Orchids at Palm Court
A taste of old-world elegance in Cincinnati
Located inside the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Orchids at Palm Court feels like it’s from a different era, with its dramatic two-story ceilings, rosewood-paneled walls, German silver accents and art deco atmosphere. You’ll find hotel guests along with many locals seated at the white-cloth-covered tables.
The 76-seat restaurant serves up New American cuisine from executive chef George Zappas, who started at the Netherland Plaza in 2008 and worked his way up through the ranks, holding positions as varied as kitchen supervisor to assistant director of food and beverage, before landing the top spot. Zappas also served as a culinary instructor at Cincinnati State.
This team of food artisans was not only instrumental in the restaurant earning the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award, but also the catalyst behind the establishment being named Hilton Hotels & Resorts' No. 1 Food & Beverage Hotel in the USA for multiple years.
The 76-seat restaurant serves up New American cuisine from executive chef George Zappas, who started at the Netherland Plaza in 2008 and worked his way up through the ranks, holding positions as varied as kitchen supervisor to assistant director of food and beverage, before landing the top spot. Zappas also served as a culinary instructor at Cincinnati State.
This team of food artisans was not only instrumental in the restaurant earning the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award, but also the catalyst behind the establishment being named Hilton Hotels & Resorts' No. 1 Food & Beverage Hotel in the USA for multiple years.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Orchids at Palm Court is located in the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. The hotel and restaurant are part of Carew Tower, a downtown Cincinnati high-rise built in 1931, resplendent with art deco features.
- Though it is located off of the hotel's lobby, Orchids is nonetheless an oasis from the nearby action, thanks to cleverly arranged ferns and booths.
- There is generally a pleasant background murmur of voices from fellow diners, hotel guests and bar patrons that allows for conversation without feeling stuffy, along with the sounds of piano music and live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Things to Know
- The Cincinnati restaurant serves afternoon tea on the first Saturday of every month, with additional services added during the winter holiday season.
- While there is no formal barring of shorts and T-shirts, the dress code norm trends toward nice pants and collared shirts for men and skirts, dresses or slacks for women.
The Food
- While the menu at Orchids at Palm Court changes seasonally, expect starters such as Hudson Valley foie gras or Maine lobster salad with organic "fried" egg, parsley, crème fraîche and caviar cream.
- Entrées might include roasted duck breast with sweet potato mousseline or roasted "Cervena" venison with squash, chestnuts, allspice, Melrose apples and port wine jus.
- Save plenty of room for dessert, too, with creations like a rhubarb streusel tart paired with basil-infused cream cheese gelato or Mexican spiced milk chocolate mousse.
Amenities
Bar
Business casual
Dinner
Gluten-free options
Kid friendly
Private dining
Reservations recommended 
Self-parking
Valet parking
Vegetarian options
Getting There
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
TEL513-564-6465
TEL513-564-6465
NeighborhoodDowntown
