I am a vegetarian, but my partner isn’t. Here are our favorite spots to eat.
You’ve got Friday night plans, and you’re getting a group together for dinner. Maybe it’s close friends, or colleagues you don’t know too well. You do know that some people in your group have a plant-based diet, and others eat meat. Where can you go with something for everyone?
As a vegetarian with a carnivore spouse, I’m going to share a list of our favorite places to eat that have both meat and veggie meals, be it a fancy dinner to celebrate an anniversary or a quick-and-easy bite. And while I am a vegetarian, I do primarily eat vegan, so each option below will have meat, vegetarian, and vegan options to satisfy everyone.
Whether you’re visiting Columbus, or have lived in the Columbus metro area for years and are searching for new spots to satisfy a range of diets, this list is for you.
Quick and Simple
If you’re looking for an easy place to grab a bite before an event, or need to adhere to an affordable budget.
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
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Location: 248 S 4th St, Columbus, Ohio/Multiple Locations
Website: dirtyfranks.com
Known for its unconventional hot dog creations and cool vibes, Dirty Frank’s is a Columbus institution. Boasting regular hot dogs, jumbo beef dogs, bratwurst, Polish sausage, and veggie sausage versions as well, many dishes can be made either vegetarian or vegan. Orders that can be modified are easily marked, including a variety of sides and desserts. If anyone in your group happens to be gluten free, both gluten free buns and lettuce wraps are available to order.
Pierogi Mountain
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Location: 105 N Grant Ave, Columbus, Ohio
Website: pierogimountain.com
A potato wrapped in dough–what’s not to love? And with vegan pierogi options, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Pierogi Mountain. Their menu includes rotating pierogi flavors, along with both meat-based and vegan sandwich options, heartier dishes, and my favorite vegan mac-n-cheese in town. With cheap drinks and a chill environment, Pierogi Mountain is our go-to place to take visiting friends that is both affordable and delicious.
Yats Grandview
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Location: 1386 Grandview Ave, Columbus, Ohio
Website: yatscajuncreole.com
If you’re in the mood for Cajun Creole comfort food, swing by Yats for a fast and filling meal. Offering meat-based, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, Yats has a casual atmosphere where you can sit down and chat for a while, or grab your meals to-go. They update their menu daily, with everything from gumbo to vegan white chili. Oh, and always get the combo that includes a fountain drink and extra bread–you won’t regret it.
Casual Sit Down
Places where you can sit down and stay awhile, without a fancy dress code.
Pauli Gee’s
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Location: 1195 N High St, Columbus, Ohio
Website: pauliegee.com
While I am loyal to Columbus-style pizza, I love a wood fired pie. Conveniently located near the Short North Stage, Pauli Gee’s is beloved by meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike (their vegan ricotta is to die for). Pauil Gee’s does not take reservations, but carry out orders can be placed if you’d rather enjoy your meal at home or are in a hurry.
Yellow Brick Pizza
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Location: 415 W Rich St, Columbus, Ohio
Website: yellowbrickpizza.com
Speaking of pizza, I had to mention my other favorite vegan cheese in town! While I miss Yellow Brick’s former Olde Towne East location, their Franklinton locale is close to other Columbus hot spots like Land-Grant Brewing Company or One Line Coffee. You can order Yellow Brick online, or join them on a Franklinton Friday for pies with meat, veggie, or vegan toppings!
Everest Cuisine
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Location: 652 High St, Worthington, Ohio
Website: everestcuisineohio.com
Tucked away in a small plaza in Old Worthington is Everest Cuisine, offering multiple Nepali, Indian, and Tibetan meals. The menu is extensive, with various dietary needs easily marked. My favorite is the daal makhani with garlic naan, while my husband loves their chicken momo. I’d recommend ordering a little bit of everything to share, or else you’re just going to be jealous of someone else’s plate.
Gemut
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Location: 734 Oak St, Columbus, Ohio
Website: gemutbiergarten.com
Ohio is a haven for German food, and Columbus is no exception. While it can be hard to find veggie-based dishes at most German restaurants, Gemut goes above and beyond offering vegan schnitzel (it’s amazing), vegan wurst, and a vegan reuben in addition to all of the traditional German meats. Dine inside to enjoy an intimate atmosphere with stained glass windows, or enjoy the charming outdoor patio where dogs are welcome.
Upscale Fine-Dining
These restaurants recommend reservations, and require a more generous budget.
Comune
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Location: 677 Parsons Ave, Columbus, Ohio
Website: comune-restaurant.com
While I have tried to list restaurants that are not strictly vegan or vegetarian, I have to make space for Comune. Because it’s just that good, and my carnivorous loved ones adore it. Comune is a neighborhood upscale eatery with both vegan and vegetarian dishes, and craft cocktails. Their menu rotates based on the season, so you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a different meal every time you dine.
Agni
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Location: 716 S High St, Columbus, Ohio
Website: dineatagni.com
If you haven’t heard the buzz, Agni’s Chef Avishar Barua was named a semifinalist in the “Best Chef: Great Lakes Category” for the 2025 James Beard Awards. If you’re wondering why, try his food ASAP. Agni creates a special experience for diners with a multi-course tasting menu, including little surprises along the way. Throughout the meal, Chef Avishar delights, creatively accommodating to veggie-based diets. Just let the restaurant know if you will require an experience that is vegetarian or vegan when making the reservation.
Martini Modern Italian
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Location: 445 N High St, Columbus, Ohio
Website: martinimodernitalian.com
While all Cameron Mitchell restaurants are attentive and accommodating to vegetarians, Martini Modern Italian is our favorite place to go when celebrating anniversaries or birthdays. The servers are well-versed on which dishes and starters are vegetarian, or can be made vegetarian or vegan in their from-scratch kitchen. Meat options vary from red meat to seafood, and their extensive cocktail bar also makes a mean mocktail.
Honorable Mentions
Now, for a couple of other fun categories all their own, because I would be remiss to not include some of these great spots for both veggie and meat-based meals. From Filipino fusion to the best vegan ramen in town, here are my honorable mentions:
Fusion Fun
- Cobra | 684 S High St, Columbus, Ohio
- Bonifacio | 1577 King Ave, Columbus, Ohio
- Joya’s | 657 High St, Worthington, Ohio
Ramen
- Fukuryu | Multiple locations
- Meshikou | 1506 Bethel Rd, Columbus, Ohio
- Red Rabbit | 985 W 6th Ave, Columbus, Ohio
- Bowl Boba | 3949 Hoover Rd, Grove City, Ohio
- Slurping Turtle | 4049 Worth Ave, Columbus, Ohio
One of the best parts of Columbus is that it’s always growing and changing, offering diverse food options everyone will love–no matter your diet.
