This Streetscapes, we take a look at more of the many eateries on Main Street in Covington. Sampling three cuisines, all a stone’s throw from one another. Join us as we visit Lisse, Kealoha’s Kitchen and Nagomi Japanese Restaurant.
Lisse
For upscale ambiance with views of the Cincinnati skyline, Lisse is one of the best spots in all of Covington. Lisse’s rooftop bar matches the atmosphere of the restaurant itself – very classy with a sit-and-sip cocktail lounge vibe. The rooftop wraps around the majority of the upper level. Start with charcuterie and a Kentucky Sunset cocktail with Four Roses bourbon, lemon juice, blackberry syrup and citrus soda before indulging in an entree.
Lisse is best known for mouthwatering steaks and Dutch-influenced dinner options. There are seven options for steaks, plus chicken, salmon and lobster for entrees. Sides include Dutch mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts and frites to give diners a wide variety of combinations.
Lisse’s intimate interior is perfect for date night, while their rooftop is great for a fun night out with friends. End the evening with a tiramisu martini and chocolate bread pudding.
Kealoha’s Kitchen
Kealoha’s Kitchen joined the Mainstrasse strip after taking over the space of Dee Felice Cafe, the beloved longtime staple. As sad as many patrons were about Dee Felice’s closure, the site is a family-owned and operated Hawaiian restaurant that’s ready to embrace the Mainstrasse community.
After a few successful years in Latonia, Kealoha’s Kitchen moved to the north side of the city a year ago. Its food, inspired by Hawaiian classics, can be ordered a la carte, with protein and side choices, or as combo deals. Spam Musubi – spam with white rice wrapped in seaweed – is a great starter before delving into other delicious choices.
Protein choices include pineapple-teriyaki short rib, kalua pig, garlic shrimp and baked ginger salmon, to name a few. Sides include white rice, spicy papaya salad, cucumber-tomato salad and potato-mac salad. Kealoha’s aloha plate is the best option for sampling a little of everything: You get a choice of protein and salad with rice and a lumpia, a fried Filipino-style egg roll with turkey, cabbage and noodles.
In addition to lunch and dinner choices, Kealoha’s offers weekend brunch. Hawaiian French toast for a sweet start features Hawaiian sweet bread soaked in burned cream, pan fried and topped with coconut or maple syrup and powdered sugar. For something savory, opt for the cheesy potato casserole or a plate meal with choices of spam, Portuguese sausage or kalua pig.
Guests can dine in the revamped space, carry out or even order catering for large events.
Nagomi Japanese Restaurant
With its bubblegum-pink exterior, Nagomi Japanese Restaurant is hard to miss in the Mainstrasse strip. The bulk of the authentic Japanese menu consists of sushi options in both nigiri and maki options. Nigiri features two pieces pressed onto rice, while maki comes in six-piece rolls.
There are ample options in everything under the sea: salmon, eel, squid, crab, tuna. You name it, they’ve got it. Not a fan of fish? They have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too. Appetizers are broken into vegan and nonvegan options, including favorites of dumplings, tempura and edamame. Their dinner options include pot dishes, box dinners and platters. Box dinners are served in bento boxes with a choice of protein and come with miso soup and salad.
What to Know If You Go
Lisse
Location: 530 Main St., Covington
Hours: Sunday-Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
Website: lisse.restaurant
Phone: 859-360- 7008
Kealoha’s Kitchen
Location: 529 Main St.,, Covington
Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Thursday, 1-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: kealohaskitchen.com
Phone: 808-217-3070
Nagomi Japanese Restaurant
Location: 526 Main St., Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
Website: nagomijapaneserestaurant.com
Phone: 859-919-1900