Are you looking for the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio to try? Look no more! In this article, we bring to you some of the top Sandusky Ohio restaurants that you cannot miss out on.
There are so many great things to do in Ohio and visiting Sandusky is one of them.
Sandusky is a charming resort town in Ohio that offers lots of attractions and activities to visitors. From a day trip to a nearby island to exploring the wildlife, there is a lot to do in Sandusky.
Home to one of the best waterparks in Ohio, Cedar Point, this is a perfect destination for a family trip.
Once you are done with the exciting rides and activities, you will crave some food and well, Sandusky doesn’t disappoint.
Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience, a casual fast food joint, or a homely diner vibe, this Midwestern city has it all. From hot dogs to upscale French cuisines, to steaks, you can get it all here.
So, if you are wondering where to eat after a day of fun, then read our list of the 15 best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio that you must try.
15 Best Restaurants in Sandusky Ohio You Must Try
Berardi’s Family Kitchen
Berardi’s Family Kitchen is one of the top restaurants in Sandusky OH.
This Sandusky restaurant is known for making the most delicious fries in northern Ohio. It is one of the oldest establishments and started its journey with just two French fry stands.
In 1979, the family opened Berardi’s Family Kitchen in Huron which was followed by a branch in Sandusky.
This restaurant in Sandusky offers all-day breakfast options. French toast and Mile High Bacon & Spinach Quiche are both a must-try here.
If you need an extra kick to start your day, then this is one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio to check out.
Zinc Brasserie
Originally opened in 2007, Zinc Brasserie is one of the top places to eat in Sandusky Ohio for tourists and locals alike.
This fine establishment is known for its French cuisine and delicious wood-fired pizza options. The restaurant also offers sidewalk seating in the warmer months, making it the place for a romantic date.
The guests can enjoy classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner items at affordable prices here. A few top dishes that you must try here are Maine lobster fettuccine, and butternut squash ravioli.
You will also find a wide selection of craft beers and wines to complement your meals. Honestly, if you are planning a date, then Zinc Brasserie is one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio for you.
J. Bistro Downtown
For fine dining, one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio is J. Bistro Downtown.
The restaurant has a warm and inviting ambiance with its lit-up tree made using wine bottles. Visitors can choose to sit in the outdoor patio or hang out in the bar area at this restaurant.
This is one of the top Sandusky restaurants to serve American cuisine, specializing in pasta, steak, and seafood.
Make sure you try their specialty cocktails and bruschetta appetizers followed by the main course of salmon and shrimp.
Also, don’t forget to try their homemade desserts, especially the cheesecake which is simply out of this world.
Brick Oven Bistro
Brick Oven Bistro is a comfortable pizza parlor and a great restaurant in Sandusky OH you must try.
This casual restaurant features a bar with a wide range of alcohol selections and is a great place to visit with your family or friends. Here, they offer pies, calzones, pizzas, and more in both vegan and gluten-free options.
In fact, guests can even build their own pizzas and choose their desired toppings to go with them.
A few top dishes to try here are Portobello mushrooms with mozzarella, zucchini fries, pear and gorgonzola pizza.
If you are a pizza lover, then Brick Oven Bistro is one of the top pizza restaurants in Sandusky Ohio.
Dianna’s Deli & Restaurant
One of the top Sandusky OH restaurants for breakfast, Dianna’s Deli & Restaurant is quite popular among tourists and locals alike.
This family-owned diner serves delicious Sandusky food at an affordable price. It has a cozy and homely ambiance and is open 24 hours a day, making it a great place for families.
They serve many classic breakfast dishes such as blueberry pancakes, biscuits and gravy, greek omelets, and more. You can also check out the daily specials that they will serve throughout the week on their website.
For delicious breakfast, Dianna’s Deli is one of the top restaurants in Sandusky Ohio.
Crush Wine Bar
One of the newest restaurants in Sandusky OH, Crush Wine Bar was opened by acclaimed chef Cesare Avalone and his wife.
This restaurant was opened in 2010 in downtown Sandusky and has a huge selection of wine from around the world.
In the food menu, you will find several small plates and shareable dishes that make it a great choice for couples.
The menu includes some amazing dishes such as asiago cream macaroni and cheese, pork saltimbocca, and Norwegian aukra salmon.
Guests can also order from the sushi menu here along with delicious appetizers such as bacon-wrapped dates, potato and cheddar pierogies, and more.
Trust me, this is one of the fanciest restaurants in Sandusky Ohio that is perfect for a date night.
Small City Taphouse
Another amazing restaurant in Sandusky OH that serves vegan food is Small City Taphouse.
This casual restaurant specializes in sushi, Asian, and Vietnamese cuisine. From Hamachi Rolls to California Rolls, they serve a wide range of sushi options here.
That’s not all, there are several house specials to try here as well such as Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, and more.
You can also order pho and noodle dishes here and can even get 60 varieties of tap beers to complement the food.
Apart from the delicious food, this restaurant also offers live music and fun events in Sandusky to join in throughout the year.
Trust me, if it is great food and ambiance that you are looking for, then Small City Taphouse is one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio.
Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant
Want to grab some Mexican fares in a Sandusky restaurant? Then, check out Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant near Castaway Bay Marine.
It is the best restaurant in Sandusky Ohio for Mexican food that serves delicious Mexican dishes, margaritas, and a wide selection of tequilas.
This colorful restaurant is a great place to stop on your way to Cedar Point and is perfect for a casual hangout with family or friends.
Fajita tacos, rice and beans dinner, shrimp taco, chicken strips, etc. are a few things that are a must-try at this restaurant.
Plus, they have many vegetarian options available too. So, if you are looking for a good place to eat Mexican food, then Nacho’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Sandusky Ohio.
Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor
Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor serves the famous ice creams that are a staple Sandusky food for both locals and tourists.
This family-run parlor is known for its delicious ice creams made from locally-sourced milk. You can select from over 70 ice cream flavors here including rocky road, cherry vanilla, brown butter bourbon, and more.
The ice cream serving is quite generous and you can add a wide variety of toppings to your ice creams too.
They offer a patio seating area as well where guests can enjoy different dairy products with their family and friends.
If you love ice creams and desserts, then Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor is one of the best places to eat in Sandusky. and a really delicious thing to do when visiting Ohio!
Jo Wok
If you are looking for vegan food in Sandusky, then Jo Wok is one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio.
It is a cozy and cheery pan-Asian restaurant that serves delicious Thai and Chinese dishes.
While they do have a seating area, the restaurant also offers takeaways and a drive-thru for guests who want to eat their food somewhere else.
This Sandusky OH restaurant serves several vegan and vegetarian options to the guests.
From Thai soups to fried rice, you get all kinds of vegan-friendly options here. Another great thing about this restaurant is that it is close to Cedar Point water park.
So, if you are looking for a vegan-friendly restaurant to eat after enjoying the rides at Cedar Point, then Jo Wok is a great choice.
Dockside Café
One of the top outdoor Sandusky OH restaurants, Dockside Café is an open-air, casual bar that offers amazing views of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie to visitors.
It is one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio where the guests can enjoy outdoor seating, making it one of the top places for a date or a casual hang out with friends.
Here, you can enjoy a wide range of snack items such as burgers, fries, fish tacos, and so on. A few dishes that you must try here are the chicken quesadillas and walleye tacos with house sangria.
Apart from great food, this open-air restaurant also offers beautiful sunset views in the evening. This is why this café is one of the top places to eat in Sandusky!
Bay Harbor
Bay Harbour is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Sandusky Ohio for couples and families. It is located close to Cedar Point and offers a waterfront dining experience to visitors.
As a result, this is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city and is a great choice for everyone who is visiting Cedar Point amusement park before or after a meal.
This restaurant serves delicious American fare along with stunning views of Lake Erie.
They offer a wide range of seafood dishes with lobster bisque and Lake Erie perch platters being a must-try here.
A few other dishes that you cannot miss out on ordering here are three-cheese tortellini, Verlasso salmon, and so on.
If you are craving seafood or looking for a good eating point near Cedar Point, then Bay Harbour is a good choice.
Chet & Matt’s Pizza
Chet & Matt’s Pizza is a popular pizzeria in Sandusky that duals up as a casual sports bar.
The entire restaurant is covered in sports memorabilia and TVs where kids can watch cartoons or adults can catch a game. They also host the King Kong challenge which is fun for the entire family.
This pizza restaurant has a great vibe and is one of the best places to visit with your family or friends. The food serves here is not only delicious but quite reasonable too.
Plus, it is close to Cedar Point so, it can be a great place to hang out after the thrilling rides at the park.
They have an amazing selection of wings and pizza varieties. You should definitely try the chicken Alfredo pizza and hot wings at this mouth-watering Sandusky restaurant.
The Original Margaritaville
If you want to enjoy ocean views, then one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio to eat at is The Original Margaritaville.
This is a seasonal waterfront restaurant in Sandusky that serves a huge selection of Tex-Mex dishes including fajitas, tacos, and more. There is also a giant deck here where guests can sit and eat while enjoying the views around.
It is one of the best Sandusky restaurants for friends and family to visit on a fun day outing. There is a cute waterfall nearby that you can visit before or after eating at this restaurant.
Mac and cheese, brisket, prime rib, and fried green tomatoes are a few things you should try here.
Soba Asian Kitchen
This Asian-fusion Sandusky OH restaurant is a great place to order Asian dishes including rice bowls, snacks, and noodles.
This counter-service restaurant offers a casual seating area that is perfect to hang out with friends and try Asian food in Sandusky.
The restaurant offers vegan-friendly options as well and their tofu fried rice bowl is simply delicious.
A few amazing dishes to try here are chicken noodle bowl with sriracha spice, steak bowl, shrimp bowl, hibachi, and more.
This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio for ordering rice bowls and snacks.
Here we listed 15 mouthwatering restaurants in Sandusky Ohio to tempt you.
Whether you are simply passing through Ohio on your Midwest journey or visiting Sandusky Ohio for your vacation, there are definitely eateries and gastropubs in Sandusky Ohio to please every budget and every palate!