Columbus, Ohio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, and its food scene is growing right along with it.
While the city has earned recognition for its thriving Short North dining district and its legendary food trucks, there’s an entire universe of underappreciated restaurants that deserve far more attention than they get.
Columbus benefits from a remarkably diverse population — home to one of the largest Somali communities in the country, a thriving Latino population, and significant Asian and Eastern European communities — and that diversity shows up beautifully on its plates.
We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Here are nine underrated restaurants in Columbus that deserve a spot on your must-try list.
1. Momo Ghar
If you haven’t had Nepalese momos before, Momo Ghar is about to change your life.
This small, unassuming spot serves handmade Nepalese dumplings that are nothing short of extraordinary.
The dumplings are filled with perfectly seasoned meat or vegetables, wrapped with care, and served steamed, fried, or in a rich, warming soup.
The accompanying sauces — especially the spicy tomato-based achar — are addictive and add the perfect kick.
Momo Ghar started as a stall in the North Market before expanding, and its cult following is well-deserved.
2. Los Guachos
Columbus has a fantastic Mexican food scene, and Los Guachos sits right at the top of the list for anyone who loves authentic, street-style tacos.
The al pastor is the must-order here — carved straight from a vertical spit, just like you’d find in Mexico City, and loaded into warm tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
The meat is perfectly seasoned with a slight char on the edges, and the flavor is absolutely incredible.
The restaurant is casual and no-frills, which is exactly how a great taco spot should be.
If you only eat one taco in Columbus, make sure it’s the al pastor from Los Guachos.
3. Brassica
Brassica is a fast-casual Middle Eastern restaurant that has developed a devoted local following, but it still doesn’t get the wider recognition it deserves.
The menu focuses on fresh, vibrant flavors — think creamy hummus, crispy falafel, tender shawarma, and bright, herbaceous salads — all served in bowls or stuffed into warm pita.
Every component is made with obvious care, from the perfectly pickled vegetables to the rich, garlicky tahini sauce.
The ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, and the menu changes subtly with the seasons.
It’s the kind of place that makes healthy eating feel exciting and deeply satisfying.
4. Amberly’s Nigerian Cuisine
Columbus has a vibrant West African food scene that most visitors never discover, and Amberly’s Nigerian Cuisine is one of its brightest stars.
This small, family-run restaurant serves authentic Nigerian dishes that are rich, bold, and absolutely packed with flavor.
The jollof rice is perfectly spiced and smoky, the egusi soup is thick and comforting, and the suya (grilled meat skewers) are charred and seasoned to perfection.
If you’re new to Nigerian food, the staff is incredibly friendly and happy to guide you through the menu.
It’s an eye-opening dining experience that will make you wonder why Nigerian food isn’t more widely celebrated in America.
5. Kihachi
Kihachi is a Japanese restaurant that has been quietly serving some of the best sushi in Columbus for years.
Unlike the trendy, Instagram-friendly sushi spots that have popped up around the city, Kihachi takes a more traditional approach — emphasizing the quality of the fish, the precision of the cuts, and the simplicity of the preparation.
The omakase experience is particularly impressive, allowing the chef to guide you through a curated selection of the freshest fish available that day.
The restaurant is small and intimate, which adds to the feeling that you’ve stumbled onto something special.
For sushi purists, Kihachi is a must-visit.
6. Ethiopian Restaurant (Gahanna)
Located in the suburb of Gahanna, this family-owned Ethiopian restaurant serves some of the most authentic and flavorful East African food in the Columbus area.
The injera — the spongy, tangy flatbread that serves as both plate and utensil — is made fresh and has the perfect texture.
The doro wat (spicy chicken stew) is rich and complex, the kitfo (Ethiopian-style tartare) is bold and satisfying, and the vegetarian combination platter is a feast of colorful, flavorful stews and salads.
Eating with your hands, tearing off pieces of injera and scooping up bites of stew, is a communal and joyful experience.
It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s home.
7. Huong Vietnamese Restaurant
Tucked into a strip mall on Morse Road, Huong is a Vietnamese restaurant that has been earning the loyalty of Columbus diners for years.
The pho is outstanding — a clear, deeply flavorful broth that’s clearly been simmered for hours, loaded with tender meat and fresh herbs.
But the menu stretches far beyond pho, with excellent bun (vermicelli bowls), crispy banh xeo (Vietnamese crepes), and fragrant lemongrass dishes that are all worth ordering.
The portions are generous, the prices are remarkably low, and the family that runs the restaurant is warm and welcoming.
It’s a no-frills gem that delivers big on flavor.
8. Comune
Comune is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in the Clintonville area that is doing pasta at an incredibly high level.
The handmade pasta is the star of the menu, with options that rotate seasonally and showcase the kitchen’s skill and creativity.
From a silky carbonara to a hearty wild boar ragu, every pasta dish is made with care and served with a level of refinement that feels special without being pretentious.
The wine list is well-curated and Italian-leaning, and the intimate dining room has a warm, romantic atmosphere.
If you love pasta and you’re in Columbus, Comune should be at the top of your list.
9. El Arepazo
Columbus’s Colombian food scene is a hidden treasure, and El Arepazo is one of the best places to experience it.
This cheerful restaurant specializes in arepas — thick, crispy corn cakes stuffed with a variety of fillings — along with bandeja paisa, empanadas, and other Colombian classics.
The arepas are perfectly cooked with a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, warm interior, and the fillings range from shredded beef to black beans to melted cheese.
The fresh fruit juices are vibrant and refreshing, and they pair perfectly with the hearty food.
El Arepazo is fun, affordable, and absolutely delicious — everything a great restaurant should be.
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