Best Restaurants in Columbus
Give your taste buds a treat at these Columbus eateries
When you ask a local about where to find the best food in Columbus, German Village is bound to come up. Historic architecture and old world cuisine combine to make the area a hot spot for food tours and lingering lunches. Though not every great Columbus restaurant makes its home in German Village, nearby neighborhoods take their cues from this culinary region to create a city full of fantastic eats. Enjoy a trip around town while tasting local favorites at these restaurants in Columbus.
Best Intimate Dining
Tucked inside a neighborhood in Victorian Village, Basi Italia is the place to go when you're looking for intimate dining off the beaten path. Owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, the restaurant serves up a fresh menu that changes with the season. Enjoy unique twists on classic dishes such as Tuscan onion soup, lamb Bolognese over hand-cut pappardelle or mustard-encrusted trout. The restaurant ranks as the No. 1 pick on USA Today's Top 10 list for local restaurants.
Best Pub Fare
High ceilings, brick walls and wooden floors give Wolf's Ridge Brewing an old-fashioned feel. The New American menu features inventive twists on old favorites such as mole duck tacos, Kentucky-fried chicken sandwiches and Cuban burgers. If you like to sleep in, you can still catch brunch starting at 10:30 a.m. The restaurant is located downtown on 4th Street, across the street from the Downtown Dog Park.
Best German Food
Indulge your taste buds in hearty German fare at Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus in German Village. Try the Bahama Mama sausage platter or just the bratwurst. Schmidt's Autobahn buffet lets you gorge on all the sausage and sides you want. Don't forget to save room for a giant cream puff for dessert; they come in flavors such as peanut butter fudge and vanilla, and weigh a half-pound each.
Best Burger Joint
When only a burger will do, head to Thurman Cafe in German Village. The restaurant serves up burgers weighing ¾ pound dressed up with accouterments such as mushrooms, sautéed onions and peppers. The restaurant's biggest burger is the Thurmanator, which pairs two 12-ounce patties with bacon, ham and all the fixings. If your appetite's not up to that formidable challenge, you'll find hot dogs, sandwiches, subs and other fare at reasonable prices. Don't have time for a sit-down lunch? Visit Thurman-to-Go right next door to the restaurant.
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