Columbus, with its thriving arts scene, youthful college-town energy, and Midwestern sense of hospitality, has become a magnet for chefs and eaters alike.
Its culinary identity bridges the avant-garde and the homespun—where global kitchens thrive next to rustic breweries, and every block feels like a celebration of both tradition and innovation.
1. Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
Wolf’s Ridge is where craft beer meets visionary dining. The sprawling exposed-brick space is filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the enticing scents of short ribs, duck breast, and hand-cut pasta.
The beer list—brewed on-site—pushes boundaries, with sours, stouts, and IPAs pairing seamlessly with both snacks and full meals.
The kitchen puts Ohio produce front and center, and both brunch and dinner draw in multigenerational crowds.
Top-notch service, a thoughtful bar program, and a contemporary vibe make this a keystone of Columbus dining.
2. The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
Housed in a stunning old stone church, The Refectory is the home of French fine dining in Columbus.
Chef Richard Blondin crafts elegant dishes like lobster bisque, duck à l’orange, and delicately spiced venison in enchanting, candlelit surroundings.
The service is formal yet friendly, and the wine cellar holds one of the city’s deepest French collections.
For special occasions or romantic meals, The Refectory is unmatched—a taste of Paris in the Midwest.
3. Northstar Café
A Columbus institution, Northstar Café shines with creative, health-conscious fare—organic burgers, house-made granola, roasted veggie bowls, and signature Cloud Nine Pancakes.
The spaces are airy, filled with sunshine and exposed wood, drawing families, students, and business breakfast crowds alike.
Every menu item is made from scratch, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. The vibe is friendly and conscientious, always buzzing yet never rushed.
4. Service Bar
Service Bar embodies Columbus’s playful side, with a focus on inventive cocktails and boundary-pushing small plates.
The setting is funky, all bright lights and eclectic art, and the menu zips from Korean fried chicken to house-cured charcuterie to pillowy house-made doughnuts.
Chef Avishar Barua’s rotating tasting menus and irreverent approach—think pickle-brined wings and “Tater Tot Poutine”—have made it a go-to for foodies and fun-seekers.
5. Momo Ghar
Located in the North Market, Momo Ghar is a tiny counter serving up massive flavor.
The specialty is Nepalese and Tibetan momos: juicy hand-rolled dumplings bursting with spiced meats or vegetables, topped with homemade chili sauce.
It’s a favorite for lunch-goers, late-night snackers, and fans of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” where they received a shoutout.
Momo Ghar is more than a meal—it’s a reminder of the international flavor and spirit found in every corner of Columbus.
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