Columbus Dining Guide

Columbus is a large city overflowing with kind-hearted Midwestern charm. So it’s no surprise that the town’s culinary scene has a bit of a corn-fed reputation, with the accompanying meat-and-potato troughs to match. But while the city has indeed struggled with its culinary identity, it is fast becoming a foodie destination for treats low-brow (think mile-high burgers) and high (multi-course tasting menus). Sprinkled throughout a landscape littered with national chains are scores of independently owned bistros and boites, each doing its part to elevate the city’s culinary cred.

German Village and Brewery District

German Village is one of Columbus’ oldest and most charming neighborhoods, and along its cobblestone lanes hungry diners can find everything from fried eggs to foie gras.

Any tour of German Village should begin at its southern edge, where the famous Thurman Café has been serving up its signature Thurman burger – a menacing mountain of ground beef, ham, cheese, ‘shrooms and onions – since 1942. The Thurman is equally praised for its unflappable wings, hearty steak subs, and convivial pub atmosphere. On the opposite end of the ‘hood is Katzinger’s Deli, a perennially busy café and gourmet market. Folks stop in here not only for genius-touched sandwiches, but also to snag extra virgin olive oil, raw-milk cheeses and artisan breads. Just down the road from Katzinger’s is the German Village Coffee Shop, another time-worn institution that specializes in well-executed classics. Here, the order of the day is unfussy breakfast and diner fare.

There’s more to German Village than deli and breakfast. For over 25 years, the bustling Lindey’s has attracted the town’s movers and shakers thanks to stellar steaks, seafood and pasta, all dished up in a sparkling bistro setting. In addition to the white-tablecloth service, guests can expect spiffed-up steakhouse fare, like jumbo lump crab cakes, grilled swordfish and matchless rack of lamb. In summer, Lindey’s delightful courtyard is in high demand.

Just across High Street from German Village lies the Brewery District, so named for the numerous breweries that existed here prior to the Prohibition. While all of those original breweries disappeared long ago - thanks a lot, Prohibition! - some tasty new ones have taken their place. Columbus Brewing Company is a modern brewpub featuring killer craft suds and contemporary pub grub. Consider pairing a shaved prime rib sandwich with a hoppy American pale ale.

Short North and Arena District

Just north of downtown are the neighborhoods of Short North and the Arena District, a lively hub of sports, dining and arts-related attractions. Though Rigsby’s Kitchen has been a staple of the Short North since the area was more shabby than chic, this luminous bistro always stays relevant thanks to frequent menu tweaks. Grab a Venetian small plate at the bar or take a seat in the sharp dining room and order off the seasonal Italian menu.

The Short North is jammed with cozy pubs and wine bars featuring simple but satisfying grub. The popular Press Grill features tasty burgers topped with fried eggs, while the Rossi Bar & Kitchen (895 N High St., 614-299-2810) attracts food-obsessed barflies with its killer New York-style pizza and late-night hours. Details Minibar & Lounge elevates bar food to new heights with fresh takes on old faves. The diminutive kitchen cranks out house-smoked pastrami sandwiches, and its riff on the slider, a Columbus original, is a favorite among lounge crawlers. Sit at the bar for a special 10-course flight of small plates then climb the stairs to the “minibar” for a bird’s-eye view of the contemporary space.

No daytime visit to the Short North should fail to include a pit stop at the glorious North Market. This foodie paradise, located in a former buggy factory, is filled with independently operated food stands that sell everything from raw tuna to a fully prepared meal. If the weather is cooperating, plan an alfresco lunch alongside the outdoor farmers market.

Grandview

West of Columbus sits the charming suburb of Grandview, a walkable neighborhood with great shops and restaurants. Spagio Restaurant is one of the longest-running restaurants in the area, and it almost single-handedly ignited the wood-fired pizza craze. While the pizzas are deservedly rave-worthy, so too are the Pacific Rim seafood dishes, with items like hoisin-glazed tuna swimming out of the kitchen in schools. Grab a pre- or post-dinner glass of wine at the adjacent Spagio Cellars. For delicious Italian chestnuts like three-cheese lasagna, veal Saltimbocca and osso buco, hit nearby Trattoria Roma.

Make sure to leave room for a “nightcap” at nearby Jeni’s Ice Creams. Hand crafted in small batches from superlative ingredients, this local ice cream chain consistently draws praise and wins awards. The honey vanilla features Ohio honey and the cognac variety is goosed with swank Courvoisier.

Far-Flung Foreign Fare

Fans of Japanese cuisine know to head to the northwest suburb of Dublin, where a nearby Honda plant has spawned a mini-boom of authentic restaurants. Best among them are Ba Sho and Kihachi (2667 Federated Blvd., 614-764-9040). While both are prized for their sushi and sashimi, Kihachi attracts fawning crowds with its creative small-plate selections. Columbus boasts a surprisingly large contingent of Somali transplants, and when many of them are hungry they head to Darbo, a little northeast of town. The nearby African Paradise, which specializes in North African fare, is another popular spot for hearty African stews.

More Info

The spirit of independence is growing in the Columbus dining scene, and to stay abreast of what’s best, visit Dine Originals Columbus. Here you’ll find a current listing of the city’s finest indie restaurants.

Photos:

Lindey's - German Village

Rigsby's Kitchen - Short North

Details Minibar and Lounge - Short North

Jeni's Ice Creams - Short North

Photographs by Brian Kelly - All Rights Reserved