Are you looking for the best restaurants in Columbus, Ohio? Well, then you’ve come to the right place!
With a diverse food scene offering everything from traditional German dishes and Italian favourites to sushi, vegan comfort food, and fantastic brunch spots, Columbus is an underrated destination for foodies.
With so many restaurants in Columbus to choose from, we’ve compiled 15 of the best places to eat to help you decide where to go.
Whether you’re looking for a casual breakfast, a quick lunch, or a special dinner, there’s something here for everyone!
If you’re planning a visit, check out our guide to the best things to do in Columbus Ohio to discover more places to explore while you’re there.
Best Restaurants In Columbus Ohio At A Glance
Not sure where to eat in Columbus? Here’s a quick guide to the best restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a delicious brunch, or somewhere special for dinner.
| Restaurant | Best For |
|---|---|
| Forno | Wood-fired pizza, cocktails and happy hour |
| Buckeye Donuts | Late-night donuts and casual bites |
| Seitan’s Realm | Vegan comfort food |
| The 1126 Restaurant | Sushi and Japanese cuisine |
| Katalina’s | Brunch and famous pancake balls |
| Barroluco | Argentine empanadas and comfort food |
| Tommy’s Diner | Classic American diner breakfasts |
| Lindey’s | Fine dining and special occasions |
| Stauf’s Coffee | Coffee and a relaxed atmosphere |
| Brassica | Fresh Mediterranean food |
| Katzinger’s Delicatessen | Classic deli sandwiches |
| SoCal Kitchen + Bar | Seafood, sushi and cocktails |
| Portia’s Café | Vegan and gluten-free dining |
| Hang Over Easy | Hearty breakfasts and brunch |
| Knotty Pine Brewery | Craft beer and American pub food |
15 Best Restaurants in Columbus Ohio You Must Try
Maximize The Happy Hour Deals At Forno
Forno is one of the best restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, because of its variety, freshness, and great deals.
Located in the Short North Arts District, Forno offers speciality cocktails, stone-fired pizzas, and delicious sharing dishes.
Their weekday happy hour runs from 4 – 6 pm, with half-price pizzas, shared dishes, draft beers, house cocktails, and wine by the glass. It’s a great option for an affordable dinner in Columbus.
Forno’s pizzas are freshly cooked in a stone-fired oven, with creative combinations alongside classic favorites.
The restaurant also serves sandwiches and entrées, with a popular brunch available Friday through Sunday.
From Italian-inspired dishes to speciality cocktails, Forno is a great place to eat in Columbus. If you’re looking for things to do in Ohio, make sure to add this restaurant to your itinerary!
Grab A Late Night Treat At Buckeye Donuts, One Of The Most Renowned Restaurants In Columbus
Any college student at The Ohio State University will tell you that Buckeye Donuts is a hallmark of the Columbus college experience.
Located on North High Street, just east of Ohio State’s campus, Buckeye Donuts has been serving customers since 1969 and is open 24 hours a day.
Buckeye Donuts is famous for its delicious donuts, particularly the Buckeye Donut, a chocolate-frosted donut filled with peanut butter. They also offer an extensive menu of breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and Greek food.
You might not think of grabbing a traditional Greek gyro at a donut shop, but they don’t disappoint! Their fries and falafel are worth trying, too!
While Buckeye Donuts is worth the experience, seating is limited, so be prepared to take your food away during busy periods.
Any college student at The Ohio State University will tell you that Buckeye Donuts is a hallmark of the Columbus college experience. It’s a fun stop to include if you’re planning one of our weekend getaways in Ohio.
Go Vegan At Seitan’s Realm
If you’re craving vegan comfort food in Columbus, Seitan’s Realm is a great place to try.
This family-owned vegan deli makes its own seitan and sauces from scratch, creating a menu packed with plant-based favorites.
From crispy vegan chicken sandwiches and loaded fries to buffalo-style wings and burgers, there’s plenty to satisfy your fast-food cravings.
Located on North High Street, Seitan’s Realm is a great stop for anyone wanting to explore Columbus’s vegan food scene!
If you’re planning a road trip from Columbus to Cleveland, this is a great place to grab a bite before heading out of the city.
Chow Down At The 1126 Restaurant
If you are looking for the best sushi restaurant in Columbus Ohio, look no further than 1126.
A self-proclaimed “modern Japanese” restaurant, 1126 serves high-quality Japanese food, some of which is very traditional and some of which has a modern flair.
With all kinds of sushi and sashimi, as well as an extensive hibachi menu, 1126 has something for every palate.
1126 is one of the swankier restaurants in Columbus, with an exciting menu featuring everything from traditional sushi rolls to creative Japanese dishes.
The 1126 Restaurant is located in the Short North, one of the best places to go in Columbus. Make sure to hit up some of the fun shops nearby.
Brunch At Katalina’s
Notorious for their light and fluffy pancake balls, Katalina’s might be one of the most beloved restaurants in Columbus, Ohio.
Featuring locally sourced ingredients and a diverse menu, Katalina’s has something for everyone!
While the pancake balls are a fan favourite, they are also known for their French toast and thick-cut bacon.
Katalina’s now has three locations across Columbus, including the original café in Harrison West. It’s a popular brunch spot, so be prepared to wait for a table or order takeaway ahead of time online.
If you love discovering great food destinations, Columbus is just one of the fantastic cities in the Midwest worth exploring!
Indulge In Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food At One Of The Coolest Restaurants In Columbus OH
While you might not currently consider piping hot empanadas to be comfort food, Barroluco will probably change that.
With warm, crispy empanadas stuffed with delicious meats and cheeses and a wide variety of salsas to spice up your meal, Barroluco is sure to impress.
The cilantro salsa is delectable, and the chimichurri adds a kick to every empanada.
Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food makes this list of the best restaurants in Columbus because of its high-quality ingredients, fresh taste, and deliciously authentic recipes.
No matter where you live, visiting the Columbus food scene would make a great Ohio day trip!
Enjoy Home Cooking At Tommy’s Diner, An Underrated Restaurant In Columbus
Tommy’s Diner is truly one of the hidden gems in Ohio when it comes to restaurants in Columbus.
Located in the Franklinton neighborhood, it is a little off the beaten path but so worth the trip. The parking lot next door is consistently full of Tommy’s Diner customers waiting for a seat.
The retro-themed diner is almost as adorable as it is delicious, with all kinds of comfort foods as menu staples.
Tommy’s serves breakfast all day (from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, to be exact), which includes all kinds of omelets, eggs Benedict, and French toast, to name a few.
Classic cooking and a great atmosphere make Tommy’s Diner a great Columbus restaurant for the whole family.
Go Gourmet At Lindey’s For Gourmet Food In Columbus OH
Lindey’s is esteemed throughout the greater Columbus area for its delicious gourmet food.
Located in historic German Village, Lindey’s serves American cuisine, including premium steaks and fresh seafood, with a menu offering something for everyone.
Lindey’s serves brunch on weekends, lunch on weekdays, and dinner every day, so a delicious Lindey’s meal is always on the table.
Maybe even more impressive than the menu is the extensive wine selection, thoughtfully concocted cocktail menu, and beautiful outdoor patio.
Dinner and drinks at Lindey’s are sure to be a memorable experience.
Grab Your Morning Coffee At One Of The Best Columbus Ohio Restaurants, Stauf’s Coffee
Stauf’s is a staple coffee shop/patisserie/restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Popular with locals, Stauf’s is truly an experience.
With locations throughout Columbus, you just can’t miss a Stauf’s latte.
They have various seasonal flavors, knowledgeable baristas, and a great vibe.
Make sure to check out the location on Neil Avenue, which is actually a former church. It has beautiful stained-glass windows and pews to sit in while you sip your coffee.
Stauf’s offers a selection of sustainably sourced coffees, including organic and Fair Trade options, so you can enjoy your morning cup of joe at one of the best coffee shops in Columbus.
Enjoy Mediterranean Food At Brassica In Columbus
Brassica is a popular Mediterranean restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful food.
They offer a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including freshly made pita sandwiches, salads, and hummus plates.
Choose from a variety of fillings and toppings to create your own meal, or try their seasoned Brassica fries with special sauce!
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and several locations throughout Columbus, Brassica is a great place to grab a fresh and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Katzinger’s Delicatessen Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Ohio
Katzinger’s Delicatessen is a staple of Columbus’ German Village.
They have expanded and now have a second location in Dublin, but the German Village location on 3rd Street is the original.
With sandwiches stacked a mile high, various kugels, and matzo ball soup, Katzinger’s has all the deli classics as well as some fresh new spins on crowd favorites.
Katzinger’s has been featured on Food Network. The “Bill, Gary, and Beuford’s Upper Yough Reuben” was featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, with Ted Allen, the renowned television personality and Chopped host, praising the sandwich.
One Of The Best Places To Eat In Columbus Is SoCal Kitchen + Bar
SoCal Kitchen + Bar, formerly known as Del Mar SoCal Kitchen, is a popular Columbus restaurant serving fresh, Southern California-inspired cuisine.
Located in the Short North Arts District, it offers everything from fresh oysters and sushi to seafood dishes, salads, and creative cocktails.
It’s a popular spot for dinner and drinks, so making a reservation is recommended.
SoCal Kitchen + Bar also offers great happy hour deals, including half-price sushi, starters, and selected drinks, so be sure to go hungry!
Portia’s Café Is One Of The Best Vegan Restaurants In Columbus OH
If you’re looking for delicious vegan food in Columbus, Portia’s Café is a great place to visit.
Located on Indianola Avenue, this welcoming restaurant specialises in plant-based, gluten-free dishes made with fresh, organic ingredients.
The menu includes everything from breakfast wraps and burrito bowls to quesadillas, nachos, and vegan mac and cheese.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking to try something different, Portia’s Café offers plenty of tasty options.
It’s a great choice for a fresh and satisfying meal in Columbus!
Hang Over Easy, THE Brunch Restaurant In Columbus
If you are in the mood for brunch in Columbus, Hang Over Easy is the place to go.
A fan favorite of college students and downtown Columbus residents alike, Hang Over Easy is an egg-centric eatery that is always hopping for brunch.
Their extensive brunch menu includes everything from chicken and waffles to cinnamon roll French toast, keeping customers coming back time and time again.
With locations on Neil Avenue and Parsons Avenue, Hang Over Easy is a great place to sit down and enjoy a delicious Columbus brunch!
Knotty Pine Brewery
Looking for a casual and relaxed atmosphere, yet craving delicious food and drink? Well, look no further than the Knotty Pine Brewery.
Here you will find classic American fare, handcrafted cocktails, and house-brewed beer!
This Columbus Ohio brewpub takes pride in its freshly prepared food, with everything from homemade pretzels and smoked wings to burgers and pizzas.
They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for different dietary preferences.
For all these reasons, this welcoming gastropub is one of the best restaurants in Columbus Ohio!
With so many fantastic restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, there’s something to satisfy every appetite!
Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, fresh sushi, delicious vegan food, or a hearty brunch, Columbus has plenty of great places to eat.
I hope this list has helped you discover some new restaurants to try on your next visit!
Have you eaten at any of these Columbus restaurants? Or do you have a favourite I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re planning to explore more of the state, take a look at our guide to the best Ohio road trips for more places to discover, including a food-focused route through Ohio!
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