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Best Columbus Restaurants to Try on Your Visit

Columbus, Ohio is a city with a restaurant scene as diverse and welcoming as the city itself. From plant-based dining near Ohio State University and lively German beer halls in the heart of downtown to beloved brunch spots, stacked comfort food classics, and some of the best Tex-Mex in the state, the Columbus restaurants on this list cover every craving and occasion.

Whether you are after a big breakfast to fuel a day of sightseeing, a relaxed lunch, or a lively dinner with drinks and live music, the restaurants in Columbus on this list have something for every appetite and budget.

Plan your stay at redroof.com and come hungry.

A group of hot dogs on a cutting board
A pizza with pineapple and jalapeno peppers on a wooden table
A cheeseburger and fries on a wooden board

Columbus's Standout Dining Spots

A plate of food with sauce

The Greenhouse Canteen

Tucked close to Ohio State University, The Greenhouse Canteen is one of the top Columbus restaurants for a plant-based dining experience that is as delicious as it is affordable. The vegan and vegetarian menu features creative dishes like quinoa chili nachos and cauliflower wings alongside a tempting dessert selection and a list of Australian wines.

A group of people clinking glasses of beer

Hofbräuhaus Columbus

Located close to the heart of downtown, Hofbräuhaus Columbus is one of the most lively and atmospheric restaurants in Columbus, drawing on Bavarian and Germanic roots to deliver bratwurst, thick steaks, salty pretzels, and beers on tap from around the world. Live music evenings make every visit feel like Oktoberfest.

A person holding plates of food

Forno Kitchen and Bar

One of the best Columbus restaurants in the Short North Arts District, Forno Kitchen and Bar offers a contemporary menu blending Italian staples like pasta and pizza with American classics, with special attention given to chicken dishes made from locally raised poultry. The chic yet unpretentious atmosphere makes it welcoming for diners of every demographic.

A group of bowls of food

The Pearl

Beloved by locals and celebrated for its award-winning brunch menu, The Pearl is a spacious and cozy Columbus restaurant open throughout the day and night. The menu spans eggs and bacon, seafood, steaks, pub-style burgers, oysters, and deep-fried chicken in a contemporary public house atmosphere with beers on tap.

A burger and fries on a wooden surface

The Thurman Café

A go-to comfort food destination among Columbus restaurants, The Thurman Café is celebrated for its skyscraper-stacked burgers packed with grilled beef, onions, melted cheese, and bacon, alongside jalapeño poppers, honey mustard corn dogs, pizzas, and sub sandwiches. It is the kind of place that puts a smile on your face after a long day of exploring.

A pizza with tomatoes and peppers on a wooden plate

Pies and Pints

Affordable, generous in portion, and big on flavor, Pies and Pints is one of the best Columbus restaurants for satisfying tavern-style dining. The pizza is among the finest in the city, and the steak and cheese sub sandwich is a standout. Cheesecakes and sundaes round out a dessert menu that is hard to resist.

A hot dogs on a plate

Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace

One of the most distinctive and beloved restaurants in Columbus, Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace serves hot dogs buried beneath heaped toppings and sauces, with vegan options alongside the classic menu. Drawing inspiration from Cajun cuisine and Asian fusion flavors, generous portions at wallet-friendly prices make it a top Columbus restaurant for casual dining.e

A plate of tacos with meat and vegetables

Bakersfield

When Tex-Mex cravings hit, Bakersfield is one of the best Columbus restaurants for Latin American cuisine that ramps up the spice and keeps the portions generous. Soft tortillas packed with onions, salads, meats, and cheeses are paired with crisp Latin beers or fresh fruit juices, with a lively and design-forward interior making every visit an enjoyable experience.