There’s something immediately calming about walking into FiLLi Cafe.
The internationally known cafe chain, which opened its first Central Ohio location earlier this year at 9015 Columbus Pike in Lewis Center, has already built a massive following overseas thanks to its teas, coffee drinks, and fast-casual comfort food menu. Originally founded in Dubai, FiLLi now operates in 11 countries, but there are currently only a handful of locations in the United States, and Columbus is one of them.
And after finally stopping in for a visit, it’s easy to understand why the concept has become so popular.
Visually, FiLLi gets the atmosphere exactly right.
The space feels warm and inviting without trying too hard. Neutral tones, soft lighting, and plenty of greenery give the cafe a relaxed, comfortable vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. It’s polished without feeling overly trendy, and it works equally well as a quick coffee stop, a casual lunch spot, or somewhere to sit and catch up with friends over tea.
The menu itself leans heavily into teas and specialty drinks, with everything from herbal teas and wellness blends to iced lattes, milkshakes, and lassi offerings. But the signature item, and the thing FiLLi is best known for, is its chai.
Naturally, I had to try the Zafran Chai.
I ordered it iced, although I also sampled the hot version, and both were excellent in completely different ways. The drink had this rich, creamy texture balanced with warm spice and saffron flavor that lingered after each sip. The iced version felt refreshing without losing any depth, while the hot version tasted like something tailor-made for a crispy, cold Ohio morning later this year.
For food, we tried both the Chicken Shawarma Melt and the Chicken Dynamite Fill Bunz, and honestly, neither missed.
The Chicken Dynamite Fill Bunz came stacked with crispy chicken inside a soft brioche bun and coated in a creamy, spicy dynamite sauce that delivered plenty of heat without overpowering everything else. Combined with the fluffy bun and crispy texture of the chicken, it was the kind of sandwich you immediately start planning to order again.
The Chicken Shawarma Melt was equally impressive, packed with seasoned chicken, vegetables, melted mozzarella and cheddar, jalapeños, and flavorful sauces folded into one of the most unique tortillas I’ve had in awhile. The tortilla itself was buttery, layered, and almost pastry-like, giving the whole thing an unexpectedly rich texture.
Both sandwiches came with masala fries, which tied everything together perfectly.
While Columbus certainly isn’t lacking in coffee shops and cafes right now, FiLLi Cafe feels distinct from many of the city’s recent openings. Between the globally inspired menu, standout chai, and genuinely welcoming atmosphere, it offers something that feels both polished and comfortable at the same time.
FiLLi Cafe is located at 9015 Columbus Pike in Lewis Center. The cafe offers dine-in seating as well as carryout options. For more information, please click here.
