Pepp & Dolores — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Pasta is great as always! We got the Spicy Vodka and the Limone pasta. We also tried the Eggplant Involtini, meatballs, gem salad and almost get to try the Brocoline dish. Eggplant and meatballs both have good flavors. The bar service was also great, however not so much as the dining in sitting down at the table. We waited 56 mins just to get our main entrees to arrive to the table. (56 mins from the time after we had already finished our two appetizers). Had to make an eye contact to get the server attention to ask where our entrees were, she informed us that it is coming shortly. (Totally understandable it’s a Saturday’s night, but didn’t understand that it was 56 mins apart later after even finishing up two appetizers already and three tables got their food and two new tables already got their dishes). (Two other tables already paid and left). Finally entrees arrived to the table, the Brocoline dish was cold (yeah waited for almost an hour extra and the one dish you were looking forward to the most tonight was cold and your server was aware of that). Asked the food runner man to help get it fix since it’s cold, remake it when he dropped it off. Send a manager down to the table, she apologized for the quality of the dish for not being the right temperature. She said she will get it fix and take care of it. (Understandable) Waited about 8 mins or so for the Brocoline dish to come back down (ordered this dish to eat with the pasta, at this point I was already half through my pasta and meatballs etc, yes server knows that when we ordered the food). Second time the Brocoline dish arrived; the plate was hot, half of the veggies were cold and the other half were warm. So didn’t end up having any and let the server know that it was cold, and not up to restaurant standard. She said “ok” I let her know, that it is upsetting because send back twice and still cold, like what is going on? She said “ok! If you don’t like it we take it off the cheque” I literally asked her, just curious so why is it taking 56 mins for entrees to hit the table and send back twice for the dish to be cold? Not saying it was her fault or anything but did someone mess up our orders or something, just wanted to know. She said “ok, sorry, don’t know, it’s a Saturday’s night” Walked away. That was the first time, getting treated like that at Pepp & Delores. Always love the pasta here. Just wanted to really try the Brocoline dish and not only it was cold (twice) got treated with a poor attitude. (Yes I left a note on the merchant receipt so hopefully management can see that, since no one seem to care about the quality of the food being up to standard of the restaurant or the customer service of why issues...

When it comes to dining in Cincinnati, Peppe & Delores stands out as a true gem among the city's culinary treasures. From the moment you step through the elegant doors of this charming establishment, you are transported to a world where flavors dance on your palate and every bite tells a story.

One of the first things that struck me about Peppe & Delores was the warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant exudes an intimate and cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for a romantic date night or a special celebration. The dimly lit space, adorned with rustic yet tasteful décor, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the food. Peppe & Delores boasts a menu that could rival any Italian eatery in the heart of Italy itself. The artichokes and meatballs are nothing short of amazing. Each bite of the artichokes is a burst of earthy goodness, perfectly roasted to enhance their natural flavors. The meatballs are a testament to culinary mastery, tender, and rich with a sauce that hints at generations of family tradition.

But the delights don't stop there. The wine selection is nothing short of fantastic. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just looking to enjoy a glass with your meal, the sommelier here has curated a list that complements the cuisine flawlessly. The knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.

And then, there's the pasta. Oh, the pasta! It's like a culinary symphony in your mouth. Cooked to perfection and served with a variety of delectable sauces, the pasta dishes at Peppe & Delores are a revelation. Each plate is a celebration of the Italian tradition of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary flavors.

The attentive and knowledgeable staff add to the overall experience, providing exceptional service that enhances the dining journey. They are not just servers; they are storytellers who can guide you through the menu with passion and expertise.

Peppe & Delores is not just one of Cincinnati's best restaurants; it's a destination for those who appreciate the artistry of food. The artichokes and meatballs are just the beginning of a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more. The wine and pasta selections are nothing short of fantastic. Dining here is not just a meal; it's an experience that lingers in your memory long after you've left. If you're in Cincinnati and in search of an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than...

My girlfriend and I took a day trip to Pepp & Dolores. For context, she’s European and has experienced authentic versions of these dishes many times overseas. I try to bring her to places like this because she really misses the flavors of home.

We started with The Dunk. She initially didn't want any bread, but I insisted. When it arrived, hot and fresh from the oven, the olive oil dip (if that's the right word) was phenomenal. Her eyes lit up—she hadn’t had bread and olive oil this good in a long time. My persistence paid off, and she happily split half of it with me.

Then came the main courses. I ordered the Pomodoro, and she had the Pesto. We also shared the Grilled Shrimp.

The Pomodoro featured noodles that, as our amazing server Lindsay described, “look like tentacles” and “grip the sauce.” It had a little ball of cheese reminiscent of cottage cheese, and the flavors were perfectly balanced—not too sour, sweet, salty, or creamy. It was a Goldilocks dish: just right.

The Pesto was equally delicious, especially when paired with the Grilled Shrimp. I’m a casual shrimp eater, but she’s a real aficionado, and neither of us was disappointed. The shrimp kebab was gone in no time.

To finish the meal, they brought out almond cookies imported from Milan—a clever and delightful touch. The almond flavor was the perfect way to end the evening, a refreshing change from the typical post-dinner mint.

I want to give special kudos to our server, Lindsay. She was so efficient that she was almost invisible, but her introduction to the menu was a standout. She spent a generous amount of time guiding me through the options, making me feel like I’d earned a degree in Italian fine dining by the time she finished.

I also want to acknowledge the gentleman who hosted us. Though I didn’t catch his name, he recognized us immediately and seated us as quickly as possible. He was incredibly polite and gave off the vibe that he might even be the owner in disguise.

Lastly, a note about the environment: I highly recommend reserving online in advance and requesting a seat in the basement. While the outdoor area has its charm, it’s not for everyone. If you prefer to avoid the occasional street disturbances or the scent of marijuana, the basement offers a calm, quiet, and dimly lit atmosphere that’s much more relaxing.

Overall, the experience was fantastic, and I’d...