10 Amazing Food Places In Columbus, Ohio

I am proud to call Columbus my hometown. We have incredible music, theatre, local shops, and most importantly – FOOD. In case you’re traveling to my hometown soon, here are my recommendations for the 10 Amazing Food Places in Columbus, Ohio.

Best Breakfast: DK Diner

Let’s start at the beginning: breakfast. The absolute best of the breakfast food places in Columbus, Ohio is DK Diner. It offers classic American breakfast foods: donuts, eggs, bacon, pancakes. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, just a simply amazing breakfast.

Best Tacos: Tortilla

A few weeks ago I couldn’t have had this on the list, because they started as a food truck, and how can I tell my readers to chase a food truck around Columbus? But there must be a God because Tortilla just opened their first stand-alone location in the Short North Food Hall. Tortilla has my absolute favorite tacos and burritos in Columbus, and I’ve had a LOT of tacos. It is set up like a Chipotle, just with way more (and way better) options – just go through the line, and create your dream tacos.

Best Ice Cream: Jeni’s

Here in Columbus, we are proud of Jeni’s Ice Cream. Now, you can get it in grocery stores all around the country; but the best part about Jeni’s is going in the shop to sample all the weird and delicious flavors they have. Flavors like almond brittle, lavender, sweet potato, even whiskey! My personal favorites are the Brambleberry Crisp and the Salted Caramel!

Best Grilled Cheese: Melt

If you like grilled cheese, you will love Melt. Have you ever dreamt of building a mega-grilled-cheese with toppings like bacon, avocado, mac n’ cheese, meatballs, or pretty much anything else you can think of? Then Melt is your place. And of course, you can get some tomato soups (or other sides!) to go with your masterpiece.

Best Pizza: Meister’s

Sometimes the best food comes from unexpected places. Meister’s is a dive bar with not much else around in. But in the back, is a magical kitchen that makes Columbus’ best pizza. Even better? It’s deep dish! Everything from the sauce, to the crust, to exactly how much garlic they use, is incredible.

Best Indian Food: Aab

Do you love Indian food as much as I do? Columbus has a lot of Indian restaurants, and I’ve tried them all, but Aab always comes out on top. They have the best appetizers, the most vegetarian options, plus an alcoholic mango lassi – how can you argue with that?

Best Food: Watershed

A bit pricey, but trust me, it is worth it. Hands down, the absolute best food Columbus has to offer. I got legit emotional about the brussel sprouts I had there. And of course, what they are most known for, their amazing liquor and cocktails.

Best Hot Dogs: Dirty Franks

Now I know what you’re thinking….hot dogs? Who travels to a city just to eat a hot dog? But Dirty Franks changed the game. They offer Tons of delicious hot dogs, or you can always build your own with toppings like baked beans, coleslaw, French fries, kimchee, and more! And don’t fret, vegetarians. Dirty Franks has vegetarian hot dogs, bratwursts, and sausages, plus tons of vegetarian toppings available.

Best Vegetarian Food: Northstar

While most places in Columbus have great vegetarian options, Northstar is the best of the vegetarian food places in Columbus, Ohio. Their veggie burger is one of my favorites in Columbus. Plus everything on their menu is locally grown, organic, and artisan produced to preserve the environment.

Best Patio: Balboa

Blue skies and nice weather are maybe a little rare in Columbus, at least this time of year, but whenever we have one, we head over to Balboa. While personally, I find the entrees a little lack-luster, Balboa has a HUGE and beautiful patio to enjoy some margaritas and guacamole.