Top 10 Best Columbus Restaurants

The food Columbus Ohio is famous for is the "Columbus-style" pizza, characterized by a thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and a square cut. Another food in Columbus is the Bahama Mama, a spicy smoked sausage from the German Village-based Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. Columbus is also the birthplace of fast food giant Wendy’s, and the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams brand. The city's North Market is a historic public market that showcases a mix of local foods and artisan goods.

The average cost of a meal in Columbus at an inexpensive restaurant is $20. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs an average of $80. Prices for meals at fine dining establishments start at $75 to $100 per person, and vary based on the specific restaurant and menu selections.

The most popular fast food in Columbus includes local icons and national chains with strong city ties. These restaurants are listed below:

• Wendy's: The first Wendy's restaurant opened in Columbus in 1969, making it a local icon known for its square burgers, Frosty desserts, and chili.
• White Castle: This fast-food chain, known for its small, square "sliders," was founded in Wichita, Kansas, but its headquarters has been in Columbus for decades.
• Charleys Cheesesteaks: Founded in Columbus, this chain is popular for its Philly-style cheesesteaks, gourmet fries, and real-fruit lemonades.
• Hot Chicken Takeover: A local fast-casual favorite, this restaurant specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering different heat levels and southern sides.

The Columbus Ohio new restaurants offer fresh concepts and flavors to the city's dining scene. These best new Columbus restaurants are listed below:

• Goodwood Brewing: A Louisville-based brewery and restaurant that opened a location in the Arena District, offering pub fare and a large selection of beers. Located at 1015 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201.
• Barrio Tacos: This Cleveland-based build-your-own taco joint opened a location in the Short North, known for its custom tacos, margaritas, and lively atmosphere. Located at 1211 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201.
• The Keep: A modern French brasserie located inside the Hotel LeVeque, offering classic French dishes in an elegant, historic setting. Located at 50 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.
• Butcher & Rose: A modern steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants located downtown, featuring a lighter, more feminine take on the steakhouse concept. Located at 155 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.

The must try restaurants Columbus Ohio include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for its authentic German food and famous Bahama Mama sausage. The Thurman Cafe is a legendary spot known for its massive "Thurmanator" burger. For a classic Columbus-style pizza experience, Massey’s Pizza is a local institution. The North Market offers a wide array of food stalls, providing a taste of many local favorites in one place. Lindey's in German Village is a go-to spot for upscale American food in a historic, beautiful setting.

Yes, there are many fun restaurants in Columbus Ohio. Pins Mechanical Co. combines duckpin bowling with craft beer and cocktails in a large, industrial space. 16-Bit Bar+Arcade offers a nostalgic experience with a large collection of classic arcade games and a full bar. The an-ti-dote is a "wellness cafe" by day and a "cocktail lounge" by night, offering a unique dual concept. For a themed experience, The Alibi is a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with a secretive entrance and a vintage atmosphere.

Restaurants near the Columbus Convention Center are The North Market, located directly across the street, hosts food vendors offering choices from pizza and pasta to Vietnamese and Mexican food. Barley's Brewing Company offers pub fare and craft beer. Martini Modern Italian provides upscale Italian dishes. For a quick option, Charleys Cheesesteaks has a location within the convention center's food court. Many other restaurants near Columbus, OH Short North Arts District are within walking distance.

Columbus offers a selection of restaurants serving vegan food such as Portia's Café, a fully vegan restaurant with a menu of plant-based dishes. Two Dollar Radio Headquarters is a family-owned bookstore, bar, and vegan cafe. Seitan's Realm is a food truck and diner specializing in vegan comfort food. Comune is a plant-forward restaurant that offers many vegan options on its seasonal menu. Eden Burger is a fast-casual spot that serves 100% plant-based burgers, shakes, and fries.

The restaurants in Columbus that serve gluten-free food are Bake Me Happy, a dedicated gluten-free bakery. Portia's Cafe offers a menu that is entirely gluten-free and vegan. The Refectory Restaurant, an upscale French-American establishment, can accommodate gluten-free requests. Forno Kitchen + Bar in the Short North has gluten-free pizza and pasta options. Condado Tacos, with multiple locations, provides build-your-own tacos with corn tortillas and other gluten-free ingredients.

The most famous types of food in Columbus are listed below:

• American Comfort Food: The city is known for its burgers, barbecue, and classic American fare, with many local diners and pubs.
• German: The historic German Village neighborhood is home to authentic German restaurants like Schmidt's Sausage Haus, serving sausages, schnitzel, and sauerkraut.
• Italian: Columbus has a strong Italian heritage, reflected in its many pizzerias serving "Columbus-style" pizza and classic Italian-American restaurants.
• Mexican: There is a growing number of authentic taquerias and modern Mexican restaurants, especially on the west side of the city.
• Somali: Columbus has the second-largest Somali population in the United States, resulting in a number of restaurants serving traditional Somali dishes like goat meat and sambusas.
• Vietnamese: The city has a notable selection of Vietnamese restaurants offering pho, banh mi, and other staples.