Food is one of the easiest ways to explore a city.
You don’t need a plane ticket or a long weekend, just an open table and a little curiosity. A new restaurant can become your go-to spot without you even realizing it, or push you to try a cuisine you’ve never ordered before. Over the course of a year, those small decisions add up, quietly shaping how a city eats.
In 2025, Columbus gave us plenty of opportunities to do exactly that. From long-awaited openings and revived neighborhood favorites to bakeries, cafes, and bars that quickly found their people, the past year added dozens of new reasons to go out to eat.
Whether you checked out every opening as it happened or missed more than a few along the way, this is a look back at the bars and restaurants that opened in Columbus in 2025. Plus, it’s a great reminder of which ones are still waiting for you in 2026.
🍽️ Restaurants & Full-Service Dining
House of Creole (Short North)
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Cleveland-born Cajun and Southern comfort arrived in the Short North with shrimp and grits, blackened salmon, and bold cocktails.
El Rey (New Albany)
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Taking over the former Local Cantina space, El Rey brought casual Mexican fare, grilled meats, and tequila-forward drinks to the East Side.
Bar Italia (Easton)
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From the Lindey’s team, this Easton stunner proved mall-adjacent dining can still feel transportive, with handmade pasta and polished Italian vibes.
Chef-O-Nette (Upper Arlington)
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A true Columbus comeback story. This nearly 70-year-old diner reopened with its charm fully intact: swivel stools, pancakes, and nostalgia galore.
Fogo de Chão (Polaris)
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The Brazilian steakhouse finally landed in Columbus, bringing tableside churrasco, endless sides, and meat sweats to Polaris.
Osaka Ton Kotsu (Downtown)
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Columbus’ only restaurant dedicated entirely to Japanese tonkatsu, serving crispy pork cutlets with rice, cabbage, and imported ingredients.
Mezcla (Italian Village)
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Taking over the former Market IV space, Mezcla debuted a Latin fusion menu that quickly became one of the city’s hardest reservations to snag.
🍸 Bars, Breweries & Drink-Forward Spots
Campfire Brewing (Westerville)
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A backyard brewing hobby turned community-focused taproom, built around good beer and good company.
Astra Rooftop (Downtown)
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Replacing Lumin Sky Bar, Astra leaned into drama with skyline views, flaming tomahawk steaks, and a full-on rooftop party atmosphere.
☕ Coffee Shops & Cafés
Ravello’s Coffee (Italian Village)
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A mobile concept turned brick-and-mortar, tucked inside Daily Bar with sleek design and espresso-forward menus.
Begin Cafe (Westerville)
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Brooklyn-inspired, cozy, and design-forward, this Uptown Westerville cafe quickly became a neighborhood favorite.
Ciao Cafe GV (German Village)
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Espresso, gelato, and affogatos galore — right next door to Fox in the Snow.
🍩 Bakeries, Desserts & Sweet Treats
Rose Dough Donuts (Clintonville)
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Playful, seasonal donuts (think Peach Basil-Lime and Raspberry Sugar) with a grab-and-go model that sells out fast.
The Mochi Shop (Bethel Road)
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Columbus’ OG mochi donut makers opened their first storefront, pairing chewy donuts with coffee and daifuku.
Love Riley Cakes (North Columbus)
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After training in London, Riley Harris brought elegant, vintage-inspired cakes and pastries to her first storefront.
Scoops with Smiles (Groveport)
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A mission-driven, Black-owned ice cream shop focused on community and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Miss a few of these? You’re not alone.
Some of 2025’s openings are still flying under the radar, and some haven’t even hit their stride yet. If you’re looking for new spots to try this year, this list doubles as a ready-made dining bucket list for 2026!
