Updated: August 5, 2026
When it comes to food, Columbus has options for just about every craving imaginable.
But every now and then, a restaurant has that dish. The one you can’t stop thinking about. The one you’ll happily drive across town for. The one you end up ordering every single time, even though you swear you’re going to try something new.
There are plenty of incredible restaurants around the city, but these spots have perfected one menu item so completely that it deserves the spotlight. Fair warning: reading this on an empty stomach probably isn’t the best idea.
| Restaurant | Known for | Neighborhood |
| Schmidt’s Sausage Haus | Cream puff | German Village |
| The Thurman Cafe | The Thurmanator (temporarily closed, fire rebuild) | German Village |
| Katalina’s | Pancake balls | Harrison West |
| Pistacia Vera | Macarons | German Village |
| Buckeye Donuts | The buckeye donut | Campus |
| Mikey’s Late Night Slice | Plain Ass Pizza | Multiple locations |
| Ray Ray’s Hog Pit | Brisket | Multiple locations |
| Katzinger’s Deli | The Reuben | German Village |
| Momo Ghar | Jhol momo | North Market |
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Stand out menu item: Cream Puff
About: Schmidt’s has been a Columbus institution for decades. And although you may go to Schmidt’s for some German sausage, everyone knows that you stay for the Cream Puff. Pure perfection.
Address: 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206
The Thurman Cafe
Stand out menu item: The Thurmanator
About: This burger is genuinely colossal. We’re not being hyperbolic here people. It’s two 12 ounce patties with more toppings than you can imagine. I know few people who have actually conquered this popular food challenge, but that doesn’t stop anyone from trying. Sadly, the Thurman Cafe is temporarily closed while the Suclescy family repairs damage from an April 2026 fire. They’ve promised they’ll be back. Check their Facebook for reopening news before you make the trip.
Address: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Katalina’s
Stand out menu item: Pancake Balls
About: No one does doughy goodness quite like Katalina’s. From regular old people like you and me to celebrities, Katalina’s Pancake Balls are the kind of thing you go to a restaurant specifically for. They’re filling and delicious, plus they’re just so incredibly Instagrammable.
Address: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Pistacia Vera
Stand out menu item: Macarons
About: Did Columbus even know what macarons were before Pistacia Vera burst onto the scene? Probably. But we didn’t know just how perfect they could be. Honestly, there are no desserts at Pistacia Vera that aren’t worth having, but their macarons are the most famous menu item for a reason.
Address: 541 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Buckeye Donuts
Stand out menu item: The Buckeye Donut
About: Were there ever three foods that deserved to go together more than peanut butter, chocolate, and donuts? Pretty sure the answer is “No”. Luckily for us, we can all experience this trifecta of deliciousness whenever we want at the iconic Buckeye Donuts.
Address: 1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Stand out menu item: Plain Ass Pizza
About: When it comes to pizza, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not hard to please. But there’s something about grabbing a slice of Plain Ass Pizza from Mikey’s Late Night Slice that immediately improves any shenanigans I may find myself up to around Columbus.
Address: Various Locations
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
Stand out menu item: Brisket
About: The bbq scene here in the capital city has certainly improved over the last 10 years. But no one compares to the perfection of Ray Ray’s Hog Pit and their brisket. It’s the best in Columbus.
Address: Various Locations
Katzinger’s Deli
Stand out menu item: Reuben
About: Katzinger’s has a bunch of amazing sammies to choose from, but let’s be honest here. The Reuben is why we’re showing up. Hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, grilled on rye. And I almost forgot the best part: the pickle.
Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Momo Ghar
Stand out menu item: Jhol Momo
About: Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize that you should have been doing something a lot longer and you start to wonder how different your life would be if you had only realized sooner? That’s how I felt the first time I ate at Momo Ghar. This Nepalese cuisine is the real deal, and you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t get your hands on some jhol momo here soon.
Address: North Market, 59 Spruce St, Columbus
