In Columbus, debating the best farm-to-table spot or perfect brunch cocktail is practically a weekend sport. Ask about top-tier dining, and you’ll spark a dozen passionate arguments. But which neighborhood gems truly shine, and when is that tasting menu worth the splurge? We’ve settled the debates. Here are Columbus’s essential restaurants—from cozy date-night spots to celebratory destinations.
Gresso’s
$ | (614) 444-0131 | WEBSITE
Gresso’s raises the bar for sports bar food so high, it smashes through the stadium roof and bonks an unsuspecting referee. For the same cost as a typical fast-food combo, it’s feasible to fill the table with perfectly cooked wings, a thick-sliced corned beef Rueben sandwich, and practically a gallon of Great Lakes Christmas Ale. But a meal here is not just a good value—the food is downright excellent. Chicken tenders are kept so crispy they shatter upon contact with tangy dipping sauce.
Burgers are juicy and tasty. And if you wanted to tack on some Mountaineer burger or a seared “salmon bomb” loaded with propane-torched char and briny ikura, spontaneity pays off.
Flatiron Tavern
$ | (614) 525-0091 | WEBSITE
Everything at this charming tavern is exceptional (especially the bison burger if it’s available). But know that no matter what, you’re going to be served amazing burgers—from classic beef to perfectly seasoned bison—and fresh Motz sticks, complete with four pieces of varying crispiness from the same batch. Their signature burger combo is $18, but for a full meal with outstanding cocktails, it’s kind of a steal.
A visit here is a great way to have a memorable dining experience without paying nearly as much as you would at fancier downtown spots.
Gyro Express
$ | (614) 430-9181 | WEBSITE
Planning a quick lunch for a busy workday can be tricky if you don’t know how much time everyone has—especially if your coworkers keep checking their watches even when you say ‘just a quick bite,’ because office schedules are relentless. Choose a reliable spot with flavorful food and good service, like Gyro Express in Columbus. The spacious, clean dining area has plenty of room for groups to spread out, a convenient drive-thru option that isn’t too slow, and great gyros.
Fill your table with everything from simply delicious jumbo lamb and chicken gyros to tasty combos involving things like fresh tzatziki sauce and generous portions or halaal options and mango lemonade.
Coco Hot Pot
$$ | (614) 502-0036 | WEBSITE
Coco Hot Pot is like two different dining experiences in one. By winter, it’s a cozy ritual spot for families craving warming broths and communal cooking. By any season, it’s a casual, kid-friendly destination that’s the best-kept dim sum secret in the city. For around $12.50, you get a flavorful broth, fresh hot pot ingredients, and an order of juicy dumplings. We like this place for either option, especially after working up an appetite exploring Columbus.
Mazah Mediterranean Eatery
$$ | (614) 488-3633 | WEBSITE
Mazah Mediterranean Eatery in Columbus is an ideal Mediterranean restaurant for just about any occasion in between “I need comfort food” and “let’s celebrate.” But to be fair, coming here “because homemade falafel is life” works, too. It’s always relatively easy to feel welcome here, and the flavor is excellent. As a bonus, family-owned warmth is at the forefront—so the restaurant takes particular care in how they accommodate dietary needs.
If a dinner sampler is your thing, it’s an option you’ll be happy with here. But Mazah also succeeds if you go a la carte. The food shines with thoughtful touches, like generous spices baked into the kibbeh, or stretchy bread that complements the meal perfectly.
The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect.®
$$$$ | (855) 816-6193 | WEBSITE
If you have a mutual love for family breakfasts and crispy tater tots, The Bistro is the casual morning spot in Easton for you. Everything on the menu comes with a complimentary Starbucks coffee and fresh fruit. Any French toast you get is on the perfectly cooked side, but is priced very reasonably. And, the amount of fun activities they have will probably make your kids smile (in a good way). As for breakfast items, the crispy tater tots are the best thing here.
They’re light, crunchy, and come with a delicious dipping sauce for sharing.
Lee’s Seafood Boil-Columbus
$$ | (614) 592-1888 | WEBSITE
We can’t recall the last bland, overcooked shrimp we suffered through. Not because we avoid seafood, but because most boils leave us wanting. Enter Lee’s Seafood Boil, a bustling spot in Columbus that works magic with Cajun seasoning and generous portions. They serve snow crab, crawfish, and shrimp that rival the seafood at the coast’s finest crab shacks—but with a spice level that packs a huge kick.
And if the all juice sauce seems too mild at first taste, just wait for the medium spice to build into something truly mouthwatering.
Terita’s Pizza
$ | (614) 475-2100 | WEBSITE
We’ve ordered from Terita’s Pizza for a quick $15 lunch during a work break, picked up a 14-inch pie for a casual Friday night with friends, and made the pilgrimage specifically to try their award-winning Columbus-style square-cut pizza that Dispatch readers keep raving about. We can confirm—this is the best pizza spot in Columbus.
If you’re new to town, you might not know that Terita’s has been quietly perfecting their craft for years, earning multiple ‘Best Pizza’ awards while remaining a hidden gem even to some long-time residents. If you’re only going to try one Columbus pizza joint, make it this one, and order their signature special cheese blend. You’ll get incredible square-cut slices, ranging from classic pepperoni to their handmade sausage and mushroom combination.
For any craving that would warrant indulging in truly fresh, tremendous-tasting pizza, you will want to do it here.
Del Mar
$$$ | (614) 918-9298 | WEBSITE
Del Mar is another exceptional seafood restaurant in a city where those are not too hard to come by, but this is one you should be prioritizing. Whatever you need to do to secure one of those upstairs veranda seats with the beautiful outdoor views, be prepared to do it. If it takes bribing a friend, setting three reminders, and practicing your most charming smile for the incredible hostesses, so be it.
The $85 swordfish entrée includes generous portions with perfectly cooked lobster spaghetti that melts in your mouth. But just wait till the caramelized onion bread arrives—there are few moments more satisfying than tearing into that warm starter as if it were a childhood comfort food. And don’t skip the margarita that is so well-balanced you’ll want to order them by the pitcher.
Stories on High
$$$$ | (614) 484-5285 | WEBSITE
Stories on High is a lively rooftop spot in Columbus that feels like a celebration in the sky. There are panoramic city views, twinkling string lights, and a vibrant bar set up as if a special occasion was happening at any moment. And it’s very difficult to have a bad time here. You’ll find delectable wagyu burgers, fantastic dirty martinis, and light Asian-inspired dishes that are flown in fresh. Anything that’s Japanese-inspired here is also going to be memorable.
Café Zupas
$ | (614) 405-9703 | WEBSITE
Café Zupas has become a Columbus favorite for fresh, amazing food that keeps people coming back. Try to grab a seat in their welcoming dining area, which is a bright, clean space where you’ll relax while friendly staff periodically check in to bring you salads and sandwiches. Every dish you’ll get here is well-executed, served generously, and has the best value-to-quality ratio in the city.
Not to mention that there are always exciting vegetarian options like Mango Berry Salad or Nuts About Berries. Everything is reasonably priced for the quality and tastes just as great for takeout if you’re in a hurry—some visitors are in and out in less than five minutes.
Ted’s Montana Grill
$$ | (614) 227-0013 | WEBSITE
Despite the serious burger craft at Ted’s Montana Grill, the ambiance is comfortably casual. Warm light fills the space and staff chat easily with regulars. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends, a casual date, or even trying bison for the first time. While each of the burgers—like the Avalon Burger, the 1977 America’s Cup Burger, and the surprisingly good veggie option—has us debating favorites over shared fries, their free pickle plate steals the show.
They’re crisp, tangy, and more satisfying than a side of ordinary chips.
Czars Restaurant and Lounge
$$ | (614) 392-0300 | WEBSITE
This is a come-and-relax lounge where everyone is connected—regulars who know the servers by name, groups celebrating birthdays, and newcomers who thought Columbus was just about chain restaurants. And despite the fact that the welcoming dining room feels like the backdrop of a chill weekend hangout, this upscale menu delivers the same kind of comfort food mastery you would expect from a spot that’s been refining its vibe.
Walk-ins are welcome, and while the lounge seating is cozy and limited (they only have a few high-top tables), being that immersed in the atmosphere is worth it. The servers will customize your order based on how hungry you are, throw in an extra mozzarella stick here and there, and want to know everyone’s favorite dish, whether that’s the perfectly cooked shrimp or collard greens paired with crispy wings.
Tacos El Campesino
$ | (614) 906-6481 | WEBSITE
Tacos El Campesino is our favorite spot for big-night-out Mexican food. From asada tacos bursting with flavor and topped with spicy red sauce or tangy green tomatillo sauce to the generous Chicken Fajita with refried beans and guacamole, the food here is so great on its own that we almost forget about the many other delicious things under their roof (looking at you, quick professional service and A+ family-run atmosphere). If you prefer your tacos in fajita form, they also serve tasty portions.
Shrimp Lips Seafood
$$ | (614) 230-2554 | WEBSITE
While Shrimp Lips covers the casual seafood basics, this Columbus spot brings a grab-and-go experience that’s still incredibly satisfying. This place focuses on Southern-style seafood, which means there’s a whole lot of other stuff happening besides fried fish. But even with exciting dishes like Cajun shrimp pasta in the mix, the seafood combos stand out. There’s delicious fish and shrimp combos, red beans and rice that taste just like home, and excellent lobster fries.
All you have to do is wait a few minutes for it all to come your way.
First Watch
$ | (614) 228-7554 | WEBSITE
Columbus has plenty of breakfast spots, from quick diners to places that specialize in elaborate brunch buffets, and even somewhere that’s known for 24-hour pancakes. The best breakfast in the city, however, is at First Watch. We’d come here just for the Million Dollar Bacon, which is the best in town, but you should also take advantage of their morning menu.
It includes fantastic options like the Carnitas Breakfast Quesadilla, Chicken Quinoa Power Bowl, and kid-friendly waffles and pancakes that have received positive feedback from families. The service is usually quick and attentive, making it a great choice whether you’re dining alone or with a group, though occasionally it can be spotty. While the parking lot is available, it can feel a bit small during peak hours.
The Berwick Banquet & Catering
$$ | (614) 235-7100 | WEBSITE
The Berwick Banquet & Catering hosts dozens of events each month, and with their dedicated team handling everything from setup to cleanup, hundreds of guests celebrate here regularly. They deliver such exceptional service that you should trust them completely with your special occasion.
This is a truly professional, stress-free catering experience involving multiple courses for around $45 per person, and the staff will personally guide you through the planning and execution of every detail during your event. The menu offers consistent favorites, but some of our recent highlights were the flavorful roast beef wraps and the fresh Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Salad, along with crowd-pleasers like BBQ brisket and vodka sauce tortellini pasta.
Brassica in the Short North
$ | (614) 867-5885 | WEBSITE
This Mediterranean spot in the Short North is as Short North as it gets—vibrant, but still kind of casual. Most importantly, the ingredients are top notch and there’s a range of options (including fantastic vegetarian and vegan dishes) you don’t often find at fast casual spots. The bustling dining room with warm lighting is good for friends sharing fluffy pita and hummus, or the occasional group that wants an upgrade from typical takeout.
We like grabbing a table for the fresh and tasty meal that has a steady quality, highlighted by melt-in-your-mouth baba ganoush. Like navigating a new neighborhood or your first food hall visit, figuring out exactly how to order at Brassica can be a little confusing at first, but it’s also half the fun.
Dick’s Den
$ | (614) 268-9573 | WEBSITE
This 20-year-old dive bar has been a neighborhood staple on High Street, and this dark, homey establishment has quickly become a Columbus favorite for a few reasons. Even though the dim lighting feels like you’re in a cozy basement with historical charm all around you, the atmosphere is safe and welcoming, and there’s ample opportunity to chat with the friendly bartenders and people gathered by the stage.
Throughout the night, you’ll hear great live music from some of the best local musicians, with bluegrass picks on Tuesdays that are authentic without being pretentious, attracting a diverse, chill crowd that appreciates the cheap drink prices and good beer selection. It’s the perfect place for anybody wanting to experience a true neighborhood dive for the first time, while also being impressive for regulars who’ve been coming here for years.