Chef Jose Salazar • Mita's Restaurant | Downtown Cincinnati Restaurant & Tapas — Restaurant in Cincinnati

I think 3.5 starts would be a fair grade for Mita’s, but since half starts aren’t allowed, I went with 4.

I see many positive reviews and a few negative ones. I like Mita’s. In my opinion, it’s not just another one of those pretentious and expensive downtown Cincinnati restaurants. I think Mita’s has substance. That being said, the negative comments are not unfounded. I have been there maybe 5 times and I think there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of having a good experience. Here they are:

1- Have a reservation. If you just wonder in, you’ll most likely be sent to wait at the bar (probably for a long time). The bar is small, cramped, hot, and loud. You ‘re bound to end up huddled in a corner (if one is available) or pressed against a wall waiting to be called. It’s not worth it. Also, if you are downtown and decide you want a drink, don’t go to Mita’s. This is a not a good place to just get a drink (for the reasons I mentioned).

2- If you like to express your individuality by going to restaurants alone, I would avoid Mita’s. You will end up at the bar, which is not a good place to be. If you have a party of 2, you’ll be placed in one of the booth/table combos at the center of the place. The problem being that you will be really close to the people on either side of you. Depending on those people’s manners, you may get hit by purses, gloves, coats, or simply have someone’s butt really close to your face when they get up (or yours in someone’s face). Some people don’t care about this but some do. I would say the ideal party size for this place is 4, and I suggest getting a table close to the windows (to be out of the way of traffic). One last thing: in the winter, you will feel the cold air if you’re seated anywhere in the vicinity of the door.

3- Every time I’ve been there, there has been a different hostess. The level of politeness has definitely varied, but I’ve never had an outright nasty experience. The waitstaff have been on point every time. I’ve never found myself asking if anyone has seen our waiter or staring at empty glasses. They do tag team the work, so be aware that the person bringing you something will not know who is getting what dish or other details you may have discussed with the person that took your order.

4- If you are familiar with the cuisines of Spain or any of the Latin American countries, be aware that that is not what you’re going to get. Mita’s concept is a kind of Spanish/Latin American/Caribbean fusion thing with a heavy American touch. In other words, while the food, in my opinion, is quite good, it is not exactly authentic. If you’re trying to recreate the experience you had eating ceviche in Peru, Paella in Spain, or mole in Mexico, you will probably be disappointed. If you’re not familiar with those cuisines, I think you’ll enjoy the food, but know it’s not quite the “real thing.”

5- They have many small plates and 3 “main courses.” The last time I was there, I wanted to have the paella but went with the roasted chicken because the menu said the paella would take 45 minutes. Well, it took every bit of 45 minutes for that chicken to come out. I guess I should have asked how long the chicken would take, but I also think they should call out the time to make it if they do it for the paella (or let you know it’s going to take a while if it’s a busy night).

Hopefully this information is...

Ma ma Mita

Day 4 of restaurant week and finally made it to Mita's....been on my go to list for quite sometime now!

One of Chef Jose Salazar's 3 restaurants in downtown/OTR Cincinnati. This is a masterpiece.

2023 James Beard Award nominated restaurant and Chef (congratulations btw!)...and the Maestro himself happened to be leading the kitchen today. Whoo!! I am just super excited now !!!

My first impression as soon as I took my seat. Everybody in the restaurant - guests and staff alike- seemed so happy and cheerful. With such a beautiful ambience, master chef leading the way, it was a sign that I was in for a fun adventure ahead.

Mita's specializes in Spanish Tapas. Went with the restaurant week menu and added some extra dishes and cocktail as well.

a cold one to lead off

Cocktail: A Town in Labourd. Pristine Bourbon cocktail.

Course# 1 - Ensalada de Jicama Y Mango Oh so green, oh so citrusy, oh so refreshing, oh so crisp, oh so sweet, oh so just a little salty....you get the picture. What a tremendous start to this dinner. Honestly, I was so close to licking that bowl clean. That dang good!! Paired great with the cocktail I was having

Course#2 Alcochofas Y Hongos Visual presentation was stunning - each ingredient visible and craftfully constructed....and then...OMG...first dip & bite...I am totally floored. Every ingredient in this dish is powerfully flavorful including the Spanish crackers.

Talk about a creating a perfect orchestra of flavors and texture. Spanish crackers below Truffle hummus, below artichoke hearts, below sauteed mushrooms, below roasted pistachio crumble. Wow wow wow. Best dish in my 4 nights of restaurant week so far. Absolute must have at Mita's

Course #3 (add on) Bocadillos de Hamburguesa Burgers classic. Bite sized mini slider delight. Perfectly cooked and assembled. This was the simplest dish (as constructed) I had here, and I actually appreciated that. A great slider doesn't need too many ingredients. Protein, acidity, cheese, sauce, bun...that's it. And this hit the mark just right

Off to Dessert

Cocktail pairing for dessert: Carajillo. Yum yum...I love coffee, I love a good cocktail with coffee

Course #4 dessert 1 Natilla de citrico Pleasant citrusy fruity tart. Felt light and just right.

Course #5 dessert 2 Tarta de chocolate Chocolate and Cinnamon is such a rich combination. I really liked this one because the cinnamon was delicately staged (not overpowering at all). This let the flavors in the dessert just melt through. Pristine pairing with Carajillo cocktail

As I wrap up, simply put, best foodie night of the week. I am totally stuffed..but still waiting more ..😋😋

As I sleep tonight, I will be plotting my way to having every business lunch and dinner at Mita's 🤣🤣

I really hope Mita's wins the 2023 James Beard this year. Will be so...

One word - WOW. Now, I understand why Mita's has a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Restaurant of 2023. Took my son here to celebrate him becoming a senior in high school, and we tried many dishes. It was one hit after another! We really like this tapas-style menu as we are people who like to try many things, so this was perfect for us. But they do have the larger format plates. Would love to try the paella sometime.

We started with a special that one of the chefs told us about - the hamachi tartare. YUM! It just tasted so fresh and clean. Then, we had the pimientos pequillo rellenos - those were fabulous, especially that sherry gastrique (which my son now wants to try doing at home). Next, we had the tostones y guacamole - better than the tostones we had in Puerto Rico! The guac is super silky, creamy, too. Yum!

We also had the espárragos y manchego, bocadillos de hamburguesa (which, wow, how do you cook sliders to this perfection??), pupusa de chorizo y curtido, empanadas de res con pique, and patatas bravas. For dessert, it was the pastel de tres leches. Oh, and we got some plantain chips along the way that were to die for - just give me some wine and a big bowl of those!

Our service was also EXCELLENT! Our server was very knowledgeable about the dishes and preparations and very attentive. Everything came out at the right temperature.

It's a very open restaurant - well decorated, clean bathrooms. I like that you can see right into the kitchen. The sound level is good - never felt like I couldn't hear my son or had to talk loudly. And with the walls of glass, it's got great light (especially for taking photos of all of your food, like we do, lol!!).

Needless to say, we WILL be back - and will probably order the pupusa de chorizo y curtido, pimientos pequillo rellenos, patatas bravas, and pastel de tres leches again. My kid talked about the tres leches all the way home! I am looking forward to trying several other dishes on our next visit - reservation...