The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Columbus, Ohio: Best Restaurants, Breweries & Stays
Welcome to a culinary adventure that promises to be a delightful escape from the everyday! Today, we’re diving deep into the vibrant food scene of Columbus, Ohio, a city that has completely redefined its reputation as a hidden gem for gourmands and casual diners alike. Forget your holiday to-do lists for a moment and embark on a food-filled journey with us.
Back in September, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a few days exploring Columbus, Ohio, in collaboration with Experience Columbus. This wasn’t just any trip; it was a “Taste of Columbus,” affectionately named, but more accurately described as a non-stop food marathon. And I’m not exaggerating – we visited an astonishing 17 food establishments in just three days, sampling everything from artisanal pastries to craft beers.
As a first-time visitor to Columbus, I was genuinely captivated and profoundly impressed by the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. It’s a city bustling with creative entrepreneurs who are passionately making a significant impact in the food industry. Columbus is a melting pot of eclectic cafes, charming farm-to-table restaurants, time-honored bakeries, innovative independent coffee shops, and burgeoning small breweries. This guide will share my top recommendations, ensuring you experience the very best that this incredible city has to offer.
If you’re seeking a fun, surprisingly affordable, and incredibly delicious destination for your next long-weekend trip or travel escape, Columbus, Ohio, should undoubtedly be at the top of your list. Prepare to be delighted by its diverse flavors and warm hospitality!
Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio
While I often opt for the intimate charm of small Airbnbs when exploring new cities, for this particular culinary immersion, we had the pleasure of calling Hotel Leveque our home base. This exquisite Autograph Collection boutique hotel, centrally located in downtown Columbus, proved to be an exceptional choice.
I truly cannot overstate how much we adored this hotel. Housed within the historic LeVeque Tower, a magnificent Art Deco landmark built in the late 1920s, the hotel seamlessly blends historical grandeur with contemporary luxury. Each room is a masterpiece of design, stunningly stylish and incredibly comfortable, featuring a unique layout and a celestial-themed design. My room, for instance, even boasted a star projector for the ceiling, adding a touch of magic! The bathrooms, too, were absolutely gorgeous, offering a spa-like experience.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Hotel Leveque’s prime location is a major draw. It’s within comfortable walking distance to many of Columbus’s most popular and historic neighborhoods, including the charming German Village. A little fun fact: I even spotted Guy Fieri in the hotel lobby one morning – a testament to its appeal! For a truly memorable and luxurious stay that offers both convenience and character, Hotel Leveque is an unparalleled option in Columbus.
Best Places to Eat in Columbus, Ohio: A Foodie’s Paradise
Over the course of our intensive three-day exploration, we managed to sample culinary delights from more than 17 different establishments across Columbus. I consider myself to have a robust appetite, but even I was amazed by the sheer volume and incredible quality of food we consumed. From cozy breakfast nooks to elegant dinner spots, here are the absolute best places to eat in Columbus that left a lasting impression.
Interactive Culinary Experiences
Our gastronomic journey began with an evening at The Kitchen, a unique event space offering communal cooking classes designed for groups. The concept is wonderfully interactive: participants work together to prepare various dishes throughout the evening, culminating in a shared meal where everyone enjoys the fruits of their labor. It’s a fantastic, engaging experience, and the space itself is beautifully appointed, creating an inviting atmosphere for culinary creativity.
One of the best aspects? The Kitchen takes care of all the tedious prep work for you. Ingredients are pre-measured and portioned, so you can focus purely on the joy of cooking and connection. And the cherry on top – no dishes to wash! It’s the perfect way to kick off a food tour, blending learning, teamwork, and delicious dining.
Columbus Breakfast Tour Highlights
The following morning ushered in our first (and utterly non-stop) marathon of eats, expertly guided by local food blogger Nick Dekker of Breakfast with Nick. Nick partners with Columbus Food Adventures, a company renowned for its incredible selection of Columbus food tours, including their highly popular breakfast tour. Over several hours, we visited five distinct breakfast spots, each offering unique flavors and styles, and had the chance to sample their most beloved and popular dishes. It was a fantastic blend of new and long-standing establishments, truly showcasing the city’s diverse breakfast offerings.
Kolache Republic – Our first stop introduced us to the delightful world of kolaches, a traditional Czech pastry that Kolache Republic has perfected. Filled with sweet jams or savory ingredients, these pastries were a revelation. Prior to this trip, I was largely unfamiliar with kolaches, but now I’m inspired to try making my own! Kolache Republic boasts an impressive array of 25 different flavors, both sweet and savory. We sampled a wide selection, but my absolute favorites were the savory, perfectly baked egg-filled kolaches – a truly satisfying start to the day.
Fox in the Snow – This was unequivocally my favorite discovery during the entire breakfast tour! Housed in a beautifully converted garage, this incredibly trendy cafe and coffee shop is a visual and culinary delight. They offer a vast selection of homemade pastries – the cinnamon rolls were divine, and the souffléd egg and bacon breakfast sandwich was a revelation. Beyond the food, the space is impeccably designed, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere.
What truly sets Fox in the Snow apart is their intentional decision not to offer WiFi. This deliberate choice fosters genuine human connection, as you immediately notice people engaging in conversations and simply enjoying each other’s company, free from the distraction of laptops. If I were a Columbus local, I could easily see myself spending countless hours in this charming cafe. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring the city, offering fantastic food, coffee, and a refreshing ambiance.
Market Italian Village – Our third destination on the breakfast tour, Market Italian Village, is a multi-faceted establishment that effortlessly blends an Italian deli, a specialty grocery store, and an Italian/Mediterranean-style restaurant. This bustling spot offers an extensive selection of local beers and wines, artisanal food products, and a comprehensive restaurant menu. Here, we savored their shakshuka, a beautifully presented dish featuring a classic spiced tomato sauce, perfectly poached eggs, crumbled feta, crispy chickpeas, and house-made pita bread. The vibrant flavors and thoughtful presentation made it a memorable part of our tour.
Buckeye Donuts – Our fourth visit introduced us to a true Columbus institution: Buckeye Donuts. Located just steps from Ohio State University, this beloved bakery has been operating 24 hours a day, every single day of the year, since its opening in 1969. We were granted exclusive access to the back of the bakery, where we witnessed the mesmerizing process of how every single donut is baked and glazed from scratch. Despite being quite full, I made sure to sample several varieties. The classic glazed, the fruity blueberry, the substantial apple fritter, and the incredibly rich Buckeye donut quickly became my favorites. A visit here is a step back in time and a truly delicious experience.
The Table – Last but certainly not least on our breakfast tour, we visited The Table, a charming cafe and restaurant dedicated to farm-to-table cuisine. The interior is a cozy, light-filled sanctuary, beautifully designed with an eclectic mix of comfortable furniture, lush plants, and artistic decor. By this point, I was thoroughly stuffed from our previous stops, yet the dishes we tried were so enticing. The Akoori, an Indian-spiced scrambled eggs dish, and the house-made Brioche French toast, served with tart sour cherries, were absolutely divine. The freshness and quality of ingredients truly shone through. It’s the kind of place where you could easily linger for hours, soaking in the inviting atmosphere.
Explore the North Market in Columbus
A true jewel in Columbus’s culinary crown, the North Market is an absolute must-visit. This vibrant indoor market is a bustling hub featuring an incredible array of local food stalls, including artisanal spice shops, fresh produce vendors, lively bars, delightful bakeries, and an abundance of grab-and-go options. It beautifully reminded me of a smaller, more accessible, and more affordable version of San Francisco’s famed Ferry Building. The North Market is a fantastic place to immerse yourself for a few hours, sample a vast selection of local eats, and truly get a taste of Columbus’s diverse culinary talent. Do not miss it!
North Market Spices – Within the North Market, this neat spice stall is a sensory delight. It offers a truly massive selection of bulk spices and expertly crafted house-made spice blends. What makes it particularly special is that each spice has a sample jar, inviting you to discover its unique aroma. I could have happily spent a considerable amount of time here, exploring the vast collection. We were even treated to a complimentary pouch of their Sazon blend, which I’ve since used repeatedly in my cooking and absolutely adore for its rich, authentic flavor.
Hot Chicken Takeover – Located on the second floor of the North Market, Hot Chicken Takeover brings the fiery flavors of classic Nashville hot fried chicken to Columbus. We had the pleasure of sampling both their hot and mild fried chicken (the hot was definitely my preference!), alongside their perfectly balanced homemade slaws and a comforting banana pudding. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food with a satisfying kick, a truly standout experience within the market.
Brezel – This stall specializes in authentic homemade Bavarian-style pretzels and various pretzel-based products. I don’t typically consider myself a “pretzel person,” but I was genuinely impressed by the variety on offer – from savory to sweet, there was a pretzel for every palate. The fact that they were literally just baked, served incredibly fresh and still warm from the oven, elevated the experience to another level. A delicious and unexpected treat!
North Market Cheese (Black Radish Creamery) – Somehow, I managed to find room for a small beer and cheese tasting at this cozy bar within the North Market, often associated with Black Radish Creamery. The selection was impressive, featuring a curated array of beers and cheeses, all proudly sourced from Ohio. The pairings were absolutely fantastic, highlighting the quality of local produce. This spot is perfect for a light snack, a sophisticated tasting, or simply enjoying a refreshing cocktail with friends.
Little Eater – This adorable mini produce grocer, which also functions as a restaurant offering ready-made salads and other vegetable-centric dishes, was a delightful find. It was brimming with artisan food products and seasonal produce directly from local Ohio farmers. The founder and owner, Cara Mangini, possesses a deep passion for celebrating vegetables and elevating them to the star of any plate. She is also the author of the insightful cookbook, Vegetable Butcher [affiliate link], an invaluable resource for learning how to expertly prep and cook various vegetables – I highly recommend checking it out! The food here was incredibly fresh, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Another absolute must-visit within the North Market!
Pistacia Vera – This exquisite bakery stall transported me straight to the classic patisseries of Paris and Europe. Pistacia Vera offers an extensive and visually stunning selection of French pastries. Their homemade macarons, especially the pistachio and the local “buckeye” flavor, are legendary best-sellers and for good reason! I honestly wanted to try every single item on display. They also operate a more traditional sit-down cafe location in downtown Columbus, for those seeking a more relaxed experience to savor their delightful creations.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – No foodie trip to Columbus is truly complete without a visit to a Jeni’s Ice Cream shop. We made our way to their location in the trendy German Village neighborhood, though Jeni’s first location can also be found within the North Market. We had the incredible privilege of meeting and speaking with Jeni Britton Bauer herself, the visionary behind Jeni’s!
She is genuinely incredibly kind and down-to-earth, and it was deeply inspiring to hear her speak about her commitment to local producers, her journey of growing a small business into a large, beloved brand, and her all-time favorite ice cream creations. I also had the delightful opportunity to try several new-to-me Jeni’s ice cream flavors that aren’t yet available in grocery stores. The delicate cream puff and the vibrant lemon blueberry – a refreshing summer twist on her classic lemon buttermilk – quickly became my new favorites! Each scoop is a testament to her dedication to quality and innovative flavor combinations.
Flowers & Bread – Our second morning in Columbus was spent at the truly exceptional Flowers & Bread, a brilliantly conceived space that seamlessly blends a bakery, coffee shop, and a captivating flower workshop. One of its co-owners is a proud graduate of the French Culinary Institute (ICE), which speaks volumes about the quality and passion evident here. Our visit commenced with a gorgeous brunch spread laid out in their private event space – a versatile venue perfect for everything from baby showers to wedding celebrations. This was followed by an enjoyable, quick bread-stenciling class, and a delightful homemade flower necklace workshop.
Having never participated in a flower workshop before, I found this experience incredibly fun and unique! Flowers & Bread is truly a special spot in Columbus, offering a creative and delicious escape. I wholeheartedly recommend paying it a visit to enjoy its unique offerings and charming ambiance.
Basi-Italia – For our final dinner in Columbus, we had the pleasure of dining at Basi-Italia, one of the city’s most beloved Italian restaurants. This indoor/outdoor establishment exudes a charming and intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for a memorable evening. The food was nothing short of fantastic, offering some of the best classic Italian dishes I’ve enjoyed in a long time. The Eggplant Parmesan, uniquely prepared with cornmeal instead of flour, and their signature Zucchini Pronto salad were absolute standout favorites, though every dish we sampled was superb. It’s a culinary experience that genuinely transports you.
Katalina’s – Our absolute final stop in Columbus on our last morning was the wonderfully eclectic Katalina’s. This incredibly cool space offers as much in vibrant character as it does in exceptional food. With both charming outdoor and cozy indoor seating, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot, as indoor seating is limited. The menu features a delightful Latin and Southern twist, emphasizing local produce and artisanal ingredients. Katalina’s is famously known for their Original Pancake Balls™ – and let me tell you, the Nutella-filled ones were outrageously delicious! If you’re craving something savory, the Shagbark breakfast black bean soup (it works, trust me, it’s surprisingly amazing) and the avocado toast are both incredibly flavorful options. I absolutely loved how unique this spot was and could easily see myself as a regular if I lived in Columbus.
Where to Try Local Brews + Spirits in Columbus
Columbus isn’t just a haven for foodies; it’s also home to a thriving scene of local breweries and distilleries that are absolutely worth exploring. While our jam-packed schedule only allowed us to visit a select few, the quality and innovation we encountered were truly impressive. For even more fantastic options, be sure to check out this comprehensive list for additional ideas on where to sample local craft beverages.
Rockmill Brewery – After our epic breakfast tour, we boarded a bus and ventured just outside the city to visit Rockmill Brewery, a destination brewery specializing in exquisite Belgian-style farmhouse ales. The brewery and its inviting indoor/outdoor tasting space are set on a gorgeous former horse farm, offering picturesque views overlooking a tranquil small pond. The atmosphere was incredibly serene and peaceful – I could have easily spent hours just soaking it all in.
Here, we had the opportunity to sample their full range of ales (the saisons were a particular favorite of mine!), get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at where they brew and bottle everything on the property, and indulge in some truly epic charcuterie boards. These boards featured an impressive selection of local Ohio cheeses and perfectly crafted house-made charcuterie, providing the ideal complement to their exceptional brews.
Watershed Distillery – That same evening, we made our way to Watershed Distillery, a prominent craft distillery in Columbus. Here, we enjoyed mini sips of their impressive selection of distilled liquors – a truly potent and diverse tasting experience! Following the tasting, we dined at their excellent in-house restaurant, which excels in offering modern twists on classic comfort food. The hay-smoked ribs were a particular favorite of mine, showcasing innovative flavors and expert preparation. While I’m not typically a big spirits enthusiast, their Nocino, an Italian walnut liqueur, was incredibly distinct and surprisingly appealing. This is a genuinely fun spot to visit, especially if you have an interest in local craft spirits and inventive cuisine.
Our Blogging Crew (top row to bottom, left to right): Glory, Brenda, Phillip, Michael, Jen, Lindsay, me, Allie, Erin, and Joanne
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Experience Columbus for generously hosting us on this truly incredible tour of Columbus. I was deeply inspired not only by the flourishing food scene but also by the passionate local business owners. Their unwavering dedication to producing exceptional food and their commitment to supporting local growers and artisans is truly commendable and shines through in every bite and experience.
Once again, if you are searching for a fantastic, vibrant, and welcoming small city to explore on your next adventure, be sure to add Columbus, Ohio, to your travel bucket list. Its culinary delights and charming atmosphere promise an unforgettable experience.
I received complimentary meals and accommodations in Columbus through Experience Columbus. However, I did not receive any other compensation to write this post. Thank you for following me along on my travel adventures and for supporting the incredible work of local businesses in Columbus!