There’s a reason locals in Mariemont keep coming back to the same dining room, decade after decade.
The National Exemplar has been serving the community since 1983, growing up alongside families who now bring their grandchildren to the same tables their parents once loved.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Mariemont’s story, housed inside the historic Mariemont Inn and named after founder Mary Emery’s vision of a “national model community.”
What began as an upscale spot for the Inn has evolved into a beloved neighborhood staple where third- and fourth-generation diners feel right at home.
How The National Exemplar Won Local Hearts
The National Exemplar opened its doors in April 1983 inside the Mariemont Inn, a landmark building constructed in the mid-1920s as part of Mary Emery’s planned community.
The restaurant’s name honors Emery’s description of Mariemont as a “national exemplar,” or model community, tying the dining room directly to the village’s founding story.
For more than four decades, the restaurant has served multiple generations of the same families, becoming a place where grandparents, parents, and kids all have their favorite dishes.
Regulars grew up here, watching their children order the same breakfast plates they once loved as kids.
In 2012, chef and operator Sean Daly came aboard to refresh the menu and operations while respecting the loyal regulars who had supported the place for years.
His updates helped the restaurant earn a four-star review from the Cincinnati Enquirer and local chef accolades, proving that evolution and tradition can coexist.
The restaurant’s longevity is a testament to its consistent quality and its role as a community gathering space, not just a place to eat.
Locals appreciate that the Exemplar feels both special and familiar, with roaring fireplaces and wood-paneled rooms that evoke the Inn’s historic charm.
It’s a spot where you can celebrate anniversaries, host business lunches, or simply enjoy a reliable breakfast without ever feeling out of place.
The restaurant’s deep ties to Mariemont shine through in its participation in local events like Taste of Mariemont, where it sponsors live music and family activities.
Even during challenging times, the Exemplar has remained a civilized escape for residents seeking comfort and connection.
That blend of history, hospitality, and homegrown pride is why people don’t just dine here—they belong here.
Food Highlights
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Hungarian Mushroom Soup: The house favorite and signature soup, rich with mushrooms, dill, paprika, and a creamy finish that locals rave about. 🍄
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Volcano Pork Shank: Cider-braised and molasses-glazed, served over creamy grits with Brussels sprouts and a smoked almond gremolata for bold, comforting flavors. 🍖
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Prime Rib Au Jus: A classic cut prepared juicy and tender, paired with a flavorful au jus that keeps every bite moist and satisfying. 🥩
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Pan Seared Salmon: Certified sustainable Kvaroy Island salmon with yuzu-soy glaze, nappa cabbage, bacon, dashi, and parsnip puree for a refined yet approachable dish. 🐟
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Mushroom-Truffle Garganelli: Penne-style pasta tossed in a wild mushroom ragout with white wine, thyme, black truffle, butter, and Parmigiano for earthy richness. 🍝
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Farmhouse Breakfast Hash: A morning staple featuring hearty potatoes, savory fixings, and eggs, perfect for starting the day the Mariemont way. 🍳
Atmosphere
The dining room features wood-paneled walls and roaring fireplaces that echo the Mariemont Inn’s 1920s heritage, creating a warm, traditional ambiance.
Guests can also enjoy meals on the relaxing outdoor patio or unwind in Southerby’s lobby bar with oversized chairs and an original fireplace.
Bottom Line
The National Exemplar is more than a restaurant; it’s a Mariemont tradition where history, hospitality, and hearty American fare come together.
For locals and visitors alike, it offers a genuine sense of place that few dining rooms can match.
Address: 6880 Wooster Pike Cincinnati, OH 45227
📞 (513) 271-2103
🕔 Open Daily, Sun–Thu 7 AM–2:30 PM & 5 PM–9 PM | Fri -Sat , 7 AM–2:30 PM & 5 PM–10PM