Columbus’ unique culture and wide variety of ethnicities makes it one of the best food cities in the country.
Just over the past few months, over half of the continents on Earth are represented in Central Ohio in the form of new restaurants that have recently opened. There’s no shortage of new and unique flavors to be explored all across the city and its surrounding areas.
So, in a celebration of all the incredible spots opening up in Central Ohio, we pulled together our 7 favorite new restaurants that we think you have to try ASAP. Let us know what you think!
Piazza Pelino
772 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
The sister restaurant to Pelino’s Pasta, Piazza Pelino offers incredible sandwiches made with their famous focaccia and small batch gelato using the freshest ingredients imported directly from Italy. I cannot overstate how incredible their focaccia is. It’s light, airy, and made fresh in-house every single day. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or just a quick lunch, you’re going to be itching to come back again… and again… and again!
Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar
6 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
While Hank’s has been around for 25 years, the Columbus location just recently opened as the restaurant’s first spot outside of it’s original location in Charleston, SC. Let me tell ya, this is some of the best seafood you can get anywhere. Featuring items like Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail, Broiled Maine Lobster, Peel-And-Eat Shrimp, and Hank’s Famous Tuna Tartare, you can experience the authentic and fresh flavors of the east coast right here in Central Ohio.
Oh Churros
2110 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Three cheers for churros! The first Churro-focused restaurant is finally here, and it is a must-have. First, the layout of the restaurant is super sweet because you get to watch the entire churro-making process in real time. Everything from the deep frying to the cinnamon-sugar dusting, you get to let your mouth water as you’re standing in line watching churros being made. Does this have an effect on how many churros you order when you get to the front of the line? Probably. Am I upset that I ordered more churros than I could ever possibly eat? Not at all. They are so good… crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Just perfect.
VGET Bakery & Cafe
1157 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220
This brand new Asian bakery is my new go-to spot for lunch. Taking inspiration from a variety of Asian cultures and mixing it with American cuisine, VGET Bakery & Cafe is one of the most unique new restaurants in Columbus. How unique are we talking? How about New Orleans Chicken Rice Wraps, Crab Stick and Egg Toast, and Black Pepper Pork Chop Buns. You better vGET there ASAP because you shouldn’t go another second without having tried this spot.
Mecha Noodle Bar
965 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
If you are from Connecticut, you may recognize the name of this noodle haven. Mecha Noodle Bar is a Connecticut favorite, and the Columbus location is the first location outside of Connecticut coast. Featuring a plethora of Asian favorites, they’re most known for their noodle-based dishes like their incredible Pho and delectable ramen. What truly speaks to me about this spot is that if you finish all of your noodles and still have broth left, just say “kae-dama, please” and they’ll bring out fresh noodles for you to slurp away. Genius!
Maison Skalli
2746 Festival Ln, Dublin, OH 43017
If you’re a breakfast or brunch lover like myself, you HAVE to check out Maison Skalli. This Moroccan-inspired Dublin Bakery is pumping out the most delicious ways to start your days and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Featuring everything from croissants to fruit tarts, avocado toast to cake, Maison Skalli has yet to make something I don’t love. Plus, if you’re a breakfast for dinner (or dessert) person, you’re in luck because they’re open 9 AM – 9 PM Tuesday thru Sunday!
Mean Mug Wings & Things
3780 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
While you may have seen some press coverage of some of the other items on this list, you probably haven’t heard of Mean Mug Wings & Things. That fact is one of the saddest things I’ve ever heard because these wings are crispy, juicy, meaty, and just so darn good… they deserve so much more attention. Featuring staples like Honey BBQ, Lemon Pepper, and Cajun, they also have super unique flavors like Alabama White Sauce, which is a horseradish-based sauce, as well as Hangover Sauce that’s made with Bloody Mary mix. You gotta check it out!
