50 Best American Restaurants in Columbus

“my name is Tony Bussa and I thought the atmosphere was amazing. staff extremely help full. the food was more than good it was exceptional. this place is 5 star.“

“The food and the service. Both are great.“

“My inaugural dining experience at J Alexander's was exceptional and certainly won't be my last. The steaks were remarkably tender and flavorful. The loaded baked potatoes complemented our steaks perfectly. I highly recommend the Maui steak for it
s rich flavor profile, and my husband's steak was equally impressive. Our waiter, who provided outstanding service, made us feel welcome and addressed all our questions. My husband insisted we return to this restaurant on our next visit to town.“

“Wife and I visited the Westerville location recently. Amazing service, great atmosphere, and as always, amazing pours!“

“Honestly i was scared about coming here because of the mix reviews. But i didn’t let that stop me i came to try it out and definitely a 10/10 from the service to the food ! I ordered swordfish dinner and the Mac and it was delicious definitely creamy“

“Friends and I went out for a fun time at Forty Deuces and it was phenomenal. We had VIP seats and hats off to the servers that checked on us regularly through the night and attended to our needs before we even realized we needed anything. Also for the venue, dancers, and band. Wow! You all clearly work so incredibly hard and it’s great to see it come together as a show. I look forward to future visits.“

“Great Chef, Great service, great atmosphere. I eat for a living and this definitely a hidden gem. Amazing ambiance in the Cellar where we sat ...... Everything was on point.“

“She was very helpful and pleasant“

“My first time there was this past Saturday OMG! Delicious food. Excellent service. Friendly and helpful and patient staff. I will be back often.“

“The waiter was very nice with us. While taking our order. The food was very good and it was a nice and clean area.“

“This is an established and an amazing place. It’s always good. The food and service is perfect.“

“The house salad dressing is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had. I reeaallyy need the recipe for it. I live in TX and likely won’t wind up in Columbus again so… just think about it lol. The coconut shrimp were so good and our service was really great.“

“Went for a friend's birthday brunch. Food was mediocre and not worth the price. Potatoes and chicken sausage were dry and over cooked. Our server was very attentive and did a great job taking care of our table. Restaurant itself is beautiful. Overall probably won't return.“

“I love The Pearl and everyone who works there! I come almost every Thursday for oyster night - and they are always so friendly and wonderful to me. Not only that - I released my first music single and they celebrated with me! The food is incredible - don't walk here RUN for a good time and amazing food.“

“This place is legit! We ordered pickup late night 920pm. 18 wings half boneless and other bone-in, along with macaroni nuggets. Half one sauce was Carolina spicy and another was honey garlic and quite literally from the moment the gentleman brought me the bagged food I could tell based on the smell this food was going to be absolutely dank! Props to the folks running the spot! Opened the containers up when I got home and these wings were crispy and not dry, extra sauce sat at the bottom of the Togo box lined with aluminum foil so no leaks!! The extra step they took! The boneless wings were giving extra larger Chick-fil-A nuggets and let me tell you the honey garlic boneless dipped in the leftover sauce from the Carolina was topping me off! You should try the Mac nuggets dipped in that sauce too cause boy you need to get your ass down here and try these wings!“

“The sweet potato crockpot.“

“The green goddess cocktails are to die for — i dream about them. i also had the grilled cheese and tomato soup platter which was delicious. my server Macy was amazing— seriously one of the best waitresses i’ve had in a long time and always was at our table ready, and brought us things before we even knew to ask for them. She was so great!“

“First time eating there after reading so many great reviews. They weren’t wrong. Love the food and friendly service“

“From the first view, I did not think I’d like this place, but it was an actually good. Personally I did not like the bread appetizer as I’m not a ciabatta bread person, if we can switch to sourdough, I’d love that. Ciabatta is too sweet. The chicken pasta Rossi was outstanding. Would love this Alfredo only next time just to try. Husband loved the chicken parm and the Caesar. Most sauces we found in the area are too sweet, this marina is just right. I’d love fresh grated cheese, not sure if it’s fresh grated from the jar shaker. Can’t wait to come back for pizza, it looked thin, crusty and perfect. Wines? I did not like the Savb, but that’s ok, I have a different taste. We’d love refills on ice tea, your server in the bar tops was busy, which I know it happens.“

“Very good food!! Great taste and presentation!! Very good service!! Must go!!“

“First time going. I really enjoyed it. I got full really fast so I didn't get to try a pizza. Abby was a very friendly server. I had the chicken sandwich which very tasty. The rest of my party had a chicken parmesan and another had a cheeseburger. Everyone liked their food. Money well spent.

Parking: Street parking is free on Sunday, I believe, but maybe hard to find a spot. There are garages available.“

“The place has a smell, like downtown Philly. That's the only reason I can't give it a 5. The food is simple food that's simply amazing. I had the pork sandwich fries and the side salad. Enjoyed every single bite (except the coleslaw).“

“I live in the neighborhood and stop in once in awhile for a drink and food. The orange martini and the Buddha bowl are my favorite menu items.
I’ve never had a bad experience. Everyone is so polite, friendly and professional. They are prompt and work as a team.
It’s refreshing to have a great business in the neighborhood that cares about its patrons and employees. The employees all seem to get along with another and are happy at their job.
Support local businesses who understand how to treat employees AND customers.“

“Visited Delaney's in Grandview with a friend for breakfast , first time for both of us. Very pleased with atmosphere, service and quality of food. I highly recommend stopping in, plan to do so again.“

“Great portions for a decent price with excellent caring servers!“

“We enjoyed their informal Wednesday aftrnoon Bluegrass music. I put some photos at:“

“We visited culvers for the first time on 12/26/24. I'm going to start off by saying the food was amazing quality, The staff was kind and patient with me as a newcomer. We were greeted, and the team thanked me for visiting, which made me feel valued as a customer. As a result of my interaction with Macie, we decided to try Culver's a second time while in the area. This time, we were met by Dan M. and Richard, who both provided a great customer experience. After interacting with Dan.M and sharing his first experience from the previous day, he explained that what we experienced was the culvers standard and that he was the owner/operator of the location. He told me that he appreciated me taking the time out to discuss my interaction with the team. And in a time when costumers are looking for more bang for their buck, Dan and his team added the true value to the customer experience. I believe Dan and his team are setting the bar for the Culver's brand in Ohio. Dan has made a life time custumer and I'm confident if given the opportunity, he is the partner that will make Culver's even more successful and thrive in this troubled economy. Good luck, Dan. Although you thanked me, I am the one who is great full for our interaction.

Kid-friendliness: Definitely

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“Stopped in for brunch without planning. So glad we did because the salad and mimosa was just what we needed to fuel our day of flowing around the short north.

No matter when we stop in, the staff is always friendly and attentive.

I love their patio and all the amazing people watching it provides.

Cheers!?“

“My husband and I really enjoy eating at rusty bucket! Food was great.. Customer service was amazing! We've been definitely go back and recommend. Thanks“

“Great overall place to eat, service was great food was stellar and would definitely return. Would have given 5stars but the 4in hole in the center of parking lot needs fixed, ended up with a semi wet foot, and drenched pant leg. At least put a fixed orange cone there.“

“server was fantastic...food was tasty...portions a tad small. overall positive experience“

“We arrived well before brunch and my son wanted a burger so we waited and everyone was so kind and even comped a drink for him. The food is always good. My son was surprised I picked Northstar for the burger but they have an excellent one.“

“Went to the Cincinnati location and it was AMAZING! We ordered the cheddar scallion biscuits, Korean BBQ cauliflower, shrimp and grits, and the Szechwan Noodles. So much flavor in everything we tried. The wait staff was top notch. Our server Kevin was very attentive, checking on us to make sure all was ok and if we needed anything. There were also a few others that stopped by to see how we were doing and chat with us since we drove 250+ miles to eat there. They made us feel very welcome. I can’t wait to go back, it’s so worth the drive and I’m hoping they build one closer.“

“My husband and I had a wonderful dinner experience! The food was excellent and the service was great. The only thing I recommend is turning the volume of the music down. Our reservation was at 8:30pm. We almost had to shout to talk to each other. Other than that, great experience.“

“Came across on Uber eats read reviews and tried. The mystery juice is fire. Yams and Mac n cheese taste like home they were out of the greens but they let the driver know so I could sub which I appreciated. It's been hard to find really good food since our move here but this was pretty good. Honey sauce wings also good. I just wish the fish and chicken had difficulty breading the textures threw me off. Still good tho. Would definitely try again.“

“I love the atmosphere and private booths. The portions were large. The food was great! Our server Taylor was fantastic! Definitely will go back!“

“Oats were flavorful, great black coffee. Service was very accommodating and friendly, particularly for the members of my group with food restrictions.

Vegetarian options: Menu options with meat/egg can be made vegetarian with substitutes like tofu or avocado“

“Dempsey’s is the best. Great Irish choices and excellent breakfast/brunch!“

“Came to celebrate our anniversary tonight,but I had also lost my dad in the last 3 weeks. Our waiter Robert and his management team were so kind and compassionate. The food and the service was top notch. We will definitely return and encourage others to do so!! 5/5 ⭐️’s!!!!“

“Service was friendly. Restaurant was busy but we were seated as walkin.

Ate tato tots, hush puppy and fish and chip. Lady begging outside followed us inside.

Anyway I really liked the tato tots and you can't go wrong with a hush puppy. The portions are large and served on these metal tray things.

Fish filets were good, i like the fries as well. I shoild have been more diligent with reading the menu because the cole slaw has a bleu cheese in it and woof. Just not my digs.

One recommendation is to offer cole slaw without bleu cheese. It's real weird tasting and unexpected but maybe I march to the beat of a different drummer.

Altogether good value for the prices.“

“Food was great and portions were large! The value is the best around! Carlie was great and made sure we had everything we need.

Kid-friendliness: The servers made our kids feel comfortable and the kids menu had great options.“

“Super clean, excellent food, reasonable prices and great customer service. E“

“We got carryout from Gallo’s on High last weekend and were SO happy with our meals. We split an appetizer that was on special that was flavorful and unique, my husband got the scallops and risotto - it was a generous size and delicious, and I got the black and bleu salad special, very good as well. Can’t wait until we’re ready to eat at restaurants again, this will be our first stop (my husband picked up our food and said the dining room was beautiful, everyone very nice, and had a great atmosphere). In the meantime, we’re getting carryout again this weekend...can’t wait to try the French Onion. Such a great addition to Clintonville!“

“Went here for my birthday recently and it was amazing, hands down some of if not the best food I've ever had! We did the tasting menu with the wine pairing and it was very special. The food was elaborate in concept and after each dish was served I found myself saying “this is my favorite” every single time. By course 5 we declared we would be back. I also really appreciated the touch of whimsy, with the cute chopstick holders to the lego figures in the bathroom and the foreign candy that was served with the check. It just felt so sophisticated while still being a place you could relax and just enjoy good food.“

“My friend and I traveled from Mansfield, Ohio to go the Titanic The Artifact Exhibition and we stopped to try the New BBQ Pastrami and we were both impressed. Clint, Kyle, and the entire Hoggy’s team are very friendly. I highly recommend going to Hoggy’s if you haven’t. We will definitely be back next time we are in Columbus.“

“Fabulous food, great service!“

“Best meal I have ever truly experienced in my 27 years of life. I have no other words I’m speechless at this meal and experience. Wowzie wow wow wow“

“While visiting for work - let me tell you....This place is amazing, and I actually ordered a few times during my stay. HIGHLY recommend the "Gobbler".“

“We had a wonderful experience on a busy Saturday. It’s a small building and looks cramped but I have to say it felt very homey but not claustrophobicy. The food was delicious. The service was great! Will definitely be back!!“

“So cute! We hadn't ever seen a glow in dark mini golf so when we came on vacation we knew we had to. It is a little small of a course, but we love putt putt golf! Friendly staff and going to have to come back for a pizza that smelled delicious!“