Columbus continues to thrive as a culinary hotspot, with new establishments adding to the city’s diverse food landscape. Here are some recent openings and local favorites worth exploring.
New Restaurant Openings
Ramyun EZ
Located off Bethel Road, Ramyun EZ offers a unique self-serve ramen experience. Patrons select a ramen pack from a visually appealing “ramen library” and customize their meals with a variety of fresh toppings and sides. The café also features a selection of beverages, including coffee and fruity, carbonated Ade drinks, as well as Korean snacks such as pancakes, dumplings, corndogs, and Kimbap. A highlighted dish includes a bowl with pork belly, vegetables, and an egg for $12, paired with a white grape Ade for $6. Ramyun EZ emphasizes a social and experiential dining atmosphere, akin to a coffee shop environment. [Source: Axios Columbus]
Losanti
Marking Crown Restaurant Group’s first expansion beyond Cincinnati, Losanti opened its doors in Franklinton at 440 West Broad St. This Italian steakhouse spans 6,000 square feet and seats up to 250 guests, including three private dining spaces. The menu centers on USDA Prime steaks, hand-cut in-house, complemented by handmade pasta, seafood, crisp salads, and classic steakhouse sides. Signature dishes include the Slow Roasted Giant Meatball and house tomato sauce, both drawn from family recipes. [Source: Columbus Chamber of Commerce]
Amara
Chef Josh Dalton introduces Amara, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located at 229 S. Civic Center Drive, by the riverfront. Rooted in culture, warmth, and connection, Amara draws inspiration from the diverse coastal regions of the Mediterranean, offering a menu designed to evoke shared culinary traditions. [Source: Spectrum News]
Local Favorites
Soul 2 Go Café
Originally a carryout kitchen in Milo-Grogan, Soul 2 Go Café has expanded to a full-service location in downtown Columbus. The minimalist setup features ordering kiosks and offers a diverse menu, including bowls, dinner platters, sides, and à la carte options. A standout dish is the $19 Soul Food Bowl, packed with a buttermilk fried chicken breast, mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams. The quality of the fried chicken has been praised for revitalizing the perception of this comfort food in Columbus. [Source: Axios Columbus]
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
A staple in Columbus’ food truck scene, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is renowned for its traditional smoking techniques and modern flavors. With multiple locations, including stationary food trucks at Land-Grant Brewing Co. in Franklinton and Nocterra Brewing Co. in Powell, Ray Ray’s serves low-and-slow favorites like jerk chicken, beef brisket, and pulled pork. [Source: Ohio Magazine]
Pizza Nerds
Gahanna’s Pizza Nerds has quickly earned a spot among the top local pizzerias. Originally a food truck in Newark, the business now operates a brick-and-mortar location at 1376 Cherry Bottom Road. Embracing a 1990s theme, Pizza Nerds specializes in Detroit-style pizza with specialty options like the “Mario,” topped with banana peppers, pepperoni, and hot honey, and the “Cheese and Chong,” featuring whipped ricotta and basil pesto. [Source: Axios Columbus]
Columbus’ dynamic food scene continues to evolve, offering residents and visitors an array of new flavors and experiences to savor.