Columbus is one of those cities that quietly has a killer food scene — and then you visit and realize you could plan an entire trip around eating. From massive sandwiches to chic date-night spots and legendary ice cream, this Columbus Foodie Guide covers some of my favorite places to eat your way through the city.
If this is your first time exploring the city, you can also check out my Perfect 24 Hours in Columbus, Ohio for a quick snapshot of must-see highlights before diving into this Columbus Foodie Guide.
Wario’s Beef & Pork is where you go when you’re really hungry — and it’s worth planning your day around this stop. Their sandwiches are huge, saucy, and built on bread that is perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
What to Order:
Steak Sandwich – Loaded with juicy steak, peppers, and cheese.
Warrior’s Way – If you’re a cheese lover, this one is decadent and melty.
Pair your sandwich with their Caesar salad (bright and fresh, with just the right amount of dressing) and a side of potatoes if you’ve got room.
Tip: Park on the street behind Wario’s (about $1.35/hr) and take a stroll through the Arena District afterward to walk off your meal.
North Market is the foodie heart of Columbus — a bustling indoor market with dozens of vendors.
Must-Try Stops:
Mo Mo Ghar – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, serving Johl Mo Mo (Tibetan dumplings) and Choila Set (spicy chicken salad with rice and potatoes).
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Brown Butter Almond Brittle is practically a Columbus rite of passage.
Barrel & Boar – Excellent BBQ if you want something smoky and filling.
Tip: Go hungry, and go early on weekends — it gets busy around lunch.
Food halls are my favorite way to sample a city’s flavors, and if you love markets, don’t miss my Guide to Columbus Farmers Markets to find even more local vendors, produce, and small bites around the city.
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Lindey’s is a Columbus institution, known for impeccable service, seasonal menus, and a beautiful patio that’s perfect on warm nights.
Insider Tip: Make reservations 2–3 weeks ahead. If you can’t get a table, try for open seating at the bar or patio — first come, first served.
Speck Italian Eatery takes Italian classics and gives them a modern twist.
What to Order:
House-made focaccia with burrata (served like a cheese plate)
Heritage tomato salad (when in season)
Any of the fresh pastas — they change seasonally, but they’re always perfect
Watershed Kitchen & Bar is dark, moody, and perfect for splitting plates and sipping craft cocktails (or mocktails).
What to Order:
Crispy potatoes – 8/10
Caesar salad – 8.5/10
Mushroom pasta with short rib – 9/10 (rich and flavorful)
Pro Tip: Schedule a distillery tour before your dinner reservation — it’s a fun way to start the evening.
For even more restaurant ideas across the city, browse my full Where to Eat in Columbus, Ohio guide — it’s packed with classic spots, neighborhood favorites, and hidden gems.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams deserves its own mention — smooth, creamy, and full of bold flavors. Get a butterscotch waffle cone (life-changing).
Columbus has everything from enormous sandwiches and fresh pasta to special-occasion dining and ice cream served in a butterscotch waffle cone. The variety is what makes the city so much fun to eat through—you can have Tibetan dumplings for lunch, a modern Italian dinner, and still justify dessert afterward.
This Columbus Foodie Guide is not a complete list of every restaurant in the city, but it includes the places I would recommend when you want to build a trip around some very good meals.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
Compare Columbus hotels through Booking.com, or read Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio before choosing your neighborhood.
Browse Columbus tours and activities through Viator.
Bring my Airport Backpack, a refillable Brita Water Bottle, a compact Nano Bag for market purchases, and a Clutch Powerbank to keep you charged up for food photos and Google Maps.
Plan a food-focused couple’s trip with my Romantic Getaway in Columbus – 2-Day Itinerary.
Add more sightseeing between meals with Top 5 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio.
For a longer visit, use Spend a Weekend in Columbus, Ohio to organize your restaurants, attractions, and overnight stay.
For another special-occasion restaurant, read my Agni Columbus Review: One of the Best Fine Dining Experiences in Columbus.
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
