Columbus is a city that often sneaks up on you. When I first planned a trip here years ago, I thought of it mostly as a college town, home to Ohio State University, and maybe a few neighborhood pubs. What I discovered was a full-blown food city: German roots mixed with contemporary American dining, a blossoming artisan dessert culture, beloved burger institutions, and a collection of casual eateries that locals guard as tightly as hidden recipes.
Columbus has become one of my favorite U.S. destinations for eating well. In this long guide, I’ll share my deep dive into the city’s culinary map: five real restaurants you absolutely must try, a handful of markets, desserts, and a foodie itinerary that will help you taste Columbus without missing a beat.
I’ll write this in the first person, because dining here isn’t just about lists and logistics — it’s about memories: waiting in line for a burger too big to fit in my hands, savoring a cream puff that seemed engineered for indulgence, or sipping wine at a fine dining temple that has quietly become one of America’s most underrated restaurants.
So grab a napkin, loosen your belt a notch, and let me take you through Columbus bite by bite.
Why Columbus Food Surprised Me
Before we get into the specifics, let me set the stage. Columbus doesn’t shout about its food like New York or San Francisco. It doesn’t need to. Instead, it offers a kind of relaxed confidence: hearty portions, seasonal creativity, and a sense of humor about just how much one plate can hold.
The influences here are fascinating:
• German Village brings European traditions, sausages, schnitzels, and beer.
• Short North Arts District feels modern, full of chef-driven spots and stylish ice cream parlors.
• Markets like North Market connect locals to fresh produce, spices, and fast street-style bites.
• Neighborhood icons — whether it’s a burger bar or a fried chicken pop-up — make dining casual but unforgettable.
That combination is what makes Columbus a joy to explore: you can eat like a king one night, a college student the next, and a child with an ice cream cone in between — and none of it feels out of place.
Stop 1: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus — German Village Comfort Food
The very first time I walked into Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village, I felt like I had stumbled into an Oktoberfest celebration that never ended. Wooden beams, lively chatter, steins of beer clinking — it’s impossible not to feel instantly at home.
Location: 240 E. Kossuth St., German Village.
Signature Dishes:
• The Bahama Mama sausage: smoky, juicy, and just the right kick of spice.
• Pork schnitzel, golden brown and large enough to fill the plate.
• And of course, the legendary cream puff, which is about the size of a softball.
Prices: Expect $15–25 for hearty sausage platters, and around $7 for one of those cream puffs.
My Experience: I ordered the sausage sampler so I could try different types side by side. My server laughed and said, “Good choice, but don’t forget to save room for dessert.” She wasn’t wrong. The cream puff — filled with sweet whipped filling and topped with chocolate — was so big I had to share it. It was the kind of dessert that makes you grin like a kid.
Atmosphere & Service: Warm, bustling, and slightly kitschy in the best way. Staff are quick, friendly, and they make first-timers feel comfortable navigating German-style dishes.
Why Go: Schmidt’s is Columbus history on a plate. If you only eat one traditional meal in the city, this is the place.
Stop 2: The Thurman Café — A Burger That Became a Legend
I’ll be honest: I’m a burger snob. After years of eating my way through cities, I can tell when a burger is going to disappoint. The Thurman Café, however, did the exact opposite — it blew me away.
Location: 183 Thurman Ave., Columbus.
Signature Dish: The Thurman Burger, stacked high with ham, mushrooms, mozzarella, American cheese, sautéed onions, banana peppers, and lettuce. For the bold, there’s also the Thurmanator — a double-patty monstrosity that almost defies physics.
Prices: About $16–18 for the classic Thurman Burger, $25–30 for the Thurmanator.
My Experience: I went in hungry, thinking I could handle the Thurmanator. I couldn’t. Halfway through I realized this was not a burger, but a commitment. The patty was juicy, the toppings over the top in the best way, and the bun… well, it was really just there to keep my hands from giving up. I ended up boxing the other half and enjoying it as a midnight snack.
Atmosphere & Service: Classic tavern vibes: loud, casual, filled with Ohio State memorabilia and locals who’ve been coming for years. The servers are fast, witty, and know that most people are here for the spectacle.
Why Go: Because you’ll leave with a story. Eating here isn’t just a meal — it’s a rite of passage.
Stop 3: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams — A Sweet Taste of Columbus
Columbus has a sweet tooth, and nothing represents that better than Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. I’d heard of Jeni’s before I ever visited — friends across the country raved about it. But eating it here, in its hometown, feels different.
Location: Multiple scoop shops, but the North Market location (59 Spruce St.) is my favorite.
Signature Flavors:
• Brambleberry Crisp — tart berry jam and oat streusel folded into cream.
• Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks.
• Seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Five-Spice or Everything Bagel.
Prices: Around $5 for a scoop, $12–15 for a pint.
My Experience: I went classic with Brambleberry Crisp on my first visit, and I’ve never looked back. It’s fruity, creamy, and crunchy all at once. The staff encouraged me to sample a few others first, and I ended up falling in love with their Salted Caramel too. The atmosphere in the scoop shop was cheerful, kids running around, couples sharing cones — the kind of place that makes you happy before you even take a bite.
Why Go: Because this is Columbus’s gift to the dessert world. Don’t skip it.
Stop 4: Lindey’s — Elegant Neighborhood Dining
After a couple days of comfort food, I wanted something a little more refined. Lindey’s, tucked into German Village, was the answer.
Location: 169 E. Beck St., German Village.
Signature Dishes: Trout almondine, perfectly cooked steaks, and seafood specials that rotate seasonally.
Prices: $18–38 for mains, depending on what you order.
My Experience: I booked a patio table on a warm summer evening, and it felt magical: brick-lined streets, fairy lights, and the hum of conversation around us. I ordered the trout almondine, and it was beautifully balanced — delicate fish, nutty crust, and buttery sauce. Service was polished without being pretentious.
Atmosphere & Service: Upscale but welcoming. Great for anniversaries, date nights, or simply when you want to treat yourself.
Why Go: It’s one of the best places in the city to feel spoiled — and still very Columbus at heart.
Stop 5: The Refectory — A Temple of Fine Dining
If Schmidt’s is Columbus tradition and The Thurman Café is Columbus excess, The Refectory is Columbus elegance.
Location: 1092 Bethel Rd., Columbus.
Signature Dishes: Multi-course tasting menus with French technique — past menus have featured duck confit, lobster bisque, and chocolate soufflés.
Prices: Tasting menus around $100–120, with wine pairings extra.
My Experience: I booked well in advance and was seated in a softly lit dining room that once served as a church. The meal was a sequence of surprises — delicate amuse-bouches, perfectly cooked proteins, thoughtful desserts. Each plate felt like a small story, and the wine pairings elevated everything. It was the kind of dinner where you lose track of time.
Atmosphere & Service: Formal, attentive, and ideal for a celebration. Servers know their wines inside out.
Why Go: This is Columbus fine dining at its best. If you want a night to remember, make it here.
Bonus: Hot Chicken Takeover — Spicy and Casual
Sometimes after fine dining, you just want something messy, spicy, and comforting. Hot Chicken Takeover scratches that itch.
Location: Several around Columbus; the North Market stall is easy for visitors.
Signature Dish: Nashville-style hot chicken tenders or sandwiches, with heat levels ranging from mild to fiery.
Prices: $8–15 depending on sides.
My Experience: I went medium heat, and it was perfect — crispy crust, juicy chicken, served with creamy slaw and bread. It’s a no-frills, communal style of eating, and the vibe is welcoming.
Markets & Snacks
• North Market: A must-visit for sampling local vendors — from coffee and spices to ramen and pierogis. It’s like a microcosm of Columbus food culture under one roof.
• Clintonville Farmers’ Market: Seasonal but fantastic for fresh produce, baked goods, and souvenirs like jams and sauces.
How to Plan Your Foodie Trip
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
• Morning: North Market breakfast and coffee.
• Lunch: The Thurman Café for the burger experience.
• Afternoon: Explore Short North, grab Jeni’s for dessert.
• Evening: Drinks and bar bites in the Short North Arts District.
Day 2:
• Morning: Coffee and bakery stop in German Village.
• Lunch: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
• Afternoon: Wander German Village shops and bookstores.
• Evening: Dinner at Lindey’s (patio if possible).
Day 3:
• Morning: Clintonville Farmers’ Market (if in season).
• Lunch: Hot Chicken Takeover at North Market.
• Afternoon: Shopping at Easton or strolling the Scioto Mile.
• Evening: Splurge dinner at The Refectory.
Practical Tips for Dining in Columbus
• Reservations: Book fine dining (Lindey’s, The Refectory) well in advance. Schmidt’s and The Thurman Café are mostly walk-in.
• Tipping: Standard U.S. practice: 18–20%.
• Portions: Be ready to take leftovers — many restaurants serve big plates.
• Souvenirs: Jeni’s pints, market jams, and local hot sauces travel well.
• Dietary Needs: Upscale spots are accommodating; market vendors are transparent about ingredients.
Columbus is the kind of city where you can eat like a king without breaking the bank. It blends heritage and innovation, indulgence and elegance. What I love most is the balance: you can laugh your way through a ridiculous burger at The Thurman Café one night, then toast with wine pairings at The Refectory the next.
For me, Columbus has become a city worth returning to just for the food. If you’re planning your own trip, I’d say: start at North Market to feel the pulse, save one night for fine dining, and never — under any circumstances — skip the cream puff at Schmidt’s.
Food is memory, and Columbus is a city that feeds both your stomach and your storybook.
