Columbus, Indiana, might surprise you with its culinary depth—no need to venture to Indianapolis for standout dining. From cozy farm-to-table bistros to innovative Midwestern fare, this small city delivers big flavors. Discover historic downtown gems and modern eateries that make Columbus a destination for food lovers.
Fresh Take Kitchen
$ | (812) 799-1097 | WEBSITE
Fresh Take Kitchen is a counter-service spot that offers a variety of healthy and balanced meal options, with a focus on vegetarian choices. But now they come in generous portion sizes in compostable bowls, which makes packing up the inevitable leftovers easier. We love the flavorful Tandoori Rice Bowl with its vibrant spices and vegetables, while the Ancient Grain Bowl is perfectly hearty.
Go all-out on the wholesome options and get some gluten-free sides, which are clearly labeled and just as satisfying, and then grab a made-to-order dish for your next meal at home (after you’ve finished the leftovers).
Blackerby’s Hangar 5 Restaurant
$ | (812) 378-4010 | WEBSITE
This aviation-themed breakfast spot has been buzzing since it opened, with runway views that remind us of a busy airport all day long. There are the usual morning staples, but the hearty options are where it’s at: generous plates that overflow the confines of the ceramic dish, and arrive at your table straight from the kitchen. We’re partial to the tenderloin sandwich, or the meatloaf with scratch-cooked sides, and all of them come with friendly service and reasonable prices.
The Chopper, a layered country fried steak with mushrooms, cheese, and sausage gravy, is also worth an order.
Phở Shiki
$ | (812) 375-9999 | WEBSITE
Phở Shiki is the kind of neighborhood spot that regulars return to again and again for a good bowl of pho—a little more casual than a fine-dining restaurant, but still serious about the broth. It’s peaceful on the weekends, but if you score a table, it can double as a cozy retreat. The move here is the pho: a rich, aromatic broth simmered for hours for a deep, satisfying flavor that rivals the best in Orange County.
And the shrimp and scallops teriyaki, a classic Asian dish made with fresh seafood and a sweet-savory glaze, is easily one of the best in Columbus.
Carlos Pizza
$ | (812) 379-9750 | WEBSITE
Carlos Pizza has been Columbus’s place to grab a slice since it opened in the old mall: huge pizzas, friendly staff, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere. We usually order the 20-inch pizza, loaded with high-quality toppings and served with that amazing stuffed crust. The slices are fantastic too, so large that they barely fit on the plate (and the variety of toppings, made with fresh ingredients, is consistently delicious).
Make a special trip here for catering events, when they serve those colossal, tender stuffed pizzas that keep everyone coming back for more.
Red Lobster
$$ | (812) 375-1733 | WEBSITE
You can’t have a restaurant guide to Columbus without a classic seafood chain, and Red Lobster is a reliable spot for casual dinners or family meals in the spacious dining room. It’s good for pretty much any weeknight outing, too: the friendly staff will probably check on your table several times throughout the meal. The menu focuses on the standards, including those highly recommended jalapeño honey butter hushpuppies.
The seafood platters are our choice, with generous portions and flavorful sauces for dipping, as well as the fresh and just-rich-enough lobster tail specials. There are a few premium add-ons available, but you don’t really need them—if you must splurge, stick to the classic shrimp scampi or crab linguini.
Apna Bazaar
$$ | (812) 372-1744 | WEBSITE
Apna Bazaar specializes in authentic Indian cuisine, with a Sunday evening buffet that draws crowds from across the region. This grocery store turned dining destination is bright and inviting, with staff who greet regulars by name and happily guide newcomers through the extensive offerings. The signature butter chicken is like a rich, comforting embrace, with tender pieces simmering in a creamy tomato sauce that also comes in spicy, mild, and vegetarian versions.
You can build from there—we love to pair it with warm naan fresh from the oven and crisp samosas from the register. The Sunday buffet, with its array of dishes from fiery curries to soothing dal, is almost worth a trip on its own, and with a well-stocked selection of groceries, fresh produce, and specialty items, you’ll leave with bags full of delicious finds no matter what you choose.
Ziggies Bar & Grill
$ | (812) 372-0898 | WEBSITE
Ziggies Bar & Grill is one of the best spots in Columbus to get the Indiana tenderloin: a large, thick, breaded cutlet that’s incredibly juicy and satisfying. There’s also a lighter, more snackable version with wings and the highly recommended chicken quesadilla. You should probably just get both. And there are plenty of great mains, like the pulled pork nachos, fresh salads, and standout onion rings, alongside options like the classic club sandwich and Italian sandwich.
But Ziggies is also the kind of place you can make a meal from starters—you could just get wings, onion rings, and a tenderloin, and leave happy.
Ahlemeyer Bakery
$ | (812) 372-7437 | WEBSITE
The classic bakery offerings match the cozy, welcoming atmosphere and homey, traditional decor at Ahlemeyer Bakery, which provides counter service with a few small tables for enjoying treats on-site. For a quick indulgence, order the gooey German chocolate brownie or a variety of cookies to pair with a slice of their celebrated apple pie. If you’re picking up for a special occasion, the Kentucky Chocolate pie is rich and decadent, with a luscious filling that melts in your mouth.
When you want a true taste of Indiana, savor the Sugar Cream pie—a perfectly balanced treat with a soft, buttery crust that crumbles just right.
Ramen Alley
$ | (812) 552-5089 | WEBSITE
Ramen Alley serves some of the best ramen in Columbus—and now you don’t have to travel far to find it. Our favorite here is the rich tonkotsu broth, with perfectly cooked noodles, tender chashu pork, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh scallions. It’s got a depth of flavor that feels truly authentic, and the creamy, savory broth clearly comes from hours of careful simmering. We also love the vegan gyoza with its crispy wrapper and flavorful vegetable filling that has a satisfying umami taste.
Our favorite time to visit is during the early evening at one of the wooden tables—or near the entrance off the alley—to unwind with a bowl of steaming ramen and some refreshing green tea.
Wingstop
$ | (812) 657-0972 | WEBSITE
This popular wing joint in Columbus is a lively, casual spot where wing enthusiasts can grab a satisfying meal without breaking the bank—most combos run about $12-$15. The talkative, fun staff like Ron at the front desk create a welcoming vibe, though the store could use some attention to cleanliness, especially around those glass windows. The made-to-order wings are the star here: We love them tossed in classic buffalo sauce, crispy and juicy with just the right amount of heat.
For something different, try the lemon pepper wings, which balance tangy zest with savory seasoning. And what’s good wings without good sides? The seasoned fries come out hot and crispy, and the ranch dressing is cool and creamy—perfect for dipping. Just be ready for a bit of a wait during busy times, and maybe circle the block once for parking.
Snappy Tomato Pizza
$ | (812) 372-2300 | WEBSITE
Snappy Tomato Pizza’s buffet experience is fun and spirited, adding some Midwestern heartiness to the classic pizza flavors. There’s a lunch and dinner buffet, but we love the pizza by the pan, where the friendly staff will keep bringing fresh pies to your table as you enjoy the great value.
If you’re going with the buffet, the Jr Beast or Beast pizzas are a must, with high-quality ingredients and unique toppings, while the pizza by the slice will momentarily make your visit the center of attention as you grab hot, fresh pieces from the buffet line. The atmosphere is welcoming and well-managed, with clean surroundings that make it perfect for families, and despite occasional minor delays, the overall experience remains enjoyable with reliable delivery and hardworking drivers.
Five Guys
$ | (812) 669-1139 | WEBSITE
There are burger classics like cheeseburgers and fries at this American burger joint, though Five Guys excels at dishes closer to the grill, like the fresh, made-to-order patties, layered with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Though every order should also include the hot, salty fries, generous portions of golden potatoes topped with a light dusting of sea salt.
Burgers are big here, and so are the indulgent shakes like the peanut butter shake, which adds richness and creaminess to a traditional milkshake. The loaded burger with all the free toppings, with bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapeños, and special sauce, might as well be your entire meal.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (812) 378-5466 | WEBSITE
This reliable sandwich spot on the Columbus scene is one of our favorite quick lunch options in town, where you can grab a seat at the counter and enjoy a sandwich made fresh to order. The Italian Night Club, stacked with meats and cheese, is almost as fast as the service, and as fresh too—cool from a preparation method that keeps ingredients chilled until assembly.
You can get classic subs like the Turkey Tom or Vito, or something more substantial like a gargantuan club if you’re looking to make a meal out of it.
Hog Molly Brewing Co.
$$ | (812) 390-6448 | WEBSITE
Hog Molly Brewing Co. has been brewing up good times in Columbus for years now, and it’s so inviting that they still welcome dogs and kids with open arms. The Blindside blackberry blonde is the standout, and you should also try the Hefeweizen for a smooth, refreshing sip. And anything from the food truck is guaranteed to be tasty, from the classic Reuben to the indulgent Ooey Gooey sandwich. Round it off with the hearty Offseason and a crisp stout and you’ve got a perfect brewery visit.
If you want to go bigger, stick to the vibrant new space with its lively music and the inviting outdoor patio on a nice day.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (812) 372-9601 | WEBSITE
Midwest comfort meets classic American charm at this cheerful, family-friendly spot in Columbus. It’s a casual joint meant to feel like a hometown treat, with generous flurries, a clean dining area, bright red booths, and a counter shaped like a classic diner bar. The service here is excellent—grab a great burger and a cotton candy flurry, like the one with extra toppings.
You can have a meal here too: burgers with all the fixings or quick snacks, though we like the lighter options, like taking your order to go, the convenience balanced by the friendly, attentive staff.
Noble Roman’s
$ | (812) 342-4477 | WEBSITE
It can be hard to choose a favorite pizza at this decades-old Columbus institution, but we crave the classic pepperoni with its slightly doughy crust and generous sauce at least once a month. It might be tempting to just get that along with a variety of the restaurant’s nostalgic pies (the sausage and mushroom is our top choice), but we also like to throw in dishes like the meat-lover’s pizza with abundant toppings or the veggie supreme with fresh peppers and onions, and just a hint of oregano.
As a family-friendly spot, Noble Roman’s is also the neighborhood go-to for birthday parties and casual dinners, with friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome.