Frankie’s Sips & Savories brings the flavors of southern Europe to downtown

If you haven’t been downtown in a bit, you may be surprised to find a new restaurant near Piatt Park. Frankie’s Sips & Savories, which opened July 21 last year, was named one of the best new restaurants in 2022 by the Cincinnati Enquirer and has made its mark as a must-visit when you’re visiting the area.

Frankie’s Sips & Savories is a Mediterranean establishment serving up small plates and craft cocktails. “Inspired by the late, great Frank (Fahid) Daoud, [one of the founders of Gold Star], you can enjoy handcrafted cuisines from all corners of the Mediterranean’s coastline, from Spain to Lebanon and from Jordan to Morocco. We’re the perfect spot for a date night, a business gathering or if you just want to feel appreciated and welcomed,” says Muna Dauod, co-owner of the restaurant.

Frankie’s is a family affair, and it’s owned by Frankie’s children—Sami, Samar, Muna and Samir Daoud. Together, the siblings aim to honor their father’s life, which Muna says was one of ambition, courage, determination and pure grit.

“He magically filled his life with loyalty, love, never-ending generosity and an earnest hospitality of the purest and most genuine form,” she says. “He was and will always be the inspiration for Frankie’s Sips & Savories.” 

At Frankie’s, you’ll find a variety of dishes on the menu, all of which are chef-inspired, made from scratch and handcrafted. You’ll find savory bites and small plates, such as shrimp terrine and arancini; stuffed pitas; dips; mezze boards; desserts; and cocktails.

“The menu is inspired from all regions of the Mediterranean,” says Muna. “We serve cuisines from southern France, Spain and Italy and find inspiration from Lebanon, Syria and north Africa.”

Although Frankie’s only opened its doors last year, the restaurant is already looking to grow. “We are always planning new and creative ways to make our customers’ experience unique,” says Muna. “We currently have Wine Down Wednesdays, where we offer 50% off bottles of wine from 4 p.m. to close. We also turn down the lights and turn up the music from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays for Frankie’s Latin Fridays. We are currently looking into live entertainment on Saturdays starting in mid-March or early April.”

Frankie’s Sips & Savories, 14 Garfield Place, Cincinnati. Tu-Th 4 p.m.-midnight., F-Sa 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Su-M closed. 630-888-7623, frankiessips.com.