Trio Bistro — Restaurant in Sycamore Township

Decent place, but certainly not at the top of my list.

Overall: 7.7/10. Excellent service keeps this place ranking fair on my list. The food is delicious, but the drink menu is their achilles heel.

1. Atmosphere: 8/10 - a bit outdated, but I suppose that's part of the charm. Still, it would be a welcome change if they updated some of their tables or even just some decor.

2. Allergies: Unknown - I did not ask if anything can be made with gluten and lactose allergies in mind, but I don't see why they wouldn't be able to. Their food is fresh and healthy. I'm sure they would be able to offer something for someone suffering from food allergies.

3. Happy Hour: 6/10 - don't bother for happy hour. Sure, the prices are good, but they offer no happy hour cocktails. Beer and wine is on discount, as are a few appetizer options, but nothing to write home about. I would recommend they add some cocktails to their happy hour list. Disappointed with that.

4. Drinks: 6.8/10 for selection. 10/10 for execution. While they don't have an exhaustive list compared to other places, they do execute their list well. Beer selection is not great, offering domestics and imports, and a tiny amount of craft brews. The wine list is small. I go here for their cocktails. The cocktails are a little different, which is what I'm looking for. They have a couple unique cocktails that stand out from the crowd. However, the beer, wine, and whiskey list can be improved.

5. Appetizers: 9.3/10 - the appetizer list was on the small/medium sized and all were very good. Flatbreads are very good and I'd get it again. The bread and butter that is served immediately is likely my favorite in the area. They only offer sourdough. Having a unique flavor and texture, the butter is the real star here. It is loaded with a very good creamy onion/chive flavor that is the best in the area, IMO. No one else does it like Trio does.

6. Food: 9.6/10 - Smaller selection that doesn't miss. Their salmon and chicken dishes are very good. Offering a small selection of well thought out dishes, Trio doesn't miss. I'd recommend anything on the menu.

7. Dessert: 9/10 - delicious options that don't miss. Something for everyone, though I'm not one to normally order dessert at a restaurant.

8. Reservations: 10/10 - easy to book. Not required, but highly recommended. This place books up quickly on popular nights. You can always just grab a table at the bar as well. They have 1 booth and 3 high tops in the bar area, as well as classic bar seating around.

9. Cleanliness: 7/10 - bathrooms aren't exceptionally clean, but the floors, tables, plates, silverware, and employees are all neat and clean.

10. Bathrooms: 5/10 - unfortunately, the bathrooms are small, outdated, and not that clean....

I've been to Trio five or six times over the years, and I've never had a positive experience there. The last time I went there was recently, as I was in the neighborhood with a friend who suggested we go there for dinner.

Upon walking up top the front desk we saw three people, two of whom were talking to each other and the third one just seemed to be looking into space. We decided to ask for a table and see who responded. We were promptly led to a table, which made me think maybe this was going to be OK.

Once we sat down, we waited six or seven minutes for anyone to come over. In itself, that's not a terrible thing; however, several parties who came in after us were having servers come to them while we just sat there. Finally, a server came to take our drink order. I saw that they had a signature martini on their menu and ordered it (I was pretty excited to try it). A couple of minutes later, the server came back and brought me... you guessed it, a vodka tonic. I decided to just enjoy the vodka tonic because, based on previous visits to Trio, I concluded it just wasn't worth saying anything.

One of our appetizers was brought without incident. Our second appetizer was brought by a young lady who just held the plate such that it was hovering over the table. We then realized she wanted us to clear a space for her. Not to be snobby, there are situations when that would be fine, but I did have some problems with this behavior: 1- At these prices, the customers really should not have to do any of the work, and 2- The plate this young lady was bringing was small, her other hand was completely free, and our table wasn't even very cluttered. It felt like a kind of power play, and that was just not a great.

While I understand Trio does not present itself as a health food place, for my entree I order a meatless dish that appeared reasonably healthy based on the description. I was disappointed when I immediately noticed that an enormous amount of salt was in it.

The server seemed unhappy that we were not getting dessert, but, at some point, you need to cut your losses.

I guess Trio is OK if you're just looking for a place to sit and you don't really care about the cost or the service. Otherwise, I can think of many other establishments where you can have a better (or at least no worse) experience at a significantly lower cost.

I don't ever need to go to Trio again, even if a friend...

Trio Bistro in Cincinnati, Ohio, truly embodies its name by providing a harmonious blend of exceptional food, fantastic service, and a sophisticated atmosphere - a melody that effortlessly earns a well-deserved 5-star rating.

The culinary offerings at Trio Bistro are a delightful exploration of American contemporary cuisine. The dishes are both innovative and comforting, satisfying both the adventurous and the traditional palates. Their grilled salmon, seasoned to perfection and cooked just right, is a personal favorite. Pair it with their kale salad, and you've got yourself a meal to remember. The bistro's "to-die-for" desserts like the molten chocolate cake provide the perfect crescendo to a sumptuous dining experience.

The drink selection at Trio Bistro is equally remarkable. The wine list is well-curated, with excellent options from both local vineyards and international sources. Their craft cocktail menu is inventive and refreshing - the pear martini is a must-try.

Set in the heart of Kenwood, the restaurant's interior is tastefully designed, offering an ambiance of casual elegance. Whether it's a romantic date, a business lunch, or a family celebration, the setting works beautifully. The outdoor patio is a serene spot for al fresco dining during warmer months, providing a charming view of the bustling neighborhood.

What truly sets Trio Bistro apart, however, is the impeccable service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Their recommendations are spot-on, ensuring you get the best dining experience tailored to your taste. Despite the restaurant's popularity, you're never left feeling neglected. The team at Trio Bistro takes the extra step to make every guest feel special and appreciated.

In summary, Trio Bistro in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers an exceptional dining experience that hits all the right notes. From its delicious and innovative dishes to its attentive service and elegant ambiance, it's no wonder that this establishment has been a cherished part of the Cincinnati dining scene. I wholeheartedly recommend Trio Bistro - it's not just a meal, but a symphony of...