Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best value restaurants in Columbus? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Flying Pepper Cantina

4.9

4.9 (347)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Bellefontaine

About the restaurant

We set aside tables for your last minute needs. If you do not see a reservation that fits your needs, please give us a call or come on in!

The Flying Pepper Cantina will continue to offer the popular menu that is enjoyed at the food truck and will expand their creative flavors and unique ingredients by offering additional variety, tapas, a rotating seasonal fare, and a new way to discover fine foods in a relaxed atmosphere. Humberto will stay true to his Mexican roots while introducing cuisine that offers unfamiliar and unexpected flavors in a friendly environment with fresh, local foods as the market and Ohio seasons allow. Patrons will have the opportunity to compliment these flavors with a fresh approach to tequila, local craft beer and a specialty menu of cocktails.

Top review

Krista

Dined 7 days ago

Always a great meal. The grilled shrimp and veggie dinner was fantastic as was our waiter Lane!

Khaab Indian Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (25)

$30 and under

Indian

Bexley

About the restaurant

In the Punjabi language, “Khaab” means dream. For Mavi, owner of Khaab Indian Kitchen & Bar, the name refers to a very personal journey.

Mavi dreamed of being a restaurant owner since his childhood. Working toward that dream for 15 years finally led to his ultimate goal of owning a restaurant. Now, when he welcomes guests to Khaab Indian Kitchen & Bar, Mavi can share his dream with them and share the flavors of his Punjabi roots.

Guests at Khaab Indian Kitchen & Bar will find an upscale experience that matches the excellence of the food. The elegant dining room is designed with contemporary style and the added touches of Punjabi royalty. Guests will also enjoy an innovative cocktail menu and a fine selection of bourbon and whiskey at the bar.

It’s all part of the Khaab dream: A memorable experience, with excellent food and drinks served in a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere.

Top review

StevenVIP

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

Always excellent food! Service can be impacted by how busy the restaurant becomes since it's a pretty small place and they do a large amount of pick-up business as well.

Mazza's

4.8

4.8 (1342)

$30 and under

Italian

Columbus

About the restaurant

Our menu offers a homemade spin on old Italian classics, original family recipes, Pizza and features the Famous Mazza's Salad!

Bar/Lounge/Dining Room/Banquet Room/Catering/Curbside Carryout

Free Wifi

Top review

Kathy

Dined 4 days ago

Reservation made on Thursday for the following Mazza Monday. Great service and food at an amazing price!

Bristol Republic

4.8

4.8 (603)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Columbus

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bristol Republic!
Nestled in the heart of the Short North, Bristol Republic is a locally owned, Nashville inspired bar and restaurant serving up competition quality BBQ smoked in-house daily, ice cold craft beer, over 150 rare Bourbon and Whiskeys from well-known and independent distilleries across the country and live music (Friday & Saturday)! We are open Thursday-Sunday. Join us Saturday & Sunday mornings from 10am-3pm for our famous Southern Brunch! Menus can be found at our website.

Top review

JULIEVIP

Dined on May 2, 2025

Good casual bar atmosphere with good barbecue, and friendly service

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Experience

All You Can Eat BBQ

Experience

Bourbon, Beer and Cocktails

The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge

4.8

4.8 (1334)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Founded in 1911 as a small ice cream and candy shop in the heart of Downtown Mount Vernon, The Alcove offers the finest dining experience in Central Ohio. Our diverse menu includes steak and seafood favorites as well as our signature Prime Rib of Beef available Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings. Within feet of one-of-a-kind shops, just a block away from The Grand Hotel, across the street from The Woodward Opera House, and a few miles from Kenyon College and the Mount Vernon Nazarene University, our establishment is a great location for gathering with loved ones young, elderly, and in between. Whether you're entertaining or looking to be entertained, The Alcove is the perfect spot for you. | Join us today to experience Casual Elegance. We'll save you a seat. | Reservations and Carry-Out orders may also be made by calling us at 740.392.3076.

Top review

Linda

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

We came to the Alcove tonight to celebrate our 43rd Anniversary. Our whole experience from start to finish was subperb, and out waitress, Lindsey, was exceptional! Thank you for making out evening extra special!

Chile Verde

4.9

4.9 (87)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Columbus

About the restaurant

For more than 32 years, our local independent restaurant has been dedicated to bringing the flavor of New Mexico to Central Ohio. This cuisine takes extraordinary people, passion and effort to create. Our homemade, New Mexican family recipes blend the rich history of Native American, Spanish and Anglo traditions. The basis for these recipes is certified green and red chile imported from Albuquerque. From family gatherings to any special occasion, our loyal staff is committed to serving you. From our family in New Mexico and Columbus, to yours, we thank you for dining local. Located just across from Polaris Mall.

Top review

MollieVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Always excellent! The food is delicious and the service is great.

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Experience

Now Serving Happy Hour!

Forno Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (2993)

$30 and under

American

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the Short North Arts District, Forno offers the best atmosphere and contemporary cuisine in the city, with alluring views of our custom stone-fire oven and High Street happenings. An unrivaled Happy Hour includes hand-crafted drinks, wine by the glass, Ohio drafts, signature pizzas and sharables. Stop in and see why we’ve been ranked as one of Forbes Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America! Please call us at 614-469-0053 to make a reservation!

Top review

Melanie

Dined 1 day ago

We celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday and our waiter was amazing. It was a little loud but the food was AMAZING

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Popular dish

Forno Chicken

Six Hundred Downtown

4.7

4.7 (795)

$30 and under

Italian

Bellefontaine

About the restaurant

Six Hundred Downtown is a good old fashioned pizzeria, the way they used to be and they the way they were meant to be. We feel that pizza making is an art and we strive to create the best pizza we possibly can. We hand spin our pizzas the old fashioned way and we bake our pizzas in an old fashioned brick oven.

Top review

Jim

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

This is the best pizza around…on this occasion, we had dinner which was outstanding…sat outside and enjoyed the service and the evening…

Lindey's

4.8

4.8 (9382)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

German Village

About the restaurant

Lindey's has been consistently voted one of Columbus' top restaurants for the past 38 years, and has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, the New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, The BigTen Network and the book "As the Tables Turn" by Sue Doody & Michael Rosen.

Lindey's is a high-energy, white tablecloth restaurant serving the finest American cuisine in an upper east side New York bistro setting. Nestled in historic German Village, the design incorporates original artwork, bentwood chairs, copper topped bars and hardwood floors. With its exciting and vibrant atmosphere, Lindey's has three main dining rooms, three private party rooms and an award winning outdoor courtyard that has been voted one of the top 100 patios in America by OpenTable.

Top review

Gary

Dined 4 days ago

Very nice dinner... we were celebrating my fiend's Birthday

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Rusty Bucket - Bexley

4.7

4.7 (296)

$30 and under

American

Bexley

About the restaurant

Rusty Bucket is a casual neighborhood tavern serving the highest quality food and beverage in a “come as you are” setting. Scratch kitchens, fresh cocktails, and the perfect pour are our craft. Our associates are welcoming, and our hospitality naturally makes us the local hub where friends and family frequently gather to share in a good time.

Top review

DanaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful experience as ever! Food is wonderful and service is the best.

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