Updated: July 9, 2026
In this guide
- Opened This Month
- Saikou Revolving Sushi
- Beirut Bitez
- The Shapeshifter
- Red Bao Kitchen
- The Daily Etcetera
- Previous Months
- Biscuit Belly
- BBQ & The Pier
- Palomino Coffee Shop
- Mezcla (Reopening)
- Huli Huli Tiki Lounge Downtown
- Wolf’s Ridge at The Worthington Inn
- Soul 2 Go Express in Gahanna
- Great Glizzies
- Mordisco at Barrel & Bloom
- Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet
- Hoseki Sushi and Grill
- Fired Up Pizza
- The Hive Coffee & Cafe
- Allora Kitchen & Bar
There’s always something new and delicious to try in Columbus.
Summer is bringing another wave of restaurant openings across Central Ohio, with everything from conveyor belt sushi and Lebanese comfort food to inventive cocktails and handmade bao. From a new neighborhood hangout to your next must-try meal, this month’s lineup has plenty worth adding to your list.
We update this guide every month and re-check that every spot on it is still open.
Opened This Month
| Restaurant | Where | What it is | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saikou Revolving Sushi | West Columbus | Conveyor belt sushi | July 7 |
| Beirut Bitez | Dublin | Lebanese fast-casual | June 15 |
| The Shapeshifter | Franklinton | Rotating-theme cocktail bar | June 17 |
| Red Bao Kitchen | Grandview area (delivery and pickup) | Handmade bao ghost kitchen | June 15 |
| The Daily Etcetera | German Village | Beer and cocktails, five patios | June 19 |
Earlier this year: Biscuit Belly · BBQ & The Pier · Palomino Coffee Shop · Mezcla · Huli Huli Tiki Lounge Downtown · Wolf’s Ridge at The Worthington Inn · Soul 2 Go Express · Great Glizzies · Mordisco at Barrel & Bloom · Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet · Hoseki Sushi and Grill · Fired Up Pizza · The Hive Coffee & Cafe · Allora Kitchen & Bar
Saikou Revolving Sushi
About:
- Columbus officially has a third conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Saikou Revolving Sushi held its soft opening on July 7, and the plates are already rolling. Co-owned by Allen Chen and his son Kevin, the concept lets diners grab freshly prepared sushi plates as they pass by on a conveyor belt. In addition to sushi, the menu covers ramen and a range of other Japanese dishes.
Location: 5414 Westpointe Plaza Dr., Columbus, OH 43228
Website: Saikou Revolving Sushi
Beirut Bitez
About:
- Family-owned Beirut Bitez officially opened its Dublin restaurant on June 15, bringing fresh, made-from-scratch Lebanese cuisine to Central Ohio. Operated by the Azzam family, who also run the popular Taste of Greece & Mediterranean food truck, the fast-casual concept specializes in customizable bowls, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and halal-friendly options.
Location: 5720 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Website: Beirut Bitez (Instagram)
The Shapeshifter
View this post on Instagram
About:
- After nearly two years of pop-ups and planning, The Shapeshifter officially opened in Franklinton on June 17. Created by Theo Lentz following the closure of Mouton, the cocktail bar embraces constantly changing themes, rotating menus, and immersive events that encourage guests to expect the unexpected. From creative drinks to imaginative culinary offerings, every visit is designed to feel a little different than the last.
Location: 129 McDowell St., Columbus, OH
Website: The Shapeshifter
Red Bao Kitchen
About:
- Red Bao Kitchen officially launched its delivery and takeout operation on June 15 after previewing the concept during the Columbus Arts Festival. Founded by first-generation Southern Chinese immigrant Alicia Long, the ghost kitchen serves handmade steamed bao, matcha drinks, and family-inspired recipes built around fresh ingredients. Customers can order online for delivery or curbside pickup, with more menu additions planned in the coming months.
Location: 1400 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH
Website: Red Bao Kitchen
The Daily Etcetera
About:
- After several months of renovations, The Daily Growler’s South High Street location has reopened as The Daily Etcetera. The reimagined German Village destination blends the neighborhood feel of The Daily Growler with the cocktail-forward approach of The Daily Bar, featuring craft beer, specialty cocktails, citywide specials, Kolache Republic offerings, and five unique patio spaces. The refreshed concept officially welcomed guests on June 19.
Location: 702 S. High St., Columbus, OH
Website: The Daily Etcetera
Have fun exploring the city’s new restaurants this month. Be sure to tag us on Instagram (@columbusnavigator). We can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
Previous Months
Biscuit Belly
Opened: June 2026
About:
- Grandview has a new breakfast destination. Louisville-based Biscuit Belly opened its first Ohio location on June 2 in the former Hot Chicken Takeover space. Known for its made-from-scratch Southern-style biscuits, the restaurant serves biscuit sandwiches, breakfast favorites, coffee, and brunch dishes. The growing chain first launched in Kentucky in 2019 and has plans for additional Ohio locations in the future.
Location:
- 1417 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH
Website:Biscuit Belly Grandview (Facebook)
BBQ & The Pier
Opened: May 2026
About:
- A new seafood and barbecue concept has officially opened inside North Market Bridge Park, taking over the former COLO Market & Oyster Bar space. BBQ & The Pier combines fresh oysters, fish and chips, fried shrimp, and coastal-inspired seafood dishes with approachable barbecue favorites, creating a menu that bridges land and sea. The concept comes from hospitality veterans Enis Ndreu, owner of Holy Crepes, and Elvis Lloshi, who previously helped lead operations at Iron Grill.
Location:
- 6750 Longshore St., Dublin, OH
Website:North Market Bridge Park
Palomino Coffee Shop
Opened: May 2026
View this post on Instagram
About:
- A new coffee concept has opened inside Cordial, the Victorian Village cocktail club formerly known as The Bottle Shop, on King Avenue. Palomino Coffee Shop is serving espresso drinks, matcha, chai, and rotating seasonal specialties in a cozy, neighborhood-focused setting. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the café gives the cocktail bar a daytime life of its own. The menu runs from solid espresso staples to specialty lattes like miso caramel and orange creamsicle.
Location:
- 237 King Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Website:Palomino Coffee Shop (Instagram)
Mezcla (Reopening)
Reopened: June 2026
About:
- Not a brand-new spot, but a very welcome return. Mezcla officially reopened on June 5 after several months closed following a vehicle crash that forced a temporary shutdown. The Italian Village favorite is bringing back its acclaimed Latin American small plates, cocktails, and intimate atmosphere just in time for summer.
Location:
- 1022 Summit St., Columbus, OH
Website:Mezcla (Instagram)
Huli Huli Tiki Lounge Downtown
Opened: May 2026
About:
- Huli Huli Tiki Lounge has expanded with a new Downtown Columbus location, bringing tropical cocktails and island-inspired vibes to East Mound Street. The new space marks the first tiki bar to open Downtown since 2019 and joins the restaurant’s original Powell location. Guests can expect a mix of signature drinks and menu favorites, along with location-specific offerings, all served in a carefully designed space filled with custom carvings, artwork, and Polynesian-inspired decor.
Location:
- 22 E. Mound St., Columbus, OH
Website:hulihulipowell.com
Wolf’s Ridge at The Worthington Inn
Opened: April 2026
About:
- After years of anticipation, Wolf’s Ridge has officially opened its new concept inside the historic Worthington Inn. The restaurant blends the charm of the longtime space with a fresh menu of approachable, chef-driven tavern fare. Guests can expect everything from comforting lunch staples to refined dinner dishes, all served in a setting that honors the building’s legacy while bringing new energy to the neighborhood.
Location:
- 649 High St., Worthington, OH
Website:wolfsridgebrewing.com
Soul 2 Go Express in Gahanna
Opened: April 2026
About:
- Soul 2 Go is continuing its Central Ohio expansion with a new express location in Gahanna. The menu keeps the brand’s signature soul food front and center: bourbon chicken, jerk chicken, and the classic sides, served from a streamlined space designed for carryout, delivery, and quick dine-in visits. Same bold flavors, quicker turnaround.
Location:
- 134 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, OH
Website:Soul 2 Go
Great Glizzies
Debuted: April 2026
About:
- A new food truck from the team behind McGinnis’ Grill is rolling into the scene. Great Glizzies is serving up creative hot dogs, fries, and corn nuggets, making its debut with a pop-up in Upper Arlington. Expect loaded all-beef dogs, fries, and corn nuggets, with a schedule that hops between local breweries.
Location:
- Various locations (check social media for schedule)
Website: Great Glizzies (StreetFoodFinder)
Mordisco at Barrel & Bloom
Opened: April 2026
About:
- The popular Venezuelan food truck Mordisco is expanding with a second location at Barrel & Bloom in Linworth. Known for its arepas, empanadas, and flavorful breakfast dishes, the family-run concept now pairs its menu with a hybrid coffee shop and bar setting. Whether you stop by for a morning bite or an afternoon snack, it’s a delicious new way to experience one of the city’s standout food trucks.
Location:
- 2365 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus, OH
Website:mordisco.us
Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet
Opened: April 2026
About:
- A massive all-you-can-eat seafood experience is landing in Columbus. Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet serves more than 200 dishes daily, including snow crab legs, lobster, sashimi, hot pot, ramen, and even butter-baked whole crab. It’s a fast-casual setup with serious variety, perfect for anyone who wants a little bit of everything on their plate. This marks the chain’s first Ohio location, and it’s bringing big buffet energy with it.
Location:
- 1841 W. Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington, OH
Website:umibuffet.com
Hoseki Sushi and Grill
Opened: March 2026
About:
- Now open in Powell, Hoseki Sushi and Grill is serving up fresh sushi, ramen, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe. The space leans cozy and relaxed, making it just as good for a casual lunch as it is for a laid-back dinner. The menu works as well for a quick lunch roll as it does for a long dinner spread of rolls and noodles.
Location:
- 4290 Home Rd., Suite F, Powell, OH
Website:Hoseki Sushi and Grill (Facebook)
Fired Up Pizza
Opened: March 2026
About:
- The long-vacant Worthington space that once housed Natalie’s Pizza is finally alive again. Fired Up Pizza, led by former Cameron Mitchell Restaurants executive chef Michael Rice, is bringing more than just pies to the table. Along with their pizzas, you’ll find a deli-style setup stocked with Italian classics like lasagna, manicotti, meatballs, fresh pastas, and cured meats and cheeses. It’s part pizzeria, part neighborhood market, and fully worth a visit.
Location:
- 5601 N. High St., Worthington, OH
Website:fireduppizza614.com
The Hive Coffee & Cafe
Opened: March 2026
About:
- A familiar Grandview favorite has a fresh new look. The Hive Coffee & Cafe is the reimagined version of Basic Biscuits, Kindness & Coffee, complete with a renovated space and an expanded menu. The same heart is still there, but now with more options, longer hours, and a new name to match the updated vibe. Stop in for breakfast, come back for lunch, and enjoy the glow-up.
Location:
- 1160 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH
Website:thehivecoffeecolumbus.com
Allora Kitchen & Bar
Opened: March 2026
About:
- The space that once held Gallo’s on High is stepping into its next chapter with Allora Kitchen & Bar. The new concept keeps the spirit of the original while introducing a refreshed menu, updated energy, and a slightly new direction. Expect a mix of familiar favorites alongside new dishes, plus a welcoming atmosphere that still feels like a neighborhood go-to.
Location:
- 4215 N. High St., Columbus, OH
Website:allorakitchenbar.com
MORE LIKE THIS:
