Happy Friday! Here’s the latest Columbus restaurant news:
- At long last, after being closed since a car crashed into it in January, Mezcla is reopening on Friday, June 5. The modern Mexican spot is owned by chef Garrett Talmadge, and originally opened in April of 2025.
- The Columbus nonprofit Local Matters announced that they will begin winding down operations over the coming weeks. It was founded by Michael Jones and Noreen Warnock in 2008, and has featured a number of programs in food education, advocacy, food rescue, and more over the years. They cited changes in critical funding as the primary reason for sunsetting operations.
- CoccoKay Bites opens next week Wednesday, June 10 at 170 W. Olentangy St. in Powell. The eatery features a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes, plus European-style desserts and assorted teas. It joins a ghost kitchen location at the High Street Kitchens in Clintonville.
- The owner of Shakers Public House in Worthington has opened Dapper Dog Tavern, a new spot in the former Hopyard 62 space in Grove City. It’s located at 4057 Broadway.
- A new pop-up park dubbed Lafayette Lounge has opened on East Lafayette in downtown Columbus, next to Pins. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through June and July. It features lounge seating, art installations, acoustic musicians, and DJs – and guests can bring in DORA beverages from nearby spots like Pins and Jackie O’s.
- The owner of Domo Sushi Kitchen & Bar in the Short North announced this week that they will be expanding to take over Mr. Sushi in Historic Dublin. They shared that it has a special connection to the Dublin restaurant, as the owner’s father previously ran it.
- Brassica announced that they’ll be adding a fifth Columbus-area location, this one at 2710 Ikea Way near Polaris. It joins The Lox Bagel Shop and Mikey’s Late Night Slice in a new build.
- Rick Doody, part owner of Lindy’s and part of the restaurant group behind Bar Italia, announced that they’ll be opening Arlington Grille this summer in the old Houlihan’s space in Upper Arlington.
- New York City-based Manjul Coffee announced they’ll be opening a Columbus location at the end of this month, in the Thrive Companies’ development at East Fifth Avenue and North Fourth Street in Weinland Park.
- Watershed Distillery took home four medals this week at the American Spirits Council of Tasters.
Some fun culinary events!
- Friday, June 4 is National Donut Day! A number of shops are doing specials that night. Buckeye Donuts is giving away 200 free donuts in the morning, while Rose Dough Donuts is hosting the Little Ladies Soft Serve truck. You can also consult my list of the Best Donuts in Columbus.
- The Columbus Summer Wine Festival takes place at McFerson Commons in the Arena District this Saturday, June 6.
- The CBC Beer Hall hosts its first East Side Pride this Saturday, June 6 as well. It will feature DJs, drag shows, activities, local vendors, a fun run, and of course – plenty of beer.
- Columbus Taco Fest returns this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, in a new location at Fortress Obetz.
- Columbus Food Adventures just announced their latest Taste Of dinner, featuring N.E. Chinese on June 17. Seats are limited and are selling fast!
This week I’m also writing:
- It’s a Spritzy Summer at Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian
- Understory Combines Great Food and a Standout Columbus Patio (Ohio Magazine)
- Check Out the New Terminal Coming to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Ohio.org)
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You can also me on Instagram at @breakfastwithnick, check out the news archives, read my guide to Columbus, or search for travel inspiration.
