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National Exemplar, Cincinnati, OH

National Exemplar

4.8
4.8
1906 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • 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.

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • 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
  • 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.

What 1,906 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cincinnati / Dayton

    American

  • Cincinnati

    Neighborhood gem

  • Cincinnati

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
National Exemplar delights with its "rich and hearty" mushroom soup and "amazing" scallops. Guests praise its "attentive service" and "cozy atmosphere," making it perfect for any occasion. With "reasonable prices" and a diverse menu, it's a "Cincinnati treasure" that ensures a memorable dining experience.

1,906 Reviews
  1. Dean VIP

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our first time at National Exemplar. We road tripped from Columbus and it was worth it. Enjoyed the mushroom soup, beet salad, mussels carbonara, bread, branzino, veal shank and carrot cake! We’ll make the road trip again!

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  2. Stephanie VIP

    Cincinnati25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, food came out exactly as described, very, very good.

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  3. Michael

    St. Louis5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a special birthday celebration. The scallops, in particular, were exquisite.

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  4. John VIP

    Cincinnati30 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Apparently, the scallops were very good, but the prime rib was not up to the usual quality and preparation that I have come to expect at this restaurant.

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  5. Bill VIP

    Cincinnati3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Chef specials were amazing! Trio of Filets and a citrus crabcake! Anazing. Old Fashioned well made also.

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  6. Frank

    Cincinnati272 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    One of the specials this evening was a crab cake with a small salad that was exceptional. The crab cake itself was about 5 to 6 ounces and had more crab in it then any one I have ever eaten at a restaurant. Absolutely delicious.

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  7. Jamie

    Cincinnati2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent. The choices for appetizers, entrees and desserts was so unique. We will be back.

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  8. Lisha VIP

    Cincinnati82 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nate was a very pleasant server and the food never disappoints:)

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  9. Amy

    Cincinnati5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this venue during the winter...cozy, dark and warm !!

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  10. Rosemary

    Cincinnati4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good food. Excellent filet and salmon. Prime rib very good. Our server was just about perfect -- there when we needed her but not in the way. We took people there to experience old Cincinnati as opposed to all the nouveau restaurants. Very enjoyable and a very good value.

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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 1906 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 16 times today
Google Map for National Exemplar

6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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