These Restaurants Are The Best Kept Secrets In Columbus

Updated: July 15, 2026

You’ve already heard about the places everyone recommends. This list is the other kind: ten restaurants I keep sending friends to when they ask where locals actually eat. A few are hiding in strip malls, one’s tucked into Uptown Westerville, and at least two look like nothing at all from the street.

Every spot on this list was re-verified as open in July 2026, addresses and all. Grab a fork.

Jump to a restaurant:

• Fat Baxter’s
• Bonifacio
• Ritzy’s
• O’Reilly’s Pub
• Dosa Corner
• El Ranchito Taqueria
• Laguna Bay Bistro
• Lois Mann’s
• Cravings Cafe
• Asterisk Supper Club

Fat Baxter’s

Step into Fat Baxter’s for a taste of pub grub in the Hilltop. From their irresistible chicken wings to a pizza paired with karaoke night, this charming family-owned bar is quickly becoming a favorite hidden gem.

Address: 1794 W Mound St, Columbus, OH 43223
Website: Fat Baxter’s Website

Good to Know:

• Indulge in some traditional American pub grub: Fat Baxter’s is your go-to spot for bar food that’s actually good. Pizza, nachos, wings, all of your favorite appetizers, and more.
• Drinks of choice: This is very much a “cold beer” kind of place, and you’ll love every second of it.
• Live Music: Enjoy your meal with a side of live music.

Bonifacio

At Bonifacio, experience a culinary fusion of Filipino and American flavors that will leave your taste buds delighted. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their inventive cocktails.

Address: 1577 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Website: Bonifacio Website

Good to Know:

• Filipino Fusion: Bonifacio offers a unique blend of Filipino and American flavors. Try the Adobo Chicken Sandwich for a savory twist on a classic.
• Craft Cocktails: Their cocktail menu is a hidden gem itself, featuring creative concoctions that perfectly complement the dishes.
• Daily Specials: Keep an eye out for their daily specials, which showcase seasonal ingredients and the chef’s creativity.

Ritzy’s

Ritzy’s is a charming journey to the past, offering classic diner favorites like milkshakes and shoestring fries that the whole family will love.

Address: 4615 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Ritzy’s Website

Good to Know:

• Nostalgic Vibes: Step back in time with Ritzy’s old-fashioned ambiance and classic diner fare, including delicious milkshakes and smash burgers.
• I scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream: Indulge in some creamy, housemade ice cream. You can get it in a waffle cone, a bowl, or in a float!
• Family-Friendly: Ritzy’s is the perfect place for a family dinner, complete with friendly staff and a kid’s menu.

O’Reilly’s Pub

There’s no dive bar quite like O’Reilly’s Pub, where the warm hospitality, live music, and incredible burgers create an unforgettable experience.

Address: 2822 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: O’Reilly’s Pub Website

Good to Know:

• Irish Hospitality: O’Reilly’s Pub might be a dive bar, but the staff are always friendly and the regulars are happy to have a chat or to leave you in solitude to lose yourself in one of the best burgers in town.
• Live Music Nights: Check their schedule for live music events and experience the lively atmosphere.
• Outdoor Seating: The pub has an outdoor seating area, ideal for sipping on a pint.

Dosa Corner

 

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Dosa Corner takes you on a culinary journey to South India with its crispy dosas and a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options, all seasoned to perfection.

Address: 1077 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Website: Dosa Corner Website

Good to Know:

• South Indian Delights: Dosa Corner is a haven for South Indian cuisine lovers. Try their dosas, a type of crispy crepe filled with various fillings.
• Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly: They offer an extensive selection of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for plant-based eaters.
• Spice Levels: Be sure to specify your spice level preference when ordering, as some dishes can be quite spicy.

El Ranchito Taqueria

El Ranchito Taqueria is your ticket to a Mexican food adventure, offering a taste of authentic tacos and salsa that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. You can watch telenovelas while you wait for your food and then decide what is spicier: your food or the show.

Address: 1275 Brown Rd, Columbus, OH 43223

Good to Know:

• Authentic Mexican Tacos: Savor the flavors of Mexico with El Ranchito’s authentic tacos. Don’t forget to try their homemade salsa.
• Cash-Only: Be prepared to pay with cash; they do not accept credit cards.
• Lunch Rush: Visit during lunch hours for a quick and delicious Mexican meal.

Laguna Bay Bistro (formerly Kuya Ian’s)

Laguna Bay Bistro is a Filipino family’s labor of love, serving up heartwarming Filipino comfort food and creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.

Address: 6863 Flags Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43229
Website: Laguna Bay Bistro Website

Good to Know:

• Filipino Comfort Food: Laguna Bay Bistro offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with Filipino comfort food like Pancit and Lechon Kawali.
• Family-Owned: This restaurant is family-owned, and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
• Treat Yourself To Dessert: From Halo-Halo to leche flan, don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Lois Mann’s

 

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Lois Mann’s invites you to start your day right with a mouthwatering breakfast menu that includes fluffy pancakes, savory breakfast burritos, and homemade jams that add a delightful touch. Oh, and did we mention, it’s decorated for Christmas year-round?
Address: 1904 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207

Good to Know:

• Breakfast Delights: Lois Mann’s is your go-to spot for a hearty breakfast. Try the fluffy pancakes or the breakfast burrito.
• Cash Only: Bring some cash! Luckily, with an affordable menu, you won’t need much.
• Weekday Specials: Check out their weekday specials for budget-friendly options.

Cravings Cafe

Cravings Cafe is a global journey that takes you from Morocco to Thailand to Italy, all on one menu. Don’t forget to indulge in their gourmet desserts.

Address: 114 N Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Cravings Cafe Website

Good to Know:

• Global Flavors: Cravings Cafe offers a diverse menu inspired by flavors from around the world, including Korean, Thai, and Italian dishes.
• Sandwich heaven: If you aren’t in the mood for sandwiches, save this spot for another day. These sandwiches deserve your undivided attention.
• Vegan Options: They cater to various dietary preferences, offering vegan and gluten-free options.

Asterisk Supper Club

Asterisk Supper Club does locally sourced plates and a serious wine list in Uptown Westerville, and the afternoon tea service is the one I’d book for an out-of-town guest.

Address: 14 N State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: Asterisk Supper Club Website

Good to Know:

• Upscale Dining: Asterisk Supper Club offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative presentations.
• Tea for two: If you’ve been searching for the perfect tea service, look no further. The tea is amazing, the food is divine, and the vibes are immaculate.
• Reservations Recommended: Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to make reservations, especially on weekends.

Hidden Gem FAQ

What’s the best hidden gem restaurant in Columbus?
Depends what you’re after. For a date night it’s Bonifacio, for a cheap and perfect lunch it’s Dosa Corner or El Ranchito, and for an occasion it’s Asterisk Supper Club.

Are these restaurants expensive?
Mostly no. Asterisk is the one real splurge on the list. Heads up that El Ranchito and Lois Mann’s are both cash-only, so hit an ATM first.

How do you pick the restaurants on this list?
I eat at them. Every spot here is somewhere I’ve been and would send a friend, and the whole list was re-verified as open in July 2026.