I don’t know what’s in the water right now, but Central Ohio has been on an absolute tear with new restaurant openings.

Like… you look away for one second and suddenly there are five new places you “need to try.”

So instead of letting your “want to go” list spiral out of control (like mine already has), here are some of the best new restaurants in Central Ohio this spring that are actually worth checking out.

Fired Up Pizza

📍 5601 N High St, Worthington, OH 43085

If you’ve spent any time at local farmers markets, you’ve probably seen Fired Up Pizza doing their thing.

Now they’ve got a permanent home in the former Natalie’s space in Worthington, and it feels like a perfect fit. They’re continuing the pizza-making legacy of the building’s former tenant.

Fired Up Pizza serves up wood-fired, artisanal pizzas with that ideal balance of crispy crust and fresh toppings. Simple, done really well… which is all I’m ever asking for with pizza.

The Nine

📍 5597 N High St, Worthington, OH 43085

Right underneath Fired Up Pizza is The Nine… and yes, that means you can realistically do both in one night.

It’s an intimate, underground spot focused on elevated comfort food, tucked into a historic space that used to house Light of Seven Matchsticks.

It feels a little hidden, a little different, and that’s kind of the appeal.

Hoseki Sushi and Grill

📍 4290 Home Rd Suite F, Powell, OH 43065

Hoseki just had its soft opening, and it’s already making a strong first impression.

Expect high-quality sushi, ramen, and a clean, modern space that feels polished without being over the top. Definitely one to get on your radar early.

Joy Local Coffee Co.

📍 166 Granville St, Gahanna, OH 43230

Joy Local Coffee made the jump from a mobile trailer to a permanent storefront… and those are always easy stories to root for.

They just opened on March 24th, so this is about as new as it gets.

It’s a cozy setup inside Collective Home Supply, and it already feels like the kind of place people are going to settle into quickly.

Open BTL Wine & Spirits

📍 39 E William St, Delaware, OH 43015

A wine bar with small plates and the only rooftop patio in downtown Delaware… that’s really all you need to know.

Open BTL leans into that community-driven feel, with a menu built around sharing and hanging out a little longer than you planned.

Fishburger

📍 1917 Hamilton Ave, Columbus, OH 43211

Fishburger opened a second location, this time in Linden, and they’re continuing to do what they do best.

You’ll find fresh seafood, wings, burgers, and casual sides, all in a laid-back setting that keeps things simple and consistent.

DHC Chicken

📍 4009 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123

If you’re into crispy chicken, this is one to prioritize.

DHC specializes in Korean fried chicken using a double-frying technique, which gives it that extra crunch that’s hard to beat.

Local Cantina

📍 4 E Columbus St, Pickerington, OH 43147

Local Cantina has been a staple around Columbus for a while, and now they’ve expanded into Pickerington.

Same formula here… quirky tacos, margaritas, and a lively atmosphere that tends to turn a quick dinner into something fun and memorable.

Takumi Sushi

📍 7370 Sawmill Rd Unit J, Columbus, OH 43235

Takumi took over the former Sunflower Chinese space and brought something Central Ohio has been missing… all-you-can-eat sushi with a premium feel. And thank god for that!

If you’re someone who likes to try a little bit of everything, this is an easy choice.

Viva Mexican Kitchen

📍 220 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215

When Nada closed, it left a noticeable gap in the Arena District.

Viva Mexican Kitchen is stepping in with upscale Mexican food, a great interior, and a location that makes sense for both game days and nights out downtown.

Losanti Steakhouse

📍 440 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Losanti made its way up I-71 from Cincinnati and brought a mix of steakhouse classics and Italian dishes with it.

It’s a more refined dining experience without feeling too stiff, which is always a nice balance.

Allora Kitchen & Bar

📍 4215 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214

Allora took over the former Gallo’s on High space and has already been getting strong early reviews.

One person called it “the best restaurant they’ve dined at in Clintonville in a long time,” which… sets the bar pretty high.

So far, they’re absolutely meeting it.

Sexton’s Pizza

📍 710 Grandview Xing Wy, Columbus, OH 43215

Sexton’s now has a permanent stall inside Little Grand Market, which is great news for anyone who’s already a fan.

This is high-quality, no-nonsense pizza that’s been building a following for a reason. A world full of Sexton’s Pizzas is a world that I love living in.

Dumont Creamery & Cafe

📍 8671 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, OH 43240

Dumont is doing a little bit of everything… ice cream, coffee, and boba, all in one spot.

The Iced Kheer is one of the best drinks I’ve had in a while, and I’ll admit… the Taro Milk Tea made me rethink my stance on boba entirely. Plus, the color is the most beautiful purple you’ve ever seen.

Didn’t expect that.

Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen

📍 1450 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220

Fiery Sky has already been named one of the best new restaurants of 2026, and it’s not hard to see why.

They’re serving Hunan and Sichuan dishes with a massive menu, including soup dumplings, crispy pork, and standout wontons in chili oil (my personal favorite). Don’t miss out on the beef ribs, either!

🍛 Apna Oven

📍 2661 Federated Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235

Northwest Columbus continues to be a great area for Indian food, and Apna Oven fits right in.

The menu covers both North and South Indian dishes, from tandoori favorites to street-style chaat and dosas.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot opening right now… and not all of it is worth your time.

These are the spots that either already have momentum or feel like they’re about to.

So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to try somewhere new, this is it.

Food & Drink News

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