Every dish that our party ordered was delicious. The service was perfect, even on a very busy night. We will be back!

Great Italian restaurant in the old Rookwood space. They kept the kilns and opened up some of the space. Food was outstanding. We had wandering forks over everyone's meals! I had the arancini as a starter. Perfectly cooked. My main was pasta genovese with a wine sauce and shaved beef. Yum. Another favorite was the paccheri with pistachio and mortadella. The winner was the lasagna!!! The food was excellent but a little pricey. We will go back! read more

Tiny red bugs kept dropping onto our menus , table and water glasses. Our waiter gave us his history of places where he worked but he was really a sommelier so he knew wine but we just wanted a waiter. Brought dessert without any utensils as he had already removed them, not on his game. read more

small portions and outrageously overpriced dishes. nice looking locale. the risotto with sea was no good read more

Located in the beautifully renewed Rookwood Pottery building. Multiple comfortable dining areas plus a nice, but windy, patio. Big menu. Big portions easily shared. Pasta dishes cooked perfectly. Salads fresh and tasty. Expensive but huge bread service. Full bar. Needs to add bottle prices to the by the glass wine lists. Good service. Friendly, knowledgeable, efficient. Decent valet parking. Expensive but not outrageous. read more

Had the linguine and rigatoni. Very good sauce on both dishes but the rigatoni was off. Wondering if anyone else had the rigatoni like this? Definitely not the right pasta and pretty sure the sausage wasn't sausage, not sure what it was. read more

Al'Lupo Ristorante - Rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We were not sure what to expect at Al'Lupo being a new restaurant, but the food we had was excellent. My husband (who loves pork chops, but is extremely picky) had the pork chop and it was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. That does not happen very often for him. I had a pizza which was very good. We talked to some other customers upon leaving and they said that we must try the bread next time. The service overall was good with some notable mistakes which I attribute to being a new restaurant. Everyone was friendly and quickly admitted to and apologized for any missteps. The service was attentive. I must also comment on what a wonderful job was done on redoing the old restaurant. Beautiful, but retaining the character of history of Rookwood as it was. I wish them good luck. They are on a good start. read more

The atmosphere was awesome. Super cool building. However we had a 6:45 reservation and didn't get seated until 7:20 as a party of 2. We ordered a drink each and bread service which I don't mind paying for if it's truly worth it but it was very overpriced and nothing spectacular. The bread service came out 5 min before our drinks. I think we waited 15 -20 min for drinks but I understand they are new and working kinks out. The drinks were fine. I got the carbonara it was good. My friend got the ribeye pasta dish and it was also good but nothing spectacular. We got the asparagus salad which I loved. And the butter cake was very very average. Super hard on the outside and not super moist on the inside. When we told our server our opinion on the cake after she asked multiple times she said "yeah that's how a butter cake is " I'm not sure but it just felt kind of condescending even if she didn't mean to. All in all the meal was fine just not worth close to $200 for being in Cincinnati and not comparable to other high end Italian in the area. read more

We celebrated our anniversary at Al Lupo and had such a wonderful experience. The service was truly impeccable from start to finish and made the night feel extra special. The building itself is stunning. They did an incredible job honoring the historic Rookwood Pottery while seamlessly working the restaurant into the space. Everything we had was delicious, the vibe was perfect for a celebration or date night, and you absolutely should not skip the bread starter. Highly recommend for anyone in Cincinnati looking for a memorable meal. read more

I get a little annoyed when restaurants renovate old buildings and update them to unrecognizable status. I think what I love the most is how the history of the space has been honored. The bread was delicious, the asparagus salad was a star and I really liked the pistachio pasta. Definitely check it out. read more

Excellent Food and Service! We had the LB Cesare, Bucatini Carbonara and The Cacciucco, (I went there specifically for this seafood bowl, ordered the bread), WOW! And is a Beautiful place! Buena Fortuna... read more

This was a delicious experience! The staff was friendly and helpful but the food was absolutely delicious! We had the mushroom cheese appetizer which was really unique and paired with the sour dough was absolutely a crowd pleaser. The short rib was very good but the hands down favorite of the table was the lasagna. We will definitely be back again!! read more

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Excellent Food and Service! Great ambiance! LB Cesare, the Cacciucco and the Bucatini Carbonara, highly reccomended! We are glad that he is back creating excellent dishes! read more

The lighting was off putting, it felt like we were eating dinner under surgery lights. Our waitress was interested in every other table, but ours. I put into the reservation that it was my wife's birthday, and there was no mention of the birthday yet several tables around us were Presented candles and dessert. Not that I expect either but an acknowledgment would be nice. Personally, I thought maybe I forgot to put this into the reservation but then a random waitress who had not been serving us for the last 60 minutes said happy birthday to my wife so clearly someone knew that it was her birthday. I felt rushed through my meal and that our two top was less than valuable to the restaurant, I will not be going back and I wish everyone else the best. I've had a better customer service experience at Olive Garden but I will say the food was extremely tasty. read more

No signs describing where the restaurant was at, as well as the hostess was rude and in accommodating.

The service, ambiance, food, drinks and overall experience were incredible. From drinks and apps to the fresh homemade pasta and incredible desserts - I loved everything!! James was our server and he was funny, well informed about the food and ingredients and had great suggestions for every item on the menu. James went above and beyond and the entire bar and serving team worked together beautifully. The attention to detail throughout the entire dining experience is clear and the execution was phenomenal. I am excited to see how the Cincinnati and Mount Adams communities welcome this restaurant and the ways it contributes to our awesome foodie culture!!! 5/5 stars, thanks to the team at Al'Lupo for making my MIL's birthday special! read more

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Brad was great and provided attentive service! All of the food was fantastic. Will definitely be back!

I loved the atmosphere of Al Lupo. All the brick is warm and inviting. Great service too. The asparagus salad was delicious. I ate most of my husband's short rib meal. I can't remember the name of it but it was amazing! read more

Amazing setting, delicious food and cocktails, and friendly service! Highly recommend the amaretto sour and pizza Bianca! read more

Restaurant Review: Al Lupo Ristorante, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati Al Lupo Ristorante may be the newest tenant in one of Mt. Adams' storied historic buildings, but from the moment you walk in, it feels like it's been part of the neighborhood's heartbeat forever. This is Italian cooking with confidence; respectful of tradition, but eager to show off its own personality. The evening begins with a deceptively simple bread service: warm, freshly baked loaves with both oil and butter. The bread is so good you'll want to devour it immediately, but pace yourself--save a piece to sweep through whatever sauce or gravy accompanies your entrée, because at Al Lupo, the sauces are worth savoring to the last drop. We opened with the Pancetta Tesa, a deep-fried block of pork belly perched on a cloud of polenta, ringed in a vivid green drizzle of pesto. The contrast of crispy exterior, with a melting interior, bright herbal snap... felt like the kitchen announcing, "Yes, we know exactly what we're doing." The Calamari arrived next. Though the menu offers non-fried preparations (a rare and welcome option), we went classic. It was a triumph of restraint: tender rings with a whisper-thin breading and the perfect touch of salt. The accompanying tomato sauce was so luxuriously creamy we found ourselves requesting extra, purely to prolong the experience. The Caprese Salad was a playful reimagining of a staple: soft, sweet burrata, jewel-like balsamic pearls that burst with tangy intensity, and blistered cherry tomatoes that tasted like summer captured on a plate. Each bite felt like a small celebration. For entrées, the Costelleto di Manzo, a braised short rib, was a standout. Nestled over velvety polenta, the beef arrived bathed in a deeply savory gravy, studded with mushrooms cooked to that elusive tender-yet-toothsome texture. The guanciale folded in a gentle smokiness and salinity, elevating the dish into something you'll talk about on the ride home. The Bucatini Carbonara was comfort incarnate: yolky, creamy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked noodles, punctuated with crisp guanciale for balance and crunch. It was the kind of pasta you keep eating even after you're full, because putting the fork down feels emotionally impossible. By the end of the meal, we were already planning our return...reservations secured!! Because the pizzas and desserts are still waiting for us, and if they follow the same philosophy of generous flavor and thoughtful execution, we're in for another memorable evening. Al Lupo Ristorante isn't just a welcome addition to Mt. Adams... it's a destination. read more

Visited Al Lupo with friends on 2/19/26. The ambience & decor were very pleasant. The service was a bit excessive where servers hover. remove & replace silverware & dishes that one hasn't even used. My order was very standard: Italian Caesar salad & Lasagna, both of which were just OK, in fact a bit underwhelming. In spite of my less than stellar review, I am really in hopes that this restaurant makes it in the old Rookwood Pottery location. It's an interesting scene &'a magnificent location. read more

Food and presentation were delightful. We felt we were transported to Italy! Flavors mended perfectly and the chefs were impeccable in their presentation of each plate and greeting of tables! Such a treasure to bring to this great city! Small chatter through the atmosphere but enough distance to have a personal conversation and enjoy the personal experience! read more

Al'Lupo Ristorante - Upper dining area - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The Cesar salad I could not even eat it was so intense. Then the margherita pizza was soggy. I complained and still had to pay for all of it. Nasty!" read more

I usually am not one to leave a review but my husband, 2 year old daughter, and I came for my husband's birthday. I was nervous about how the other guests and the establishment were going to receive a toddler, as I don't typically see small children at fine dining restaurants. We were truly surprised and more than appreciative that the guests were kind, and so were the staff! A few stopped by to say hello, our waiter was mindful in putting in our order and provided an excellent wine pairing. It was an elevated experience for us being able to celebrate in a way that blends our love of fine dining and our family. The food was also delicious. Our daughter particularly loved the arancini balls and the margarita pizza. Thank you Al Lupo! We will be back! read more

If you're looking for a cozy go-to dinner spot for any occasion, Al Lupo is the place for you. I started with an Al Lupo sour and was blown away. Perfectly creamy and decadent with a subtle tartness. I do wish I would have saved it for the end due to the sweetness, but I enjoyed it all the same. The calamari was melt in your mouth delicious with a nice zingy marinara to dip. The pistachio pesto pasta was unbelievable. I could not put my fork down. The staff was kind, attentive and very down to earth. Incredible atmosphere in the Rookwood Pottery building as a fun piece of Cincinnati history. This will definitely be my new pick when I want something high end while still providing comforting warm vibes. read more

Some friends and I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Al Lupo last week. Lovely wine list and polished cocktails (if you're a martini person-get the martini). We ordered the pancetta tesa and bread service to start. The focaccia bread was the best balance of soft and flaky. My boyfriend and I shared the lasagna entree - the proscuitto in it adds a really nice element. Service was fantastic - shout out to Kelley and the bar staff for taking care of our spirited group. We were so excited to see a concept in the Rookwood building! The updated design honors the character of this well-known Cincinnati structure. The pasta making station has a window so guests can watch the chefs work their magic. We can't wait to come back! read more

Anyone that doesn't like this place doesn't know Italian food. This is AUTHENTIC Italian. Look at my last name, I know what I'm talking about. Amazing. Get the cabonara and a pizza and have a damn day. read more

The food was amazing, the bread plate is not just your average service, it is a treat. The mains were wonderful and a great deal of choices. The ambiance is well appointed, they did great with it! read more

The restaurant is in the historic Rookwood pottery building. The new decor blends perfectly with the historic remnants of the building. Had dinner there recently and the food and service were amazing . Our server Brea was attentive throughout the meal. The bread service is a must and plenty to share for a table of 2-4. The portions are generous and served beautifully. The beet and burrata salad was one of the best salads I have had anywhere. My husband loved his cesar salad too. Both the pizza and pasta were delicious followed by a seasonal tiramisu . As mentioned the portions are generous and we could have easily split a pizza or entree but are glad to have a to go bag for tomorrow. We will definitely be back. read more

Wonderful setting for marvelous meal ... Chef Rob Peloni brings his flair for authentic Italian food back to Cincinnati with a flair. I dined at the bar, where the service was exemplary, as were my meals (dined there two consecutive evenings). I expect to return soon (and I'm commuting from Los Angeles to do that!). read more

The food was good but way over priced ($17 for bread service) and our server, Ricky was nowhere to be found most of the night. We arrived slightly early for a 7:30 reservation on the evening of Saturday, 2/21 and went to the bar for a cocktail while we waited. I ordered a vodka soda and asked if I could have a blue cheese stuffed olive in my drink. I was informed by the bartender that the olive would be an extra charge! Reason being, "we have to stuff them by hand so we charge for them"....never heard of such a thing. We were seated at a table of four right outside the restrooms and my chair was bumped by customers throughout the night. I understand the need to fill seats for revenue but do you have to place tables right outside the restrooms...not much ambience to say the least. I looked at the menu the day of our reservation and was looking forward to getting the Carbonara. When we arrived and looked at the menu it was not listed. Ricky said they received too many complaints and removed it from the menu. I suggest you amend your website. We were celebrating our daughter's birthday and were hoping for a better experience. Most likely will not return. BTW, I'm not one who often writes reviews and I'm not a nit picker but I thought this was warranted. Mike from Mason read more

We dined at the bar and enjoyed the ambiance and watching the bartenders do their "dance". I ordered the Al'Lupo sour and found it to be refreshing and well balanced. Our party of four enjoyed the bread service heartily! We got a few different pasta dishes and shared bites. My favorite was the bolognese. The asparagi salad was refreshing and the funghi app was divine! We sampled all three desserts between us and they were all amazing. Friendly and and attentive service. Will be back! read more

It was just 'ok'. We ordered an app and then bread came to the table. We didn't know it was complimentary so we both ate a piece of it. It was very good! Then the server came over and told us that it was sent to the wrong table by mistake and in a round about way, asked if we wanted to be charged for it. ummmm...nope! I ordered the lasagna, it had a good flavor but cold in the center so I ate around the edges. The building is beautiful though and nice ambiance, that's why the 4 stars. read more

We were there with another couple and it was just "eh". We got there early to have a drink at the bar but they have very little space for that. If you stand you just felt in the way of servers and patrons walking to and from their tables. It was very odd to not have plenty of seats at the bar. It wasn't crowded but the bar had no spots. When we got to our seat the server was nice but not very attentive we kept asking for water that was never brought. We decided to share our starters and order a few of the dishes to do a family style to try more of the menu and they said oh yeah sure we will bring larger serving spoons, which we never got and we asked twice. I really wanted to like the food but it was okay. Not great. I wouldn't make a trip back. The only thing it has going for it is the atmosphere. Not worth the hype. read more

My husband and I ate at Al Lupo recently and it was fabulous! Located in the Rookwood Pottery building, this place has a lot of history and brings back many wonderful memories! The changes that they made to the space adds to the ambiance. As a bonus for a place in Mt. Adams, parking is not a problem! The staff is great; very hard working and attentive! Our server, Brad was delightful; very friendly and helpful as well as being efficient. If one person is busy, someone else on the staff is right behind them helping out. Now the food; nothing short of delicious! I had the Barbabietole Salad; very good, a bit larger than I expected making it quite shareable. My husband had the LB Cesare which was also very good. If you're a pasta lover, the Linguini All Genovese is definitely something you would want to try. But the definite star of the show was the Costelleto di Manzo; it was incredible! We can't wait to go back to get this again! We unfortunately didn't have room for dessert! To sum it up, Al Lupo is a charming place in a great location with a hard working and attentive staff, serving delicious food! A wonderful addition to the Cincinnati dining scene for sure! read more

Fun to see the renovations done to the old Rookwood. The best is the delicious Italian food being served. A great experience.

The service was well-tended, the food was great with a nice atmosphere We all had an enjoyable time and will return

Way over hyped. From the beyond mediocre bread basket, to a half baked cocktail list - everything seemed below average for a restaurant of this price point. The food was average but overall; however the carbonara was so salty it was inedible. Even the restaurant required enhancements from a decide perspective and didnt go far enough to provide a 5-star ambiance. I will not be going back. read more

Excellent service from Christina. Caesar Salad was outstanding and gnocchi was delicious. Wonderful restaurant!

My daughter and I had a wonderful experience at Al Lupo last Sunday evening. For a restaurant that had only been open for a few days we were so impressed with the service. The staff could not have been more accommodating. Our food was delicious. The building is so fascinating, it's like eating in a piece of Cincinnati history. I can't wait to go back! read more