Best Places to Eat in Columbus, Ohio

My husband and I recently spent two days in Columbus, Ohio for our wedding anniversary. This city was originally on my radar as just a fun place to explore on our way to Hocking Hills State Park. Little did I know what a foodie lover's dream the 15th largest city in the U.S. was. We only had a short amount of time here and were determined to try as many finger-licking dishes as we could get our hands on. Below are my favorite places to eat in Columbus, Ohio. 

It's important to note that restaurants may change their hours, in person dining availability, etc. due to COVID-19. Always be sure to check the restaurant's website for the latest information before you visit. 

---

North Market

This was our first stop upon arriving to the city and is the definition of food lover's dream. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this indoor food hall and public market featuring a wide array of restaurants, bakeries, and desserts. They also host a farmer's market on Saturdays under the Pavilion outdoors. Many of the restaurants will validate your parking if you make a purchase with them.

Suggested stops: 

• Hot Chicken Takeover (see below)
• Jeni's Ice Cream - this is where the original shop got its start
• Brezel bavarian pretzels
• Destination Donuts
• Lion Cub Cookies (go early they always sell out)

---

Hot Chicken Takeover

Located on the second floor of North Market, along with a few other locations throughout the city, Hot Chicken Takeover serves up delicious Nashville-style hot chicken. All of their meals come with free bread, ranch, pickles and sweet tea. I dined on the sandwich (cold - warm in temperature and cold in spice because I'm a wimp) which comes with hot chicken on double bread topped with coleslaw and pickles. They also offer three other levels of heat depending on your taste bud preferences. Get the Mac and cheese as a side and their famous banana bread pudding for dessert. 

---

Brewdog Franklinton

With 48 beers on tap, a rooftop patio with great views of the city, and delicious food - this was my kind of place! On the menu you'll find burgers and other handhelds, mix and match street tacos and a variety of sides including Mexican street corn. I also had to try the buffalo cauliflower "wings" which were just as tasty as they looked. They have a second location in North Short area which offers a different menu with a larger focus on stone baked pizzas. 

---

Land-Grant Brewery 

Located next door to Brewdog Franklinton, this beer garden isn't known for it's food but is certainly worth a mention. They have a large dog-friendly beer garden with tons of seating and a large screen projector which is usually playing that night's big game. They do have rotating food trucks on site including Ray Ray’s Hog Pit which has been voted the city's best barbecue. 

---

Goody Boy 

Located in a renovated 1940s diner with a spacious patio this is an insta-worthy spot through and through. In addition to comfort food classics on their menu (high recommend the waffle fry nachos) they also serve up creative cocktails including their Goody Bags and Patio Punch which comes in a shareable dispenser for the table. 

---

CRMD 

Located only a short walk from Goody Boy on North High Street, this is a great place to end the night with a sweet treat. They serve up a variety of fun, colorful flavors including black vanilla and cereal and milk which all come with one free topping. I had to try Buckeye which is vanilla ice cream mixed with the state's famous peanut butter and chocolate candy. The puffle cone is a MUST and is served warm with small puff balls of waffle that can easily be broken off and eaten with your ice cream. 

---

Jeni's Ice Cream

Another ice cream favorite that can't be missed is Jeni's Ice Cream which actually got their start in Columbus. You can find this sweet treat at several locations throughout the city. Go for the trio flight which allows you to try a half scoop of three different flavors - trust me you'll want to try them all. Pictured are bramble berry crisp (my personal favorite), salted peanut butter with chocolate fleas, and wildberry lavender. 

---

Katalina's Cafe

Peace, love & pancake balls! These little balls of heaven can be found at Katalina's Cafe which is known for the hearty breakfasts and also serves up soups, salads & sandwiches for lunch. The pancake balls are stuffed with your choice of Nutella, dulce de leche or pumpkin apple butter and served with a side of maple syrup and sweet and spicy bacon. You can also do half and half which is what I chose but I will admit the dulce de leche was a little too rich for my tastebuds so I would opt for all Nutella next time. 

---

Fox in the Snow Cafe

Another must-visit spot for breakfast. There is a reason the famous biscuits with honey butter, house made raspberry jam, topped with sea salt sell out daily - they really are that good! I would also highly recommend the blueberry galette and souffléd egg sandwich. I suggest placing your order ahead of time and scheduling pick up for the next day or being one of the first to order in the morning. They also offer an assortment of other pastries and specialty coffee drinks.

---

Seventh Son Brewery 

Another location with the best of both worlds - great beer and rotating food trucks. We just came here to check out the local beer scene from their amazing green house style rooftop patio. But if you come hungry you'll enjoy everything from Italian, to Hawaiian, to Mexican style eats depending on the day. They also had a hard seltzer on tap which you don't see many places and was a personal favorite of mine. 

---

Fusian

I am a sucker for trying new sushi places and I saw so many great reviews for Fusian. The Ohio-based chain has three locations in Columbus. Choose from one of the delicious signature sushi rolls (highly recommend the crispy shrimp) or create a custom roll by picking your own protein, veggies, and toppings.