German Village is one of the most popular destinations in Columbus.
The historic neighborhood is full of charm. From the quaint brick streets to the late-1800s architecture, it’s always one of the top spots recommended to visitors coming to Columbus. There are lots of wonderful things to do in the neighborhood. You can take a stroll through Schiller Park, stop at the iconic 32-room bookstore, The Book Loft, or, most importantly, you can eat.
German Village is full of truly delicious eateries covering everything from early morning breakfast to late-night burgers. Hungry? Let’s get into it.
Finer Dining
Barcelona
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About: Barcelona has been a staple in German Village for decades, and it’s easy to see why. The menu leans Spanish with a great mix of tapas, and if the weather’s nice, the patio is absolutely the place to be — it’s one of the best in the city.
Location: 263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Barcelona Restaurant
Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar
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About: ou really can’t talk about German Village without mentioning Lindey’s. It’s been around since 1981 and still feels like the go-to for a nicer night out, whether that’s brunch, dinner, or just drinks and dessert on the patio. And speaking of dessert… don’t skip it! It’s incredible.
Location: 169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar
Sycamore
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About: Sycamore strikes that perfect balance between cozy and upscale. The menu changes with the seasons, the ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, and the all-day café vibe makes it just as good for a casual lunch as it is for a relaxed dinner.
Location: 262 E Sycamore St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Sycamore
Cento
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About: Cento is one of the newer additions to the neighborhood, and it’s quickly become a go-to for date nights. The space is gorgeous, the patio is a bonus, and the pasta absolutely delivers.
Location: 595 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Cento
German Eats
Valter’s at the Maennerchor
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About: Alright, so yes, technically, Valter’s at the Maennerchor is located in the Brewery District. But it’s a stone’s throw from German Village, and it has an authentic German menu, so it makes the list. Whether you’re stopping by for date night or you’re just in the mood for an epic brunch, you’ll leave Valter’s feeling full and satisfied.
Location: 976 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Valter’s at the Maennerchor
Schmidt’s
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About: The J. Fred Schmidt Meat Packing House opened in the heart of German Village way back in 1886. Schmidt’s first foray into serving cooked food came in 1914 when they opened a stall at the Ohio State Fair. The restaurant we know and love today opened in 1967 and it’s been a Columbus institution ever since. There’s no bad time of year to enjoy a meal at Schmidt’s, but there is something particularly special about visiting in the winter. It’s cozy, inviting, and nostalgic, even if it’s your first time through the door. Oh, most importantly, don’t leave without ordering an iconic Cream Puff.
Location: 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Schmidt’s
Honorable Mention:
Gemüt Biergarten
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About: Gemüt Biergarten might not be in German Village, but it’s close enough in neighboring Olde Town East that we just had to mention it. Warm, inviting, and authentic. That was my immediate impression when I visited Gemüt for the first time. Everything on the menu is great (especially the schnitzel), and it’s even better when you pair it with one of their incredible brews.
Location: 734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Gemüt Biergarten
Casual Dinner
The Old Mohawk
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About: The Old Mohawk is the definition of a neighborhood spot. The restaurant has a menu that genuinely has something for everyone, making it the perfect place for dinner with the family or your BFFs. From meat-based German dishes to vegetarian quesadillas, I’m not joking when I say something for everyone, people!
Location: 819 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: The Old Mohawk
Běndì Wok N’ Bar
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About: I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a restaurant to open than I was for Běndì Wok. Not only are the drinks phenomenal, but the menu includes a variety of Asian dishes. From Bánh Mì to Pad Thai, you can basically choose anything on the menu and leave feeling like you made the best choice. That’s especially true if you get Chocolate Mochi for dessert.
Location: 277 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Běndì Wok N’ Bar
Thurman Cafe
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About: The Thurman Cafe may be a bit touristy at times, but the wait will be worth it. The burgers at Thurman Cafe are huge anyway, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take a stab at the Thurmanator, which includes two 12-ounce patties and a score of additional toppings. They don’t take reservations at Thurman Cafe and it will be crowded, so just be prepared that you might have to wait for a bit.
Location: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: The Thurman Cafe
Rooster’s Wings
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About: Rooster’s has been a favorite here in Columbus since they opened back in 1988. Although it’s technically a chain, that doesn’t change the fact that they’ve been serving up delicious wings for decades. It’s the perfect spot for a casual bite to eat in German Village, plus it’s located very close to Schiller Park, in case you need to walk off that dinner!
Location: 897 City Park Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Rooster’s Wings
Breakfast, Brunch, & Lunch
German Village Coffee Shop
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About: German Village Coffee Shop is more of a diner than a coffee shop and it also happens to be one of my favorite breakfast spots in the entire city of Columbus. The food is affordable and delicious, plus walking into this old-school diner sort of feels like stepping back in time.
Location: 193 Thurman Ave #2629, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: German Village Coffee Shop
Fox in the Snow Cafe
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About: Fox in the Snow has quickly become one of the most popular cafe’s in German Village. They serve coffee and pastries, which is obviously a fantastic way to start any morning. But the real MVP at Fox in the Snow has to be their breakfast sandwich. It’s absolute magic.
Location: 210 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Fox in the Snow Cafe
Pistacia Vera
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About: Pistacia Vera is a from-scratch, pastry kitchen that has become a total fan favorite over the years. Whether you’re craving sweet pastries, strong coffee, or a satisfying sandwich, you’ll find everything you need for breakfast & lunch at this adorable cafe.
Location: 541 South 3rd Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Pistacia Vera
Brown Bag Deli
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About: If you were wondering if the perfect lunch spot exists, you can rest assured that it does and you’ll find it at Brown Bag Deli. This tiny German Village spot offers sandwiches, salads and sides, and some of the friendliest customer service you’ll find. If you visit during lunch hours and have trouble finding a spot, just grab your food to go and walk down to Schiller Park. There are plenty of picnic benches around where you can enjoy your sandwich in the beauty of nature.
Location: 898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Brown Bag Deli
Katzinger’s Delicatessen
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About: The kitchen at Katzinger’s prepares almost everything on the deli menu from scratch, excluding the bread, which is delivered daily all the way from Pittsburgh. Sandwiches are made to order and nearly everything from salads to sides to soups is made in-house. This New York-style deli has been a popular eatery since the late 1980s and has served everyone from the Rolling Stones to Bill Clinton.
Location: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Katzinger’s Delicatessen
Featured image via Cento German Village (Facebook)
