If there is one thing we all know about Columbus, it’s that the food scene here is ever-changing.
With influences from all around the world, Columbus is quickly becoming a foodie capital in the Midwest. From restauranteurs leaving larger cities like Los Angeles and New York in favor of Columbus to local superstars building up their own amazing menus, we really are so lucky when it comes to the talent pool here in our city.
These are the Columbus rooms that earn the special occasion — every one verified open as of July 2026.
Lindey’s
German Village | Website

A German Village institution, Lindey’s has been serving up delicious food for the last 25+ years. The traditional dining room and inviting environment are the perfect combinations for a wonderful experience. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is some of the best you can find in the city.
Martini Modern Italian
Short North | Website

This modern Italian marvel is perhaps one of the best places to grab Italian food in the whole city. Their fine-dining flair and attention to traditional flavors are what make Martini special. Although it is part of the Cameron Mitchell powerhouse, Martini stands on its own. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cocktail while you’re there.
The Refectory
Northwest Columbus | Website

If I only had two words to describe The Refectory, I’d choose elegant and refined. But hey, I’m running this show, so I’ll say a few more. The food, directed by Chef Richard Blondin of Lyon, France, is an inspiration. If you’re looking for amazing french cuisine here in the capital city, you don’t want to miss The Refectory.
The Top
East Columbus | Website

Dining at The Top isn’t an experience I’m likely ever to forget. From the insane quality of the food, to the fantastic service, it’s one place I can honestly say that I felt like a million bucks. Walking into The Top is like taking a step back in time. They first opened in 1955, and not much has changed. But if it isn’t broken, then why fix it?
The Keep
Downtown | Website

If you’re going to The Keep, you might as well go all in and order their extravagant Seafood Tower. Yes, it costs a lot. Yes, it’s a little extreme. But my, oh my, is it worth it. If the mountain of ceviche, crab, shrimp, and oysters isn’t enough for your crew, you can always upgrade to The Keep Tower, which adds lobster into the mix. The Keep is great for a chic night out and it’s inside of one of Columbus’ most glamorous hotels, Hotel LeVeque, to boot.
ROOH
Short North | Website

Rooh hasn’t been open in the Short North very long, but they’re already changing the way people view Indian fine dining. Traditional Indian dishes are reimagined, bringing a new flair on the iconic staples of the cuisine. The menu consists of small and large plates, so don’t be shy about inviting your friends. There is plenty to go around.
Mitchell’s Ocean Club
Easton | Website

When it comes to achieving seafood perfection, no one does it quite like Mitchell’s Ocean Club. The menu is comprehensive and the seafood featured is either wild or naturally harvested. This is a fantastic place to take a larger group, with plenty of shareable menu items and beef, pork, chicken and veggie options to accommodate all of your friends.
Agni
Brewery District | Agni
At Agni, Chef Avishar Barua runs a tasting menu ($165 as of 2026) built from his Bengali-American cooking — playful, technical, and unlike anything else in the city. Barua is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist (2024 and 2025), and the Brewery District room books up fast. Go hungry and trust the kitchen.
Veritas
Downtown | Website
Chef Josh Dalton’s tasting-driven flagship at High and Gay has been the city’s modern-fine-dining benchmark for years — inventive small plates, a serious beverage program, and a room that feels like the occasion. His team’s Mediterranean follow-up, Amara, lands on the Scioto Mile this year.
Cento
German Village | Website
Cameron Mitchell’s 100th restaurant is a German Village Italian room built around handmade pasta. It’s newer than most of this list and already books like a veteran — get the reservation early.
The Avenue Steak Tavern
Grandview & Dublin | Website
Cameron Mitchell’s neighborhood steakhouse plays it looser than Ocean Club — white-tablecloth food without the stuffiness. The Grandview original on Grandview Ave and the Dublin location both take the classics seriously: oysters, wedge salads, and a properly charred filet.




