1. Marcella's | $$$$$

Address: 26 E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Hours: [4:00pm – 10:00pm | Monday – Thursday]
………...…[4:00pm – 12:00am | Friday – Saturday]
…...……...[4:00pm – 10:00am | Sunday]

We'll kick this article off with local favorite, Marcella's. Marcella's sits almost exactly on the southernmost boundary of Columbus's vibrant arts district, which is called the Short North. Follow High Street any further south and you will enter the Arena District, followed by Downtown. So it's a very "happening" area, and not far off from the urban center of the city, but that's not why people come to Marcella's.

People come to Marcella's because it's just an awesome restaurant! It's dimly lit Christmas year-round atmosphere is a welcome break from routine in any season, but the biggest draw of all is their menu. Marcella's cuisine is, for the most part, Italian-inpsired. In the back of the restaurant their meats and cheese are on display like all of your favorite delis, and in the front there is a bar where you can enjoy a drink while you wait for a table to open up. Parking in the Short North is always a challenge, but Marcella's offers a valet service for $10.00. Don't forget to tip your valet! They literally have to run 4 or 5 city blocks to retrieve each car as people leave the restaurant. And Columbus gets pretty cold.

2. Katzinger's | $$$$$

Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Hours: [10:00am – 8:00pm | Monday – Friday]
………...…[9:00am – 8:00am | Saturday – Sunday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

Katzinger's Delicatessen is Columbus's sandwich shop of choice. Comfortably seated on the border between the Downtown and German Village, Katzinger's holds universal appeal within the local community, and fosters a powerful "come-as-you-are" atmosphere. I don't know if I can explain why, but something about this restaurant seems to draw a uniquely diverse crowd. I don't think there is another restaurant on this list whose visitors on any given day are as diverse, as frequently. During my visits, when I looking forward over the heads of the folks lined up in front you, I’ll see hijabs, afros, and "Trump" hats side by side. Then again, maybe it's just that I just keep showing up on weird days.

The restaurant itself functions much like a cafeteria, with long lines that are separated from the kitchen and its staff only by glass panes and counters optimized for food storage and preparation. Everybody I interact with along the assembly line always seems to have a big personality and makes me feel weirdly at home. Even when conversation amongst guests gets slow, there’s always a lively combination of noises filling the room, coming from the service side of this barrier. What I’m saying is Katzinger’s has a lot of life to it. Next time you’re in Columbus, you should come participate in that life.

3. Dante's pizza | $$$$$ 🥇

Address: 3586 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
Hours: [3:30pm – 10:30pm | Monday – Saturday]
………...…[Closed | Sunday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

This my FAVORITE pizza place in the world. I've been to a lot of places, but I literally mean the whole world.

Dante's is the best pizza on Planet Earth.

I grew up coming here, so it holds a lot of emotional value to me. However, if I'm an authority on any food, it would definitely be pizza, so I think I can be objective when I tell you that Dante's Pizza really is something special. I'm not the only one who feels that way either. Many of my friends (who have since moved away, traveled, and also eaten a ton of pizza along the way) will tell you the same thing. Dante's is king. If you like pizza at all, you will love Dante's. It's been family owned since it open in 1973, and they have an extremely loyal customer base, most of whom they know by name. It is truly local, and about as "Columbus" as it gets.

It sits on what has historically been a quiet corner of a neighborhood called Clintonville, although it's less quiet these days with the new construction going on in the neighborhood. Most people who come to Dante's will get their pizza to go, but they also have a small seating area. Pizza is often a communal food, but for your weird friend that doesn't like pizza, they also serve a decent-sized menu of pastas, salads, etc. But the pizza is main event. Try it now, thank me later. Dante's is the best.

4. HoundDog's Pizza | $$$$$ 🥈

Address: 2657 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Hours: [9:00am – 2:15am | Everyday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

Dante's is my #1 pizza pick in the world, but Hounddog's takes the silver medal. And, again, this isn't just in Columbus—this is in the world at large. The folks at Hounddog's make my 2nd favorite pizza on planet Earth, and that's should mean a lot coming somebody who has been to as many cities, and eaten as much pizza as I have. Columbus is a pizza city, and this place is the real deal. Their pizzas have a thick, doughy crusts, and are swimming in a greasy, garlic-y heaven. They have an extensive beer list, and of course serve a few other things for non-pizza lovers, but you should get the pizza. It is hauntingly good.

Hounddog's is kind of a dive, but that's part of its aura. It sits on the border between Clintonville and the vast neighborhood of Ohio State student housing known to locals simply as "campus." If you couldn't tell by how when this place closes, it's best known as being a late-night spot, away from the hustle bustle of the Columbus bar scene, but still close enough to the action to walk. Honestly, I was surprised to find out that they open at 9:00am. I've never been here during daylight hours.

5. Smith's Deli | $$$$$

Address: 3737 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Hours: [9:00am – 9:00pm | Monday – Saturday]
………...…[Closed | Sunday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

Smith's is another classic Columbus fixture. It's sat in the same unassuming location on High Street since 1960, and continues to be family-owned to this day. Like Dante's, it is truly local, and part of the quintessence of this city. Columbus would be a darker place without Smith's Deli. Having grown up in Clintonville, Smith's holds a special place in my heart, as I know it does in the hearts of many of my childhood friends. I came here as a child, after soccer games. I rode my bike here as a teenager. I was stoked to have this place cater my high school graduation party. And I'm still looking for excuses to come to Smith's as an adult, whenever I'm in town.

Smith's serves a full menu of amazing Italian food, but my pick is definitely the lasagna. To me, Smith's sets the standard for what passes as good lasagna, and they set the bar pretty high. They also make a mean carrot cake if you're in the mood for dessert. They are open pretty much all day, but if you ask me, it's best suited for lunch. If possible, you should definitely try to eat in, but their food is great to-go as well.

6. Nancy's | $$$$$

Address: 3133 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Hours: [6:00am – 2:30pm | Monday – Saturday]
………...…[8:00am – 2:30pm | Sunday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

Having been a local favorite since 1968, I'm going to go out on a limb here and declare that Nancy's Home Cooking is the most authentic diner in Columbus. Although, "authentic" feels like too formal a term. Nancy's is about as fun and casual as a business can be, and if you don't believe me, just scroll through the gallery below and read some of those signs. This is a place where, when you ask for powdered sugar on your French Toast, instead of asking you "how much," the guy at the grill will say, "should I go full-Scarface?" (That actually happened when I visited to take these pictures, and I thought it would be a great vignette.)

Much like other Columbus classics such as Smith's, Dante's, and Dick's Den, one of the most striking attributes of Nancy's is one's inability to come here and avoid having hearty conversations with total strangers. Columbus is one of the most genuinely friendly cities that I have ever had the pleasure of living in, and even when you come to Nancy's alone, you'll feel like you're eating with family. When it comes to placing your order, you can't go wrong. Everything gets great reviews. They serve a mean (not to mention massive) omelet, and giant pancakes to match. This is diner food at its finest, and Columbus at its best.

7. ACRE | $$$$$

Address: 2700 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Hours: [7:30am – 10:00pm | Monday – Friday]
………...…[8:00am – 10:00am | Saturday – Sunday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

Acre is a new-ish restaurant that sits on the border between a neighborhood called Clintonville (where I was raised) and what is known as the “Old North.” This is a pivotal stretch of High Street, where more residential neighborhoods begin the transition into the shabby asteroid belt of student housing that surrounds Ohio State University. Acre occupies a space that used to belong to a long line of fast-food joints that went out of business. Before this, it was a KFC. Now that I’ve told you that, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble seeing how the floor plan would lend itself to the Colonel.

Let the records show that, in the case of this building, healthy, local, organic food triumphed over fast, fatty, corporate food—because Acre is one of the healthiest restaurants on this list. Their menu is a mashup of hipster health staples like quinoa / kale / veggie burgers and accessible but high-quality items like nachos / chili / wraps / etc. EVERYBODY can find something that they like in this place. Clearly the people of Columbus agree with me, because Acre is doing so well that they have been able to open a second location in a neighborhood called Grandview (not pictured here). They also cater!

8. Philco | $$$$$

Address: 747 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Hours: [9:00am – 11:00pm | Monday – Thursday]
………...…[9:00am – 12:00am | Friday – Saturday]
…...……...[9:00am – 11:00pm | Sunday]
No Reservations—First Come, First Serve

Located in the heart of the Short North, Philco is an interesting cross-over. In the morning, it's a diner (and a damn good one), but by night, it's a bar. It sits right "in the thick of things" on High Street, alongside many other landmarks in Columbus's culinary, coffee, and bar scenes. However, from a booth on inside, seated behind a pile of pancakes and bacon, you'd never guess. Philco has all the unassuming charm of any small town diner, with all the poise and hipster appeal of its trendy neighbors.

As is true for any establishment located in any cool part of any city, parking in the Short North is challenging. That means that coming to Philco may require you to walk a few blocks. It's also not the largest space, so if you come with a group of more than 2, you may need to wait. However, I've always found Philco to be well-worth the hassle. That picture below—of the pancake breakfast—is weirdly one of my favorites that I've taken. It's the perfect breakfast. Coffee, OJ, water, pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, jam—what more can you possibly as for?

9. Forno | $$$$$

Address: 721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Hours: [4:00pm – 10:00pm | Monday – Wednesday]
………...…[4:00pm – 11:00pm | Thursday]
…...……...[4:00pm – 1:00am | Friday]
……...…...[10:00am – 1:00am | Saturday]
……...…...[10:00am – 10:00pm | Sunday]
Reservations: +1 (614) 469-0053

So far, most of this guide has focused on those establishments that belong to the soul of Columbus. Like Smith’s, Dante’s, and Nancy’s—it’s hard to imagine this city without them. But now we’re going to switch to something new and shiny. Driving through the Short North on a Friday or Saturday night, the street is awash with people ducking in and out of trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs that seem to have popped up out of nowhere. I was born and raised here, but every time I come back, somebody says to me “you haven’t been to __________ yet?!?” I always end up going to see what all the fuss is about, and I’m usually not all that impressed. I guess I’m just a townie when it comes to Columbus. However, Forno is one of those trendy, new(ish) places that I actually do like.

Honestly, Forno could just as easily have been included on the Nightlife Guide—they have an awesome bar—but I’m including them here because they also serve a killer menu of food late into the night. It’s essentially a gourmet pizza restaurant fused with a cocktail bar. There are big TVs streaming Buckeye games on every corner and marble countertops where bartenders are slinging $18 drinks. It' ain’t cheap, but if you’re looking to party in the Short North, it’s a great place to start your night.

10. Barcelona | $$$$$

Address: 263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206
Hours: [11:00am – 9:00pm | Monday – Thursday]
………...…[11:00am – 10:00pm | Friday]
…...……...[5:00pm – 10:00pm | Saturday]
……...…...[5:00pm – 9:00am | Sunday]
Reservations: +1 (614) 443-3699

You may have heard of the chain of restaurants called Barcelona Wine Bar—well this is not part of that chain. It’s an entirely different restaurant, that happens to have a very similar name. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about it! Tucked away many blocks deep in the historic district known as German Village, Barcelona has been in business for quite a while now, and is common knowledge amongst all those who have a finger on the pulse of Columbus’s food scene. Barcelona is known by all to be a reliably good choice for dinner.

What kind of food do they serve? I’ll give you zero guesses—Spanish food! For the light eater, there’s an awesome array of sangria and tapas, but if you’re hungry and you’re dining with friends that are also hungry, they serve massive paella dishes. “Paella de Mariscos” (seafood) is a popular choice (and very traditional) but I’m partial to the “Paella de Carnivoros” (meat). The braised short rib in this dish is incredible. Pair it with a Spanish wine and you’ll be all set. 👌

11. Cosecha | $$$$$

Address: 987 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Hours: [11:00am – 10:00pm | Monday – Thursday]
………...…[11:00am – 11:00pm | Friday – Saturday]
…...……...[Closed | Sunday]
Reservations: +1 (614) 369-1129

For a long time, many of the neighborhoods that formed the geographic core of Columbus were rotting, post-industrial ghettos. Growing up, I witnessed a stunning revitalization of this city. Many of the abandoned industrial structures that I had driven by a million times were suddenly being remodeled and re-opened as trendy office or event spaces. But in an area known as Italian Village, there was one warehouse in particular (that I absolutely loved the look of) that somehow managed to remain untouched for years. Even as I was leaving home to go to college, it remained vacant. And I always found myself wonder how such a cool space could still be on the market now that the neighborhood was on the up-swing. A few years later I was home again, driving down 4th street, and noticed that this warehouse had finally been converted into something: a restaurant. F**KING FINALLY!

That restaurant is Cosecha Cocina. These days it’s a very happening place—so much so that people complain that they can’t get seats here. If you look at the pictures below, that was not my experience, but it would definitely be worth waiting for. The interior just as cool as I hoped it would be—and I haven’t even gotten to the actual food yet! If you couldn’t guess from the name, this is a Mexican restaurant. That comes with all the awesome menu items that you would expect, but all of this food is locally sourced. Food from Mexico, ingredients from Ohio. They also have an awesome bar with all the Tequila and Mezcal you could ask for, and they do awesome brunch. But the best part is still the amazing space.

12. Lindey's | $$$$$

Address: 2169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206
Hours: [11:00am – 10:00pm | Everyday]
Reservations: +1 (614) 228-4343

When it comes to nice restaurants in Columbus, there aren’t many that have been around as long as Lindey’s. This restaurant is the “old money” of Columbus’s food scene. It’s sat on the same picturesque corner of German Village for decades. I believe it was originally opened in 1981, and it is still family owned to this day. And even though this is too nice an establishment to have been much of a “regular” for me while I was growing up, there was never a time when I wasn’t aware of it. Even though I had never actually eaten here, I knew exactly what it was and where it was. And it was on my mental list of restaurants years before I ever actually walked through it’s doors. Finally, as an adult, I came and give Lindey’s a try.

It’s definitely a formal-ish atmosphere; at least more so than most of what is on this list. But then again, what does “formal” really mean in Columbus? It’s a very “come as you are” town. I don’t think Lindey’s has a dress code, but if you look like shit, you’ll probably feel self-conscious. Anyway, they do brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu is mostly your standard American fare, and is quite extensive. Everything is awesome. If you are looking for a place for a nice dinner out, consider coming here.

13. G. Michael's | $$$$$

Address: 641 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Hours: [Closed | Monday]
………...…[5:00pm – 9:30pm | Tuesday – Thursday]
…...……...[5:00pm – 11:00pm | Friday – Saturday]
……...…...[5:00am – 9:00pm | Sunday]
Reservations: +1 (614) 464-0575

Up next is another restaurant from German Village. If you don’t know what German Village is, it’s an absurdly beautiful neighborhood just south of Downtown Columbus. Originally settled by German immigrants, it is a world unto itself, with every surface covered in brick and cobblestone. It feels like being in Beacon Hill (Boston)—hard to believe it’s located in Columbus of all places. Anyway, G. Michael’s is another nice German Village restaurant that has been around forever. However, unlike Lindey’s (which is borderline stuffy), G. Michael’s has managed to maintain a more contemporary energy. It’s still formal(ish), but feels much more “current.” And you’re unlikely to feel out of place here no matter what you wear.

As a bystander, it seems to me that secret to G. Michael’s success is its heavy investment in the local community. Everything they serve is locally sourced—which means that you’ll only be eating things that are in-season. This often translates to favorable prices because they are not needing to ship food in from far away. Over the years, the restaurant has cultivated a loyal base of “regulars,” many of whom are on a first name basis with their staff. David Tetzloff (Executive Chef, and now Co-Owner) has been here for more than a decade now, and has become something of a fixture in the local culinary scene. The menu is also your standard American fare, but all made from scratch, using Ohio-grown materials. It’s real good.

Oh and did I mention that they have a gluten free menu?

14. The Sycamore | $$$$$

Address: 262 E Sycamore St, Columbus, OH 43206
Hours: [4:00pm – 10:00pm | Monday]
………...…[4:00pm – 11:00pm | Tuesday – Thursday]
…...……...[4:00pm – 12:00am | Friday]
……...…...[12:00pm – 12:00am | Saturday]
……...…...[Closed | Sunday]
Reservations: +1 (614) 754-1460

When it comes to favorite restaurants in Columbus, it’s hard for me to be objective. For instance, I ate so much lasagna from Smith’s Deli growing up that it’s probably part of my DNA. These sorts of places are key to the identity of Columbus as a city, but I would understand if a visitor wasn’t as thrilled about them as I am. So I’m going to set that tier of establishments aside now, and objectively tell you that Sycamore is probably my favorite restaurant in Columbus. And if you go there, you’ll love just as much.

The Sycamore sits a touch off the beaten path in the leafy back streets of German Village. I’ve talked a lot about how pretty this neighborhood is, so I won’t spend too much more time on that. I’ll just tell you that this area and this restaurant have a very cool aura about them. The food here is standard American-fare including some delicious goodies on the dessert menu. Whatever you order, I recommend that you finish your meal with the “Chocolate Silk Pie.” Order if you’re just in the neighborhood but not hungry, grab a seat at the bar! You’ll be glad you did.

15. North Market | $$$$$

Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Hours: [10:00am – 5:00pm | Monday]
………...…[9:00am – 7:00pm | Tuesday – Saturday]
…...……...[10:00am – 5:00pm | Sunday]
No Reservations Anywhere—First Come, First Serve

I'm going to finish this out with North Market. This is, hands down, the coolest food-related place you can visit in Columbus. And honestly, it might also be the coolest place to visit in Columbus in general. Even in the dead of winter, on the coldest, greyest, bleakest day, North Market is warm, welcoming, and bustling. Every foot of this massive post-industrial space is devoted to some of the best food Columbus has to offer. It's a great place to explore, and once you've come across a food too tempting to turn down, the entire 2nd story of the building has an eating space with a view out over the ceiling beams.

Going south down High Street, North Market is the first major landmark of Columbus's Arena District, which occupies the space between Downtown and the Short North. I would also argue that it is the most important landmark in either neighborhood. It's free to get in, but it can be a challenge to find free parking if you don't want to walk a few blocks. While the storefronts inside North Market have changed over time, the Market itself has been around long enough that it feels eternal and essential to culinary landscape of Columbus. Its undying popularity is, in part, owed to the fact that North Market has something for everybody, whether you're in the mood for Indian food or ice cream. If you've only got a few hours in Columbus, come here.