29 Must-Try Restaurants in Columbus

Make a 40-minute journey north to Delaware and experience Speck, where chef Josh Dalton crafts delightfully unconventional Italian dishes (think: confit chicken wings and balsamic-glazed Iberico ribs). Begin with sfincione (Sicilian pizza) drizzled with rich olive oil and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, or try the Humboldt fog toast topped with browned butter, radicchio, and sage. Then enjoy octopus and grilled branzino, and conclude with the decadent budino infused with amaretto and macadamia.

Coffee enthusiasts should visit Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., where skilled baristas expertly brew coffee using beans imported directly from Yemen. Experience aromatic beverages like mufawaar, infused with cardamom, and juban, made with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, all prepared using traditional cezve pots (ibriks) on the stove. Don't miss the pastry selection featuring delightful honeycomb bread, rose milk cakes, and flaky filo fingers, and relax on a bright red knitted cushion while savoring your drink.

Entering the Asterisk Supper Club is like stepping into a bygone era, adorned with dark wood, elegant chandeliers, and towering bookshelves brimming with literary masterpieces. Embrace the sultry yet inviting ambiance as you settle into one of the marble-topped tables. With an eclectic yet sophisticated charm, Asterisk lives up to its name as a supper club focused on a social dining experience, featuring a high tea menu complete with tea sandwiches and sweet treats. Return for dinner to savor dishes like pork chops and scallops.

Adjacent to the Filipino grocery store Chuchay’s Supermarket, the family-run Kuya Ian’s offers delicious takes on Filipino favorites, including crispy yet tender whole fried bangsilog, beautifully butterflied longsilog, savory stir-fried pancit bihon rich with soy sauce, and elegantly presented halo-halo for dessert. After your meal, don’t forget to stop by next door to grab snacks like ube pandesal, crispy chicharon, and dried mangoes, along with drinks like Mogu Mogu lychee or kalamansi juice for your journey home.

Situated in a strip mall, chef Wycliff Nduati’s Mytoury transports diners to the vibrant landscapes of Kenya. The karanga ng’ombe is a rich beef stew, nyama choma showcases grilled goat as a tribute to street food, and the stewy karanga mbuzi is steeped in flavor and tradition. Unsure of what to try? Just consult Nduati himself for recommendations.

Columbus’s own celebrity chef Avishar Barua leads this cozy counter spot. A veteran of Top Chef and Service Bar, he pays homage to his Bengali American roots by merging flavors from Asia, American fast food, and his heritage. Diners flock for the crispy kati roll filled with lamb and maple chaat yogurt wrapped in a freshly baked paratha, the twice-fried crispy chicken sandwich drizzled with a sticky Manchurian glaze, and the signature spiced nitro chai. Don't miss the daily specials, which may feature a creative take on a Scotch egg, a spiced Rice Krispie treat, and an assortment of cookies and treats.

Though Ty Ginger Asian Bistro may look unassuming from the outside, stepping inside reveals the lively chaos of a Hong Kong-style dim sum parlor. Laughter fills the air, dim sum carts glide along, delivering steaming fluffy buns, while aunties hustle from table to table. Savor the atmosphere as you indulge in traditional Hong Kong favorites like beef omasum garnished with fresh scallions, flaky and buttery char siu, spicy curry fish balls, crispy deep-fried bean curd rolls filled with shrimp, and delicate rice rolls layered with crisp youtiao in the fresh zha liang.

For over a decade, Lisa Bannerman has been delighting guests with vibrant Ghanaian cuisine, offering a taste of her rich cultural heritage. Dining at Drelyse feels like gathering with family, where laughter and chatter fill the air, blending with the savory scents wafting from the kitchen. Your meal arrives, featuring peanut butter goat soup served with rice balls, crispy fried fish paired with banku (a fermented corn and cassava dough dish), waakye (a flavorful rice and beans combo) topped with goat stew, and jollof rice (spiced long-grain rice cooked with tomatoes and onions) accompanied by turkey tail. Embrace the experience by digging in with your hands—you'll likely end up licking your fingers and slurping from the bowl.

Established in 2005 under the name Phuong Hoang (“phoenix”), this family-run Mytoury has been delighting Columbus with authentic Vietnamese flavors. Huong exudes a casual, inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a family gathering rather than a conventional restaurant. The extensive menu features bun bo hue with zesty lemongrass broth, banh bot loc stuffed with pork, shrimp, and crispy onions, and banh xeo do bien enriched with coconut milk and served with fish sauce. Huong excels in tailoring carryout meals for various occasions, ensuring they are easy to reheat or ready to enjoy on the spot.

Nestled within the Japanese marketplace at Kenny Centre Mall, Belle’s Bread is a family-run bakery that beautifully blends French inspiration with Japanese traditions. Established by Takashi Takenaka, who immigrated from Japan in 1972, the bakery offers nostalgic treats like the red bean roll, frank roll, and curry and boiled egg doughnuts. The adorable bear-shaped strawberry cream bun has gained social media fame, but the true hidden gem is the Mont Blanc roll, which boasts layers of light, fluffy sweet cream and chestnuts.

Xi Xia offers an array of flavorful dishes from the Hui people, a mainly Muslim minority from Ningxia in Western China. Look for specialties like da pan ji, a stir-fry of noodles, hot peppers, potatoes, and cilantro; dry stir-fried pork intestines with spices and hot sauce, served alongside warm rice; braised beef belly with yuba; and hong shao rou, soy-sauce braised pork belly paired with fried tofu and eggs.

Located at a corner on High Street, Los Agavez Taqueria serves up an array of Mexican street fare. With a variety of tacos, tortas, and huaraches, the food truck is particularly famous for its tangy, sweet birria, generously layered with cheese on crispy, stew-soaked tortillas.

At Chuan Jiang Hao Zi, spice, flavor, and culture take center stage in their traditional Szechuan cuisine. The extensive menu features unique offerings like pig ears in chili oil, fried spicy intestines, Chengdu spicy boiled roast duck, and boiled pork tripe with beef aorta. For those preferring milder options, dishes like mapo tofu, salt and pepper shrimp, stir-fried chile pork ribs, and chili oil wontons provide a delightful alternative. However, beyond the chili oil, Chuan Jiang Hao Zi also offers dim sum along with a wide selection of tea lattes and cappuccinos.

As a staple of Ohio State Buckeye culture, Buckeye Donuts has been serving students 24/7 since 1969. Popular items include classic vanilla and chocolate Long Johns, apple fritters, and traditional cake doughnuts. Don't miss the red velvet cake doughnut with cream cheese icing and the famous Buckeye doughnut, which is coated in rich chocolate and filled with peanut butter. The gyros also deserve a shoutout. Whether you're dropping by after an early morning workout or grabbing a late-night snack, Buckeye Donuts is your go-to spot for all things carb-related.

Situated in the bustling area of Grandview, Si Señor specializes in Peruvian sandwiches with fillings like succulent chicharron Peruano complemented by pickled red onions and sweet potato mayo, crispy fried criollo fish drizzled with rocoto mayo, and a pasta salad featuring red peppers and onions in cilantro cream. The restaurant is currently open only for lunch, so be sure to finish your meal with a slice of their deliciously moist tres leches cake.

Since 2009, Mazah has been a beloved family-run establishment in Grandview, known for its Mediterranean flavors and delightful sweets. Chef and owner Maggie Ailabouni delights customers with her baba ghanoush served alongside warm pita and high-quality extra-virgin olive oil; rich tzatziki blended with garlic and mint; shish tawook marinated in a zesty garlic lemon mix, served with garlic sauce; and grilled kefta kebab garnished with fresh tomatoes. For dessert, don’t miss the syrupy sweet kenafi layered with cheese or the flaky baklava, perfectly sweetened with honey.

CRMD brings a bold and creative approach to ice cream in Columbus, featuring unexpected and playful flavor pairings like Fruity Pebbles with cereal milk, as well as unique twists on traditional favorites, such as cookies and CRMD (cookies and cream — in purple). For a special treat, try your scoops in an egg waffle cone, also known as a puffle cone.

Located in a century-old gas station in the heart of Harrison West, Katalina’s is famous for its Pancake Balls—small, fluffy pancake bites filled with your choice of Nutella, dulce de leche, or pumpkin-apple butter—and its Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Bacon, thick and bursting with flavor. The menu also features a Breakfast Chick ’Wich with Southern-fried chicken coated in corn chips; okonomiyaki topped with eggs, bacon, piri-piri sauce, and citrus aioli; and a Mazatlan sandwich with slow-roasted pork and egg on hearty old-world bread slathered with Katalina’s secret sauce (licking your fingers won't reveal the secret, but it's worth it!).

Dining at La Tavola feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, where the warmth and hospitality embrace you. Chef Rick Lopez of Lupo enhances traditional Italian dishes with modern twists: stracciatella paired with crunchy sea salt and basil, al pastor pizza topped with marinated pork shoulder and mozzarella di búfala, and mushroom truffle fettuccine sautéed with shallots. You’ll find yourself returning time and again.

Nestled in the Short North Arts District, Alibi is a self-proclaimed Prohibition-style bar that offers an exciting array of cocktails and vibrant decor. The bar takes pride in crafting drinks tailored to each guest, with a menu designed to guide patrons toward their ideal beverage based on flavor and alcohol strength. For those who enjoy sweeter options, the Cuffing Season features coffee liqueur and cinnamon sugar, while the more adventurous might savor the Mile High Club, made with Angel’s Envy whiskey and Amaro Montenegro.

Momo Ghar offers a relaxed atmosphere to savor the flavors of Nepal and Tibet. Initially located within the international grocery store Saraga, the restaurant now thrives amidst the lively environment of the historic North Market. Guests flock here for flavorful, generously stuffed momos, while chef and owner Phuntso Lama has gained a devoted following for her Kathmandu-style jhol momo served in a spicy broth, crispy pan-fried kothey, and Newari Kathmandu-style chicken choila accompanied by roasted beaten rice.

At Wolf’s Ridge, the worlds of fine dining and craft brewing beautifully collide. Nestled in downtown Columbus, this microbrewery and restaurant offers dishes such as smoked mussels with smoked butter, bratwurst paired with grilled baguette, and a duck pot pie brimming with root vegetables and fingerling potatoes. The drink selection is just as exciting, featuring coffee coconut stouts and smoked wheat ales with playful names like Taco Ninja and Dire Wolf Coffee Joy. Don't miss Understory, their winter 2022 expansion located in the historic Open Air School building in Clintonville.

Starting as a modest food truck in Franklinton, Ray Ray’s has emerged as a top barbecue destination in Columbus. Now operating a permanent spot in Granville, they serve meat-and-three-style meals and have several trucks around the city. For a true taste of Ray Ray’s, visit the original location and try the meat sampler, featuring smoked brisket, pulled pork, jerk chicken, dry-rubbed ribs, and hot links. Brace yourself for the meat sweats!

Mikey’s rules the late-night pizza scene in Columbus with gigantic slices and inventive pies, including the Spicy-Ass Pepperoni infused with Sriracha and chili flakes. Keep an eye out for their pizza-of-the-week specials, such as the Nashville hot chicken pie in partnership with Hot Chicken Takeover, complete with pickles. Don’t forget to dip your slice in their secret-recipe Unicorn Sauce while enjoying the quirky decor featuring their mascot, Pizzaface. If you visit the High Street location, be sure to search for the hidden speakeasy inside.

Pistacia Vera, a gem of German Village, offers a delightful array of pastries, confections, and beverages that evoke the charm of a French café. While the macarons, croissants, and pain au chocolat are beloved, the star attraction is the bombe—luxuriously rich, smooth, and encased in chocolate. Pair your sweet treats with a warm Valrhona mocha or a pistachio latte, and find a cozy spot by the window to savor the experience.

Strolling through the historic cobblestone streets of German Village, you'll arrive at Lindey’s, a refined culinary institution. Founded by Sue Doody in 1981, this restaurant has solidified its status as a Columbus staple, serving dishes that embody elegance. Highlights include Georges Bank cod with sweet corn puree and marbled potatoes, brined Duroc pork with caramelized pear and apple chutney, and tournedos of beef with bearnaise sauce. Whether for a first date, a milestone anniversary, or a serene evening out, your experience at Lindey’s will be one worth sharing with friends and family in hushed admiration.

Since 1939, Plank’s Cafe and Pizzeria has been a beloved local spot for both residents and visitors. Over the years, it has carved out a special place in the community. Early risers might encounter healthcare workers wrapping up their shifts, while afternoons bring a lively mix of regulars and enthusiastic sports fans. Their pizzas feature slightly sweet crusts generously topped with rich tomato sauce.

Kolache Republic brings a taste of the Czech Republic to Ohio, becoming a beloved fixture in German Village with its signature pastries. These treats, which resemble a cross between a classic yeast doughnut and a Danish, are filled with delicious options like blueberry cheese, sweet cheese, and savory sausage with egg and cheese. Don’t miss the seasonal Thanksgiving kolache in November, stuffed with tender roasted turkey and homemade stuffing, accompanied by cranberry sauce and gravy.

At Agni, dishes are crafted over the flames of a wood-fired grill, showcasing the culinary vision of chef Avishar Barua. Unlike the vibrant atmosphere of Joya’s, Agni offers a darker, more intimate setting perfect for evening dining. The seasonal menu is always evolving, and the current six-course tasting menu includes delightful surprises such as French onion chaat paired with an onsen egg, lamb shoulder infused with Sichuan Kashmiri oil, and rohan duck adobo. Additionally, diners can choose from the a la carte options on the bar menu.