Location: Columbus
Top Restaurants in Columbus
Where to Eat in Columbus: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Ohio’s capital city is full of beautiful neighborhoods, a critically acclaimed food scene and top-ranked attractions. This creative-minded destination offers something for everyone. Families will enjoy COSI, the nationally known science center, as well as the Columbus zoo and its neighboring water park. Art lovers will savor the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and revel in Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration in the Short North Art District. Columbus is a city that invites exploration.
Things to do in Columbus
1. Z Cucina di Spirito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
We specialize in rustic Italian cuisine with a modern flare. Handmade cheeses, bread, pastas and desserts as well as house cured salumi combine with an artisan wine list in a warm environment. Please note that we are open for lunch for groups of 8 or more with advanced notice. We also have semi-private dining options available as well.
Reviewed By Ctrytek
We have been to this restaurant many times and the food and service are always impeccable. The meals are always delicious and the menu changes seasonally with old favorites as well as a few new items, but this is Dine Originals week. In additional to...MoreThank you for another visit and review. Glad to know that you enjoyed our Dine Originals menu!
2. Brassica
Overall Ratings
5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By lisargold - Ohio
We ate lunch at Brassica today for the first time. All I can say is that it was delicious and full of wonderful complementary flavors. It is owned by the same company that owns Northstar Cafe, one of our favorites in the area. As a previous reviewer said, it is set up like a Chipotle, but that is were the similarity stops. The food is Mediterranean. You have your choice of getting a fresh home made pita or a bowl that starts with a yummy rice & lentil mixture and dressed greens. From their you decide if you want falafel, brisket, chicken or veggies. Then you can add hummas, baba ghanoush, fried onions, three different pickled veggies, an amazing cauliflower dish, an equally amazing spicy carrot dish, an eggplant one (I didn't try this), your choice of three different pickled veggies and about 5 or six sauces. Other things on the menu that we tried were a side of falafel and fries with an amazing spice mixture on them.
I've said all of this because if there was one down side to the restaurant, it's that their on-line menu does them a disservice. It only tells you the basics, not all of these amazing options that you can have that make your meal full of amazing flavors.
They also use natural and organic products.
3. Mitchell's Ocean Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 579 reviews
Mitchell’s Ocean Club is a modern American restaurant and lounge from renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell. The flagship location of OCEAN PRIME, a boutique collection of restaurants located from coast-to-coast, Mitchell’s Ocean Club is located in Easton Town Center, a stylish retail center convenient to Port Columbus International Airport and downtown Columbus. Stunning settings and a vibrant energy, an impressive menu of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails, a Wine Spectator-honored wine list and truly genuine hospitality make Mitchell’s Ocean Club an ideal place to socialize, talk business, celebrate and indulge.
Reviewed By marty s - Columbus, Ohio
While the main menu is pricey, and food is excellent, the happy hour menu is fantastic and reasonably priced. 6$ small plates, though plenty for one or for two to share a couple plates, and 10$ large sushi rolls. The ahi tuna tacos are amazing,...MoreThank you for the kind words and the feedback Marty! We are so glad that you think so highly of us and we look forward to providing a 5-star experience in the future!
4. The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
An upscale dining experience with a very unique ambiance in 19th century historical building. Contemporary and classic French cuisine. Unparalleled service and a wine program unlike any other. In addition to Dining Room Menu; Wine Retail Store, Wine Tastings, Bistro Dining, Dinner Music Series No dress code required; dressy casual or business casual
Reviewed By AmericanExplorer8500 - Marysville, Ohio
We were welcomed to an early evening reservation with smiling faces. First class treatment. Every food item was prepared beautifully. Our waiter Joseph was fun, informative, and attentive without being intrusive, The appetizers were exploratory in taste and delightful to share amongst the family. However we wished they had been slightly more generous with the crusts to enjoy the generous amount of spread they give you. We enjoyed our cocktails and main entrees as well. I tried the grouse and duck plate, and although I discovered the grouse was not my favorite meat, it was cooked perfectly, and presented very nicely. The duck was perfect. The children enjoyed the filet mignon and bison steak. Another member found her meal to be different than she expected. She felt it was well prepared, but she felt she should have asked better questions. Her advice is to have the waiter explain clearly what you are ordering if you exploring something new. Overall it was a fun memorable evening, and I would return. It is very expensive and it will be reserved for special occasions.
5. Mozart's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
We're located in Clintonville at 4784 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio. For nearly two decades, Mozart's has brought the rich flavors and ambiance of Austria's centuries-old cafe tradition to Columbus. From decadent pastries to savory entrees, our European-trained chefs offer guests a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and Afternoon Tea service complemented by decadent handcrafted desserts and ice creams. Visit our historic Clintonville location to enjoy a relaxing meal accompanied by live classical music and experience 'A Taste of Austria.' Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions about our pastries, tortes, cakes as well as our European wines and coffees. Let us know how we're doing - we're always eager to find new ways to give our customers an experience they'll never forget.
Reviewed By angelalapat
This was our first time there. It is a beautiful restaraunt with wonderful ambience. The dinner was delicious, and the desserts we're to die for. My husband and I had an appetizer, main course, dessert and wine. All in all we spent about$100 with tip. The owner was present and very cordial and personable. Definitely will be going back!!!
6. The Melting Pot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
The Melting Pot offers a unique and interactive dining experience in a casual elegant atmosphere. It"s the perfect location for a romantic evening, corporate dinner party, or friendly gathering. Guests enjoy a choice of 4 flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of entree selections combined with special dipping sauces. The menu also includes creamy cheese fondue, fresh salad, fine wines and mouth-watering chocolate fondue desserts.
Reviewed By swadmin - Denver, Colorado
First time giving Melting Pot a try and it's great. Nice environment, good food and great service. Of course it's not cheap. Be prepared that the 4 course dinner can take quite some time, close to a couple hours, so don't go there if you are in a hurry :)
7. Lindey's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
Reviewed By scorpio5 - Ohio
Lindey’s is always good, and today’s late lunch didn’t prove otherwise! Wanted to celebrate my college kid’s accomplishments, we went to Lindey’s. Classy service, I had the crab cakes=OMG!!! Great spice and accoutrements. Generous pour on the Chardonnay. Daughter had the fresh catch, cod filet, with a lovely roasted fingerling potato and green bean medley.
Sourdough bread is also very tasty and fresh.
Everything awesome. We love you, Lindey’s!
8. Lola & Guiseppe's Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By smithatnt - Elizabethtown, Kentucky
We recently ate dinner here to celebrate a couple of birthdays with a group of 7. Service was friendly, and a little slow, but this seems to be a characteristic of authentic Italian places so that everyone has time to relax and enjoy each other's company while eating (which we did). The food was quite tasty and portions were generous. Everyone was glad we chose Lola's and would definitely come again.
9. Northstar Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 816 reviews
Reviewed By U4107HOpatriciag
We loved brunch at Northstar Cafe. Food and atmosphere were great. I will definitely go there again.
10. Lavash Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Kyffon B
Pros
Beautiful kabobs. Beautiful. The shrimp kabobs have big flavorful shrimp and the sauce they come with it slightly sweet with some tang to it. It was really good.
Cons
They have a tip line on the receipt which is a little goofy considering you get your own drink, pick up your food, grab your own silverware, and seat yourself. What exactly am I tipping you for?
Ordered the lamb rare. It came out raw to blue rare. Inside was no more than 90 degrees. There were raw spots on the outside. "Microbially" speaking... it wasn't safe to eat. I took it back to the "cook" who informed me "you said rare". A little side note: I've been a Chef for over a decade. We went back and forth a little until he finally put it back on the grill. He butterflies the meat down the middle and slaps it on the grill pushing on it so it will cook. Goodbye juices, goodbye flavor, goodbye any chance of it being anything less than well done. What a clown.
