Columbus may be known for its legendary sports teams (Go Bucks) and underrated arts scene, but when it comes to food, this city has some dishes that are as legendary and under-appreciated as they come!
See, we Columbus natives are quite the innovators. We don’t let the traditional ideas of “good cuisine” box us into a corner. We’re Buckeyes, for crying out loud!
With everything from Italian-American favorites to inventing staple American Chinese food dishes, Central Ohio has developed its own culinary traditions that locals and visitors can’t get enough of. These iconic dishes are a must-try if you’re looking to taste the heart and soul of the region (and perhaps find your new favorite food, even if they’re a little crazy!).
Here are the top 5 most iconic Columbus dishes that you need to know about.
Featured Dishes:
1. PastaSalvi
PastaSalvi is the kind of indulgent dish that makes you question all your life choices, but in the best way possible. Originating at the now-closed B.G. Salvi’s Italian restaurant, this dish became a local legend. My first time having it, I thought it would be gross… boy was I wrong! Imagine a block of fettuccine tossed in a cream sauce with scallions, deep-fried in panko breadcrumbs until golden and crispy, and then topped with marinara and provolone. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and ridiculously satisfying. While B.G. Salvi’s is no more, you can still find this beloved dish at Delaney’s Diners across Central Ohio, thanks to the owners’ long-standing connection to the Salvi brand.
2. Columbus-Style Pizza
If you haven’t tried Columbus-style pizza, you haven’t truly experienced the 614. This pizza is all about the details: an ultra-thin crust, toppings that go from edge to edge, a sweet and tangy sauce, and square cuts for easy sharing. Popularized by places like Donato’s (my family’s favorite pizza joint growing up in Cleveland), this pizza style actually traces its roots back to Romeo’s in Grandview, which took inspiration from Chicago’s tavern-style pies. While TAT Ristorante de Famiglia brought pizza to Columbus in the 1930s, it was Romeo’s that created what we now call Columbus-style pizza. Edge-to-edge goodness.
3. Buckeyes Candies
What would Ohio be without Buckeye candies? These sweet treats didn’t exist until the 1960s—well after Ohio State adopted good ole Brutus Buckeye as their mascot—but they’ve since become a statewide icon. Made from peanut butter fudge dipped in chocolate, Buckeye candies resemble the actual buckeye nut (but without the whole ‘poisonous’ thing). Some of the best Buckeyes in Columbus can be found at spots like The Buckeye Lady, Eagle Family Candy, Schmidt’s Fudge Haus, and Winan’s Coffee & Chocolate.
4. War Su Gai
Invented in Columbus in the 1920s, War Su Gai (or Almond Boneless Chicken) quickly became an American Chinese food staple. This dish consists of crispy fried chicken smothered in a savory gravy, and while it might not look like traditional Chinese fare, it’s a Columbus favorite through and through. For the most authentic version of this dish, head to Wing’s Restaurant or Ding Ho, both of which have deep ties to the family behind the original Far East Restaurant in Bexley, where War Su Gai was born.
5. Johnny Marzetti
Johnny Marzetti is a dish with deep roots in Columbus. Created at the original Marzetti’s restaurant near Ohio State in the late 19th century, this casserole of ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce, and noodles became a Midwest classic. Named after Teresa Marzetti’s brother-in-law, Johnny, this hearty dish spread across Ohio and even made its way to Panama, where it was dubbed “Johnny Mazetti.” Today, the legacy of Johnny Marzetti lives on in home kitchens and restaurants around Columbus.
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