Updated 2/24/26

Hi, it’s me, Nick. Or you can call me Dr. Breakfast. Either way is fine.

Listen, I don’t always like playing favorites… but we DO have favorites. There are the spots in Columbus we visit frequently, that we introduce to out-of-town visitors, that we talk about to anyone who will listen. So I’m compiling them into my personal guide to Columbus!

I’ll update the guide as restaurants open and close, as our tastes change, as new favorites enter the fold. I hope it helps inspire some of your own explorations. Enjoy!!

What are your favorite breakfasts & brunches?

Joya’s Cafe

I listed Joya’s under breakfasts, but it’s a favorite coffee and lunch stop, too. Chef Avishar Barua and his team have transformed this tiny storefront in Old Worthington into a delightful little spot serving Bengali-American breakfast dishes. If you’re visiting for breakfast, try the breakfast sandwich Bobby’s way, order a cortado or a Joya’s latte, or get the kati roll and cheesy double crunch.

Fox in the Snow

Lauren Culley’s and Jeff Excel’s five coffee shop/bakeries are beloved for a reason. They offer great coffee with beautiful, scratch-made pastries. Order some coffee (I like their cappuccinos, Beth likes their New Orleans iced coffee), get a couple of egg sandwiches, then peruse the displays to pick out some baked goods. Our favorites: the blueberry galette, tomato tart (in season), ham and Swiss croissant, chocolate morning muffin.

The Lox Bagel Shop

Not only does The Lox make some of the best bagels in town (a hybrid NYC/Montreal style), but they put them to use in some pretty amazing sandwiches. Favorites of ours include the pastrami sandwich or a lox sandwich with an egg – on their everything or sea salt & herb bagels.

Chile Verde

I put Chile Verde here for its amazing weekend brunch, but we count this a favorite for lunch and dinner, too. The family-run spot has been a staple for more than 20 years, serving generously portioned and wonderfully seasoned Southwestern dishes. They serve perhaps my favorite breakfast burrito in town – it’s big enough for 2-3 meals.

The Pancake House

This family-run diner features two locations, one in Lewis Center on Powell Road and a tiny one in Westerville on Schrock Road. Their breakfasts are solid (I love the chorizo, eggs, and hash browns), the pancakes top notch (get the cinnamon roll pancake!), and don’t miss their Venezuelan breakfast dishes.

South of Lane

South of Lane is deceiving. It could be passed off as a simple little cafe in Upper Arlington, but their breakfasts are no joke. Founder Catherine Vonderahe, who passed away in 2019, had a fun sense of humor (I mean, the place’s initials are SoL), and that translated into well executed and playful breakfasts. Their omelets, waffles, and hash browns are the best.

Tommy’s Diner

In a city with some great diners, Tommy’s stands out. It’s a Columbus institution, operated by the Pappas family for over 30 years. The decor screams classic diner, and the breakfasts follow suit. You can’t go wrong with the daily specials, although the omelets and the crispy, golden Belgian waffle are my favorites.

Emmett’s Cafe

Emmett’s is styled after Australian coffee shops that pair expert coffee service with thoughtfully prepared breakfasts. Their original cafe on South High Street is cute, but it’s hard to beat their Old North location in the historic Open Air School building. Order up an Aussie cap, try the handheld breakfast sandwich, or go bigger with their breakfast burrito loaded with tater tots.

What are your favorite lunches?

See also Favorite International Eats below!

Wario’s Beef & Pork

Now with two locations, Wario’s serves up monster East Coast-style sandwiches. Think cheesesteaks, roast pork, chicken cutlets, cold cuts. What sets them apart is the locally baked semolina sticks from Matija Breads and the great care to each ingredient. Yes, the pricers are higher, but you can easily get two meals out of one sandwich. My personal favorites: the cold cut and the cheesesteak Wario’s Way.

Cravings Cafe

This little family-run cafe downtown is open for weekday breakfast and lunch, and they assemble some terrific sandwiches and sides, often using house-made brioche. I’m partial to their breakfast roll and their downtown smashburger, but watch for daily specials.

Freedom a la Cart

Freedom a la Cart’s downtown cafe is also a social enterprise, providing employment, training, and resources to survivors of human trafficking. On top of this amazing mission is a superb storefront serving breakfast, lunch, and coffee. Their breakfast sandwich, bacon quiche, and Don’t Judge Me sandwich are top notch, but my hands-down favorite is the chorizo breakfast burrito with verde salsa.

Preston’s Burgers

Count this as a dinner favorite, too! Preston’s makes our favorite burger in town, just a simple but nicely constructed smashburger. And while they do their signature dish well, don’t skip their chicken nuggets, tenders, and fried chicken sandwiches. Find Preston’s as a stand-alone in Clintonville and a stall at Little Grand Market.

CM Chicken

All we have to do breathe the words “CM Chicken” and we’re destined to eat lunch there – that’s how hooked we are. This Korean fried chicken chain serves up absolutely craveable meals. We like getting tenders in spicy garlic, soy garlic, curry, and for a good kick, the red hot pepper. Go for lunch when you can get three tenders + fries + cole slaw for only $10!

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit

Some of Columbus’ best barbecue, in our opinion! Ray Ray’s has grown and shrunk over the years, but they’re keeping on with their four locations – Clintonville, Land-Grant Brewing, Westerville, and Granville. I’m partial to their Carolina pork and jerk chicken sandwiches.

Read more: Ray Ray’s New Truck at Aardvark Wine & Beer (this truck has moved, FYI)

Way Down Yonder New Orleans Finest Restaurant

Update: Way Down Yonder is currently closed while they seek out a new location.

We don’t get here often enough, but we’ve had some terrific lunches from chef Yonder and her crew. Originally hailing from New Orleans, she serves up some of the city’s best seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and po’ boys (get the hot honey shrimp!).

What are your favorite bakeries and desserts?

Three Bites Bakery

Isabella Bonello makes some of the best pastries in Columbus. From her downtown bakery she produces beautiful tarts, croissants, bombolini, cakes, and breads.

Kolache Republic

This little bakery sits inside The Daily Growler in the Brewery District. For over a decade they’ve been producing Czech kolaches: fluffy squares of dough with different fruit, nut, and cream cheese fillings. They also wrap the dough to make breakfast sandwiches – my personal favorite is the chorizo, jalapeno, egg, and cheese sandwich. (Also, the weekend before Thanksgiving they do a Thanksgiving kolache – all made from scratch – and it is one of my favorite things of the year.)

Belle’s Bread

Belle’s Bread has rightfully earned national recognition for its mix of Japanese and French pastries. Just grab a tray and load up on all their stunning baked goods. Belle’s is also part of the Japanese Marketplace, which includes Akai Hana and Tensuke Market/Express.

Dua Bakery

This family-run Albanian bakery appears at local farmers markets, including the Worthington Farmers Market. They make the most beautiful, luscious cheesecakes, tiramisu, and more – my personal favorite is the orange cake soaked in orange syrup.

Tous Les Jours

Tous Les Jours is a chain near campus that’s similar in style to Belle’s Bread. They’re based out of Korea and feature a fun variety of sweet and savory pastries.

Little Ladies Soft Serve

I don’t know what Little Ladies puts in their soft serve, but it’s simply the best. It’s the creamiest and most wonderful tasting soft serve I’ve ever had. My first love was their Aggie sundae, with puppy chow, chocolate, peanut butter. But watch for their seasonal specialties. I’ve had some amazing concoctions built around ginger bread, pumpkin, and blueberries.

Your favorite donuts?

Buckeye Donuts

The campus location of Buckeye Donuts will always be near and dear to my heart. They were a stop on my breakfast tour for more than six years. They’re family-run since 1969. They’re open 24/7/365. And they still make all their donuts from scratch daily. You can’t go wrong with anything they put out, but our favorites include the fresh glazed donuts, red velvet with cream cheese, chocolate longjohns, custard-filled donuts, and the devils food cake.

DK Diner

A close contender for best donuts in the city, Grandview’s DK Diner is not only a great bakery but a great breakfast spot. Go their for the longjohns and apple fritters – and their sour cream old fashioned may be the best donut in town.

Rose Dough Donuts

From their Clintonville shop Rose Dough Donuts produces excellent donuts and crullers using brioche dough. Look out for their regular seasonal specials.

Favorite international eats?

(aka more favorite lunch or dinner spots)

Hoyo’s Kitchen

Fast casual Somali fare in both North Markets and Bubbly Hall. My favorite is their safari chicken over Somali rice with cabbage and lentils, plus injera bread.

Los Agavez

The truck that introduced Columbus to birria tacos! They still do some of the best! But don’t sleep on their al pastor. Find it parked at Pacemont and High in Clintonville, plus a stall at Little Grand Market.

Taj on Fifth

We’ve known owner Ajay Kumar since his family ran the bygone Taj Mahal restaurant in Old North. In recent years he returned to action with a slightly more upscale take on Indian fare. They feature a fun selection of cocktails, and we always order the taj stuffed paneer, chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, and dal makhani.

Addis Restaurant

Our favorite spot for Ethiopian fare (although a close second is Lalibela). Very casual. Hours can be a bit inconsistent. Go with a group and get a mixed platter so you can sample a bit of everything.

Taqueria Guadalajara

Our favorite spot for Mexican is an unassuming strip small spot on the northeast side. The folks at Taqueria Guadalajara are warm and welcoming, and the food is easy to love!

Mordisco

A knock-out Venezuelan truck that parks at Olentangy River Brewing Company. They serve a wide variety of arepas, tequeños, bowls, but my favorite is their breakfast burrito.

Huong Vietnamese

Our vote for some of the best Vietnamese in town. You can’t beat their pho and their banh mi sandwich.

ChiliSpot

Our family loves Chinese food, and ChiliSpot is the most requested. We love the spicy Sichuan wontons, dan dan noodles, Chongquin spicy chicken, string beans.

New India Restaurant

We love Indian food, too, and New India tops our list. The family-run spot is always warm and welcoming, and everything is top-notch. Don’t miss the Afghani naan! It’s smells savory but tastes sweet.

Arepazo

Arepazo is a long-time favorite for its Latin American fare. Their Venezuelan arepas are the most popular, although I’m a sucker for their chilaquiles. Their cilantro sauce is also popular – I prefer the spicy version!

Main Moon

Along with ChiliSpot, Main Moon is another go-to for Chinese. Get the Chengdu cold noodles, dumplings in chili oil, spicy chicken, dan dan noodles.

Everest Cuisine

Everest in Old Worthington is another go-to for Indian fare. We love the Everest platter, chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, navrattan korma.

Kirin Noodle Bar

We have a lot of great ramen spots in Columbus, and we’ve been going back to Kirin Noodle Bar a bunch. Great ramen and sushi!

N.E. Chinese

N.E. Chinese specializes in dishes from the Dongbei region of China. We don’t see as many eateries like this in Columbus. Try the cumin potatoes, green beans with garlic, hot and sour fern root noodles, twice-fried fish.

Bonifacio

Wonderfully creative modern Filipino fare, with an excellent bar program to boot. Book a table on Sundays and Thursdays between 4-9 p.m. for their kamayan nights, communal dinners where rice, proteins, and veggies are poured out on the table on banana leaves, so you can eat with your hands. And visit on the weekends for one of the city’s most unique brunches.

Los Guachos

Los Guachos started as a food truck and has grown to multiple locations. They’re still some of our favorite al pastor in the city, especially on their gringas. Experts know to visit on Mondays when al pastor tacos are two-for-one or on Wednesdays when al pastor gringas are $2.

Kyushu Ramen Bar

Kyushu runs three locations – Grandview, Bethel Road, and Lewis Center – where they produce some of our favorite bowls of ramen in the city.

Favorite coffee?

Brioso Coffee

Brioso is my most regularly visited coffee shop in Columbus. My day job is just a couple blocks down the street from their Long Street shop and roastery. The staff are friendly, and I love their espresso and the Ohio maple latte. If you brew coffee at home, I recommend their Espresso Milano blend and Costa Rican Tarrazu.

Royal Flamingo Coffee

After a couple years of winning international awards for their coffees, Royal Flamingo opened their own shop inside I Like It Like That cocktail bar (which is inside Natalie’s Grandview). They offer an engaging and accomplished menu that ranges through batch brews to espresso drinks to cold brew and beyond.

Roosevelt Coffeehouse

Roosevelt has three locations around central Ohio; my personal favorite is their licensed spot inside Olentangy River Brewing Company in Lewis Center. I love how they do honey cinnamon lattes.

Florin Coffee

The family-run Florin is a lovely little shop in Linden that roasts amazing coffee. I’m especially partial to their Ranger blend.

Two Tigers Coffee

Two Tigers in Clintonville might be the city’s smallest coffee shop. But Tony produces some big flavors with his coffees!

Ramble Coffee

Ramble doesn’t have a storefront, but appears at markets and shops across the city. We find them regularly at the Worthington Farmers Market. I love their Mexico Chiapas and Ethiopia Natural Guji.

Moonbird Coffee Co.

The Moonbird trailer in Grandview is one of my favorite stops during the week. They’re warm and friendly, and the coffee is always excellent. I love their Mystic Rhythm latte.

Favorite places for a cocktail?

The Bottle Shop

The Bottle Shop is a cozy, Bohemian enclave in Victorian Village. We’ve always loved the eclectic vibe and the unique cocktails, and I think it’s only gotten better as owner Gregory Stokes (who runs Accent Wine downtown) has taken the helm.

Law Bird

Law Bird was earning accolades before they even opened a couple years ago. Their cocktail selection is always fascinating, the staff knowledgable, and the playful food menu ranges from elevated bar snacks to fun nights like hot dog Wednesdays.

Cobra

Cobra in the Brewery District has rightfully earned national attention for creative cocktails and Asian-inspired bar menu. I love the laid-back vibe, the easy counter service, and how every bit of food and drink is both comforting and surprising in some way.

The Bar at Echo Spirits

Echo produces some of Columbus’ more unique spirits, and head bartender Derek Reno creates a dynamic cocktail menu to match. Plus, the side street space is always a cool hangout. (It was the former home of Four String Brewing, for those who remember.)

The Citizens Trust

I love hanging out at The Citizens Trust, in the upper level of the former bank building that also houses Veritas. The gigantic bank lobby, with lots of seating and tall ceilings, is an excellent backdrop for expert cocktails.

Favorite places for beer?

Seventh Son Brewing

Seventh Son Brewing is one of the OGs of the new wave of Columbus craft beer. What started as a small setup in a garage has blossomed into a full-scale brewery with food trucks, events, and two sister breweries. I love their Italian Village bar with two levels, the patio with firepits, the taproom with long concrete bar. I can always go for their IPAs and stouts, like the Proliferous double IPA and Oubliette stout.

Zaftig Brewing

As our neighborhood brewery, Zaftig is near and dear to my heart. They go big with their beers, and I love the results. I’m partial to their Heavy Hearted Amber, Juicy Lucy IPA, Wee Heavy Scotch ale, and Big Barleywine. And if you can catch the Ol’ Rugger or ZBS stouts in season, they’re fun to sip.

Columbus Brewing Company

CBC has been on a long journey over the decades, from the growth of its brand to winning national awards for its IPAs to a production space, taproom, and beer hall. They consistently produce excellent beer. I love their Columbus IPA and their most famous offerings, Bodhi and Creeper. They operate a taproom at their west side brewery and a full beer hall next to East Market.

Nocterra Brewing

Nocterra has built itself into a humming community center in Powell. They converted an old train depot to a taproom and beer garden that produces great beer and events, and is home to food trucks. They just added a full taproom and restaurant next to the Audubon metro park, too!

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Wolf’s Ridge does it all: they’re one of the city’s top breweries, they’re an award-winning restaurant, and they have a killer taproom.

Henmick Farm & Brewery

It’s hard to argue with Henmick’s idyllic setting on an old Delaware farm. The family who owns it carved out eight acres for a brewery that features a taproom built of reclaimed barn wood and huge patios. Add in cocktails with local spirits and a beer menu that expertly covers a range of styles, and it’s the near-perfect hangout.

Favorite easy nights out?

Understory

Understory has it all: a laid-back lounge, a giant patio surrounded by trees, creative food, great cocktails, beer from Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – all in an historic building.

Rooh

Rooh in the Short North offers dynamic modern Indian fare paired with one of the city’s most interesting cocktail lists.

Flour Modern Pasta Bar

The folks behind Rooh opened an inventive pasta place at Polaris in 2024, featuring a prix-fixe menu of breads, pastas, and desserts. The pasta dishes rely on international flavors like butter chicken, elote corn, or French onion soup. Paired with a well-priced but equally inventive cocktail list, Flour makes for a relatively inexpensive but very enjoyable night out.

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

We’ve loved Dirty Frank’s ever since they opened in 2009. They’ve grown from the cartoon-decorated dive bar downtown to their pop-up and stadium locations across the city. My favorite dogs: the Cowgirl Carmen (which hearkens back to Surly Girl Saloon), the Ohioana, and the Picnic Table.

Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails

It makes me happy that Tip Tip keeps kicking. The Gay Street dive with no windows still features cheap cocktails, a solid beer selection, and hearty fare like Ohio nachos, pot roast sandwiches, mac and cheese.

Press Grill

Just like Tip Top, Press Grill is one of those long-running spots that’s held out against changes in its neighborhood. Perhaps it’s just the heavy nostalgia, but we still love this long, narrow space in the Short North, with its Press burgers, turkey Rachel sandwiches, quesadillas, and Nathan’s Famous hog dogs – not to mention Thanksgiving dinner served every Thursday.

Club 185

Much like Tip Top and the Press Grill, Club 185 in German Village is a long-running favorite bar with easy-to-love food and drinks. It’s the place for cocktails, beers, and burgers.

Favorite pizza?

Terita’s Pizza

I’m a sucker for old school Columbus-style pies, and Terita’s is one of my favorites. I love the Terita’s Special, their version of the supreme pizza with house-made sausage.

JT’s Pizza & Pub

JT’s pies always feature a crispy crust, generous toppings, and great seasoning. The more we try them, the more we fall in love. We usually go to their Linworth location, but their giant new Grandview store has proven to be a fun destination to try their full menu of bar snacks, wings, and pizzas! (Hint: start with the provolone wedges.)

Pizza House

Just like Terita’s, Pizza House is a long-running shop specializing in Columbus-style pies. I love the All The Way pizza piled with provolone, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, and pepper.

Natalie’s

We dearly miss Natalie’s Worthington location, but their Grandview location still offers the same great crispy, coal oven-fired pies. Pair that with two stages for live music and comedy, a terrific bar program, and more excellent dishes, and it’s a fun night out.

Nicer nights out?

Service Bar

Service Bar is attached to Middle West Spirits in the Short North. In addition to a beautiful space, especially the bar, they provide a great night out with cocktails, flights of whiskeys (MWS recently purchased Old Elk Bourbon), and comforting creations from chef James Tuckey. Don’t sleep on it!

Speck Italian Eatery

Speck Italian Eatery is chef Josh Dalton’s (owner of Veritas and Rosebud’s in Delaware) modern Italian eatery. Head there for great pasta, cocktails, and wine.

Stories on High

Stories on High is the 28th floor eatery in the new Hilton Tower. You can’t beat the views, and the small plates, cocktails, and wines pair nicely with them. For a bigger night out, book a table at FYR downstairs.

Haru Omakase

Of the recent openings in Columbus, Haru has been a stand-out one of our favorite new dining experiences in recent years. Created by the owners of Fukuryu Ramen, the omakase joint is led by chef Yudi Makassau and his team, and features an exquisite tour of small bites and drinks.

Alqueria Restaurant

Alqueria in Victorian Village flies under the radar. They feature hearty farmhouse fare like buttermilk fried chicken, cassoulet, expertly curated meat and cheese boards, pastas, and much. And don’t miss their excellent happy hour or their dynamic whiskey selection.

Subourbon Southern Kitchen & Spirts

A sister restaurant to Alqueria, Subourbon in Linworth pairs a big whiskey menu and great cocktails with modern takes on classic Southern fare.

Agni

Chef Avishar Barua opened Agni in early 2023. It’s a live-fire eatery in the Brewery District that runs on a tasting menu only. Avishar’s food is always playful, fun, and surprising.

Veritas

Veritas originally started in Delaware before moving downtown. They do tasting menus and a la carte dining, and offer one of the more accomplished menus in the city.

Favorite Columbus activities?

Here are a few of the places we like to go in the city!

Movies at Studio 35

Studio 35 in Clintonville is one of my favorite places in Columbus. The historic theatre has been renovated into a modern movie house with two screens, excellent pizza, lots of beer, and fun community events. I go every year to the Dude-a-Thon, a Big Lebowski screening and beer tasting.

Columbus Crew Games

In a city full of sports, the Columbus Crew is our favorite local team to cheer on. (While we cheer on the Buckeyes, we also love watching OSU lacrosse and the Columbus Fury, our professional women’s volleyball team.)

Hiking one of our 20 Metro Parks

We’re fortunate to have 20 metro parks scattered around the region, with walking and biking trails, dense forests, riverfronts, and more activities.

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

It would take you three days to visit everything at the award-winning Columbus Zoo.

The Columbus Museum of Art

We’re fortunate to have an institution like the Columbus Museum of Art, with great permanent collections and world-class special exhibitions.

Strolling the Scioto Mile

I love the views from the Scioto Mile, the riverfront park in Columbus. You can hit the trails, enjoy the cityscape, cross the bridges, watch trains.

The Nest Theatre

I grew up doing improv in high school and college, so I love that we have dedicated improv theatres with dozens of shows and classes.

Columbus Food Adventures Tours

As a former guide for Columbus Food Adventures, I’m totally biased towards the company, but they really do offer one of the best ways to explore the city’s culinary scene. Join their neighborhood walking (and eating) tours, their van tours to taco trucks and international eats, their specialty tours focused on history and seasonal fun.

Hanging Out in Old Worthington

I’m of course partial to our neighborhood. I love how it looks during the holidays. It’s home to Joya’s, the Worthington Farmers Market (April to October), neighborhood hangouts like the Worthington Tavern, coffee and pastries at La Chatelaine or Kittie’s – and the Worthington Inn returning to action soon under the leadership of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing!

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Nick’s Guide to Columbus

February 8, 2024