was a great place to stop in for lunch. The sandwich was very filling, prices weren’t awful, and there was plenty of seating.

The vibe was casual, but welcoming and classy. A bright space that felt pretty cozy on a snowy day, at least for having all hard surfaces.

I had the Cuban and an espresso chocolate chip cookie. The pork on the Cuban was shredded and unimaginably soft. Like, mouth feel of pate, despite being shredded pork. It was nearly alarming, tbh, but then the sandwich was gone and I found myself missing it.

So that was fun, and I’ll probably do that again.

I will say, I found myself longing for their steak sandwiches from the bakery shop. I miss that bread, and there’s something different about watching the server grab a fresh ciabatta from the bin of loaves, then turn it magically into a sandwich. That was lost a bit. But, we gained seating and a whole vibe. So, worth it.

I envision running back and forth between the two to ensure they have the same menu, and to make a decision over the best sandwich… probably the next time I’m down there. But I think this is probably a personal problem.

Anyway, don’t snooze.

Allez (both the Bakery and the Cafe) have some of the best bread and sandwiches...

I've been here several times now and have had excellent experiences each time.

Coffee The coffee is incredible. Some of the best in town. I'm a black coffee snob. Drip and Americano are my typical rubric and Allez's are incredible. The drip coffee is carefully made and in my limited experience floral and naturally sweet--my preference is darker roast, sweeter taste, and I avoid bitter as much as possible. The Americano is equally not bitter, but I wouldn't describe it as sweet but rather basic (in the acidity sense). The espresso roast and machine are clearly dialed in. The mouthfeel is thicker/chalky (think texture not particulate) and excellent.

Food I've only gotten food there once, but the Cubano was highly recommended. Did not disappoint. Lots of care put into the sandwich and the sweet mustard and cheese combo were perfect.

Service Everything else could be mediocre and I'd still give these guys a 5-star review because of the service...and knowledge. Needless to say the people who run the place are the reason for the reviews above. The clearly care. They're extremely knowledgeable and will talk to you extensively about the coffee and food.

Ok nerdy review over. You've...

Ault Park is known for its lush gardens, scenic trails, and elegant stone pavilion—but few know about the seasonal pop-up café that operates during summer weekends near the main overlook. Run by local chefs and volunteers, it’s a casual spot with a rotating menu of fresh sandwiches, pastries, cold drinks, and even local wine or coffee-based cocktails.

There’s something magical about grabbing a caprese panini or lavender lemonade and sitting under the colonnades while watching the sun dip below the trees. The food is casual but made with real care—heirloom tomatoes, local goat cheese, crusty artisan bread—and the pastries are baked fresh daily. I once had a cardamom bun here that rivals anything I’ve eaten in New York or Chicago.

Because it’s small and volunteer-driven, you never quite know what the menu will include, which only adds to the charm. Prices are modest, and all proceeds go to park maintenance or local food banks.

It’s not a “restaurant” in the traditional sense, but it’s one of the most delightful, peaceful places to enjoy good food and nature in Cincinnati. A true hidden treasure that embodies community spirit and...