Bethel Road might just be the most delicious 3-mile stretch in the entire state of Ohio.
Seriously. If you’re a food lover, this place is your playground. Your theme park. Your flavor-packed fever dream.
It’s home to nearly every major food culture you can think of… Korean, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Turkish, Vietnamese, French, Russian… you name it, Bethel Road probably has it (and then some). You could eat somewhere new every night for a month and still barely scratch the surface. I honestly don’t know how anyone could ever get bored eating here.
So here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite spots along this global smorgasbord:
Kai’s Crab Boil | Cajun Seafood
📍 839 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Trust me, I, like you, was skeptical of a seafood boil in Central Ohio. But Kai’s changed my mind fast. You throw on a bib and gloves, get handed a bag full of steaming seafood soaked in garlicky, buttery, spicy goodness, and dig in with your hands. I went with mussels and shrimp, tossed in corn and sausage, and opted for the Kai’s Kajun blend. If you love spice, try the Hot first… and only go for OMG if you’re ready to sweat. That soaked corn? Little flavor bombs.
The Refectory Restaurant | French
📍 1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Unless you’ve got a Muirfield Golf Club membership, this probably isn’t your Tuesday night dinner spot. But for a splurge-worthy evening? The Refectory delivers. Start with the Salmon Gravlax, move on to halibut in cardinal velvet sauce or a perfectly seared ribeye with rosemary bordelaise, and finish with Bourbon Vanilla Créme Brûlée. It’s fine dining without the pretense, and the staff is truly top-tier.
Los Guachos Taqueria | Mexican
📍 5221 Godown Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
My boyfriend introduced me to this place on BOGO Al Pastor Taco Monday, and I’ve never looked back. Shaved right off the spit, the meat is juicy and flavorful, and the tortillas, cilantro, and pineapple tie it all together. Pure magic.
Meshikou | Japanese
📍 1506 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
The OG ramen spot in Columbus. Bethel Road was clearly the only place worthy. I’m partial to the Fireball Paitan ramen, but the menu’s loaded with miso, veggie, dry noodle options, you name it. And don’t skip the Mango Habanero wings. They’re way too good for a ramen joint, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Golden Delight Bakery | Asian Bakery
📍 1516 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
You might not expect to find top-tier desserts on Bethel, but here we are. The Strawberry Shortcake is straight-up dreamy: Fluffy white cake, fresh berries, whipped cream frosting, and the occasional kiwi cameo. Also: get the pork buns. Get the cream puffs. Get everything.
Min-Ga Korean Restaurant | Korean
📍 800 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
This place is the real deal. We’re talking grilled mackerel, squid, BBQ, hot pot, and stone bowl bibimbap that will ruin you for all other bibimbap. My advice? Go with friends, blindfold yourselves, and point at the menu. You won’t regret it.
Hoggy’s BBQ | American BBQ
📍 830 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
People don’t talk about Hoggy’s enough. This place is legit. I’m a brisket guy through and through, but their pulled pork made me question my entire worldview. It’s juicy, smoky, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Prepare to become a regular.
Buckeye Pho | Vietnamese
📍 761 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Come for the giant bowls of pho. Stay for the bánh mì, aka Vietnamese sandwiches done right. Fresh bread, pickled veggies, pate, jalapeño, and grilled pork? Come on. Unreal.
Awadh India | Indian
📍 2584 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
You’ve got your garlic naan, your butter chicken, and the lamb biryani that’s basically a religious experience. Seriously, why doesn’t biryani get more hype? Shoutout to my childhood friend Faisal and his mom for introducing me to it years ago. I’ve been chasing that flavor ever since.
Café Elena | Russian/European Fusion
📍 2054 Crown Plaza Dr, Columbus, OH 43235
Started by a Russian grandmother (Elena herself), this cozy cafe is one of Bethel’s best-kept secrets. The Blueberry Lemon Ricotta pancakes might change your life. Her granddaughters work there too, which makes it even better.
Honorable Mentions:
All of these could easily replace any of the 10 above, and there are always new spots popping up, so be sure to drive down Bethel Road with an open mind and an empty belly!
Gogi Korean BBQ
Hiro Ramen & Tea
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Gallos Tap Room
KOSHI – Korean Food
Stone Bar and Kitchen
Preston Eatery
The Forge Tavern
La Casita
Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen
Istanbul Supermarket
New India Restaurant
Did we miss one? Send us a note!
If you’re ever stuck in a food rut, Bethel Road is the antidote. It’s not just a stretch of road. It’s a cultural experience. A passport stamped with flavor. And it’s right here in Columbus, just waiting for you to take a bite.