I’ve learned that food tells a city’s story in a way no landmark or museum can. And while I’ve sampled countless savory dishes in Columbus, Ohio, it was the city’s desserts that truly captured my heart. From rich, velvety chocolates to quirky ice creams and artisan pastries, Columbus offers a dazzling array of sweets that satisfy every sugar craving.
During my most recent trip, I made it my mission to explore the city’s dessert landscape in detail. Over several days, I visited five exceptional dessert spots, each with its own character, specialty, and charm.
I’ll share my experiences — what I tasted, what I loved, the costs, locations, tips for reservations, and practical advice for making the most of your sweet adventure.
Stop 1: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Location: 150 E. Franklinton Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Specialties: Salted Caramel, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Gooey Butter Cake
My Experience
Walking into Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, I was greeted by the aroma of freshly churned ice cream and the cheerful buzz of families and friends enjoying sundaes. I opted for a double scoop of Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Gooey Butter Cake, which cost around $7.50.
The first spoonful was a revelation. The Brown Butter Almond Brittle had a nutty, caramelized flavor that coated my tongue like a velvet hug, while the Gooey Butter Cake tasted like a childhood memory baked into ice cream form. I sat by the window, watching the city hum outside, savoring each bite.
Tips & Recommendations
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays late morning for minimal lines.
• Reservations: Not necessary, but they do have online ordering for pickup.
• Pro Tip: Don’t miss their seasonal flavors — when I visited in spring, they had a tangy Lemon & Blueberry Sorbet that was heavenly.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Innovative flavors, high-quality ingredients, great for all ages.
• Cons: Small seating area; can get crowded on weekends.
Stop 2: Pistacia Vera
Location: 949 N. 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Specialties: Macarons, Chocolate Croissants, Seasonal Tarts
My Experience
Pistacia Vera is a refined patisserie in the Short North Arts District. I arrived expecting a simple café experience and was immediately charmed by the elegant décor and the glass cases filled with delicate pastries. I ordered a pistachio macaron, chocolate croissant, and a raspberry tart, which totaled approximately $15.
The macaron was a delicate masterpiece — crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with a rich pistachio cream filling. The chocolate croissant flaked perfectly, buttery and warm, while the raspberry tart offered a refreshing balance of sweet and tart. Every bite felt like a work of art.
Tips & Recommendations
• Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon, when pastries are fresh out of the oven.
• Reservations: Seating is limited; walk-ins are fine for takeout.
• Pro Tip: Try their seasonal fruit tarts, they rotate weekly based on local ingredients.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: High-quality pastries, perfect for gifting, visually stunning desserts.
• Cons: Small space; desserts are pricier than casual spots.
Stop 3: Fox in the Snow Café
Location: 484 E. 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Specialties: Buttermilk Donuts, Croissant Sandwiches, Seasonal Pies
My Experience
Fox in the Snow Café is a cozy, rustic café where everything is made from scratch. I visited on a Saturday morning and decided to try a buttermilk donut with vanilla glaze and a seasonal apple pie slice, totaling about $9.
The donut was a revelation — light, airy, and slightly crisp on the outside, with a glaze that was just sweet enough without overwhelming the pastry. The apple pie was comforting, packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a perfectly flaky crust. Sitting on the small patio, I watched people walk by, sipping my coffee, feeling utterly content.
Tips & Recommendations
• Best Time to Visit: Mornings are best for fresh-baked pastries.
• Reservations: Not required; seating is limited, especially outside.
• Pro Tip: Pair a donut with one of their seasonal coffee specials — it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and caffeine.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Cozy atmosphere, excellent coffee, fresh pastries.
• Cons: Limited indoor seating, lines form quickly on weekends.
Stop 4: North Market – Katzinger’s Delicatessen & Jeni’s North Market
Location: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Specialties: Artisan Chocolates, Handmade Gelato, Seasonal Desserts
My Experience
The North Market is a food lover’s paradise. At Katzinger’s Delicatessen, I tried their homemade chocolates and a flourless chocolate cake — a decadent experience priced around $6–8 per item.
I also visited Jeni’s North Market location for a scoop of Brambles & Brambleberry Sorbet, a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate indulgence. Walking through the market, tasting different treats, I felt like a kid in a candy store, each vendor offering something unique and locally made.
Tips & Recommendations
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early Saturdays to avoid crowds.
• Reservations: Not necessary; mostly takeout-oriented.
• Pro Tip: Sample a variety of desserts from multiple vendors for a true North Market experience.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Wide variety, local and artisanal products, interactive experience.
• Cons: Can be crowded, parking limited.
Stop 5: Pistacia Vera’s Seasonal Pop-Ups & Sweet Treats at The Guild House
Location: 620 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43215 (The Guild House)
Specialties: Seasonal Cheesecakes, Chocolate Truffles, Handcrafted Desserts
My Experience
At The Guild House, I indulged in a dark chocolate truffle flight ($12) and a slice of seasonal pumpkin cheesecake ($9). The truffles were intensely flavorful, each bite revealing a different chocolate note. The pumpkin cheesecake had a creamy texture and a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tanginess.
The ambiance was relaxed, with soft music and plenty of seating, allowing me to linger and enjoy the dessert fully without feeling rushed.
Tips & Recommendations
• Best Time to Visit: Early evening for a relaxing dessert and coffee pairing.
• Reservations: Recommended for weekend visits.
• Pro Tip: Check their seasonal offerings; they rotate ingredients based on fresh, local availability.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: High-end desserts, elegant setting, perfect for date nights or celebrations.
• Cons: Pricier than casual spots, reservations may be needed for larger parties.
Dessert Travel Tips for Columbus
- Timing Matters: Visit popular spots early in the day for fresh pastries or late afternoon for ice cream.
- Mix & Match: Try a mix of casual and upscale dessert destinations to experience the full spectrum.
- Bring Cash and Cards: While most places accept cards, some small vendors prefer cash.
- Consider Dietary Preferences: Many locations offer gluten-free or vegan options, especially Jeni’s and Fox in the Snow.
- Plan Transportation: Some locations, like Pistacia Vera or Fox in the Snow, have limited parking — consider walking, rideshare, or biking if you’re staying downtown.
Columbus’s dessert scene is a treasure trove for anyone with a sweet tooth, whether you crave ice cream, artisan pastries, or decadent chocolates. My visits to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Pistacia Vera, Fox in the Snow, North Market, and The Guild House revealed a city that values creativity, quality, and local ingredients in every sugary creation.
What struck me most was the diversity of experiences. At Jeni’s, I felt playful and nostalgic, delighting in flavors that were inventive yet comforting. Pistacia Vera offered refinement and elegance, a place where dessert felt like an art form. Fox in the Snow exuded warmth and community, a spot where the simple act of enjoying a freshly baked donut became a moment of meditation. North Market introduced me to the rich tapestry of local artisans, allowing me to taste multiple desserts in one vibrant, bustling space. And The Guild House provided a luxurious, lingering experience where each bite was savored and celebrated. Together, these spots painted a picture of Columbus as a city that takes desserts seriously — yet never loses its heart and approachability.
I also appreciated how dessert in Columbus is about more than just sugar. Many of these spots emphasize local sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and creative flavor combinations that reflect the city’s culinary personality. Eating here felt like participating in a community of makers and creators, a reminder that food connects people across time and space.
For travelers, this means that a dessert tour in Columbus is not merely indulgent; it’s immersive, educational, and deeply satisfying. It’s an opportunity to walk through neighborhoods like the Short North, sit at a cozy café patio, watch chocolatiers at work, and feel the rhythm of a city that loves its sweets. I left Columbus with a satisfied stomach, a joyful heart, and a notebook filled with flavors, memories, and dessert recommendations — a reminder that sometimes, the sweetest experiences are the ones you can savor bite by bite.
Whether you’re a casual visitor or a devoted dessert connoisseur, Columbus offers something for everyone, from playful ice creams and donuts to refined tarts and chocolates. Every stop tells a story, every flavor sparks a memory, and every visit leaves you planning your next sweet adventure.
In the end, Columbus proved to me that desserts aren’t just an afterthought — they are a destination in themselves, deserving of time, attention, and above all, appreciation. So pack your appetite, bring your curiosity, and let the city’s confectionery wonders take you on a journey that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
