We Skipped Gifts and Found Something Even More Special at The Davidson

The twinkling lights of Fountain Square set the stage for a magical evening at The Davidson, a dinner filled with laughter, exceptional food, and the joy of family. For the past three years, my cousins, brother, sister-in-law, and I have embraced a tradition that has quickly become one of the highlights of the holiday season. Instead of exchanging gifts, we gather for a special dinner— a time to celebrate not just Christmas, but the love, health, and bond we share that feels more like siblings than cousins. This year, we chose The Davidson, a classic American brasserie in downtown Cincinnati, to host our annual “No Parents Allowed” Christmas Cousins Dinner. Let me tell you, it was nothing short of extraordinary and exceeded every expectation.

From the moment we stepped into The Davidson, the ambiance pulled us in— a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe in the heart of Fountain Square. The bar gave off a timeless, classy vibe, inviting us to relax and enjoy the night. Our waitress, Alexis, was a true gem— friendly, attentive, and a master of her craft. Her expert knowledge of the menu made ordering a delight, and her thoughtful surprise of Prosecco for a toast added a layer of magic to an already special evening.

Our meal began with an array of shareable plates that delighted every sense. The Moroccan Roasted Eggplant was as stunning to watch being prepared tableside as it was to taste. The smoky richness of the roasted garlic tahini, paired with harissa oil and fresh herbs, melted into the warm, crusty sourdough from Allez Bakery.

The Baked Apple Fondue was another showstopper— a decadent blend of creamy three-cheese fondue elevated by the sweet tang of apple-pistachio agrodolce. Each bite was a perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and tangy.

The salads were equally remarkable, each bringing its own unique character to the table. The Roasted Vegetable Salad combined the crisp freshness of gem lettuce with the earthy richness of squash and parsnip, while crispy quinoa provided the perfect touch of texture. The Italian Chopped Salad was a bold medley of flavors, with the tangy bite of pickled peppers, the buttery smoothness of castelvetrano olives, and the savory crunch of crispy prosciutto stealing the spotlight. (The picture below shows a half portion, as my cousin and I shared the full-sized Italian Chopped Salad.)

When it came to entrées, every dish was a masterpiece. The Davidson Burger was comfort food reimagined— gruyère and caramelized onions layered perfectly with a touch of dijonnaise and paired with golden, crisp fries. My scallops were a revelation, nestled in a brown butter sauce with bright bursts of lemon and caper. The butternut purée and house crouton added elegance to every bite.

The Grilled Chicken Sandwich brought a delightful twist with crispy prosciutto and frisée, while the Steak Frites delivered a tender, flavorful strip steak in a rich cognac au poivre sauce.

As our plates emptied and conversation flowed, Alexis brought out glasses of Prosecco for a surprise toast, a thoughtful gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. Before heading home, we captured a selfie by Fountain Square’s glittering holiday tree— a perfect ending to a night of celebration. As I looked around at my cousins, my heart swelled with pride. Nothing makes me more proud than this group of people right here.

The Davidson didn’t just feed us; it filled our hearts. It reminded us why traditions like this matter— because life is best celebrated with good food, great company, and moments that become lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a casual night out or an elegant celebration, The Davidson offers an experience worth savoring.

Curious to experience the magic yourself? Make a reservation here: The Davidson Reservations. Trust me, you’ll leave with more than just a full belly; you’ll leave with a full heart. And I guess we might just have to take our parents next time!