2024 brought a flood of new culinary and drink hotspots to Central Ohio, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. From smash burgers and fresh pasta to Middle Eastern sweets and conveyor belt sushi, this year’s newcomers have seriously raised the bar. Here are the spots that stood out to us — and why you need to check them out ASAP.
JT’s Pizza & Pub – Grandview Heights
📍 845 Goodale Blvd, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
The first-ever second location of JT’s Pizza & Pub (does that make sense?) has landed in Grandview Heights. This spot is everything we love about the Worthington location but with a sleek, modern upgrade. JT’s delivers crispy, square-cut pies and a menu so customizable it feels like pizza therapy. This new location keeps all the charm of the original while adding a cool, fresh vibe.
Flour Modern Pasta Bar
📍 1540 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Fresh pasta and craft cocktails? Yes, please. Flour Modern Pasta Bar brings the comfort of house-made Italian dishes with a fun modern twist. From their freshly baked bread to their inventive cocktail menu, this Polaris gem delivers.
Capri
📍 39 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
Capri has rewritten the playbook on what a sports bar can be. It’s elevated yet approachable, offering dishes like cacio e pepe popcorn and lamb meatballs alongside craft cocktails. Whether you’re a sports fanatic or just here for the food, Capri hits the sweet spot.
Thirsty’s Pub – Italian Village
📍 944 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Taking over the iconic Little Rock Bar, Thirsty’s Pub has kept the vibe alive while adding its own flair. The rooftop patio is still the star, and karaoke and trivia nights ensure it’s a go-to spot for locals. With a slight pivot toward being more of a sports bar, Thirsty’s is bringing something for everyone.
Smash Buddies
📍 460 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
Smash Buddies, the former food truck, is now serving up the best burgers in Columbus at its first brick-and-mortar location. Their smash burgers are crispy perfection, and the tots? An absolute must-try. Something about the seasoning and the sauce they’re served with is just perfect. Veterans-turned-chefs, they’ve truly mastered the art of burger-making, earning them the title of Best Burger in Columbus 2024.
Los Potosinos
📍 695 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43203
Another food truck gone pro, Los Potosinos is serving up massive burritos and their signature Pollo al Carbón at their new location. With authentic flavors from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and deals like “buy five dinners, get the sixth free,” this spot is hard to beat.
Oh Churros
📍 2110 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Sweet tooth? Meet Oh Churros. Their crispy churros are paired with irresistible dipping sauces (Nutella is the MVP). Pair them with a hot chocolate or iced coffee, and you’ve got dessert perfection.
Bear’s Bagels
📍 4142 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Bear’s Bagels is the bagel oasis we’ve been waiting for. Doughy, crispy, and packed with flavor, these bagels are NYC-level good. Whether you’re a plain bagel purist or a schmear adventurer, Bear’s has something to impress everyone.
Caffé Pelino
📍 680 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215
Pelino’s Pasta fans will love Caffe Pelino. This Italian brunch spot wows with dishes like Limoncello Cake and Salmon Pancakes. It’s indulgent, unique, and the perfect spot for a special lunchtime meal.
Zundo Ramen & Donburi
📍 2500 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Zundo brings authentic ramen and donburi to the university district. Their rich broths and perfectly cooked noodles have made them an instant favorite for ramen lovers across Columbus.
The Little Grand Market
📍 710 Grandview Crossing Way, Columbus, OH 43215
This food hall brings together a variety of incredible vendors, from Korean street food to Cuban sandwiches. It’s the ultimate spot for foodies who can’t pick just one cuisine.
Silav Cafe & Grill
📍 330 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Silav Cafe offers authentic Kurdish cuisine with a modern twist. With dishes that feel like a warm hug for your taste buds, this spot is perfect for adventurous diners and comfort food lovers alike.
Piazza Pelino
📍 772 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Piazza Pelino is the sandwich and gelato sister to Pelino’s Pasta, and it’s a game-changer. Their focaccia is next-level, and their sandwiches are so good you’ll find yourself going back again and again (I certainly have).
VGET Bakery & Cafe
📍 1157 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220
Lunch just got an upgrade. VGET Bakery blends Asian and American cuisines to create unique dishes like New Orleans Chicken Rice Wraps and Black Pepper Pork Chop Buns. Trust me, you need to vGET there.
Mecha Noodle Bar
📍 965 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
This Connecticut favorite has landed in Columbus, bringing pho, ramen, and even smash burger bao buns to the table. Pro tip: If you finish your noodles but still have broth, ask for “kae-dama” to get fresh noodles. Genius.
Maison Skalli
📍 2746 Festival Ln, Dublin, OH 43017
This Moroccan-inspired bakery is turning heads with its croissants, cakes, and fruit tarts. Open from breakfast through dinner, Maison Skalli is a sweet way to start — or end — your day.
Mean Mug Wings & Things
📍 3780 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
Hidden inside an active AMVETS post, Mean Mug serves up some of the juiciest, crispiest wings in Columbus. With flavors like Alabama White Sauce and Hangover Sauce, this spot deserves way more attention than it’s getting.
Wario’s Beef & Pork – Clintonville
📍 4219 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Wario’s fans, rejoice! Their second location in Clintonville offers all the same incredible sandwiches, but with more seating and parking. Plus, they run different specials at each spot, so double the sandwiches = double the fun.
Jenny’s Diner
📍 4768 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Jenny’s is the ultimate comfort diner, with consistent, hearty meals that feel like a warm hug. It’s the kind of place where you can joke with the staff while enjoying perfectly cooked eggs and bacon.
Sexton’s Burger Bar
📍 921 E Johnstown Rd, Columbus, OH 43230
Sexton’s pivot from pizza to burgers is a power move, and it works. Their smash burgers are among the best in town, proving Sexton’s has a chokehold on my food cravings.
Habibi Grill
📍 1131 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Habibi Grill is all about authentic Lebanese cuisine, and every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you go for the chicken, hummus, or rice, you can’t go wrong.
Victor’s Tacos
📍 2110 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
Victor’s Tacos serves up family-owned Mexican dishes with no frills — just bold, authentic flavors. Affordable and delicious, this spot is a hidden gem.
Habibi Cafe & Sweets
📍 6520 Hayden Run Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026
This spot is all about decadent crepes, waffles, and Turkish coffee. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, this is your place.
PJ Hotpot
📍 6100 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
Hot pot and Korean BBQ in a stunning space? Yes, please. PJ Hot Pot offers a fun, interactive dining experience you won’t forget.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
📍 8833 Lyra Dr, Columbus, OH 43240
Who doesn’t love conveyor belt sushi? Kura brings a modern, playful touch to sushi dining, and we can’t wait to keep grabbing plates. Plus, you can win prizes for your table depending on how many things you order!
What a year for Central Ohio foodies and bar crawlers alike! Which new spot are you trying first? Let us know your favorites!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!