Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated April 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

5.0

5 (342)

$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

Sara

Dined on Mar 25, 2025

As always the food was delicious and our entire experience was fantastic! One of our favorite restaurants!

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.

The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge

4.9

4.9 (1318)

$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

Cara

Dined 2 days ago

Restaraunt was beautiful. The food was delicious & and the service was great. Rolls were a disappointment; we expected a house made bread instead of frozen.

Lindey's

4.9

4.9 (9290)

$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

Linda

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious food, great server and nice quiet atmosphere.

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Rusty Bucket - Gahanna

4.8

4.8 (255)

$30 and under

American

Gahanna

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

SandyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Extremely efficient service and great atmosphere. Good happy hour selection on food and drinks.

South Village Grille

4.8

4.8 (1110)

$30 and under

American

German Village

About the restaurant

If you are looking for a place in Columbus, OH where you can kick back and have good food and drinks, drop by South Village Grille. Located in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of German Village, our restaurant boasts a Modern American menu that is rooted in European cooking techniques. We offer a range of dishes that everyone can enjoy, including pizzas, steaks, and fresh oysters.

Our drink selection is among the best in the area. We have an extensive wine list that pairs well with Modern American cuisine. In addition, we offer unique and flavorful cocktails, each of which is designed with a new perspective in mind.

Visit us and taste the South Village Grille difference for yourself. Our restaurant is open every day of the week, and brunch on the weekends. We look forward to having you dine with us.

Top review

Charles

Dined on Apr 21, 2025

Small local bar atmosphere. Old wooden decor layout. Street parking was not an issue on a Monday night.

The Avenue - Grandview

4.8

4.8 (4037)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Grandview Heights

About the restaurant

A warm place in the heart of Grandview.

Welcome to The Avenue.

An all-occasion steak tavern that glows with sizzle and warmth. Serving fine steaks and tavern fare to family and friends in Grandview's historic Bank Block Neighborhood. Serving Dinner Nightly.

Join us for Monday Wine Night - select bottles of wine at select prices - every Monday 4p-9p! Our happy hour is Monday-Friday 4p-6p in our bar & patio.

We now offer online ordering! Place your order for delivery or pick-up at https://theavenuesteaktavern.com!

Top review

Dana

Dined 2 days ago

We dined here for our 6 year anniversary dinner and could not have been happier with our choice. We were seated 15 minutes early for our 7pm reservation, and promptly given water. Our server Chandler was great. He took the time to explain the menu, specials and make recommendations for drinks. Throughout the evening he was very attentive and available, at the end of our meal he even boxed my leftovers and gave us a free dessert! I was more than impressed with the food. The rolls were soft and pillowy on the inside, but had a wonderfully crisp crust with just the right amount of salt. The tavern salad was truly refreshing too. The greens were crisp and fresh, the slightly sweet vinaigrette was perfectly mixed and the gorgonzola cheese was a fantastic compliment to it all. The beef stroganoff was absolutely divine. The sauce was one of the best I have ever had! The noodles were perfectly cooked and thick, there was plenty of tender beef and a generous amount of mushrooms. I came hungry and could only eat half of it too! I would order this over and over again! My fiancé ordered the porterhouse with asparagus and a side of scallops. He raved about the scallops all night! He said they were the best he has had, even better than a seafood restaurants'. He enjoyed his steak as well, which was cooked just to his liking and seasoned nicely. He almost started chewing the bone to get the last bits of meat off! He said the asparagus had a light lemon and salt flavor. To finish the meal we chose the crème brûlée. The crust was thick, the custard rich and the whole thing quite addictive. I would order it again for sure. Our meal, which had 2 cocktails too, came out to under $200 even with a 25% tip. We think it was certainty worth the price for the attentiveness of the staff and quality and flavors of the food we received. We are looking forward to coming back!

CIlantro Latin Fusion

4.8

4.8 (52)

$30 and under

Latin / Spanish

Crown Ridge

About the restaurant

At Cilantro Latin, we are ready to welcome you with open arms and delicious dishes. With fresh ingredients and many combinations, our menu has something for everyone. Don't wait any longer and visit us today!

Top review

PedroVIP

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Best latin restaurant in the Columbus area. A hidden gem.

Gallo's on High

4.8

4.8 (496)

$31 to $50

American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Gallos on High is an upscale-casual eatery featuring from scratch fare. Serving pan-seared steaks, pastas, and other Italian dishes including fresh flatbreads and seafood. Cozy ambiance with an extensive wine list and a variety of craft signature cocktails.

Top review

Steven

Dined 4 days ago

The waitress was so friendly. The ambiance was perfect as well as the food and drinks.

Subourbon Southern Kitchen and Spirits

4.8

4.8 (86)

$31 to $50

American

Worthington

About the restaurant

Subourbon means great Southern hospitality, food and whiskey in a relaxed setting. We are excited to bring a taste of the South to the Worthington and Columbus communities. Whether it is locally sourced foods, or fine rare bourbon and spirits you will be sure to love your time with us.

Top review

Bryan

Dined 6 days ago

This was our first dining experience at Subourbon, a restaurant we would have not experienced but for our son's suggestion. We had a great experience. Our server, Mike, was very and engaging and guided us through the very extensive whiskey selection. The whiskeys and presentation (appropriate Glencairn) were perfect. Our entrees were outstanding as well. My gumbo had ample shrimp, chicken and sausage, with excellent flavor and heat. My son thoroughly enjoyed his braised short ribs, which appeared to be very tender. To my surprise, my wife ordered a chicken sandwich (she is not one to order sandwiches with fries). She enjoyed her meal as well - and finished it - which very seldom happens. We will certainly return to Subourbon.

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