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National Exemplar, Cincinnati, OH

National Exemplar

4.8
4.8
1872 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
The National Exemplar, located on the first floor of the Mariemont Inn, is a popular neighborhood restaurant. It offers American-style cuisine in its spacious dining room or relaxing outdoor patio. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the National Exemplar offers an outstanding experience.

Southerby’s Pub, located off the lobby, offers dining as well as a cozy place to have a drink and features oversized chairs overlooking one of the original 1920’s fireplaces. In the evening settle down in an over-stuffed sofa and savor a drink with the locals in this intimate lobby pub.

In April of 1983, The National Exemplar began operation in the Mariemont, Ohio landmark, the Mariemont Inn. The Inn was constructed in the mid-1920's as a small piece of the very unique Mariemont community, founded by Mary Emery. The National Exemplar Restaurant was named after learning that Mary Emery once referred to her developing community as the National Exemplar, meaning national model community.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (513) 271-2103
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ed P.
  • Catering
    Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
  • Private party facilities
    We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.
  • Neighborhood
    Mariemont
  • Cross street
    Plainville Road
  • Parking details
    Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
  • Entertainment
    Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,872 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    American

  • Cincinnati

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
National Exemplar, a Cincinnati gem, offers a "comprehensive menu" with something for everyone. Guests rave about the "beautiful room" and "attentive service." Highlights include the "best prime rib" and "amazing mushroom soup." With outdoor seating in a charming garden setting and daily specials, it's a "must-try destination."

1,872 Reviews
  1. George

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent dinner experience and great value. Enjoyable and historic place to gather for a memorable meal.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Amy

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always make an early reservation at Christmas time when everyone is in town. NE is the top of our list and our favorite dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Rick

    Cincinnati

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service unbelievable. Class act from manager down to the servers. You will not be disappointed.

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  4. Doree

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was excellent. Warm and cozy atmosphere. Pappardelle was blah. My pasta had places/edges that were hard and there were very few carrots or peas. The 3 carrots were about the size of a dime and were paper thin. They shouldn’t mention the veggies in the description. Ragú was more like an au jus. I do love going there, just disappointed with this entree.

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  5. David

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The bison burger was excellent. The setting is great too, recommend going here and then checking out the hotel bar

    Is this helpful?

  6. Vanessa

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    91 reviews

    5.0

    91 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I was very impressed with my entire evening at the National Exemplar. Our server, Stephen, could not have been more polite, knowledgeable and welcoming. Th Pork Tornado entree was absolutely delicious...melt in your mouth delicious. And the vibe was so festive right before the holiday...it was perfect.

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  7. Joanne

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always enjoy our time at the National Exemplar Restaurant. The Christmas decor is just beautiful. The staff is friendly and efficient. We also enjoy the beautiful patio in the summer as well. The chef has some innovative dishes which are very good.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joe

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely fantastic! National Exemplar never disappoints, and the staff was excellent tonight! Thanks to all!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Robert

    Cincinnati

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I pretty much always get the prime rib, which was good. However, the scallops ordered by my wife were terrific. Well cooked and well seasoned. A highlight at our table.

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  10. Elliot

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely phenomenal. This is my favorite restaurant in the area by far. The food, the service, the presentation, the atmosphere - everything has been paid the utmost care and attention. 5/5 stars every single time.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

National Exemplar does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. National Exemplar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 271-2103.

National Exemplar is rated 4.8 stars by 1872 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for National Exemplar

6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Plainville Road
  • Neighborhood
    Mariemont
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ed P.
  • Entertainment
    Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (513) 271-2103
  • Catering
    Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
  • Private party facilities
    We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.
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