Must-Try Restaurants in Columbus, Ohio?
If you want a straight answer, start with these must-try spots: The Refectory, Lindey’s, Akai Hana, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, Los Guachos, Hoyo’s Kitchen, Momo Ghar (at North Market Downtown), Northstar Cafe, The Lox Bagel Shop, Lavash Cafe, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and for dessert or coffee Pistacia Vera or Fox in the Snow.
The Refectory is the city’s long-running special-occasion dining room. Lindey’s is the classic German Village brasserie for a celebratory dinner or patio lunch. For sushi and traditional Japanese, Akai Hana anchors Japan Marketplace on Old Henderson Road.
If you’re hungry for casual standouts, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit serves slow-smoked barbecue, while Los Guachos is the go-to for al pastor tacos. Hoyo’s Kitchen brings Somali staples, and Momo Ghar is the North Market stop for Nepali and Tibetan dumplings. Local favorite Northstar Cafe covers burgers, bowls, and brunch. In the Short North, The Lox Bagel Shop turns out hand‑rolled bagels and sandwiches, and Lavash Cafe is a reliable pick for Middle Eastern platters and shawarma. For sweets, Pistacia Vera is known for macarons and pastries; Fox in the Snow does big bakery classics alongside strong coffee.
Reservations help at the white-tablecloth places, and lines are common at weekend brunch and popular stalls. Neighborhoods to target for the most options in one walk are German Village, the Short North, and the North Market area downtown.
Menus, hours, and openings change, so if you’re planning a big night or visiting a market stall, check the restaurant’s own site or social feed the day you go.
Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team