It’s a good time to be hungry in Columbus. Whether you’re looking for a fresh sit-down spot, craving street-food flavors, or want a neighborhood joint that doesn’t get all the hype — here’s a tour through what’s exciting and reliable on the local food scene.
New Restaurants That Became Local Favorites
Here are several recent openings worth adding to your restaurant radar:
- Biscuit Belly (Grandview Heights) — Southern biscuits, hearty breakfast dishes, and brunch fare in a new 24/7-vibe space that blends comforting food with fun energy.
- Amara on the Scioto Mile — A Mediterranean-leaning concept from chef Josh Dalton occupying a scenic riverfront location. Dinner is already drawing praise, with lunch service expected soon.
- Tabla (North Columbus, Morse Rd.) — Modern Indian cuisine joins the mix, expanding both flavor variety and neighborhood dining options.
- Jeff’s Donuts (Northeast Columbus) — For sweets and late-night cravings. This 24-hour donut spot is already seen as a go-to for serious sugar lovers.
- BBQ & The Pier (Longshore St., Dublin) — Here the menu is surf-and-turf meets smokehouse: oysters, coastal seafood dishes, and classic barbecue all under one roof.
Food Trucks & Mobile Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
Food trucks in Columbus continue to evolve, offering full on flavor for lunch breaks, festivals, or casual grab-and-go meals. A few standouts:
- Ray Ray’s Hog Pit — A longtime favorite in the BBQ food truck circuit; consistently wins reader polls and is beloved for its smoked meats and strong Southern-style barbecue.
- El Sabor de la Vida — Latìn fare that spans tacos, tortas, arepas, and empanadas; regularly parks in the University District.
- Cupzilla — Offering a fusion twist: rice or noodles with veggies and your choice of meat, tofu, or barbecued/fried chicken. Great for a filling, quick stop.
- DrunkFood — Sometimes messy, always satisfying. Their menu blends cuisine from all over — think Korean fried chicken, shrimp tacos, and elevated comfort eats.
Local Favorites: Underrated Restaurants & Consistent Winners
These are spots that have stood the test of time, earned respect for consistency, or fly under the radar despite being everyone’s favorite when they do visit.
- Pistacia Vera — Sweet treats and pastries that often steal the dessert spotlight. North Market roots and deep local love.
- Katzinger’s Delicatessen — Hearty deli sandwiches and classic bites that hit just right, especially when you’re in a sandwich mood or craving nostalgia.
- The Pizza Box (Antiques on High food truck) — Call this one for Detroit-style pizza lovers: thick crust, great show, great slices.
- Plank’s Café & Pizzeria — A classic local haunt with thin-crust pizzas, a cozy atmosphere, and plenty of return trips worth of menu.
Tips for Exploring the Columbus Food Scene
To make your dining choices hit harder:
- Plan around food truck schedules and events — Columbus Commons, local breweries, and special festivals often host panels of trucks. Getting there early helps.
- Try new places in less central neighborhoods — Many of the best flavors are popping up in Dublin, Grandview, Northwest and on Morse Road.
- For dessert or late night, keep established staples like Pistacia Vera or Jeff’s Donuts in rotation — some spots only open specific hours or specialize in items that disappear fast.
Columbus dining continues to grow in diversity and quality. Whether you’re in the mood for chef-driven dinner, a taco from a truck, or a sweet craving fix, there’s always somewhere new (or beloved) that’ll satisfy.