Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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!

Lupo on Arlington

4.9

4.9 (286)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Upper Arlington

About the restaurant

A chef-driven dining experience in the heart of Old Upper Arlington. Executive Chef Todd Elder prides himself on our constantly changing menu featuring ingredients from local partners at Hershberger Farms, Coast to Local Seafood, Bluescreek Farms, and Mushroom Harvest as well as a selection of globally imported goods. Each visit can become a new dining experience. Try a taste of Spain with a paella or go on a journey to Italy with a house-made pasta. Feeling adventurous? Then try a signature dish, slow braised and barbecued Octopus with seasonal pairings. Or stay close to home with a Smashburger or seasonal salad!

During summer nights relax with a Lupo craft cocktail, glass of wine, or local beer on the patio. Sit indoors and enjoy our cozy dining room, bar, or private Vault Dining Room. There is never any issue with parking at Lupo with our private parking lot next door and plenty of spaces out front!

Top review

John

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Creative cocktails, nice wine list, outside dining was perfect, yesterday, and very good food. I feel like there are feeer small plates than before, but may br wrong. The greater number of entres will be welcome to many. And, as always, wait staff is great.

Nicola Restaurant and Bar - Columbus

4.7

4.7 (1806)

$30 and under

Italian

Upper Arlington

About the restaurant

Nicola Restaurant is dynamic, cultural, and fun with open doors for all who want a true taste of Italian authenticity. To say the least, the food will be a treasure for your senses. Nicola restaurant is for any person hungry for not just food and drink, but for the unique presence of beauty, joy, and family which exists in every Italian family's home. With chef Nicola's ability to bring together simple ingredients to create delicious dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, you are sure to have an enjoyable experience. Join us and taste Nicola's vision that greets the senses with the aroma, taste, and feel of a small town in Tuscany.

Top review

CynthiaVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Delicious, warm, and inviting - from beginning to end.

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Popular dish

Lasagna

North High Brewing - Westerville

4.7

4.7 (139)

$30 and under

Pub

Westerville

About the restaurant

North High Brewing serves award winning craft beer and from scratch bites. Located in Historic Dublin and Westerville, North High Brewing is committed to providing a place where the community can gather, relax and celebrate good times together. Either in the winter at our cozy bars and dining rooms, or during the summer on our patios and beer gardens, there's always a seat at the table.

Top review

KelleyVIP

Dined on Jun 2, 2025

This was our first visit and it was awesome! It was a beautiful night so we got to sit outside. I got the salmon and my husband got the burger and they were both quite delicious. The service was great and we can’t wait to go back!

Mariposa Mexican

4.6

4.6 (70)

$30 and under

Mexican

Newark

About the restaurant

Mariposa is inspired by Mexico’s rich culture and profound beauty. Imagine biting into an authentic, handmade taco with fresh ingredients, perhaps paired with a perfectly balanced margarita, surrounded by vibrant colors, artwork, and décor.
Mariposa delivers authentic Mexican flavors while being approachable and unique. With over 10 authentic tacos to choose from, the menu also includes starters, large plates, sides, desserts and options for kids. We have unique margaritas, hand-crafted cocktails, and an impressive array of wine, tequila and mezcal.
Mariposa is the perfect location for a date night, family gathering, or grabbing a drink with a friend. Some nearby attractions include The Midland Theatre, The Works, Canal Market District, and Thirty One West.

Top review

RogerVIP

Dined on May 16, 2025

Great place to start your night in Newark. Really enjoyed the simple but tasty chips, salsa and queso. Mariposa Margarita at Happy Hour price was wonderful with a tasty dinner before the show.

The Eagle Short North

4.4

4.4 (555)

$30 and under

American

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

We start with free range, all-natural Amish chicken. It’s brined, dredged, then dropped into custom-built fryers. It's got a little kick and is served with our house-made hot honey. But we don't stop there - Southern-style sides grace our menu, craft beer flows through our taps, and Blues music pumps through our speakers. At The Eagle, it's all about flying right, eating bird, and curing the Blues.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

We had a great time as a party of 10. Food was served quickly and all was delicious.

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Rusty Bucket - Easton

4.4

4.4 (288)

$30 and under

American

Easton

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

Pam

Dined on May 27, 2025

I’ve never been served guacamole in a restaurant that was brown. I know that it is not harmful but very unappetizing

Barrel & Boar- Gahanna

4.3

4.3 (805)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Gahanna

About the restaurant

Barrel and Boar BBQ Gastropub is a casual place for family and friends to enjoy finely crafted smoked meats and southern sides, in a warm rustic setting. Barrel & Boar features a collection of low country flavors designed with local products, paired with local beer and craft cocktails. The restaurant has a rustic design using metal, reclaimed barn wood, and antique lighting. The atmosphere is casual, family friendly and open for lunch and dinner.

Top review

Chantalia

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

The food was amazing. I had brisket with fries and my husband had the chicken and waffle. The service could have been better. We had to ask for cutlery, had to ask to drink refills twice, ask for ketchup twice and had to ask for the sauces for the brisket.

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4.3

4.3 (471)

$30 and under

Pub

Dublin

About the restaurant

Top review

GregVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

The food was well prepared and the service very good. This was our first time to be there on a weekend morning. I was not aware that they would have a different menu for the weekend. My only regret is that I was looking forward to some of my favorite items from the standard menu. Overall the experience was very good as usual.

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Experience

Private Dining

Brass Eye

4.3

4.3 (186)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Columbus

About the restaurant

Brass Eye is the perfect place to unwind and be inspired by one of our founding fathers who knew how to have fun and not be too serious. Benny Frank’s Drinker’s Dictionary will make you laugh and want to have one more. Our dynamic rooftop bar is surrounded by oversized fireplaces, cozy seating with panoramic views of the city – and is the perfect place to assemble with friends for well-crafted spirits and honest food that’s perfect for sharing and good times.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

Cannot beat this view! The atmosphere is so cool and vibey. The smash burger is absolutely delicious!! Service is welcoming and friendly. This is a perfect spot for a special occasion, or to bring visitors from out of town, or just for a fun night! Can’t go wrong.

Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall

4.3

4.3 (94)

$30 and under

Brewery

Columbus

About the restaurant

The Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall is an expansive beer paradise set in an historic landmark with multiple bars and dining areas, 24 taps and globally inspired food.

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

Always a great experience at this restaurant, great variety of menu options to fit all diets. Beautiful indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The bartender Angela made this visit especially good, wonderful friendly service.

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