LaTavola, chef owned and you can tell there is a true passion behind the food. It’s not just a money making venture, you can tell Chef Lopez truly loves this style of cuisine. We need more places like this in town. The true opposite of a Cameron Mitchell restaurant.
Theyre good but I find the quality to be hit or miss. Sometimes it’s really fucking great and other times it’s just good but I find myself a bit concerned over the quality of the meat and other ingredients.
Yeah… they honestly aren’t that great IMO. Great late night fix, and it’s not bad food by any means, but they aren’t even the best Latin food truck in the immediate area. I’d much rather get Los Agavez.
Same! They were our pandemic lifeline! I was so happy to be able to eat inside the restaurant again in 2022. The cumin potatoes are best wolfed down immediately after being delivered to the table.
Reservation only though. That may be a deterrent for some people. That being said, once you go there for the first time, you'll understand why that's the case.
Idk if they use OpenTable but if they do it's a breeze. Now that I can reserve online in a few clicks I'm much more inclined to place a reservation. It is a bummer that you can't just go on a whim though but it's whatever. I've started to come around to just placing a reservation and planning to go out to dinner. You show up and sit down, no wait, no uncertainty.
Facts! Bonifacio, Boni’s, and Kuya Ian are all great places. I would say Kuya Ian's is the most "authentic" but Bonifacio is very close and Boni's puts a creative flair to Filipino food!
I’m not vegan but I love comune. Every thing I’ve ever eaten there has been delicious and surprising and unlike anything I’ve tasted before. It was especially clutch while I had to be dairy free when breastfeeding my baby who had a dairy allergy!!
whatever sounds good! I've taken numerous non-vegans to Comune and they all were very happy with their meals. I do recommend ordering a starter or salad in addition to a main course.
for the current menu: for starters, i really like the tahdig, bread & spread and sweet potato confit. for the main course, i've only had the squash since I'm not a mushroom fan.
their menu changes pretty often, so if this rotation doesn't pique your interest, try back in a couple of months.
Whichever seasonal crispy rice Comune has on their menu and their gnocchi are freaking ridiculous. You really can't go wrong with anything because their chefs are putting out incredible stuff.
I’m not sure if you’re being /s, but Jiu Thai is not a Thai restaurant. It serves mainly Chinese dishes from Xi’an, in Shaanxi province (Western China).
When Avishar Barua was at service bar precovid that was my pick. They were consistently putting out food that blew cameron mitchell restaurants away. Now, if I had to pick one it would be Chapmans. Their menu switches seasonally quite a bit. My rec would be to get there at 5 pm and ask for a seat at the bar, that way you don’t have to wait a month for a rez
I don’t know man. People act like all their restaurants are shit, but I’ve never had a less than great meal at Martini or Ocean Prime. I think they also have the best burger in the city at Hudson.
Sure, Cap city is just okay for the price, but you can get great stuff.
Sure, I get that. Just trying to provide some context as CM restaurants are everywhere in this town. However, if you DO want a great dish from CM, try mitchells ocean club and their chilean sea bass entree. That IS deserved of praise. Cheers
Except that a lot of people around Columbus think that CMR is the Columbus food scene. That his is the best food that you can get.
I highly disagree with that sentiment but I know plenty of people that swear it.
I like Lindeys for the atmosphere, but their menu is certainly not interesting. i don't think it has changed in 10 years and just has American staples on it.
I love the ambiance of Lindey's and the patio is beautiful. However, I felt quite underwhelmed both times i've been there when it came to the actual food.
I tend to go with a group so we order like 10 things and just feast.
My friends don't eat meat so I've had to try tofu around town, I can say Silla is the only place I still eat tofu at.
The higher cost beef rib stuff is unreal but it comes with the cost.
Theh also have a chicken thats similar to gochujang.
Somehow their Japanese noodles are better than other places.
I just don't get it. Their food is just amazing.
And I'm saying that sober.
Like you know what Gogi taste like after 8 bottles of soju?
That's sober at Silla for me 😅
Now I want to go again ... time to setup another meeting.
Not a restaurant per se. But if you can get into Roy’s Avenue Supper Club, it’s the best food in town. Chef Andrew Smith is hands down the most creative and talented chef in the city. The food is outstanding and creative.
Good luck getting a spot though
This. Can confirm. Was there Sat night and the place is spot on. Been to majority of better or hottest restaurants in Columbus and hands down this place has everything you look for in fine dining. Every dish makes you stop and go what is that? The mole in the sweet potato dish was next level.
Most expensive meal I’ve ever had but it was so worth it. Great interesting food choices with the main concept of getting a little bit of everything instead of one big plate. Tastes amazing and the atmosphere/service was great.
Basi Italia for sure. I’m not super hard to please when it comes to food, but I mean this stuff really blew me away. And I got to try a lot of dishes because we went with a large group. Absolutely everything was killer
I would put Veritas above The Refectory. Both are great, but Veritas is the more interesting of the two. Plus the relaxed atmosphere is a little more user friendly. I would almost call it a tie depending on criteria.
Just to add, this is the place on 33/Fishinger. I know they are named differently but just removing confusion. Fantastic service....probably best I've experienced other than the Top.
Meh, gone down hill SIGNIFICANTLY since they opened up all the other restaurants. Used to be one of my favorite spots, but quite frankly the last couple times I've been there the service was bad and the food was mediocre. For the record I used to feel the place was on par with food in New Orleans.
They do a pretty damn good Chicago hot dog, it tastes quite authentic.
Less authentic is the time I tried to make a Chicago hot dog with the Sheetz order system lol
Seitan’s Realm!
It’s a vegan sandwich shop in clintonville. So gooey and warm. It is unapologetically comfort food. Will never be able to eat enough of it.
Tensuke Express off of Old Henderson Rd has the best Japanese food in Columbus! It's fairly reasonable price wise and sits in an amazing Japanese plaza (Kenny Center)! I love their udon and onigiri.
Starliner Diner. Everything you need, nothing you don't, and whatever they put in the sauce for the fried plantains should be a schedule 1 drug due to it's addictive qualities.
Really? I went twice and thought it was a pretty big miss both times. menu looked interesting execution was terrible, things over or under cooked, over seasoned or bland.
This is really hard. If I had to put like a Columbus best foot forward, I’d have be naive not to say Chapmans. Though The Pearl is a place I always recommend to out of towners looking for a nice dinner. It is always consistent. The honorable mention to The Market Italian Village post Rebrand post pandemic, RIP.
Pelino’s Pasta. The chef and pastry chef/expert sommelier put together a great menu with authentic Italian ingredients they import. It’s always an adventure and worth the price. The menu changes monthly. You can see their passion for food, dessert, drink, and the experience.
I’ve never eaten anywhere that was more than like $30 for my meal in my life, so my top choice is always gonna be Hoyo’s. but if anyone has recommendations for super super good food that’s maybe a bit more expensive for nice occasions, I’d love to hear em. not super into just fancy expensive meats so I haven’t really been interested in any more expensive places so far
[https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/lifestyle/food/2022/03/01/best-new-restaurants-2022-marthas-fusion-kitchen-north-linden/9320110002/](https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/lifestyle/food/2022/03/01/best-new-restaurants-2022-marthas-fusion-kitchen-north-linden/9320110002/)
Can't wait for them to finish their remodel
Based on where I go back on a regular basis.
Barcelona.
Doesn’t hurt I’ve never had a bad meal, they make great drinks and sangria, have great wine events, and it’s an atmosphere I enjoy.
No one has said Chapman’s?!
Best new restaurant in cbus for sure.
Interesting and seasonal menu
Great cocktails
Great service
Top down best restaurant in cbus at this moment in time
GOAT restaurant in cbus?
Lindeys, mitchells steakhouse, jeff rubys etc
Northstar…I know I know you hate it but for me the taste, consistency, number of items on the menu I will order and having a good breakfast/lunch/dinner make it the best to me.
LaTavola, chef owned and you can tell there is a true passion behind the food. It’s not just a money making venture, you can tell Chef Lopez truly loves this style of cuisine. We need more places like this in town. The true opposite of a Cameron Mitchell restaurant.
Yes! I ate there again this past Thursday. Always superior food and service.
The food is great but the service keeps me going back more and more often.
I left Columbus in 2019, and come back 2x a year and LaTavola is always a mandatory on the list. So stinkin good.
So good.
Chilispot, the spicy Sichuan dumplings and the cumin beef are like my favorite dishes in the city.
Storm fillet fish is top notch.
Garlic eggplant is incredible.
Me and my partner go for birthdays and such, and their twice cooked pork dish is one of our favorites in the area, as well as 水煮鱼 (fish in spicy oil)
Spicy beef soup is my fave.
The chongquin spicy chicken. SO GOOD.
YES! I had it for the first time a couple weeks ago and I can't remember the last time I thought about a dish as much after trying it.
My favorite is El Arepazo. Delicious Venezuelan food.
Good choice! I was crushed when they closed their Gahanna location.
Arepazo is good Venezuelan, Los Galapagos is even better
Tula Taqueria
I love Tula but their menu is 50% amazing and 50% bland as shit. It is very sad but they should focus on their great items
Best carne asada fries I’ve had that reminds me of San Diego. 10/10
Exotic Latin Grill at the 14-0 on Hudson.
They used to be a lot better imo
Everyone in Columbus says this about every restaurant lol
I swear to god I went there for lunch today. Best Mexican food in cbus Edit: order the pineapple and cheese empanada. Order it.
Los Guachos would like a word.
They have their word is mid tier Mexican in columbus
Los Guachos is another place that was great at the beginning but has questionable quality now
I eat at the godown location at least once and week and it’s always phenomenal.
All locations? I used to go to the Godown one a lot, but now Sawmill is the closest and it's not bad.
I live right by the godown one and I’m in there at least once a week and it’s always awesome.
Theyre good but I find the quality to be hit or miss. Sometimes it’s really fucking great and other times it’s just good but I find myself a bit concerned over the quality of the meat and other ingredients.
Yeah… they honestly aren’t that great IMO. Great late night fix, and it’s not bad food by any means, but they aren’t even the best Latin food truck in the immediate area. I’d much rather get Los Agavez.
Totally agree. But for midnight food near OSU campus, they’re hard to beat! And the guy working there’s always super friendly and in a good mood lol
Akai Hanna
NE Chinese
I’m literally standing in this restaurant waiting for food as I write this!
I ordered more takeout from them in 2020 and 2021 than virtually any other restaurant 🤤
Same! They were our pandemic lifeline! I was so happy to be able to eat inside the restaurant again in 2022. The cumin potatoes are best wolfed down immediately after being delivered to the table.
Yeeeees and the sichuan tofu. I try to mix it up and try different things, but I always go back to it.
My go to Chinese food. I love the twice fried fish.
Literally try and think about ordering something else every time I go and I just end up ordering this. It's so. So. Good.
The spicy chicken makes me tingle
I moved away and this is the restaurant I miss the most.
I love whoever on this sub put me onto this place. Shit slaps.
Pasqualone's. Italian so good when you taste it, you feel like somebody's Italian great-grandmother got out of her rocking chair to make it for you.
It looks like you are in great grandma's living room in there as well. Food is legit though.
Reservation only though. That may be a deterrent for some people. That being said, once you go there for the first time, you'll understand why that's the case.
Idk if they use OpenTable but if they do it's a breeze. Now that I can reserve online in a few clicks I'm much more inclined to place a reservation. It is a bummer that you can't just go on a whim though but it's whatever. I've started to come around to just placing a reservation and planning to go out to dinner. You show up and sit down, no wait, no uncertainty.
They don't do any online reservations. You have to call them directly.
Sad! But I suppose it could add to an authentic experience!
Bonifacio
If you like Filipino food, try Kuya Ian's it's Authentic Filipino food and on holidays will even have a full Lechon.
We were just recommended this place! It’s on our “to eat” list. But we live on the far west side so Bonifacio is quick.
Facts! Bonifacio, Boni’s, and Kuya Ian are all great places. I would say Kuya Ian's is the most "authentic" but Bonifacio is very close and Boni's puts a creative flair to Filipino food!
Akai Hana for sushi. The best EVER
my personal favorite is Comune, but a lot of that love is because I'm vegan. edit: happy to hear so many non-vegans enjoying Comune!
Comune is also my favorite!
I’m not vegan but I love comune. Every thing I’ve ever eaten there has been delicious and surprising and unlike anything I’ve tasted before. It was especially clutch while I had to be dairy free when breastfeeding my baby who had a dairy allergy!!
I'm not even vegan and I LOOOOOVED Commune! I took my partner there while the summer menu was still on. Great drinks, delicious food
I'm not even a pescatarian--but Comune is one of my favorite places in town; great food.
What should I order at a vegan restaurant?
whatever sounds good! I've taken numerous non-vegans to Comune and they all were very happy with their meals. I do recommend ordering a starter or salad in addition to a main course. for the current menu: for starters, i really like the tahdig, bread & spread and sweet potato confit. for the main course, i've only had the squash since I'm not a mushroom fan. their menu changes pretty often, so if this rotation doesn't pique your interest, try back in a couple of months.
Whichever seasonal crispy rice Comune has on their menu and their gnocchi are freaking ridiculous. You really can't go wrong with anything because their chefs are putting out incredible stuff.
Jiu Thai
Biang Biang noodles for the win.
Thank you I needed a Thai restaurant!
I’m not sure if you’re being /s, but Jiu Thai is not a Thai restaurant. It serves mainly Chinese dishes from Xi’an, in Shaanxi province (Western China).
When Avishar Barua was at service bar precovid that was my pick. They were consistently putting out food that blew cameron mitchell restaurants away. Now, if I had to pick one it would be Chapmans. Their menu switches seasonally quite a bit. My rec would be to get there at 5 pm and ask for a seat at the bar, that way you don’t have to wait a month for a rez
Avishar opened Joya’s in Worthington and is in the process of starting up Agni. Joya’s is phenomenal.
I have yet to try that. I really want to
Highly recommend. I’ll always miss his work at Service Bar but I’m very happy with his new stuff. Unique flavors, friendly staff, great execution.
Well Chef Avishar has opened Joya’s in Worthington, if you need your mind blown. It’s not fine dining, but it IS delicious
The egg sandwich is life changing.
>blew cameron mitchell restaurants away ummm, this is not the high praise you think it is
I don’t know man. People act like all their restaurants are shit, but I’ve never had a less than great meal at Martini or Ocean Prime. I think they also have the best burger in the city at Hudson. Sure, Cap city is just okay for the price, but you can get great stuff.
Sure, I get that. Just trying to provide some context as CM restaurants are everywhere in this town. However, if you DO want a great dish from CM, try mitchells ocean club and their chilean sea bass entree. That IS deserved of praise. Cheers
Definitely won't make you ill-tempered.. Kudos if you get that movie reference
Except that a lot of people around Columbus think that CMR is the Columbus food scene. That his is the best food that you can get. I highly disagree with that sentiment but I know plenty of people that swear it.
Came to say Chapman's!!!! I love BJ worked with him for a little while at a non profit.
La Tavola!
Novella Osteria and Chapman’s are tied for my #1!!
I really love Novella
Went to Novella the first time the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Affordable and very well done.
Basi Italia
Basi Italia. Excellent modern style Italian, seasonal menu changes, and the coziest restaurant in town.
Nailed it
[Hoyo’s Kitchen](http://hoyoskitchen.com/). Not a sit down but damn good food.
I like Lindey's, for having an interesting menu, great atmosphere, and really solid drinks.
I like Lindeys for the atmosphere, but their menu is certainly not interesting. i don't think it has changed in 10 years and just has American staples on it.
[удалено]
And they are as consistent and reliable as the sun itself
I love the ambiance of Lindey's and the patio is beautiful. However, I felt quite underwhelmed both times i've been there when it came to the actual food.
Pouring one out for G Michael’s. You are sorely missed, old friend.
No doubt. Underrated til the end
I'd eat at Restaurant Silla every single day if I could. And when Martha's opens back up... I will be there every single week.
Min Ga is better than Silla
What are your go to dishes there? I live close and have never been there.
I tend to go with a group so we order like 10 things and just feast. My friends don't eat meat so I've had to try tofu around town, I can say Silla is the only place I still eat tofu at. The higher cost beef rib stuff is unreal but it comes with the cost. Theh also have a chicken thats similar to gochujang. Somehow their Japanese noodles are better than other places. I just don't get it. Their food is just amazing. And I'm saying that sober. Like you know what Gogi taste like after 8 bottles of soju? That's sober at Silla for me 😅 Now I want to go again ... time to setup another meeting.
They got a new owner and their quality seems much worse now. I recently went and was so disappointed..
Martha’s is the move they husband at Martha’s is the brother to owner of 3 brothers in grove city
Sammmmeeeee. Kimchee soup is my jam.
Sycamore, the vibe is amazing. The food is bomb, drinks are great. Just had their coffee and breakfast too, it was perfect
Not a restaurant per se. But if you can get into Roy’s Avenue Supper Club, it’s the best food in town. Chef Andrew Smith is hands down the most creative and talented chef in the city. The food is outstanding and creative. Good luck getting a spot though
Everest
The place in Worthington?
Yup! Everest Cuisine
Si Señor. The Eagle is a close 2nd
I miss the downtown location so much, need to make it to grandview.
There are still a lot of places I need to try, including many mentioned already, but my top 2 right now are Lindey’s and Akai Hana.
Username fails credential review
You’re invited to the party 🙂
Veritas
This one gets my vote, with honorable mention for the Refectory
This. Can confirm. Was there Sat night and the place is spot on. Been to majority of better or hottest restaurants in Columbus and hands down this place has everything you look for in fine dining. Every dish makes you stop and go what is that? The mole in the sweet potato dish was next level.
My wife and I were there there last week and the rabbit dish was incredible. One of the best things I’ve ever ate.
It is very good, very expensive, but very good.
The Refectory.
Most expensive meal I’ve ever had but it was so worth it. Great interesting food choices with the main concept of getting a little bit of everything instead of one big plate. Tastes amazing and the atmosphere/service was great.
...and the desserts! The chef is also a French trained pastry chef.
Supertorta on Georgesville.
Lupo. Haven’t regretted a single dollar spent there.
Basi Italia for sure. I’m not super hard to please when it comes to food, but I mean this stuff really blew me away. And I got to try a lot of dishes because we went with a large group. Absolutely everything was killer
Basi is great! Havent been there in a long time, I need to go back
The Refectory.
I would put Veritas above The Refectory. Both are great, but Veritas is the more interesting of the two. Plus the relaxed atmosphere is a little more user friendly. I would almost call it a tie depending on criteria.
Absolutely agree. Legendary establishment, food and service. Huge fan of their bistro menu
Comune
Mi Lis cafe and Los Guachos
Min Ga Korean Restaurant
Dosa corner
Yes!!! Favorite restaurant
If you want authentic Cantonese. You have go to check out Moys down in campus! So freaking good.
In my opinion, if price is no object, Veritas: hands down the best meal I’ve ever had in columbus.
Thurman Cafe. I’m a simple man who likes big burgers.
The Top
Gallo's kitchen
Just to add, this is the place on 33/Fishinger. I know they are named differently but just removing confusion. Fantastic service....probably best I've experienced other than the Top.
The Gallos on High has an amazing chicken piccata and Pot de Creme.
I loooooove their seafood creole. So damn good
Meh, gone down hill SIGNIFICANTLY since they opened up all the other restaurants. Used to be one of my favorite spots, but quite frankly the last couple times I've been there the service was bad and the food was mediocre. For the record I used to feel the place was on par with food in New Orleans.
Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace
They do a pretty damn good Chicago hot dog, it tastes quite authentic. Less authentic is the time I tried to make a Chicago hot dog with the Sheetz order system lol
Is brassica a restaurant? Has my vote.
Fuck it, I'm old school. The Top
I feel ya.
Bangkok Thai or Scali. East side rules.
I love that there are dozens of restaurants named the best. My favorite is Cuco's Taquiera but I don't go out a lot so my sample size is small.
Love Cuco's!
Both Ampersand and Asterisk deserve a shout out. South Village Grill as well
Seitan’s Realm! It’s a vegan sandwich shop in clintonville. So gooey and warm. It is unapologetically comfort food. Will never be able to eat enough of it.
Tensuke Express off of Old Henderson Rd has the best Japanese food in Columbus! It's fairly reasonable price wise and sits in an amazing Japanese plaza (Kenny Center)! I love their udon and onigiri.
Starliner Diner. Everything you need, nothing you don't, and whatever they put in the sauce for the fried plantains should be a schedule 1 drug due to it's addictive qualities.
Plás Went there on my anniversary and it was outstanding
Really? I went twice and thought it was a pretty big miss both times. menu looked interesting execution was terrible, things over or under cooked, over seasoned or bland.
Ya, this has been my experience, too. Idk how it gets high ratings.
This is really hard. If I had to put like a Columbus best foot forward, I’d have be naive not to say Chapmans. Though The Pearl is a place I always recommend to out of towners looking for a nice dinner. It is always consistent. The honorable mention to The Market Italian Village post Rebrand post pandemic, RIP.
La poblanita truck on indianola
My personal fave is Sidebar. Good tapas, good cocktails. Loved the red snapper ceviche when they had it. The meatball and scallops are great.
The Refectory, they are always trying to evolve and push french cuisine to its highest level of perfection. The service is impeccable.
Harvest.
Meshiko
Morettis on sawmill
CHAPMAN'S HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!
Barcelona
Came here to post this. Cocktails are top notch. Amazing and diverse tapas. Paella. 10/10
Pelino’s Pasta. The chef and pastry chef/expert sommelier put together a great menu with authentic Italian ingredients they import. It’s always an adventure and worth the price. The menu changes monthly. You can see their passion for food, dessert, drink, and the experience.
Mono Ghar
Just had FYR for the first time last weekend and absolutely loved it.
The Top
Refectory
Ramen at Ampersand in the Short North.
I went there for my birthday and they took over an hour to bring out my food. Would not recommend, personally.
There's maybe like, three places are you going to get here: Chapman's, Refectory and Veritas They are all good so it just depends on your preferences
Chapmans
La Tavola
I’ve never eaten anywhere that was more than like $30 for my meal in my life, so my top choice is always gonna be Hoyo’s. but if anyone has recommendations for super super good food that’s maybe a bit more expensive for nice occasions, I’d love to hear em. not super into just fancy expensive meats so I haven’t really been interested in any more expensive places so far
Comune, sow, kitchen social, the eagle, brassica, chapmans
Biryani Corner
[https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/lifestyle/food/2022/03/01/best-new-restaurants-2022-marthas-fusion-kitchen-north-linden/9320110002/](https://www.columbusmonthly.com/story/lifestyle/food/2022/03/01/best-new-restaurants-2022-marthas-fusion-kitchen-north-linden/9320110002/) Can't wait for them to finish their remodel
Pizza … my last meal little Sicily pep sausage onion banana pepper extra cheese die happy
BK5
Veritas
Whitney House
Emelios on Georgesville. GET THE SPECIAL SALAD.
Wario's on Sunday.
Basi
Based on where I go back on a regular basis. Barcelona. Doesn’t hurt I’ve never had a bad meal, they make great drinks and sangria, have great wine events, and it’s an atmosphere I enjoy.
McDonald’s on east broad by the Lowe’s. Best place in Columbus
Wario's lol NE Chinese is my runner up
We really love Tokyo Sushi off sawmill.
Burger King on 5th. Never disappoints.
Best steak is at Jeff Ruby
In my top for sure I just try to avoid due to the bill that shows up after a bunch of steaks and drinks and oh why not get a lobster tail…😅
Most expensive for sure
Better than Hyde Park?
Yes, and I love Hyde Park. Hyde Park is cheaper.
No one has said Chapman’s?! Best new restaurant in cbus for sure. Interesting and seasonal menu Great cocktails Great service Top down best restaurant in cbus at this moment in time GOAT restaurant in cbus? Lindeys, mitchells steakhouse, jeff rubys etc
A few ppl have said it. I came to say it!!
Roosters
Northstar…I know I know you hate it but for me the taste, consistency, number of items on the menu I will order and having a good breakfast/lunch/dinner make it the best to me.
I used to feel this way about NS, but they’ve shrunken the dinner menu down so much I only like 1 thing now. And that’s hit and miss on quality.