There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbus. Like… a lot.
But every once in a while, a spot comes along that makes you stop mid-bite and think, why don’t more people know about this?
That’s Bonifacio.
Bonifacio is a modern Filipino restaurant that manages to do something incredibly rare. It honors tradition while also pushing Filipino cuisine forward in a way that feels exciting, approachable, and genuinely special.
And considering Filipino food is one of the most overlooked cuisines in the Western world, that matters more than people realize.
Filipino Food Deserves More Love (And Bonifacio Proves It)
Be honest with yourself. How often does someone tell you, “You HAVE to try this new Filipino spot”?
Probably not often.
And that’s not your friend group’s fault. Filipino cuisine has historically been underrepresented in the U.S. food scene, despite being rich, complex, comforting, and wildly flavorful.
Bonifacio is helping change that narrative.
They’re not just serving Filipino food. They’re showcasing it. Respectfully. Thoughtfully. And in a way that makes you want to come back and explore more.
Picture this.
No silverware.
No placemats.
No judgment.
A Menu Built for Exploration (and Surprising Familiarity)
Bonifacio’s menu is divided into four sections:
- Rice and Noodles
- Vegetables
- Land
- Sea
It’s designed for sharing, mixing, matching, and building a meal that feels abundant without feeling overwhelming.
If you’re new to Filipino food, start with the Garlic Rice. It’s familiar enough to feel grounding, but flavorful enough to set the tone for what’s coming next.
The pork or veggie lumpia are also a great entry point. Yes, they’re similar to egg rolls. No, that doesn’t make them boring. They’re crispy, savory, and disappear fast.
From there, things get more adventurous. But honestly? You can’t mess this up.
This is one of those rare menus where everything earns its spot.
Personal Favorites
- Adobo Ribs
- Pork Sisig
- Inasal
- Chicken Adobo
- Fried Bok Choy
- Bistek
And if you’re unsure, your server will absolutely guide you. No pressure. No judgment. Just genuine excitement to help you find something you’ll love.
The Wildest Thing Bonifacio Does (And It’s Incredible)
Now let’s talk about the thing that truly sets Bonifacio apart.
Picture this.
No silverware.
No placemats.
No judgment.
Instead, your food is laid out on massive banana leaves, family-style, right on the table. Everyone grabs a little bit of everything and piles it in front of themselves.
Then you eat. With your hands. Quickly. Joyfully. Like you mean it.
This is Boodle Night.
What Is Boodle Night?
Boodle Night is a traditional Filipino way of eating, meant to bring people together around a shared meal. It’s communal, efficient, and way more fun than it has any right to be.
Bonifacio hosts Boodle Nights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 4 PM to close.
Eating with your hands isn’t just allowed. It’s encouraged.
It’s playful. It’s freeing. And it will absolutely make you question why we decided forks were necessary in the first place.
Don’t Sleep on the Cocktails Either
As if the food experience wasn’t enough, Bonifacio’s cocktail menu is lights out.
Expect:
- Fresh, bright Lychee Martinis
- Strawberry Lychee Mojitos
- Ube Espresso Martinis
- Kamayan Old Fashioneds
- And more creative surprises
These drinks aren’t just pretty. They’re balanced, thoughtful, and pair shockingly well with the food.
Why Bonifacio Matters
Bonifacio isn’t just a great restaurant. It’s doing something bigger.
It’s reviving Filipino traditions.
It’s introducing people to a cuisine they may have never experienced.
And it’s proving that Filipino food deserves to be talked about in the same breath as any other “top-tier” cuisine in the city.
This is the kind of place that expands your palate, changes how you think about food, and leaves you already planning your next visit.
If you’ve been looking for a restaurant experience in Columbus that truly feels different… this is it.
Food & Drink Guides
Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.
Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience
Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads
