Short North - Arena District Restaurants
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Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Columbus
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.8(5,536)Jeff Ruby is widely considered one of the nation's preeminent restaurateurs. And, while national organizations like Zagat, Food Network, USAToday, and Wine Spectator rank his steakhouses among the best in the country - making him a celebrity in his own right, it is his total commitment to the finest food, impeccable service, and a total dining experience unlike any other that keep his loyal fans coming back year after year.Martini Modern Italian
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.8(5,101)Martini Modern Italian is a vibrant, high energy restaurant featuring timeless Italian techniques, innovative culinary presentations & progressive handcrafted cocktails, all in a sexy, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Located in the Short North Arts District across from the Convention Center, Martini is just minutes away from the Arena District & is open nightly for dinner.
ROOH Columbus
Price: Expensive•Indian•4.8(978)ROOH is a progressive Indian restaurant. Meaning soul or spirit, ROOH brings the spirit of India to Columbus. Renowned Executive Chef, Sujan Sarkar blends charming, seasonal dishes that are an interpretation of customary Indian sensibilities with his use of international techniques.
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As a Courtesy to all guests, please limit your time with us to 2 hours for parties of 2-4, and 2.5 hours for parties larger than 4. We have a grace period of 15 minutes.Marcella's - Short North
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.7(5,746)Marcella’s is a bustling, urban burst of Italian flavor & energy. Marcella’s has a lively atmosphere – whether it be for sharing dinner or a late night snack. The dynamic bar provides a vibrant venue for sampling from a selection of 50 Italian wines served by the bottle or quartino (1/4 of the bottle), but don’t forget about the ample offerings of antipasti & pizza. Marcella’s brings an authentic Italian cafe to Columbus’ Short North Arts District.
Bakersfield Columbus
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.8(347)Tacos. Tequila. Whiskey.
Serving up authentic, Mexican street fare, and a selection of over 100 tequilas and American whiskeys. Bakersfield is a spot where the food is simple, the service is warm, and the atmosphere is alive.Service Bar
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.6(673)Humbly innovative. Fueled by a passion to draw deeper connections between food and spirits, Service Bar delivers an experience that is refreshingly innovative, much of that due to carefully placed hints of nostalgic flavors and techniques. Housed in Middle West Spirits, one of Ohio’s first craft distilleries, the stunning main dining room is both intimate in size and lively in energy.
Full dinner service is available first-come first-serve at the main bar, and by reservation at a variety of smaller individual tables that accommodate 2-6 guests.
See what locals rave about in Short North - Arena District
- BBethColumbus •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoAmazing service, great food, we will be back for sureMore infoThe Pearl - Short NorthPrice: Expensive• Gastro Pub• Short North - Arena District•4.7
- SSteveVIPChicago / Illinois •7 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoUnique dishes that are both tasty and nicely presented. Our waiter was outstanding: attentive and quite knowledgeable about all menu items. A bit pricey for dishes on the smaller side, but definitely recommend this restaurant.More infoThe Guild House - ColumbusPrice: Expensive• American• Columbus•4.8
- MMelissaChicago / Illinois •4 reviews4.0Dined 4 days agoFood was ok- but definitely would go back for the ambiance. Great vibe, really good drinks and great service. The food was ok- but didn’t order anything that I would be ordering again or anything that I thought tasted amazing- just ok. But still really fun night out!More infoForno Kitchen and BarPrice: Moderate• American• Short North - Arena District•4.8
- DDSan Francisco Bay Area •1 review5.0Dined 6 days agoOur server was excellent! She helped with a couple decisions and had some fun banter with our child. The food was great and we really enjoyed our visit.More infoSoCal Kitchen + BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Columbus•4.7
- PPatsyVIPCleveland / Akron / Canton •33 reviews5.0Dined on May 16, 2025Great food and location in the Short North. The vibe is definitely energetic. Our service was great. Everything was hot and deliciousMore infoMarcella's - Short NorthPrice: Moderate• Italian• Short North - Arena District•4.7
Trending dishes in Short North - Arena District
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Discover Short North - Arena District
The Short North - Arena District is abuzz on game nights with hungry visitors on their way to or from watching the Columbus Clippers, the Columbus Blue Jackets or concerts at Nationwide arena. Office workers seeking plenty of flavor walk to the neighborhood restaurants in search freshly prepared vegan and vegetarian dishes along with plenty of seafood. The neighborhood tempts the palate with an array of ethnic cuisine, including Somali and Mexican food. One place to taste a little bit of everything is at the Columbus North Market. Dozens of vendors sell their specialties, and there is a seating area upstairs.
Frequently asked questions
Celebrate special occasion at the best restaurants in Short North - Arena District. Our customers recommend Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Columbus, Martini Modern Italian and Forno Kitchen and Bar
As of Jun 14, 2025 there are 18 restaurants in Short North - Arena District. Filter by “outdoor dining”, “romantic” or “dog friendly”.
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