I’m going to start by saying that today’s feature restaurant might not (yet) be iconic, but its namesake certainly is. Whether you live in Cincinnati like I do, are a resident of Ohio, or simply watch the news from time to time, you likely know about Fiona, the (once) little-hippo-who could at the Cincinnati Zoo. Fiona is a Cincinnati icon whose story swept the nation a few years ago when she was born six weeks premature. Cincinnati and the world quickly fell in love with this tiny-but-tough gal, and today, she’s the unofficial mascot of the Queen City. You’ll find Fiona swag at local gift shops. You’ll find Fiona dancing with the Cincinnati Ballet during “The Nutcracker” holiday season. And at Graduate Cincinnati, you’ll find a hippo-inspired menu at Fiona’s restaurant.

On January 24, 2017, the Cincinnati Zoo welcomed its newest member: a teeny, tiny hippo named Fiona. Not only was Fiona the first Nile Hippo to be born at world-famous zoo in 75 years, she was born six weeks early, making her arrival fraught with danger.
Josh Aguon/Google Local
Here are some snippets from these early days:

To the relief of everyone, Fiona beat the odds. She grew and grew, and so did her fan club... and family! The hippo now has a baby brother named Fritz, and the duo truly are the talk of the town and the stars of the city's most popular attraction.
Melissa Pedroza/Google Local
It all started with Fiona, though, and, in addition to artwork and t-shirts and Rookwood ornaments, this beguiling celebrity inspired Graduate Cincinnati's restaurant, the aptly named Fiona's.
Management/TripAdvisor
The restaurant may be named for Fiona, but the menu items are a celebration of her hometown. There's a Porkoplis Pizza and Cincinatus Caesar, a dynamic duo that pays homage to the city's nickname and namesake, respectively.
Graduate Cincinnati

Related Stories

Play Pickleball, Enjoy Happy Hour, And Dine At A Farm-To-Table Restaurant At This Unique Ohio Destination

Play Pickleball, Enjoy Happy Hour, And Dine At A Farm-To-Table Restaurant At This Unique Ohio Destination

 The Tornado Potato Fries From This Ohio Restaurant Might Just Be The Most Fabulous Food On A Stick

The Tornado Potato Fries From This Ohio Restaurant Might Just Be The Most Fabulous Food On A Stick

 The Adults-Only Restaurant In Ohio Where You Can Enjoy A Peaceful Meal

The Adults-Only Restaurant In Ohio Where You Can Enjoy A Peaceful Meal
Of course, that doesn't mean there *aren't* menu items named for the famous hippo. I say go all in, starting off with a the Fiona Fionapple cocktail and then moving on to the Fiona's Special (a 'za with tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, sauerkraut, and four cheeses), finishing the meal with a Chunky Chunky Hippo (a gooey brownie sundae featuring Cincinnati's own Grater's ice cream). Yum!
Management/TripAdvisor
In addition to Fiona's, you'll find hippo "Easter Eggs" throughout the hotel -- I spy Fiona on the wall -- which makes for an entirely fun and delightful experience.
Management/TripAdvisor
While Cincinnati is fondly known as Porkopolis, there's a 2,000 pound hippo who might be giving the iconic Cincinnati pig a run for his money!
Graduate Cincinnati/Facebook
So the next time you order a drink at Fiona's, raise a glass to the tiny hippo who could.
Mel K./Google Local

Have you dined at Fiona’s restaurant at Graduate Cincinnati before? It’s a delightful local restaurant with a menu as big and bold as its namesake! And while you’re in the Queen City, be sure to pay a visit to the lady and legend herself at the Cincinnati Zoo.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Ohio

Featured Addresses
Graduate Cincinnati, 151 Goodman Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA