2 Cincinnati area restaurants nominated for Best New Restaurant of 2025

Two recently opened Italian eateries in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region are gaining national recognition. Wildweed, located in Over-the-Rhine, and Carmelo's, situated in Covington, have been nominated for the Best New Restaurant award by USA TODAY's 10BEST readers choice.

Wildweed Receives High Praise

Wildweed, which debuted in 2024, has been highlighted as one of the Midwest's most impressive and regionally distinctive Italian restaurants by New York Times writer Brett Anderson. Owned by David Jackman, originally from Winnipeg, Canada, and his wife Lydia, the restaurant has quickly built a reputation for its inventive, seasonal, and foraged ingredient-focused menu. Offerings include handmade pasta, small plates, and shareable main courses. Diners can also enjoy an la carte menu or a 12-course chef's counter experience with optional beverage pairings.

Wildweeds acclaim extends beyond 10BEST. The New York Times included it in the 2025 list of the 50 Best Restaurants in America, while Esquire and Bon Apptit previously recognized it as a must-visit new restaurant.

Carmelo's: Intimate Italian Comfort in Covington

Carmelo's opened in 2024 inside a renovated 1850s office building in downtown Covington. Described by 10BEST as an intimate and stylish dining venue serving Italian American comfort cuisine, Carmelo's is co-owned by Billy Grise and Mitch Arens. The restaurant honors Grises great-grandfather, Carmelo Charles Caserta, a Sicilian immigrant who previously ran a successful restaurant and catering business in Ohio.

The menu highlights Italian favorites such as eggplant parmigiana, mushroom marsala, and tiramisu, blending tradition with a contemporary touch.

Voting for the 10BEST Award

The 20 nominees are chosen by a panel of culinary experts and editors, and the winner is determined through a four-week online vote. Currently, Carmelo's leads the leaderboard, while Wildweed ranks 13th. Voting is open at www.10best.com through noon on December 22, 2025. Each participant can cast one vote per day, and winners will be announced on January 2, 2026.

Author's Commentary: Cincinnati's Italian Dining Gains National Spotlight

The recent recognition of Wildweed in Over-the-Rhine and Carmelo's in Covington underscores a growing culinary momentum in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. Both restaurants, opening in 2024, have quickly attracted national attention through USA TODAY's 10BEST readers’ choice nominations.

Wildweed, led by David and Lydia Jackman, distinguishes itself with an inventive approach to Italian cuisine. Its focus on seasonal, foraged ingredients and multi-course dining experiences has earned acclaim from the New York Times, Esquire, and Bon Appétit, marking it as a standout in the Midwest.

Carmelo's offers a contrasting yet equally compelling experience, emphasizing Italian-American comfort dishes in a historic Covington building. Honoring familial culinary heritage, co-owners Billy Grise and Mitch Arens deliver approachable, high-quality meals that resonate with diners seeking both tradition and style.

As voting for the 10BEST award continues, Carmelo's currently leads while Wildweed holds the 13th position. The competition highlights the region's growing influence on the national Italian dining scene, reflecting both innovation and respect for culinary roots.

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• 2 Cincinnati area spots nominated for Best New Restaurant of 2025