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Hidden gems: restaurants in Columbus
Map viewDiscover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Columbus. Ratings are based from 2020 places in Columbus
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant
240 E Kossuth St 43206-2188
"Found ourselves downtown after visiting the Home and Flower show, and not wanting to eat junk, decided to stop in at Schmidt's restaurant in German Village. Although it was Sunday afternoon, which is..."
The Thurman Cafe
183 Thurman Ave 43206-2629
"Worth the wait. Fresh burgers. Fresher ingredients. Thanks for good service with a smile."
Z Cucina di Spirito
1368 Grandview Ave 43212-2803
"Had to see what the number 1 restaurant in Columbus, Ohio was all about. Italian theme with a wonderful evening to enjoy dinner on the patio. I loved the Lasagna and the cheesecake was perfect. Loved..."
Martini Modern Italian
445 N High St 43215
"My favorite Italian restaurant in the greater Columbus area. I have been there 3 times now and everything I have ordered (cocktails, appetizers, first plates, second plates, and desserts) has been spe..."
Mozart's
4784 N High St 43214-1554
"What a wonderful place for an afternoon tea! Live music, great assortment of tea-size sandwiches and desserts. Highly recommend.Often on Groupon to make the cool experience even sweeter!"
Polaris Grill
1835 Polaris Pkwy 43240-2049
"The 55 House salad was very good. The prime rib looked great. I had the mixed grill, which was fantastic. This included a small filet, salmon, crab cake, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. The dinn..."
Fox in the Snow Cafe
1031 N 4th St 43201-3629
"Cute coffee shop—great pastries as well as coffees/lattes!"
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
714 N High St 43215-1426
"Can’t rate this place high enough! With unique flavors and seasonal choices in their ice cream offerings, they’ve got something for every taste bud! Quaint location, and I believe the original loc..."
Marcella's
1319 Polaris Pkwy 43240
"First time came here with my wife we were around and just popped in. The experience was pleasant, food was yummy and staff friendly. We came back again today with our son to celebrate his graduation f..."
Hot Chicken Takeover
59 Spruce St Fl 2 North Market 43215-1622
"Smiling, friendly staff today - impressively quick service & delicious food! Will definitely return"
Trattoria Roma
1447 Grandview Ave 43212-2853
"First time. It was great. Don't worry about going to any other Italian place. If you are looking, this is the place. My server Marcus was awesome. I'll be back"
Forno Kitchen + Bar
721 N High St 43215-1550
"Best happy hour ever! Half off the majority of their menu from 4-6pm including cocktails. Servers, at the bar, are very attentive even in the chaos of happy hour! Food was delicious and definitely eno..."
Basi Italia
811 Highland St 43215-1393
"Small. Seats about 30 in upstairs dining. Can be drafty near window during cold weather. Thoughtful & ever-changing Italian focused menu, including specials. There can be misses, but mostly home runs...."
Bakersfield Short North
733 N High St 43215-1425
"They take customer experience very serious. Went there this evening and the server was really nice and made sure we had a good time. Food was good. We got the tortas. Drinks were also great."
El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant
3230 Olentangy River Road 43202
"Two days in a row! Best guacamole I ever tasted!!💓 The Chile relleno is mild and tender, not salty and over seasoned. Their salsa is mouthwatering. I dont drive much, but I ventured out 2 days..."
Happy Greek
660 N High St 43215-1547
"Haven't eaten in (COVID), but the food I got to go was very good."
Giuseppe's Ritrovo
2268 E Main St 43209-2319
"One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to! I’m in love with every single detail in this place. Beautiful Italian patio, excellent interior design, cozy and romantic bar, delicious authentic fo..."
Brown Bag Deli
898 Mohawk St 43206-2632
"A lunchtime gem in a historic neighborhood near Schiller Park, where we sat and ate our take-out. They had a lot of choices and ordering online was easy. The classic club, soups and coffee were all yu..."
Los Guachos Taqueria
5221 Godown Rd 43235-4023
"Pretty great little place for an informal lunch! The food was solid. The water was good. The seating is pretty unique and charming. Everything was nice and clean. Service was reasonably quick for a pl..."
Giordano's
2137 Polaris Pkwy 43240
"I traditionally only get takeout here, but this is a perfect reminder of growing up in Chicago. Not everyone loves Chicago-style deep dish pizza, but we can't all be right! Try it for yourself. Allow..."