If you’ve never thought about what your final meal would be, then you and I are not the same.
This list pulls from the “off-the-beaten-path” spots around Central Ohio that don’t necessarily get the foot traffic or media coverage they deserve.
While plenty of other places are worthy of making this list, we want to highlight hidden gems that are still seriously underrated.
Shoutout to u/Aprofessionalgeek on Reddit for the inspiration to write this article!
Pick Your Final Meal
BBQ: Martiny’s BBQ in Lewis Center
5808 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
This spot nearly had to shut its doors because they weren’t receiving enough business due to the unique location. But once it blew up on social media, they’ve been keeping steady business and rightfully so! Their brisket, burnt ends, German potato salad, and mac and cheese are my go-to’s here. I think once they really hit their stride, they’re the best BBQ spot in the state.
Wings: Mean Mug Wings & Things
3780 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
This spot is a hidden gem that operates out of an Amvets post. With more wing flavors than you’ll know what to do with, these wings come out hot, crispy, and meaty! They don’t skimp out on anything here. The flavors are turned up to 11, the vibe is so unique, and the wings are possibly the best I’ve ever had (so far!)
Mexican: Catrina Mexican Cuisine
6111 Busch Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229
This spot is a true hole-in-the-wall and will leave you wondering why no one has told you about it before! Their quesabirria tacos are delightful, the tacos al pastor come with loads of pineapple, and the vibe inside is so unique. It’s one of those spots where you walk in and you just know you’re gonna get a bangin’ meal.
Chinese: Chuan Jiang Hao Zi
496 Ackerman Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
For what it’s worth, it’s the best Chinese food I have ever had. I cannot say enough good things. All the food is so fresh, the balance of flavors and spices in each dish is always perfect, and you will not leave feeling hungry. Massive portions, great service, fantastic authentic Szechuan fare.
Burgers: Preston’s: A Burger Joint
2973 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Now, I’ll be honest, I’ve only ever gotten one type of burger here, but for my money, it’s the only burger that matters. It’s called the Spicy Boi and it is truly magical what it does for your taste buds. With a creamy Pimento Cheese and sweet Sambal Jam atop the juicy patty, it’s truly a flavor explosion in your mouth.
I think it’s the best. You might disagree, but for the love of all that is holy, if you haven’t tried it, do yourself a favor and give it a shot.
Pub Food: Arch City Tavern
862 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Some of you might have been a bit upset that I didn’t include Arch City Tavern in the Burger category, but I have a good reason for it! While Arch City’s burgers are easily resting atop my list of my favorite burgers, the rest of the menu is equally as strong, which forced my hand to place them in the best Pub Food category. Everything from their salads to their sandwiches to their corned beef egg rolls (uh huh!) are just mouthwateringly magnificent. I think I’ve been to Arch City more than just about every other restaurant in Columbus just because it’s so reliable and so good every time.
Middle Eastern: Yemeni Restaurant
5426 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231
I have to thank Columbus Food Adventures for this one. Their Alt Eats tour features this spot, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since our tour. I couldn’t believe how delicious it was. Everything from the bone broth soup at the beginning of the meal to the hummus with lamb and the biggest pieces of Tandoor bread you’ve ever seen. I am so glad that I now know how much I love Yemeni cuisine.
Mediterranean: Mazah Mediterranean Eatery
1453 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
We’ve featured this spot before, but I feel like it didn’t receive as viral of a reaction as it deserved. This is another restaurant, along with Arch City, that I have frequented the most in Columbus. Their menu features tons of options for whatever you’re craving, and it all is so fresh. It’s a meal that you feel really good with yourself after eating, because it’s all so light and delicious! I love this spot.
Italian: Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
100 Granville St, Columbus, OH 43230
Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria is a mom and pop shop that, yes, is a relatively popular Italian joint in Gahanna, BUT the amount of people that still don’t know about this incredible Italian joint is a bit sad. The fact that an authentic Italian food joint like this is not a household name is a travesty. Everything is homemade every day, and you truly feel like a part of the family when dining with them. Everything is magnificent, but I’m partial to the Veal Parmigiana and Giuseppe’s Gnocchi.
Steakhouse: Hyde Park Steakhouse, Upper Arlington
1615 Old Henderson Rd, Upper Arlington, OH 43220
This one is a bit tricky, as there are not a ton of steakhouses in Columbus that aren’t already super well known. The ones that aren’t well known can’t seem to hold a candle to the heavy hitters, at least as far as I’ve experienced. That said, you cannot go wrong with Hyde Park, specifically the original Upper Arlington location. It was the original “grille” in Columbus and one of the original Hyde Park locations. Their filet is incredible, but the bone-in ribeye is possibly the most flavorful steak you’ll have anywhere.
Filipino: Bonifacio
1577 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Bonifacio has some truly incredible food from a cuisine that is becoming increasingly popular throughout the country, but I’ve yet to find anywhere else that makes Filipino food as good as Bonifacio. Everything tastes so fresh, and the Sizzling Tofu Sisig, Adobo Ribs, and Inasal are just lights out.
Pizza: Sexton’s Pizza
360 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, 943 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, 5460 Franklin St, Hilliard, OH 43026
The best pizza in the city in my very humble opinion is Sexton’s Pizza. It is the closest thing to New York pizza that I’ve found in Columbus and it’s not particularly close. Many places offer “New York style,” but that just means big slices and a somewhat thin crust. But Sexton’s is different. They have a savory sauce with cheese that has the perfect amount of bite, while the crust is truly thin and crispy. It’s not doughy like a lot of “New York slice” places in Ohio, it’s super light. I can say with confidence it’s my go-to pizza spot.
Soul Food: Soul 2 Go Cafe
72 E Lynn St, Columbus, OH 43215
Soul 2 Go Cafe is as hidden as a hidden gem goes unless you walk or drive past it frequently. Located downtown, this spot is what puts soul in soul food. Whether it’s jerk chicken, lemon pepper legs, or fried catfish, this spot has enough flavor to last you a lifetime. It’s bound to blow up (figuratively, of course) any moment now…
Indian: Awadh India Restaurant
2584 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Awadh India Restaurant is simply one of the best places to get legitimate Indian cuisine in Columbus. Their chef Anand Kumar trained as a chef in India for 10 years, which is all I needed to hear to give it a shot. And it did NOT disappoint. Incredible flavors all around with fresh produce and tons of options for whatever you’re craving.
Sandwiches: Piazza Pelino & Si Señor
Piazza Pelino: 772 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215. Si Señor: 1456 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, 155 W Nationwide Blvd Suite 175A, Columbus, OH 43215
There are two spots here that I really felt the need to highlight because I love them equally for different reasons. First is Piazza Pelino, which has my favorite off-the-beaten-path sandwich. Their focaccia is fresh baked every day and every ingredient is sourced directly from Italy. The Il Top and the Della Casa are sandwiches that will blow your mind. It LOOKS like it needs more meat and toppings, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The flavors blend perfectly and the sandwich is huge, so you certainly don’t need any more than they give you.
Another sandwich shop that I simply couldn’t leave off the list is Si Señor, a Peruvian sandwich joint that has the most underrated sandwiches in the city. No one thinks about going to a Peruvian place for a killer sandwich, but one visit here will change your mind. The Chicharron Peruano is an all-time sandwich that I will always order every time I go.
So There You Have It!
Now you have 16 restaurants around Central Ohio where you should eat your final meal if you’re ever in the predicament where you only get one more Columbus meal for the rest of your life. Hopefully that never happens, but it’s always better to be prepared. Happy eating!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!