Magnificent Melissa:
In the downtown area, I recommend:
1) Montgomery Inn Boathouse: casual. On the Ohio River, on the Ohio side, as indicated earlier best ribs in the world (falls off the bone). Recommended order: full slab of pork ribs, salad with house dressing (Italian.......reminds me of my sassy one and brings tears to my eyes) and the saratoga chips.
2) Palomino's. Overlooks Fountain Square. Little more formal. Small chain restaurant, out of Seattle I think. Food is different, but good.
3) Mike Finks. On the Ohio River on the Kentucky side. Nice view of downtown Cincinnati. This is a restaurant actually on the river on a barge. As formal as Palamino. Great raw bar.
I really like sushi. Love my California and Philadelphia rolls. And yes, you are correct, the Cincinnati airport is in Kentucky.
Let me know if you try any of my suggestions how it goes.
Edward