Columbus has a food scene that’s way more exciting than most people expect. From tiny counter-service spots that will ruin you for all future sandwiches to fine dining that nails every detail, this is a city where you’ll never go hungry. If you’re trying to figure out where to eat in Columbus Ohio, here’s a guide to some of my favorite spots around town — where to go, what to order, and why they’re worth the stop.
If you want even more dining ideas, check out my full Ultimate Columbus Foodie Guide for tons of additional restaurant recommendations.
This tiny sandwich shop packs a big punch — and a big sandwich. The portions here are enormous, so bring a friend or a serious appetite. If there are two of you, I recommend splitting the Caesar salad and one of their massive sandwiches (try the steak sandwich or the Warrior’s Way if you really love cheese) and adding a side of potatoes. Unless you’re trying to win an eating contest, you don’t need one full sandwich per person — they’re that big.
The bread is perfection — crusty but soft inside — and the sandwiches are saucy and rich, so come hungry. This is a heavy lunch, so plan to walk it off afterward.
Wendy's Pro tip: Park behind Wario’s on the road (last time it was $1.35 for an hour). From there, you can walk to North Market and make it a whole afternoon — bonus points if you cut through the Nationwide Arena area because it’s a fun walk.
Since you may be walking around Columbus for several hours, I recommend carrying a refillable Brita Water Bottle.
North Market is an indoor food hall with dozens of vendors selling everything from spices and flowers to full meals. There are so many great options here, but my must-try is Mo Mo Ghar. Chef and owner Phinsto Lama is cooking up Tibetan and Nepalese specialties in the middle of Columbus, and it’s so good that Guy Fieri featured it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Get the Johl Mo Mo (Tibetan steamed dumplings filled with chicken and covered in a spicy fenugreek tomato sauce) or the Choila Set (Tibetan chicken salad with rice, potatoes, and black-eyed peas) — Guy called it one of the most unique dishes he’s ever had.
Another solid choice is Barrel & Boar for BBQ. And no trip to North Market is complete without dessert — grab Jeni’s Ice Cream while you’re here (or at one of their other locations around town). Their flavors are inventive — Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Wildberry Lavender — and the texture is ridiculously creamy. Do yourself a favor and get it in a butterscotch waffle cone.
For more local markets around the city, read my Guide to Columbus Farmers Markets.
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Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you — inside is a moody, romantic space perfect for a date night. It’s also a working distillery, so you can book a tour ahead of time and see where the magic happens before you sit down to dinner.
Portions here are generous, so if you’re coming with a friend, I recommend splitting one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert (unless you’re both starving).
Here’s what I tried and how I rated it:
Crispy potatoes — 8/10
Caesar salad — 8.5/10 (flavorful but skip if you hate cabbage)
Mushroom pasta — 9/10 (add short rib for extra fun)
Pork chops — 8/10
Chocolate cream — 5/10
Peach cobbler — 5/10 (too savory for my taste)
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Located in German Village, Lindey’s is a Columbus classic. The portions are perfect for a three-course meal, and everything I’ve ever tried here has been a 10/10. Make reservations two to three weeks in advance — by 5:30 or 6 pm, the dining room fills up and you’ll likely be out of luck without a booking. You can usually get a seat at the bar or on the patio if you’re flexible.
Their bread is baked fresh in Grandview, and it’s served with perfectly salted butter — simple but so good. If you happen to visit during Restaurant Week, it’s the best time to try a few extra dishes at a great price.
If you want a deeper dive into the menu and experience, I wrote a full review in my Unforgettable Dining at Lindey’s Columbus Ohio guide.
Speck feels like a big night out — in the best way. The vibe is modern and stylish, and everything is house-made, from the focaccia to the pasta. Start with the burrata (served like a little cheese plate), get the heritage tomato salad if it’s in season, and then go all in on the pasta.
This is a great date night spot or a special-occasion dinner when you want something a little elevated but still approachable.
The Woodbury — Candied bacon crepes, chicken hotcake tacos, and a vibe that’s casual but still special.
The Lox — Perfect bagels, but be prepared for a seed overload if you get the everything bagel. The bacon, egg, and cheese is my favorite. Locals also swear by the Italian or Cuban sandwiches for lunch.
Buckeye Donuts — Chocolate peanut butter donuts that aren’t too sweet, plus a solid selection of filled and cake donuts.
Columbus is a food city through and through. Whether you’re eating your way through a food hall, sitting down for a three-course meal in German Village, or trying to split one of the largest sandwiches you’ve ever seen, you’ll find something here to love.
Bring an appetite, make a few reservations in advance, and leave time to wander — some of the best bites are found when you least expect them.
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 hotel rates through Booking.com.
Use my Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio guide to choose the best neighborhood and hotel for your trip.
Browse Columbus tours and activities through Viator.
Plan the rest of your sightseeing with my Top 5 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio guide.
Turn your restaurant list into a full trip with my Spend a Weekend in Columbus, Ohio itinerary.
Planning a couples’ trip? Read my Romantic Getaway in Columbus – 2-Day Itinerary.
Bring your Brita Water Bottle for walking between restaurants and neighborhoods.
Carry a Clutch Powerbank to power uo your phone for restaurant photos, directions, and reservations.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
