Cincinnati continues to make culinary waves as Wildweed, the creation of David and Lydia Jackman, has been named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America for 2024. Known for its innovative take on Midwestern cuisine, Wildweed captures the essence of Ohio’s farms, fields, and forests, delivering dishes that highlight the region’s rich culinary potential.
In its feature, Esquire praised Wildweed as “a soaring ode to a region whose culinary virtues have been overlooked for too long.” The Jackmans, who hosted more than 225 pop-up dinners over six years before establishing their permanent space, offer two distinct dining experiences: an à la carte menu in the dining room and a tasting menu at the counter. Both highlight chef David Jackman’s ability to transform local ingredients into extraordinary creations.
Signature dishes, such as the doppio raviolo filled with brown-buttered beans, local quark, and a zingy lemon sauce with foraged lobster mushrooms, embody the restaurant's approach. As Esquire describes, “It’s the fresh basil which, like sun through stained glass, turns the plate divine.”
Wildweed’s inclusion on this prestigious list not only underscores its impact on the national food scene but also reaffirms Cincinnati’s position as a destination for culinary excellence.
