Columbus Ohio, USA Travel Guide
Columbus's cuisine blends traditional Midwestern comfort food with influences from its diverse immigrant populations and a modern emphasis on farm-to-table practices.
There is a great deal of importance placed on locally sourced produce, dairy, and meats, notably pork and beef, from Ohio farms. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene and independent coffee roasters.
Known for authentic German fare like bratwurst and schnitzel. Schmidt's Sausage Haus is an institution.
Features upscale American cuisine, international fusion, and innovative craft cocktail bars.
Offers budget-friendly international options, especially Asian and West Asian, catering to students.
Often served over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, occasionally with beans and onions.
Find it at local diners and chili parlors.
Creamy peanut butter fudge balls partially dipped in chocolate, resembling the buckeye nut.
Available at local candy shops, gift stores, and grocery stores.
An immense, multi-patty burger at the iconic Thurman Cafe in German Village.
Find it at Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206.
Features various BBQ ribs and other grilled specialties from national vendors.
Look for pumpkin-flavored items, fresh apple cider, and apple cider donuts.
For elegant dining experiences.
Quality food and ambiance at reasonable prices.
Delicious meals that do not break the bank.
Columbus has a choice of Mexican, Italian, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern restaurants.
Many are found around the Global Mall and Saraga International Grocery on the north side.
The area around Global Mall and Saraga International Grocery on the north side of the city offers a concentration of international food products and restaurants.
Explore this area for authentic culinary experiences.
Many restaurants offer options, with dedicated establishments like Eden Burger.
Several restaurants and grocery stores cater to Halal diets.
Many restaurants and devoted bakeries accommodate gluten-free requests.
Apps like HappyCow, Yelp, and Google Maps offer filters for dietary options.
Experience meals in beautifully preserved historic structures, like The Thurman Cafe in German Village.
These spots offer an unique ambiance.
Many breweries and casual eateries in Franklinton are housed in creatively repurposed industrial buildings.
This provides a modern, edgy the atmosphere for dining.
Columbus chefs strongly emphasize ingredients from the area from Ohio farms.
Explore beyond the main districts to discover neighborhood eateries and "secret" speakeasy bars.
Many restaurants feature clearly marked vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Indian, Ethiopian, Thai, and Middle Eastern restaurants are excellent choices for plant-based options.
Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests, with some offering dedicated menus.
Always clearly state your dietary needs and allergies to restaurant staff, even if items are marked on the menu.
This helps ensure a safe dining experience.
For specific or severe dietary needs, research dining places ahead of time or call ahead to discuss their capabilities.
Planning can save time and potential issues.
Restaurant staff are generally accommodating, and politeness makes the process smoother for everyone.
During peak hours, kitchens may be busy. Factor in extra time for meal preparation with special requests.
When your food arrives, a quick confirmation with your server can avoid issues, especially for allergy-sensitive orders.
Tipping forms a significant portion of service staff's income in the United States.
