10 Best Columbus Restaurants
The top restaurants in Columbus include Speck Italian Eatery, Agni, Pistacia Vera, Chapman's Eat Market, The Refectory Restaurant, Katalina's, Butcher and Rose, Lindey's, Hot Chicken Takeover, and Wario's Beef and Pork. The city is known for the Columbus-style pizza with its thin crust and square cut, and the Bahama Mama sausage from Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Columbus is also the birthplace of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and the site of the first Wendy's restaurant, which opened in 1969.
The German Village in Columbus which is a center for authentic German food, while the Short North Arts District is a hub for modern restaurants. The historic North Market acts as a central gathering place for local food artisans and merchants. This combination of long-standing institutions and innovative new spots makes Columbus a destination for food enthusiasts.
Columbus is the state capital of Ohio, located within a strong agricultural region giving it easy access to fresh, local ingredients like corn, pork, and soybeans. Among the city's top establishments, Lindey's stands out for its consistent food quality, historic setting, and classic American menu. The most iconic fast-food option is Wendy's. For fine dining, The Refectory Restaurant is a top choice, with its AAA Four-Diamond rating and historic building, which is a restored 19th-century church.
10 Best Columbus Restaurants are listed below.
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1
AgniiVegetarian Indian AsianAgni is a Bengali-American restaurant offering a "Seriously Fun Dining" experience. The menu is inspired by global food fueled by fire, featuring dishes that are charred, grilled, and seared.- Item Prices 64
- Average Item Price $17.73
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Bengali-American
Signature Dishes:"The Travels" curated multicourse tasting menu, Onsen Egg Chaat, Bengali Shrimp Taco, Pani Puri, and Smoked Duck
Location:716 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Special Feature:Agni offers a "Grillside Chef's Counter" for a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant was named one of the twenty best new restaurants of 2024 by Bon Appétit.
What Sets It Apart:Agni offers vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free versions of its tasting menu and can accommodate many other dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Operating Hours:Monday & Tuesday: ClosedWednesday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Price:The tasting menu is priced at $145 per person.
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2
Pistacia VeraPistacia Vera is a from-scratch bakery and café located in a historic building in German Village. It is a popular spot for brunch and coffee, known for its macarons, croissants, pastries, and confections.- Item Prices 90
- Average Item Price $5.49
Type of Restaurant:Bakery, Café
Type of Food:Pastries, Desserts
Signature Dishes:Pistachio Macarons, Croissants, Crème Brûlée Éclair
Location:541 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Special Feature:The building that houses Pistacia Vera is a restored bakery landmark that gained international recognition from the American Institute of Architects.
What Makes It Special:The siblings who founded Pistacia Vera, Spencer Budros and Anne Fletcher, combined their expertise in pastry and financial planning to create a unique dessert destination.
What Sets It Apart:Pistacia Vera has been recognized as having the best desserts in the city by Columbus Monthly readers and was listed as a top bakery by Columbus Navigator.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PMSaturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20
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3
Lindey'sLindey's is a high-energy, white-tablecloth restaurant serving American food in a setting reminiscent of an Upper East Side New York bistro. Opened in 1981, it is a long-time favorite in the German Village neighborhood.- Item Prices 220
- Average Item Price $9.06
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Contemporary American
Signature Dishes:Tournedos of Beef, Lobster Bisque, Seared Scallops, Lindey's Post Mortem, and Steak Frites
Location:169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206
Special Feature:The restaurant has been voted one of Columbus' "Top Ten" restaurants for 18 consecutive years and has been featured in national publications like The Washington Post and The New York Times.
What Makes It Special:Lindey's is housed in a building constructed in 1884 that has a rich history as a grocery, saloon, and flower shop.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant offers a sophisticated, smooth vibe with traditional style and warm, attentive waitstaff.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100
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4
Hot Chicken TakeoverHot Chicken Takeover is a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant chain that specializes in Nashville hot chicken. It aims to bring the Nashville hot chicken experience to Columbus with a community-minded approach.- Item Prices 161
- Average Item Price $16.10
Type of Restaurant:Fast Casual
Type of Food:Nashville Hot Chicken
Signature Dishes:The Original Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, Drumsticks, Boneless Thighs
Location:59 Spruce St Fl 2 North Market Columbus, OH 43215
Special Feature:The company is a fair chance employer, providing job opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals and others who have difficulty finding work.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant was acquired by Untamed Brands in 2021 and later by Craveworthy Brands in 2024.
What Sets It Apart:The menu includes four heat levels for its chicken, from "Cold" to "Holy," and sides like Ma's Mac and banana pudding.
Operating Hours:Monday & Sunday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PMTuesday - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20
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5
Speck Italian EaterySpeck Italian Eatery is a modern restaurant in downtown Columbus offering Italian-inspired shareable plates. The setting is vibrant and eclectic, designed to provide a unique dining experience.Type of Restaurant:Modern Italian
Type of Food:Italian Small Plates
Signature Dishes:Cacio e Pepe, Sausage Ragu, Crab Pasta, House-Made Breads
Location:89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Special Feature:The restaurant encourages a communal dining style with a menu of shareable plates, allowing guests to sample multiple dishes.
What Makes It Special:Speck provides an upscale dining experience with a stylish vibe and a menu that features seasonal, handcrafted dishes.
What Sets It Apart:The eatery presents a contemporary and whimsical reinterpretation of cherished family recipes in a colorful, energetic space.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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6
Chapman's Eat MarketChapman's Eat Market is a cozy restaurant in historic German Village, located in the former space of the original Max & Erma's. The restaurant provides the community with nostalgia and a lot of flavor.Type of Restaurant:Neighborhood Restaurant
Type of Food:American with Global Influences
Signature Dishes:General Tso's Cauliflower, Vietnamese Cơm Tấm, Lamb Bolognese, House-made Ice Creams
Location:739 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206
Special Feature:The menu changes regularly and is inspired by the staff's travels, backgrounds, and cultures.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant's name comes from co-owner Bronwyn Haines' grandmother's maiden name; her family once ran Chapman's Poultry Market in Columbus.
What Sets It Apart:The menu marries a Midwestern sense of comfort with international inspiration, with dishes influenced by food from Vietnam and Thailand.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:A 6-course tasting menu is offered for $75 per person.
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7
The Refectory RestaurantThe Refectory Restaurant & Bistro offers an elegant dining experience in a unique 19th-century church building. The restaurant provides a relaxed and quiet pace for an evening of fine dining.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Contemporary French/American
Signature Dishes:The menu is seasonal and features fresh seafood, veal, game, and poultry with an emphasis on local, sustainably produced ingredients.
Location:1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Special Feature:The restaurant is housed in a historic remodeled church and school with a ceiling of exposed original walnut log beams.
What Makes It Special:The kitchen is directed by Chef Richard Blondin, a native of Lyon, France. The restaurant has received the AAA 4-Diamond award for over 25 consecutive years.
What Sets It Apart:The Refectory has a world-class wine cellar with over 700 selections, complementing its contemporary American and classic French food.
Operating Hours:Monday, Tuesday, Sunday: ClosedWednesday & Thursday: 5:15 PM - 8:30 PMFriday & Saturday: 4:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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8
Katalina'sKatalina's is a small café housed in a 100-year-old gas station, serving homemade food with a Latin and Southern slant. It is known for its breakfast and brunch, often with a line of diners waiting.Type of Restaurant:Café
Type of Food:Latin-leaning and Southern-slanted Breakfast & Brunch
Signature Dishes:Katalina's Original Pancake Balls™, Sweet 'N' Spicy Bacon, Breakfast Tacos, Mazatlan Pork & Egg Sandwich
Location:1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Special Feature:The café is known as the Home of The Original Pancake Balls™.
What Makes It Special:Katalina's focuses on using local, organic, and ethical ingredients sourced from local business partners.
What Sets It Apart:The original café is housed in a century-old gas station, giving it a unique and cool atmosphere.
Operating Hours:Daily: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Price:$15 to $30
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9
Butcher & RoseButcher & Rose is a modern steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, located on the ground floor of the redeveloped Preston Centre. It offers a modern take on the traditional steakhouse with a lighter, more romantic atmosphere.Type of Restaurant:Steakhouse
Type of Food:Steak, Seafood, Poultry
Signature Dishes:Beef Wellington, Rose's Cheesecake with a pistachio crust and rose mousse
Location:155 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Special Feature:The dining room is filled with works by female artists and features floral touches.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is described as a paradoxical union between power and elegance, craft and creativity.
What Sets It Apart:Butcher & Rose features cuts of meat from around the world that are not available elsewhere in Columbus.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100
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10
Wario's Beef and PorkWario's Beef and Pork is a walk-up sandwich shop that serves large, East Coast-style sandwiches. It opened in late 2020 and quickly became a local favorite.Type of Restaurant:Sandwich Shop
Type of Food:East Coast-style Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:The Steak (a take on a Philly cheesesteak), The Cold Cut, The Roasted Pork, The Chicken Cutlet
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Location:111 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 (other locations)
Special Feature:The restaurant was featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
What Makes It Special:Chef Stephan Madias crafts almost everything from scratch, including sauces, smoked and cured meats, and zesty giardiniera.
What Sets It Apart:The sandwich bread, or "stick," is baked locally to the chef's specifications by Matija Breads.
Operating Hours:Monday & Tuesday: ClosedWednesday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Price:$11 to $30
What Food is Columbus Famous For?
The food Columbus Ohio is famous for is the "Columbus-style" pizza, characterized by a thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and a square cut. Another food in Columbus is the Bahama Mama, a spicy smoked sausage from the German Village-based Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. Columbus is also the birthplace of fast food giant Wendy’s, and the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams brand. The city's North Market is a historic public market that showcases a mix of local foods and artisan goods.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Columbus?
The average cost of a meal in Columbus at an inexpensive restaurant is $20. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs an average of $80. Prices for meals at fine dining establishments start at $75 to $100 per person, and vary based on the specific restaurant and menu selections.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Columbus?
The most popular fast food in Columbus includes local icons and national chains with strong city ties. These restaurants are listed below:
- Wendy's: The first Wendy's restaurant opened in Columbus in 1969, making it a local icon known for its square burgers, Frosty desserts, and chili.
- White Castle: This fast-food chain, known for its small, square "sliders," was founded in Wichita, Kansas, but its headquarters has been in Columbus for decades.
- Charleys Cheesesteaks: Founded in Columbus, this chain is popular for its Philly-style cheesesteaks, gourmet fries, and real-fruit lemonades.
- Hot Chicken Takeover: A local fast-casual favorite, this restaurant specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering different heat levels and southern sides.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Columbus?
The Columbus Ohio new restaurants offer fresh concepts and flavors to the city's dining scene. These best new Columbus restaurants are listed below:
- Goodwood Brewing: A Louisville-based brewery and restaurant that opened a location in the Arena District, offering pub fare and a large selection of beers. Located at 1015 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201.
- Barrio Tacos: This Cleveland-based build-your-own taco joint opened a location in the Short North, known for its custom tacos, margaritas, and lively atmosphere. Located at 1211 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201.
- The Keep: A modern French brasserie located inside the Hotel LeVeque, offering classic French dishes in an elegant, historic setting. Located at 50 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.
- Butcher & Rose: A modern steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants located downtown, featuring a lighter, more feminine take on the steakhouse concept. Located at 155 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.
What are the Must-try Places to Eat in Columbus, Ohio?
The must try restaurants Columbus Ohio include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for its authentic German food and famous Bahama Mama sausage. The Thurman Cafe is a legendary spot known for its massive "Thurmanator" burger. For a classic Columbus-style pizza experience, Massey’s Pizza is a local institution. The North Market offers a wide array of food stalls, providing a taste of many local favorites in one place. Lindey's in German Village is a go-to spot for upscale American food in a historic, beautiful setting.
Are There Any Cool Restaurants in Columbus Offering Fun Dining Experiences?
Yes, there are many fun restaurants in Columbus Ohio. Pins Mechanical Co. combines duckpin bowling with craft beer and cocktails in a large, industrial space. 16-Bit Bar+Arcade offers a nostalgic experience with a large collection of classic arcade games and a full bar. The an-ti-dote is a "wellness cafe" by day and a "cocktail lounge" by night, offering a unique dual concept. For a themed experience, The Alibi is a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with a secretive entrance and a vintage atmosphere.
What Dining Options are Available Near the Columbus Convention Center?
Restaurants near the Columbus Convention Center are The North Market, located directly across the street, hosts food vendors offering choices from pizza and pasta to Vietnamese and Mexican food. Barley's Brewing Company offers pub fare and craft beer. Martini Modern Italian provides upscale Italian dishes. For a quick option, Charleys Cheesesteaks has a location within the convention center's food court. Many other restaurants near Columbus, OH Short North Arts District are within walking distance.
Which Restaurants in Columbus Serve Vegan Food?
Columbus offers a selection of restaurants serving vegan food such as Portia's Café, a fully vegan restaurant with a menu of plant-based dishes. Two Dollar Radio Headquarters is a family-owned bookstore, bar, and vegan cafe. Seitan's Realm is a food truck and diner specializing in vegan comfort food. Comune is a plant-forward restaurant that offers many vegan options on its seasonal menu. Eden Burger is a fast-casual spot that serves 100% plant-based burgers, shakes, and fries.
Which Restaurants in Columbus Serve Gluten-Free Food?
The restaurants in Columbus that serve gluten-free food are Bake Me Happy, a dedicated gluten-free bakery. Portia's Cafe offers a menu that is entirely gluten-free and vegan. The Refectory Restaurant, an upscale French-American establishment, can accommodate gluten-free requests. Forno Kitchen + Bar in the Short North has gluten-free pizza and pasta options. Condado Tacos, with multiple locations, provides build-your-own tacos with corn tortillas and other gluten-free ingredients.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Columbus?
The most famous types of food in Columbus are listed below:
- American Comfort Food: The city is known for its burgers, barbecue, and classic American fare, with many local diners and pubs.
- German: The historic German Village neighborhood is home to authentic German restaurants like Schmidt's Sausage Haus, serving sausages, schnitzel, and sauerkraut.
- Italian: Columbus has a strong Italian heritage, reflected in its many pizzerias serving "Columbus-style" pizza and classic Italian-American restaurants.
- Mexican: There is a growing number of authentic taquerias and modern Mexican restaurants, especially on the west side of the city.
- Somali: Columbus has the second-largest Somali population in the United States, resulting in a number of restaurants serving traditional Somali dishes like goat meat and sambusas.
- Vietnamese: The city has a notable selection of Vietnamese restaurants offering pho, banh mi, and other staples.
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