Columbus is Ohio’s state capital, as well as its most populous city. It’s a beautiful and vibrant city with a thriving arts culture, a flourishing tech scene, and plenty of amazing cuisine.
The 20 best restaurants in Columbus, Ohio are all great places to visit when you need a bite.
The Pearl
$$ | (614) 227-0151 | WEBSITE
This rustic tavern specializes in hearty meals that are made completely from scratch. You’ll find plenty of comfort food on the menu, including cornbread, fish and chips, and even tater tots!
No matter what you choose to order, you’ll be able to pair your meal with a glass of wine or one of the many beers on the restaurant’s list. This is a wonderful place to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual night out.
The Guild House
$$$ | (614) 280-9780 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
At this homey eatery, you can enjoy an assortment of modern dishes that are inspired by cuisine from across the globe.
The menu at The Guild House changes with the seasons, allowing the restaurant to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients throughout the year!
Not only is the food here delicious, but the plates look as good as they taste! Both the restaurant and the dishes are beautifully decorated, which helps to add to the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Whether you come here for brunch or dinner, you’re sure to have a lovely time!
Brassica in the Short North
$$ | (614) 867-5885 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This bright and cheery Mediterranean restaurant is a favorite lunch spot for locals. The restaurant is known for its delicious pita sandwiches and fresh, flavor-packed ingredients.
If you’d prefer something lighter than a sandwich, Brassica also has a terrific selection of salads.
This is a casual, contemporary restaurant with a relaxed vibe. Whether you stop in for a quick meal or stay long enough to enjoy some of the many beers on tap, you’ll love the food and vibe of this eatery!
Marcella’s
$$ | (614) 223-2100 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
When you step into the dining room at Marcella’s, you may feel like you’ve taken a trip back to the past! This pizza and pasta place is known for its vintage decor.
Of course, this eatery isn’t just well-decorated! It serves large portions of comforting and delicious Italian food.
If you happen to be dining with a picky eater, there’s a good chance they’ll still be able to find something they enjoy on this classic menu.
The Eagle
$$ | (614) 745-3397 | WEBSITE
This food and beer hall has plenty of dishes on the menu, but it’s best known for its tasty fried chicken. You can pair your chicken with all kinds of sides, including mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and french fries with jalapeno menu.
Whether you’re nursing a hangover or just craving some comfort food, you’ll love the feel-good food on this menu. Since this restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s also a wonderful place to visit on sunny days.
Barcelona Restaurant and Bar
$$$ | (614) 443-3699 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Even though this restaurant is located in Columbus’ historic German Village, you won’t find German food on this menu! Instead, Barcelona specializes in Spanish cuisine. You can enjoy small places and paella alongside house-made sangria.
The menu at Barcelona is updated regularly, which means you’ll find something new to try every time you visit! You can enjoy your meal in the indoor dining room or outside on the patio, surrounded by greenery.
When you eat here, you’ll feel like you’ve left Columbus and traveled to another part of the world!
Lindey’s
$$$ | (614) 228-4343 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This white tablecloth restaurant has old school appeal. Modeled after a New York bistro, Lindey’s serves favorites like surf ‘n turf in a sophisticated setting. It’s a fine dining establishment that’s perfect for a special night out.
Although Lindey’s has an elegant atmosphere, this eatery is anything but boring. It’s a high energy establishment that’s well-known thanks to its beautiful building, delicious food, and stellar service. If you have something to celebrate, this just might be the place to go.
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
$$$$ | (614) 224-2204 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
If you’re in the mood for steak, there’s no better restaurant in Columbus than Hyde Park. The aged prime steaks served at here are legendary among locals. You can also enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails in a sophisticated and upscale setting.
This restaurant prides itself on its premium quality ingredients. Whether you’re eating steak or the daily catch, you can trust that your food will be perfectly prepared. You can also expect fast and attentive service from the restaurant’s staff.
Hofbräuhaus Columbus
$$ | (614) 294-2437 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Columbus is home to many amazing German restaurants, and Hofbräuhaus is one of the best. The eatery is modeled after the Munich beer hall, serving brews and Bavarian cuisine in a European setting. If you’d prefer to dine outdoors, there’s also garden seating.
While you dig into your hearty German food, you can also enjoy authentic music. The restaurant regularly provides live entertainment, including accordion players. Eating at Hofbräuhaus is a way to take a quick trip to Germany.
The Refectory Restaurant
$$$$ | (614) 451-9774 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Located in a former church, The Refectory serves both classic French and contemporary American cuisine in an upscale environment. This beautifully-decorated restaurant has a menu that changes with the seasons and a well-stocked wine cellar.
While the main restaurant is fairly spacious, The Refectory also has two private dining rooms, making it a popular spot for private parties and events. It’s widely considered to be the most romantic restaurant in Columbus.
Veritas
$$$$ | (614) 745-3864 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This eatery serves elevated cuisine in a cozy and laid-back environment. Vertias offers small plates, a tasting menu, and craft cocktails that you won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s been repeatedly ranked as the top restaurant in all of Columbus!
What makes Veritas special is its focus on combining classic and modern cooking techniques. Every dish is created to emphasize the flavor of the ingredients. It’s a place that foodies are sure to love!
Alqueria
$$ | (614) 824-5579 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Housed in a building that’s more than 100 years old, this New American restaurant offers favorites like burgers and cheese plates in a comfortable, rustic environment.
This is a spacious restaurant that feels warm and cozy even in the dead of winter. Of course, if you dine here in the summer, you can enjoy your meals out on the patio! Alqueria has a large wine list and offers Happy Hour specials on weekdays.
Sidebar Columbus
$$ | (614) 228-9041 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This tapas restaurant serves South American cuisine with a pinch of Spanish flair! The eatery specializes in small plates and also offers cocktails that are inspired by the pre-prohibition era!
Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include the empanadas, scallops, and the tres leches cake. The staff and bartenders are all friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to tell you more about what you’re eating and drinking. Don’t miss out on the Happy Hour specials!
Valters at the Maennerchor
$$ | (614) 444-3531 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Valters serves classic German cuisine with a modern American twist! Although the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, it’s best known for its brunch, which is a favorite of locals.
Whether you’re digging into a plate of French toast or pork schnitzel, you’ll love both the food and the laid-back, casual atmosphere of this restaurant. When you eat at Valters, you can get a taste of the old world, but with a modern American twist!
Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
$$ | (614) 473-9931 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
It’s hard not to love this charming mom-and-pop Italian restaurant. The menu at Lola & Giuseppe’s is packed with traditional Italian favorites, like spaghetti & meatballs and Giuseppe’s baked rigatoni.
If you’re not in the mood to eat out, this restaurant also offers a take-and-bake menu, allowing you to enjoy delicious food in the comfort of your own home. If you do plan on dining in, make sure you make reservations ahead of time. This is a small restaurant with limited table space.
Z Cucina di Spirito
$$ | (614) 486-9200 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This restaurant may look upscale, but what you’ll find on the menu is rustic Italian cuisine. All of the food is made with locally-sourced ingredients, which means that the menu shifts with the season.
When you dine here, expect to bring home leftovers! Not only does the restaurant serve large portions, but you’re also served fresh bread with oil before your meal. If you need a drink, you’ll find plenty of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Basi Italia
$$$ | (614) 294-7383 | WEBSITE
Located in Columbus’ Victorian Village neighborhood, Basi Italia is one of the city’s hidden gems. This casual, intimate restaurant may be on the smaller side, but you’ll find plenty of delectable options on its menu. The cuisine is market driven and inspired by Northern Italy.
Of course, the food is just one of the things that makes Basi Italia special. The restaurant’s staff is dedicated to providing true, authentic hospitality. When you eat here, you may feel as though you’re dining at the home of an old friend!
Ampersand Asian Supper Club
$$ | (614) 928-3333 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This contemporary restaurant is known for its mouthwatering Asian fusion cuisine. It has a varied menu with option for all eaters, including a kid’s menu and plenty of choices for vegans and vegetarians. You can also find delectable drinks and some sweet desserts.
While the restaurant primarily provides counter service, you can also enjoy a sit-down meal at the bar or in the unique Tatami room.
This unique space will make you feel like you’re dining in Japan. Since space is limited, it’s best to make a reservation in advance if you want to dine here.
Forno Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (614) 469-0053 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This upscale casual eatery serves sharable plates in swanky, yet relaxed environment. You’ll find all kinds of New American eats on the menu here, including stone-fried pizzas and juicy burgers.
You can grab dinner here throughout the week, and on the weekends, you can also enjoy a hearty brunch! Since there are so many options on the menu here, you’ll want to come back again and again. If you dine during Happy Hour, you can enjoy half-priced drinks and apps.
Cap City Fine Diner
$$ | (614) 291-3663 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This mid-century inspired diner is the perfect spot for a family dinner or for cocktails with friends! Although the menu mostly consists of comfort food, many of the dishes have a creative twist!
This restaurant serves large portions, but you may want to save room for dessert if you can. The moist chocolate cake is one of the most popular dishes on the menu! Regardless of what you order, you can expect to leave feeling satisfied!
Summary
Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a casual sandwich shop, or something in between, you’ll find what you want at one of the 20 best restaurants in Columbus, Ohio.
If you take a look at the Columbus restaurant scene, you’ll see incredible talent and tons of variety.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
