Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall 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 (346)

$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

Carol

Dined on May 23, 2025

Our server was so very nice. He took very good care of us.

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.

HARU Omakase

4.9

4.9 (123)

$50 and over

Japanese

Polaris

About the restaurant

Experience a Japanese culinary tour at HARU Omakase, crafted by Executive Chef Yudi Makassau. We specialize in modern sushi prepared using traditional techniques. Each curated course showcases seasonal ingredients and unique flavor pairings, and our selection of wine and saké pairings perfectly complement each dish.

Enhance your dining experience at our omakase bar where you can get up close and personal with the preparation of your meal and interact with our chefs while they serve you directly. Join us for an unforgettable evening where tradition meets innovation!

Top review

Peg

Dined 2 days ago

Never a disappointment, the food is phenomenal along with services and staff.

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Experience

Omakase Counter Dining Experience

The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge

4.9

4.9 (1326)

$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

Joy

Dined 2 days ago

An impressive dining experience with top notch food and service.

Domo

4.9

4.9 (203)

$30 and under

Asian

Columbus

About the restaurant

With almost a decade of experience cooking in the finest restaurants and making sushi, our chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff make sure you have a fantastic experience. Eat what you love at Domo. Come enjoy our fresh sushi and Japanese/Korean dishes.

Top review

ZoeVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Was just visiting Columbus but LOVED Domo, would definitely recommend! The Wings were SO good and gluten free which was exciting for me! Restaurant staff was very nice and although the restaurant is small, it wasn't too loud in there!

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 6 days ago

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.

Lindey's

4.9

4.9 (9352)

$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

Maddie

Dined 2 days ago

Phenomenal! So good I was full until midday the next day

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The Pour House at Machinery Hall

4.9

4.9 (290)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Circleville

About the restaurant

The Pour House at Machinery Hall is a full service restaurant that serves Chef-driven cuisine using fresh, high quality ingredients. We feature 30 beers on draft with an emphasis on craft beers from Ohio and beyond. We specialize in craft cocktails and host live music and entertainment. Our passion is to provide our guests with the highest quality service, atmosphere, environment and experience in historic downtown Chillicothe!

Top review

Rob

Dined on May 31, 2025

Pour house is great. Food was great and so was the service. Great place to eat up scale food for a local restaurant & Bar.

Chile Verde

4.8

4.8 (81)

$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

Karen

Dined 6 days ago

I love this place! We always have a good experience and we love the food! We had a large group of 15 people and all the kids were kind of rambunctious, but everyone was still super nice and helpful!

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Experience

Now Serving Happy Hour!

Forno Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (2986)

$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

Melissa

Dined 3 days ago

Food 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!

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Popular dish

Forno Chicken

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