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Interior - National Exemplar, Cincinnati, OH

National Exemplar

4.7 (2100)
$30 and under
American
6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Make a reservation

A photo of National Exemplar restaurant

National Exemplar

4.7
$30 and under
American
Mariemont

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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.

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Jonathan S.
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at National Exemplar.

4.7

4.7
(2100)
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The National Exemplar offers an exceptional dining experience with "top notch" service and "delicious" food. Located in a historic hotel, it boasts a "tremendous" atmosphere. Favorites include prime rib, charcuterie board, and Hungarian mushroom soup. The staff, including standout servers like Lisa, Mary, and Madeline, ensure a "special" and "welcoming" experience.
2,100 Reviews
  1. Alex Gold

    Cincinnati14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service. We did have to wait about 20 mins after our reservation to be seated.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Beth Gold

    Cincinnati39 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect spot to meet friends for dinner! Varied menu with nightly specials. Serviced is warm and friendly, food is delicious and plentiful!

    Is this helpful?

  3. charles

    New York City15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Well done 👍 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Is this helpful?

  4. Dave

    Cincinnati12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server Sebastian was excellent. Oyster were tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Carol

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 23, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were celebrating our 50th Anniversary and we were treated royally by the entire staff we encountered. The food was delicious and the service top notch. Thank you, National exemplar!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ronald

    Louisville1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 23, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is absolutely one of our favorite restaurants in the Cincinnati area. We always stay in Mariemont when we come to the area for concerts, other events, or for a brief getaway from the Louisville area, where we live. The food, service, and ambience are always top tier. Most times we get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. We can always count on the food and service to be excellent. We love the restaurant and Mariemont.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Barbara

    Cincinnati3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 20, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was a birthday celebration and was the perfect place for us.

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  8. Justin Gold

    Cincinnati43 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our experience at National Exemplar was wonderful. The members of the staff were attentive throughout service. Our meal was excellent- only wished we saved room for dessert. What a gem - highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Joe

    Cincinnati5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 18, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual, we enjoyed a great evening dinner at Exemplar. The service was great and the food was terrific. Noise level was just fine. Exemplar remains one of our special dining out favorites!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Mark

    Cincinnati4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 17, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good experience for a date night. Good food and very nice atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Jonathan S.
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

For a lively, oyster-forward night, go on Monday, guests rave about Monday Oyster Night and dining outside; for a calmer visit try an early Sunday evening, which reviewers call peaceful.

Yes, The National Exemplar's cozy, historic dining room and attentive service make it a popular choice for anniversaries and special evenings.

The National Exemplar feels warm and cozy with old‑world, historic charm, wood accents and a fireplace in the dining room, offering a relaxed, conversation-friendly place to eat.

Portions at The National Exemplar are often described as generous, many guests note they leave with leftovers or take food home.

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, come-as-you-are clothing is appropriate; patrons range from jeans to dressed-up looks for special occasions.

The National Exemplar has a spacious dining room, a relaxing outdoor patio, the intimate Southerby’s Pub off the hotel lobby for drinks and bar seating, and private dining rooms (for example, the Chess Room).

Mondays are a favorite for Oyster Night, while Sunday brunch is frequently praised, both are singled out by guests as especially worth a visit.

The National Exemplar is at its liveliest on Monday nights, the popular Monday Oyster Night draws a crowd, while early Sunday evenings are often quieter and more peaceful.

Yes, families dine here comfortably: reviewers call the Exemplar a family go‑to and praise staff who are "great with the kids, " making it a welcoming spot for brunches and family dinners.

Yes, The National Exemplar has a relaxing outdoor patio where guests frequently dine al fresco in Mariemont.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Cincinnati / Dayton
  4. Cincinnati
  5. Mariemont

Make a reservation

A photo of National Exemplar restaurant

National Exemplar

4.7
$30 and under
American
Mariemont

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today
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