We all know what the best part of the meal is. Whether you're planning a date night and need the perfect spot to follow dinner, or you're simply out on the prowl to satisfy your sweet tooth, a great dessert can seemingly solve any problem. 

And if you happen to live in the Cincinnati area, then you have a lot of great options to choose from. Whether your idea of the perfect dessert is a slice of fresh-baked pie, a mountain of home-churned ice cream, or both, these sweet spots will satisfy your cravings. 

Sweet Petit Desserts

1426 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by SweetPetitDesserts (@sweetpetitdesserts) on Oct 8, 2020 at 1:00pm PDT

Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Sweet Petit Desserts crafts unique miniature desserts for all occasions. They also offer classes if you want to learn to make your own! From macarons and tartlets to cake pops and mini-cupcakes, their menu is packed with delicious bite-size morsels that anyone with a sweet tooth will love. Currently, all orders must be placed in advance, either online or by phone. 

Buona Terra

1028 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

A classic, European-inspired dessert spot in the Mount Lookout Square, Buona Terra—"Good Earth" in Italian—is family owned and dedicated to their hand-crafted menu. Their authentic gelato is truly out of this world and available in an ever-changing assortment of flavors. And while gelato is the undisputed star of the show at Buona Terra, they also make outstanding crepes, both savory and sweet, and authentic French macarons that will have you coming back for more.

Graeter's Ice Cream

511 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

 

 

 

 

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Founded in 1870, Graeter's is America's oldest family-owned and operated ice cream producer. They've grown to be a beloved regional chain with about 50 locations, but they got their start right here in the Queen City. We're big fans of their Fountain Square location, where you can sample all the classic flavors, along with seasonal creations like Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan and Ellen's Blueberry Pie. If you're into fall flavors, be sure to check out their Pumpkin ice cream while it lasts!

O Pie O

1527 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206

Say what you will about punny names, but an Ohio pie shop called O Pie O, that's not bad. With locations in Walnut Hills and Over-the Rhine, this beloved Cincinnati institution offers a dizzying array of pies. Order by the slice or take a whole pie home with you. Their blueberry pancake pie and brown-butter pumpkin pies are simply outstanding, and they even serve beer to go along with the more savory side of the menu, like classic English shepherd's pie. And don't forget about quiche! There aren't many places where you can eat pie for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, but O Pie O is just such a place. 

Hello Honey

633 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

 

 

 

 

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Hello Honey, a cozy creamery in Downtown Cincinnati, is one of those rare ice cream joints where you really taste the craft that goes into every scoop. Their ice cream is made from scratch in small batches, using only fresh, all-natural ingredients. The results are often creative, and always irresistible. Flavors like banana honeycomb, espresso nut brittle, and raspberry chamomile chocolate chip will make you want to come back for a second cone before you've finished the first. 

Aglamesis Bros

3046 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

At Aglamesis Brothers, the focus has always been on fine chocolates and ice cream, made with old-world craftsmanship and attention to detail. Established in 1908, the shop was originally founded by Thomas and Nicholas Aglamesis, who came from Greece with little more than a strong work ethic and a knack for making sweets. These days, Aglamesis Brothers has been family-owned for four generations, and still charms visitors with its old-fashioned soda fountain atmosphere. 

Happy Chicks Bakery

4035 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

 

 

 

 

 

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With a focus on cakes and cupcakes, Happy Chicks Bakery is fun, women-owned bakery in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood. They're especially well known for their creative wedding cakes. Everything on the menu is shockingly delicious, and what's even more shocking is that it's all vegan. You won't find animal products or artificial dyes of any kind in Happy Chicks' baked goods, so you can enjoy every bite without any ethical dilemmas. 

Maverick Chocolate Co.

129 W. Elder St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The expert chocolatiers at Maverick Chocolate Co. understand the subtle details that separate great chocolate from merely good chocolate. Using the highest quality cacao beans bought directly from farms and co-ops at sustainable prices, Maverick Chocolate Co. makes truly exceptional chocolate, all hand-crafted in small batches. Browse all their unique varieties of chocolate at their Findlay Market location, or visit their chocolate factory in Rookwood to get a glimpse at how the chocolate is made. (Note: tours are currently on hold due to COVID-19, but are expected to resume.)

The BonBonerie

2030 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208

 

 

 

 

 

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The BonBonerie is a fantastic bakery, no doubt about it. But it's also so much more. Since 1986 it's been one of Cincinnati's favorite sources of cookies and cupcakes, and they've also gotten to be well-known for their adjoining cafe and tearoom. Afternoon tea is served daily, and an assortment of tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches round out the lunchtime menu. That being said, you'll want to save room for a cookie or cupcake. 

Brown Bear Bakery

116 E. 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

With exceptional baked goods and a cozy, laid-back-chic vibe, Brown Bear Bakery has become a staple of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Walk-ins are on hold due to the pandemic (all orders are currently online), so you may have to wait to experience the charming ambiance. But you can still always grab a cinnamon roll, scone, or croissant for curbside pickup! Don't forget a hot coffee to go with it. 

Save Room For Dessert!

The Cincinnati area is a great place to be if you have an appetite and a sweet tooth. Our list has only scratched the surface of the great dessert restaurants Cinci has to offer. If we forgot to mention your favorite, be sure to let us know in the comments!