Any Columbus foodie knows that the best eats aren’t just found in Columbus proper.
Our suburban areas are full of delicious, surprising restaurants. If you didn’t grow up in a certain area or you haven’t lived there, you may not know that our suburbs have been holding out on us! From basics like burgers to delicious international cuisine, there are plenty of places to get great grub around the outer belt.
With a little help from online reviews, we’ve figured out the best restaurants in each Columbus suburb and compiled them here. Which will come in pretty handy on your upcoming 2024 food adventures, I’m sure.
Bexley: Rubino’s Pizza
About: Rubino’s Pizza has been serving up delicious, authentic Columbus-style pizza for more than half a century. From local love to national recognition, Rubino’s has proven time and time again that they have some of the best pizza around Central Ohio. If you’ve never had the opportunity, please go get some pizza! Pro tip: They are cash only, so come prepared!
Location: 2643 East Main Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209
Website: Rubino’s Pizza
Blacklick: Stadz Pizzeria
About: On the hunt for more Columbus-style pizza? Stadz Pizzeria offers the iconic thin crust pizza that Columbusites are all searching for, complete with tiny, crisp pepperonis. Stadz is beloved in the Blacklick community, not just because of their amazing food, but also because of their friendly staff and live music and entertainment.
Location: 6755 Taylor Road Unit B, Blacklick, OH 43004
Website: Stadz Pizzeria
Canal Winchester: Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen
About: Harvest Moon started out as a cafe in 2010, but over time, they’ve evolved into an absolutely delicious restaurant and bar. Menu items are a combination of made-from-scratch and locally/ethically sourced items that can be washed down with one of the many Ohio beers on tap. It’s #OhioPride at it’s finest.
Location: 7 North High Street Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Website: Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen
Clintonville: Lavash Cafe
About: Offering Mediterranean cuisine, this counter service eatery is a delight ful place for a casual lunch with the squad. If the weather is nice, you can sit out on the patio, where you can enjoy kebabs, falafel, gyros & more.
Location: 2985 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Lavash Cafe
Dublin: Tucci’s
About: Tucci’s is one of the best restaurants in Central Ohio. If you’re looking for a friendly, fine dining experience, please make a reservation at this gem. The menu is diverse (from pasta to both surf and turf) plus the wine selection is out of this world. They have over 270 bottles in their inventory!
Location: 35 North High Street, Dublin, Ohio 43017
Website: Tucci’s
Gahanna: Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
About: If quaint mom-and-pop vibes are your thing, then look no further than Lola & Giuseppe’s. Their authentic Italian food is out of this world and their seafood menu items are particularly wonderful.
Location: 100 Granville St, Gahanna, OH 43230
Website: Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
Galloway: Tres Potrillos Mexican Kitchen
About: Okay full disclosure, I grew up in Galloway. It’s not exactly a hotbed of delicious restaurants, but there is one that comes out heads above the rest, and that’s Tres Potrillos. This quaint Mexican restaurant is tucked away in a little strip mall off of Galloway Road and it’s well worth a visit. They serve up some delicious Tex-Mex food and their margaritas are top-notch.
Location: 964 Galloway Rd, Galloway, OH 43119
Website: Tres Potrillos Mexican Kitchen
Grandview: DK Diner
About: Have you ever been sitting at home thinking, where can I get a delicious meal with a side of a dozen donuts that will blow my mind? Wonder no longer. DK Diner is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely Saturday with the fam. Their menu offers breakfast and lunch options, though breakfast is served all day, and it’s super affordable.
Location: 1715 W 3rd Ave, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
Website: DK Diner
Grove City: 3 Brothers Diner
About: Since they opened in 2017, 3 Brothers Diner has quickly made a name for themselves around Grove City. Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, the brothers learned to cook from their mom and they’re now sharing their unique style with customers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu even offers a decent selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
Location: 3090 Southwest Blvd. Grove City, OH 43123
Website: 3 Brothers Diner
Groveport: Delaney’s Diner
About: Delaney’s Diner hasn’t been open too long in Groveport, but it’s already becoming a fast favorite. The restaurant offers typical diner grub, including their iconic Breakfast Conewich, aka 3 fluffy, scrambled eggs with grilled onions, green peppers & cheese stuffed it a soft, hand held, fully baked white bread cone.
Location: 674 Main St, Groveport, OH 43125
Website: Delaney’s Diner
Hilliard: Starliner Diner
About: Starliner Diner opened in 1995, and if there was ever a place in Central Ohio that’s keeping the dream of the 90’s alive, it’s this place. Their eclectic menu paired with their self-described kitschy decor is what keeps people coming back. If I had to put a label on the diner, I’d say the food is Cuban inspired.
Location: 4121 Main St. Hilliard, OH
Website: Starliner Diner
New Albany: Hudson 29
About: The food at Hudson 29 is incredible. They have taken the comfortable classics that we all know and love from American cuisine and put their own unique stamp on them. Offering everything from brunch to dinner, Hudson 29 is a great spot for a variety of occasions.
Location: 260 Market St. Suite D, New Albany, OH 43054
Website: Hudson 29
Obetz: Possum Holler Pizza
About: I don’t think I need to say this, but just in case, nothing served at Possum Holler Pizza contains opossum. This is a neighborhood pizza joint that makes yummy, heartwarming food. This pizza place doesn’t skimp on the toppings, so be prepared to leave feeling extra full.
Location: 1876 Lisle Ave, Obetz, OH 43207
Website: Possum Holler Pizza
Pickerington: La Fogata Grill
About: La Fogata offers some of the most authentic Mexican food in central Ohio. The casual and fun eatery has been a go-to destination in Pickerington for two decades, with a multitude of glowing reviews and the delicious food to back it up. Plus, they’ve got fantastic margaritas.
Location: 1849 Winderly Ln, Pickerington, OH 43147
Website: La Fogata Grill
Plain City: Der Dutchman
About: Hearty, filling meals abound at the iconic Der Dutchman. The dishes, rooted in Amish cooking, are definitely on the heavier side. With dishes like chicken and noodles, pot roast, and pot pies, you won’t leave hungry. That’s especially true if you treat yourself to to the all you can eat buffet, and you definitely should. P.S. Don’t forget dessert.
Location: 445 Jefferson Ave, Plain City, OH 43064
Website: Der Dutchman
Powell: Vittoria
About: What happens when you take decades-old recipes and combine them with modern innovation and amazing service? Vittoria happens. The restaurant and its delightful dishes will transport you to old-world Italy.
Location: 10241 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, OH 43065
Website: Vittoria
Reynoldsburg: Scali Ristorante & Deli
About: First generation Americans Judy and Frank Scali wanted to bring the cuisine of their families to life in an area that needed and wanted it. They found the home for their dream restaurant in Reynoldsburg and opened their doors 25 years ago. With a variety of pasta dishes, as well as incredible house specials, Scali is the place to be if you’ve been craving authentic Italian cuisine.
Location: 1903 Baltimore Reynoldsburg Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH
Website: Scali Ristorante & Deli
Upper Arlington: Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar
About: What if I told you there was a wonderful place nearby where you could get both perfect Italian and Creole cuisine? Guess what? There totally is, and it’s called Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar. The owners grew up in Upper Arlington and they wanted to give back to their community in the best way they knew how: by providing a place where friends and family could gather, break bread together, and enjoy each other’s company. So whether you want jambalaya or homemade meatballs, you can rest assured that Gallo’s has you covered.
Location: 2820 Nottingham Rd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Website: Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar
Westerville: Asterisk Supper Club
About: Asterisk Supper Club is a must-visit for anyone heading to Westerville. From afternoon tea to a dinner of comfort food, Asterisk is truly unique. It’s the kind of place to stop by and stay awhile, chatting with friends and family, enjoying a drink or two, and just generally slowing down.
Location: 14 North State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: Asterisk Supper Club
Whitehall: Flavor 91 Bistro
About: I don’t know about you, but I love eating local. I made a promise to myself last year that I’d try to do it more often, and Flavor 91 Bistro is a great place to do just that. Not only do they have some of the most flavorful burgers I’ve ever tasted, but they’re also family-owned and the service is always outstanding. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, I highly recommend that you put it on your “restaurants to try” list.
Location: 5186 E Main St. Whitehall, OH
Website: Flavor 91 Bistro
Worthington: The Whitney House
About: With a menu that focuses on the embodiment of Sunday dinners, you can bet that The Whitney House knows how to serve up comfort. But what you may not be expecting is the diversity of the menu. When I say there is something for everyone, I truly mean it. From a Buckwheat Power Bowl to good old-fashioned Biscuits and Gravy, no one will leave feeling like they couldn’t find what they were craving.
Location: 666 High Street, Worthington, OH
Website: The Whitney House
Featured Photo by Matheus Frade on Unsplash
