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CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Sushi, tacos, po’boys, gelato, and steak frites are all on the menu as five new restaurants get ready to open in Greater Cincinnati.
Here’s five restaurants coming to the area as soon as Tuesday.
1. Suzu
Celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa is putting the finishing touches on his first restaurant in the Midwest located in Cincinnati’s Madisonville neighborhood.
Suzu will officially open Oct. 13, showcasing Japanese-style cooking, cuisine and culture.
“We’ve spent the last several months bringing this restaurant to life, from the dining room to the kitchen to the menu, and we’re finally ready to welcome you in,” the Suzu team wrote online.
Originally, the Japanese restaurant was scheduled to open in the summer. Due to several shipping delays for construction materials and equipment, the grand opening date was pushed back, a spokesperson tells FOX19 NOW.
In addition to carefully handcrafted, fresh sushi, guests can also expect grilled favorites, rice, noodles, and the dishes chef Makoto grew up eating.
Nigiri Maki at Suzu(@kato78 | Provided by Willow PR)2. Agave & Rye x Bad Rabbit Speakeasy
Epic Brands, a Northern Kentucky-based restaurant group, is opening its fourth Agave & Rye, this time in Pleasant Ridge.
Agave & Rye’s grand opening is set for Tuesday, Sept. 22, featuring Bad Rabbit Speakeasy.
The dark and moody bar is located on the basement level with Agave & Rye on the main level and private dining on the second floor.
The taco and spirits-forward restaurant moved into the former Catch Me If You Can diner, located in Pleasant Ridge’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, transforming the building into what could be a prime entertainment spot.
Rendering of the newest Agave & Rye coming to Pleasant Ridge.(Provided by Epic Brands)3. Jimmie Lou’s
The smell of Cajun spices and creole cooking will soon linger through the crisp October air in Pendleton as owner and chef Jeffrey Harris works to open up his newest restaurant.
Located at 1201 Broadway sits Jimmie Lou’s, a restaurant that will take your taste buds on a trip to New Orleans without ever leaving Cincinnati.
Although a menu has not been established yet, Jimmie Lou’s has held a few pop-up events in Pendleton, serving NOLA-style comfort foods like shrimp po’boys and bread pudding.
Chef Harris, who also owns Nolia in Over-the-Rhine, said the restaurant is more than just that, it also pays homage to the woman who helped him get to where he is now.
“For me, to honor my great grandmother’s name and also to hear her name all over the city again like I did before, that means a lot to me because she is the person who is responsible for me even cooking to this day,” Harris said in a video.
A grand opening date has not been set yet, but Jimmie Lou’s is expected to open in October.
4. VV Express
The owners of VV the Italian Experience are just a few steps away from opening their newest project next door in Mt. Lookout: VV Express.
Similar to VV the Italian Experience, VV Express will bring more Italian imports and food, like wine, coffee and gelato.
“We’re getting closer to opening the doors to our newest VV EXPRESS in Mt. Lookout Square! Get ready for more Italian flavors, products, and everything you love about VV, coming your way very soon,” the owners wrote online.
An opening date for VV Express has not been announced yet.
VV Express, a new version of VV the Italian Experience, will open “very soon” in Mt. Lookout Square.(Mary LeBus/FOX19 NOW)5. Jacques
Taste of Belgium is launching a new dinner spot just in time for Cincinnati Restaurant Week.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 22, Jacques will transform Rookwood’s Taste of Belgium into a modern brasserie at night.
For Cincinnati Restaurant Week, Jacques is serving a three-course meal of French-Belgian classics, such as buttery escargots, steak frites and crème brûlée. Check out the menu here.
Jacques, located at 3825 Edwards Rd., is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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