Columbus, Ohio, is more than just the state capital. It's also the home of dining establishments sure to tantalize every palate, and to please every budget.
Columbus is more than just the capital of Ohio. It's also home to some of the Midwest's best dining establishments. Whether you're a visitor or a local, dining for business or pleasure, check out some of these fantastic restaurants the next time you're in Columbus.
Tria Kuzina, located just north of Columbus in the suburb of Powell, offers some of the best Greek dining in town. It's an upscale casual environment that blends traditional and contemporary cuisine, and the service is fantastic. Be sure to order the saganaki as an appetizer, not only for the exquisite flavor, but also for the fun of shouting "Opa!" when your cheese bursts into flames. The avgolemono soup is to die for, and every one of the entrees comes in an Olympian-size portion. You'll be taking home your leftovers for lunch the next day. For directions or reservations, call 614-766-0335. Patio seating is available in the warmer months.
Founded in 1947, the Clarmont is the oldest fine-dining establishment in Columbus. Famous for its "power breakfasts", as well as high-class business lunches, the Clarmont is best known for its comfort food - steaks, seafood, and chops with hefty sides of baked or mashed potatoes. The wine list is excellent as well. Because of the popularity of the Clarmont with the downtown business crowd, reservations are recommended, particularly during the weekday lunch hour. For reservations, call the Clarmont at 614-443-1125.
No trip to Ohio's capital city is complete without a visit to the Columbus Fish Market (614-291-3474). Although Ohio is far from the ocean, the Fish Market has a wide variety of fresh seafood flown in on a daily basis. Specialties include the hoisin-glazed tuna and the Market trio, which features blackened Mahi Mahi, among other goodies. The cedar-roasted salmon is divine, and comes with a portabella relish that will make you swear you've died and gone to seafood heaven. The Fish Market is located close to Ohio State University's campus, and tends to fill up rapidly on Friday and Saturday nights, so call for reservations.
For a taste of Italian, be sure to stop at the Trattoria Roma in Grandview (614-488-2104). Their candlelight atmosphere combined with authentic northen Italian cuisine is perfect when you want to impress that special someone with your good taste in dining establishments! The entrees are made to order with fresh ingredients. The osso buco is magnificent, and executive chef Matt Prokopchak manages to whip up nightly specials that make diners feel like they truly are sitting in a small Italian trattoria.
If French cuisine is more your cup of tea, don't miss out on the Refectory. Housed in a 19th century church in Columbus, the Refectory offers an intimate candlelit setting, featuring French classics such as rack of lamb, filet mignon and fresh seafood, prepared by chef Richard Blondin, who hails from Lyon, France. The wine cellar boasts over seven hundred choices, so there's literally something for every palate. Reservations are recommended, and business attire is suggested. For more information, call the Refectory at 614-451-9774.
One of Columbus' greatest sources of pride is the incredible Ohio State Buckeye athletic club. Thanks to the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café, located just south of the OSU campus, sports fans can eat and enjoy watching games on the giant projection screen or one of the 35" televisions, or just sit back and relax among all the Buckeye memorabilia, including the 2002 National Championship Trophy. The Walk of Fame display is particularly impressive, and features a collection of Ohio State sports history ranging from ticket stubs to autographed football and basketballs, and even Archie Griffin's 1974 and 1975 Heisman Trophies. Be warned - if it's a Saturday afternoon between August and November, the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café is one of the most crowded places in Columbus, second only to the Horseshoe itself. For reservations or directions, call 614-291-2233.
If sports aren't your thing, and you're partial to a more earth-conscious atmosphere, check out the Whole World Natural Restaurant and Bakery (614-268-5751). Located in the trendy Clintonville neighborhood, north of the OSU campus, Whole World features vegetarian and vegan fare with an exotic and fabulous flavor. While most diners would be scared off by the mere mention of a broccoli burger, it's actually quite delicious. The Greek spinach pizza is a favorite with the regulars, as are the nachos. All the entrees come in healthy proportions, the staff is friendly, and your kids will enjoy the hippy-trippy Alice in Wonderland mural on the wall behind the counter. If you're not too stuffed to move after your meal, grab one of the giant whole-grain muffins or cookies to take with you.
For fans of Mexican food, skip all the big-box chain restaurants, and hit Columbus' southeastern suburb of Pickerington. Mazatlan restaurant offers a wide variety of Mexican food. The staff is fast, friendly, and efficient, and you get plenty of food for your pesos. This family-friendly establishment is located just a few minutes down the highway from downtown Columbus, and even on weekends, the service is still prompt. For more information, call 614-751-6467.
Finally, City Barbeque has become a Columbus tradition. The original location, in Upper Arlington (614-538-8890) offers both dine-in and carryout. City BBQ does barbeque like no one else in town - or in the entire state, if truth be told - and they make everything on site in a giant smoker. Three different sauces are available - red, mustard, and vinegar-based - and the side dishes are the traditional and tasty barbeque accompaniments of coleslaw and baked beans. City BBQ's take-out packs can feed up to two dozen people - perfect for either a fall tailgate party or a corporate luncheon - and offer a choice of pulled pork, chicken, or Texas beef brisket.
So, whether your taste buds are calling for continental and classy, ethnic or American, or just down-home and casual, the dining establishments of Columbus, Ohio, offer something sure to please every palate. For visitors and locals alike, you can't go wrong when you eat out in Columbus.
