10 Essential Restaurants to Try This Summer in Columbus & Central OH

City Guide, Eat & Drink, Food & Drink Guides

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Written by Step Out Columbus

Published on July 18, 2023
Photo by El Segundo via elsegundocolumbus.com

It’s summertime, folks – and we’re hungry. How about you? Well, even if you’re not – we’re gonna give you the rundown on some absolutely essential restaurants to try around Columbus. It is simply our civic duty to not withhold this information, so read on and maybe have a light breakfast… (or don’t)

1. Forno Kitchen & Bar

721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info

If you’re in the mood for some stone-fired American food, Forno Kitchen is one of our favorites for just that. Also, the music is always bopping in there which makes the whole dining process more enjoyable.

Photo by Forno Kitchen & Bar via Facebook

2. El Segundo Mexican Kitchen

 698 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info

There’s something about this place that just makes it a stellar spot for a summer meal. Maybe it’s the robust flavors of citrus, or it’s the brightly colored green decorative accents. All we know for sure is that it’s a spot you MUST visit.

Photo by El Segundo via elsegundocolumbus.com

3. Jasmine Fusion Grill

560 S High St Floor 2, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info

Expand your palette with some Indian fusion food at Jasmine Fusion, a family-owned restaurant in the German Village. Their garlic naan bread is to die for.

4. Emmett’s Open Air Cafe

2571 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 / more info

It doesn’t get more summery than Emmett’s. With open windows that wrap around the whole restaurant and a killer menu, this is a great spot to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.

Photo by Emmett’s Cafe via Facebook

5. Smoked On High BBQ

755 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206 / more info

Ok, do we even have to explain this one? When we think of summer, one of the first things we think of is BBQ food. Do us a favor and add Smoked On High to your list, it’ll put you in your summer feels.

Photo by Smoked on High via Facebook

6. [‘Plas]

21 E 5th Ave Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43201 / more info

Grab some friends and snack on a charcuterie board at ‘Plas. If that doesn’t fill you up, order some of their incredible pasta. Oh, we would recommend sitting on the patio – for obvious reasons.

Photo by Plas Food and Drink via Facebook

7. Stories On High

404 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info

With a warm weather window that feels like it lasts 2 minutes max, the best place you can be this summer in Ohio is outside. That’s why the rooftop at Stories on High is a total given.

Photo by Stories on High via Facebook

8. The Pearl

 641 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info

Craving some seafood? The Pearl is one of Columbus’ best restaurants to get high quality seafood while also making you feel like you’re on vacation somewhere. If you’re not a fan of fish, don’t worry – there’s plenty of other incredible dishes that taste nothing like fish.

Photo by The Pearl via thepearlrestaurant.com

9. Marcella’s

615 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 / more info

We mean it when we say this is some of the best Italian food in Columbus. Here’s a pro-tip, order the Fettuccini and meatball. They don’t skimp out on anything, you’ll see.

Photo by Marcella’s via marcellasrestaurant.com

10. Katalina’s in Harrison West

1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 / more info

Pancake balls may be a year-round thing, but the patio at Katalina’s isn’t. So if we can make a small suggestion – hop in the car and go. Like now. It’ll be worth it.

Photo by Katalina’s in Harrison West via Facebook

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