The best restaurants in Columbus

“Old West-style steakhouse chain known for its burgers & chops made from bison.”

“Sports-bar chain serving gourmet pizzas, burgers, wings & salads in a relaxed space filled with TVs.”

“Modern, organic New American haunt with counter service, an open kitchen & house-baked sweets.”

“Neapolitan, Detroit-style, deep-dish, craft, wood-fired spot featuring classic and vegan pies plus craft beer and cocktails.”

“Hubbard Grille plates modern American comfort in a lovingly restored 1924 auto-showroom space, all exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and neighborhood energy. It’s locally owned, Short North through-and-through, and keeps things interesting with weekly food-and-drink features that make repeat visits feel like a good habit.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Parked at Land-Grant Brewing, Ray Ray's Hog Pit turns out St. Louis ribs, silky brisket, pulled pork and that hot link, with jerk chicken and even cauliflower burnt ends for veg friends, plus mac, beans, and slaw. Order a Meatsweats box, thank us later.”

“Established in 1959, this old-school sports bar with pub grub features TVs & patio seating.”

“Tacos & a few other Mexican dishes are delivered in an upbeat, margarita-fueled atmosphere.”

“Festive stand in the North Market for Mexican street eats like tacos & burritos plus plates & sides.”

“Traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist served in a contemporary space with chandeliers.”

“A refined tavern serving creative fare, alongside wine, house-infused drinks & a deep beer list.”

“A sprawling, industrial-chic spot offering American classics, beer & cocktails, plus patio seating.”

“Cozy purveyor of buttery biscuits with a variety of sweet and savory flavors, plus sandwiches and gravy.”

“Hand rolled, boiled and baked, The Lox Bagel Shop turns out that New York-meets-Montreal hybrid locals brag about, with Bon Appétit and Food & Wine nods to prove it. Cruise over to the Short North, grab a still-warm round, add a schmear or go full sandwich.”

From the Upper Arlington newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Quirky pizza parlor, known for late-night slices (with gluten-free and vegan options) and a convivial vibe.”

“Casual eatery featuring build-your-own salads, sushi and hot sandwiches, plus Thai dishes and bubble tea.”

“Josie's Pizza Hilltop is that family-run neighborhood standby where the pepperoni goes under the cheese... on purpose, for extra flavor. Grab a tavern-style pie or the Old Fashion with spicy nickel-sized pepperoni, plus calzones and Italian subs baked in their old fashion brick oven.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Ethyl & Tank is the campus-adjacent chameleon where you can start with legit coffee, slide into brunch with espresso tinis, then lean into game day or trivia across two floors of lively brick. The menu swings from Tank Nachos to sweet French toast, and the vibes stay reliably rowdy.”

“Cafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.”

“Riffs on American comfort food are prepped in a polished setting with a retro, midcentury look.”

“Colorful chain with a large variety of ingredients for build-your-own & chef-made bowls.”

“PJ's Sandwiches brings boisterous counter vibes with heaping sandwiches, wings, cold beer, and nostalgia-level shakes. When you want a Columbus comfort-food fix without the fuss, their quality-first menu and quick delivery or takeout make it the easy move for a satisfying, no-judgment meal.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Seasonal, Southern California-inspired fare is offered with creative cocktails in rustic-chic digs.”

“Pizzeria specializing in by-the-slice offerings and fun named pies, plus a bar.”

“Laid-back spot for margaritas & tacos with your own fillings, like beef brisket & "dirty sauce."”

“Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods.”

“La Casa de la Birría is serving Tijuana-style birria in Columbus, an easy hop from Grove City, and it absolutely hits that rich, comforting spot. Keep it on your weeknight shortlist, and when the craving strikes, their order-online setup makes things wonderfully simple.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Casual eatery for street-style tacos and quesadillas with homemade corn tortillas, plus cocktails.”

“Simple eggs, burgers & sandwiches in a no-frills, casual diner. Home of the Gut Buster breakfast.”

“Peruvian-inspired sandwich shop with homemade meats, sauces, and desserts.”

“Casual Mexican eatery with sports on TV, serving classic bites & flavored frozen margaritas.”

“Traditions at Kennedy keeps it simple with an on-campus buffet at Ohio State that mixes American comfort staples with international picks, so you can build a plate that actually matches your mood. It’s a handy go-to when you want variety, seconds, and zero menu stress.”

From the Upper Arlington newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.”

“Casual regional chain serving hearty American fare for breakfast & lunch, with gluten-free options.”

“Minelli's Pizza has been serving homemade pies, from thin-crust rounds to saucy Italian comfort, to Westside schools, churches and families for decades. If you crave a no-frills, neighborhood slice that tastes like tradition, this long-running family spot still hits the cozy, carb-loving sweet spot.”

From the Hilliard newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Modeled after the Munich beer hall, this site offers Bavarian fare, classic beers & garden seating.”

“Casual spot for Italian classics including housemade pastas, pizza & subs with beer & wine.”

“Breakfast sandwiches and comfort-food bites offered for pickup and delivery.”

“Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails amid Roman-ruin decor.”

“Comfortable restaurant offering cocktails & pizza, plus generous tacos & sliders.”

“Bustling, gay-friendly bar/restaurant offering hearty American chow, a large patio & entertainment.”

“Boom Boom Tacos Tequila & Mezcal is your permission slip to ditch boring dinners. Creative tacos with big personality, plus a genuine love for tequila and mezcal, make it the spot to debrief with friends, sample a few combos, and find a new weeknight favorite.”

From the Mansfield newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Modern eatery featuring classic and reimagined American fare, a posh design, and weekend DJs.”

“Trendy eatery serving Latin American fare such as tacos and tortillas, plus cocktails.”

“Cocktails featuring house craft spirits pair with elevated pub fare in an industrial setting.”

“Casual, fast-food-style chain serving sliders alongside pizza and chicken fare.”

“Landmark (since 1940) serving comfort food till late in a funky space with a jukebox & full bar.”

“Quick-serve spot featuring an array of sushi dishes, including spicy tuna rolls.”

“Casual spot inside Center Street Market serving burgers, fries, and other American eats, plus live music.”

“Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs.”

“Cozy breakfast spot serving waffles and other sweet and savory eats.”

“No-frills family-run Italian joint for casual fare, including pizza, subs & pasta.”

“Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.”

“Laid-back spot with a full bar & outdoor seating offering classic bar fare such as wings & pizza.”

“Casual pizzeria offering New York-style and Midwest cracker-crust pies as well as gluten-free versions.”

“Casual Midwestern chain serving inventive specialty pizzas & seasonal craft beers.”

“Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in lively environs.”

“Romeo's Pizza is the local chain turning weeknights into "hey, this is pretty great" with award-winning pies, fresh in-house dough, and that signature sweet sauce. Round it out with wings, subs, salads, and the stromboli/calzone situation that reliably disappears before halftime.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 18, 2026

“When the taco urge hits, Tacos and Beer | Mexican delivers the good stuff, from tacos and tortas to burritos, with cold beer and margaritas alongside. It’s the laid back, no fuss spot you can count on between errands or after practice, the kind of local standby that makes dinner easy without overthinking it.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.”

“Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.”

“Modern, white-tablecloth Italian restaurant & bar serving upscale, seasonal fare.”

“Stadz Pizzeria Gahanna turns out cheesy pies with personality, from the Sinatra to Floyd’s Flying Pig, plus baked subs and a gluten free cauliflower crust that’s a house favorite. It’s tucked inside The Pub building, so grabbing local pizza before the game or after work is easy.”

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.”

“Local pizzeria chain serving wide range of pizzas (including famed pepperoni), subs, salads & more.”

“Mi Tradicion Grove City nails that family-rooted vibe since 2017 with big portions, fresh plates, and a menu that somehow keeps going. Dine in with friends or order catering for the crew, then toast it with a frosty house margarita… yes, there’s even seafood served in a pineapple.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails nails that sweet spot between special and easygoing, serving chef-inspired New American plates with local flavors, a polished cocktail game, and a lush dining room plus breezy outdoor spots. It feels like a little escape, right in downtown.”

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Homey joint since 1987 with American staples & all-day breakfast, plus outdoor seating.”

“Counter-order restaurant serving design-your-own Italian food including wraps, pastas & salads.”

“Clean Japanese eatery, specializing in sushi, rolls, tempura, and beer.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Casual restaurant offering tacos and margaritas.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“BBQ spot featuring brisket sandwiches, pulled pork and other Southern eats, plus catering.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Established bar & grill providing familiar American eats, a patio & an easygoing ambiance.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.”

“Pizza joint serving up specialty pies, sandwiches & other eats in a casual setting or for delivery.”

“Casual restaurant serving tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex options, plus draft beer.”

“Laid-back eatery for Japanese classics (sushi, ramen, hibachi dishes), Hawaiian faves (chicken and ribs BBQ), noodle entrees and desserts served up in clean, casual, comfortable surrounds.”

“Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.”

“Low-key eatery selling coneys, burritos, spaghetti, and dogs as well as homemade hot sauces.”

“Counter-serve, industrial-chic chain restaurant known for build-your-own pizzas.”

“An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.”

“Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.”

“For a casual weeknight upgrade, Yes Sushi nails the details, from silky short-grain rice to fresh rolls, homemade onigiri, and bento boxes in just-the-right sizes. Round it out with ramyeon and fun drinks like banana milk or boba, then call it a very good Gahanna decision.”

“Relaxed eatery with a warm atmosphere serving barbecue fare, steaks, burgers & seafood.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Scali is the kind of family-run spot you keep in the rotation, with old-school Italian favorites, fresh pastas, seafood, and a legit wine list. Think relaxed white-napkin energy in a strip mall, plus carryout pans for parties and a signature alfredo locals quietly brag about.”

From the Lancaster newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Counter-service chain offering a range of Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries & lemonades.”

“Mexican street eats, cocktails & a generous selection of tequila & mezcal in funky strip-mall digs.”

“Plank's On Broadway keeps the classic tavern vibe alive in a historic building with steak, seafood, sandwiches, and pizza that hits the spot. It's a go-to for locals when you want no-fuss comfort food, a cold drink, and, on some nights, live music that pairs well with another slice.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Laid-back Mexican restaurant with a patio serving fajitas, birria tacos and margaritas.”

“New American meals, wine & cocktails served in a smart space with leather booths & a sidewalk patio.”

“Pub chain for the whole family, with Irish-inflected grub plus TVs & sports memorabilia.”

“Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.”

“Villa-style eatery with a patio serving up classic pies, stromboli & pasta dishes in a homey space.”

“Family-owned Blu-Willys has been serving Grove City since 2019 with creative burger builds, crisp salads, and cold drinks in a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Named for the owner's late father Willy and rescue pup Blu, it’s the kind of neighborhood spot where the specials tempt you into staying for one more round.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.”

“Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs.”

“Modern counter-serve option featuring creative build-your-own sushi rolls, tea & Japanese sides.”

“Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“A quirky, colorful space presenting a diverse menu of burritos, pizza, chili & burgers.”

“Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.”

“Gahanna Pizza Plus keeps it simple in the best way, cranking out pepperoni-heavy pies with that just-greasy-enough satisfaction, plus classic subs and garlic bread that disappears from the table in seconds, making it a clutch neighborhood go-to when you want dependable, crowd-pleasing comfort without overthinking…”

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Romeo's Pizza turns out award-winning pies with fresh dough made in-house daily, real Wisconsin cheese, and that signature sweet sauce you end up arguing about in group chats. Wings, subs, strombolis, and calzones round things out, so keep it in mind next time you’re in Columbus.”

From the Springfield newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Norwich Grocery keeps things lively with a sandwich-first menu built on quality ingredients, plus shelves of Ohio-made goodies for a hometown high-five. It’s the kind of spot you hit for an easy lunch, grab-and-go bites, or catering when the whole crew’s hungry, and you can order online when you’re on the move.”

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Casual tavern chain with a sports-bar atmosphere serving comfort-food favorites & a long beer list.”

“Family-run, traditional Italian eatery serving fresh pastas, thin-crust pizza & housemade gelato.”

“Mi Tradición keeps Gahanna fed with generous portions of fresh, authentic favorites plus some fun, unique plates, and those specialty margaritas that mysteriously refill themselves when friends show up. Family-rooted since 2017, it’s the easy pick for laid-back dinners, casual celebrations, or last-minute catering.”

“A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.”

“Grandstand Pizza Shop nails the stone-baked, old-world pies and still finds time for Chicago-style deep dish, gluten-free crusts, and legit stromboli. In Old Downtown, they do online ordering, delivery, and easy catering, so your weeknight, team hang, or office thing is delicious, simple, and local.”

“Casual restaurant turning out Mexican offerings, from tacos to margaritas.”

“Trendy haunt serving upscale American fare & a Sunday jazz brunch in an exposed-brick setting.”

“Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.”

“Run by Philly natives, Marlow's Cheesesteaks turns out hot, made-to-order sandwiches with premium ingredients, right here in Gahanna, that taste like a quick trip east without the I-70 slog.”