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The 10 best restaurants and places to eat in Columbus
Restaurants Worldwide

The 10 best restaurants and places to eat in Columbus

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Sarah MerleSarah Merle2026-02-04Restaurants Worldwide

In this blog, we reveal the best restaurants in Columbus. This city has vibrant and diverse gastronomy to offer. Whether fine dining, classic American, or international cuisine – there is something for every taste here.

Tip #1: Alqueria

Alqueria
Image credit: Alqueria

One of the best restaurants in Columbus is Alqueria. Here you can expect New American cuisine with the farm-to-table concept.

The menu is changed and adapted according to the season; besides the Farm House Burger, there is also pasta and various seafood. Check out the website to get a first impression. Thanks to the cozy atmosphere, you will have a relaxed dinner in Columbus there.

Sunday: closedMonday – Saturday: 4 – 9 pm

247 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201

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Tip #2: Agni

Alqueria

Agni is the perfect spot to go out for a meal if you want to experience fine dining in Columbus.

The chef is one of the most well-known and creates dishes with American and global influences. You can expect a multi-course menu, à la carte dishes, or even a bar menu if you want an exclusive but relaxed evening.

Monday – Thursday: closedWednesday – Sunday: 5 – 10.30 pm

716 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206

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Tip #3: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

Agni

The best food in Columbus can be found at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, especially if you are in the mood for steak. You dine in an upscale atmosphere, and the menu is adapted accordingly.

In addition to high-quality meat dishes, there are also Oysters on the Half‑Shell or Lobster Mac and Cheese. Definitely worth a visit, and be sure to make a reservation beforehand.

Monday – Thursday: 4.30 – 9 pm
Friday, Saturday: 4.30 – 10 pm
Sunday: 4.30 – 8.30 pm

89 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215

Tip #4: Speck Italian Eatery

Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse

Speck Italian Eatery is a popular spot in Columbus for modern Italian cuisine. Here, fresh and local ingredients are combined with the basic ideas of Italian cooking. This results in a creative and seasonal menu.

Particularly delicious are Speck and Burrata, Spaghetti Pomodoro, or the Pistachio Cannolo. The lively atmosphere in the restaurant allows you to have an unforgettable evening in Columbus.

Sunday: closedMonday – Friday: 11 am – 2 pm and 5 – 10 pm
Sunday: closed

89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Tip #5: Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

Restaurant image for Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

Barcelona Restaurant and Bar is a perfect mix of delicious Spanish food and a cozy drink in the evening – and all of this right in Columbus.

In addition to tapas, there is also paella and sweet options. What is special is that the desserts and breads are prepared fresh daily. The drink menu is also well stocked; besides sangria, there are Spanish wines and beers.

In the summer, you can definitely feel as if you were in sunny Spain.

Monday: closedTuesday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
Friday: 11 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 4 – 10 pm
Sunday: 4 – 9 pm

263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206

Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: Mandrake Rooftop

Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

One of the best restaurants in Columbus is Mandrake Rooftop. There, you can enjoy a lounge on the 10th floor, allowing you to have a great view over the city. In good weather, you can sit outside on the terrace or enjoy the creative dishes from the kitchen inside. With Mediterranean-Asian creations and an extensive cocktail selection, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

Monday, Tuesday: closedSunday, Wednesday: 4 – 10 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 4 pm – 2 am

810 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Tip #7: Katalina’s, Too!

Restaurant image for Katalina’s, Too!

If you're looking for a nice restaurant that offers you a good brunch, then Katalina's, Too! is a great choice. It is considered the most popular café in the Clintonville neighborhood in Columbus. There, you'll be served Pancake Balls, which are small, round pancakes filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Katalina's is also known for its creative breakfast tacos and fresh juices.

Daily: 8 am – 3 pm

3481 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214

Tip #8: The Thurman Cafe

Restaurant image for The Thurman Cafe

One of the best restaurants in Columbus is The Thurman Cafe. Believe it or not, they have a huge, handmade burger that is famous all over America.

All the classic burgers are on the menu, and there are even more highlights. The atmosphere is lively and therefore definitely worth a visit on your culinary journey through Columbus.

Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 11 pm
Friday, Saturday: 11 am – 12 am

183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

Tip #9: Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge

The Thurman Cafe

If you want to experience a special evening in Columbus, a visit to a jazz club is a must. The Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge is a live jazz lounge where you can hear local jazz artists in a stylish atmosphere.

The atmosphere resembles a speakeasy, thanks to the lighting and the furniture. In addition to music, there are of course also various tapas that pair perfectly with the drinks on the menu.

Sunday, Monday: closedTuesday – Thursday: 5.30 – 10 pm
Friday, Saturday: 5 – 11 pm

17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215

Tip #10: SŌW Plated

Restaurant image for SŌW Plated

Even though our tip is a bit outside the city center, SŌW Plated is definitely worth a visit. It is one of the best restaurants in Columbus if you are looking for healthy and innovative cuisine.

Here, the focus is on vegetables, proteins, and creative combinations. So you can look forward to an inviting atmosphere. It is ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Friday, Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm

1625 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!
Sarah Merle

About the Author

Sarah Merle

Sarah is one of the creative minds behind the Le Petit Chef blog. With her authentic and approachable style, she enjoys sharing all kinds of experience-based activities.