Local Restaurants in Columbus

No matter the time of day, you can find restaurants, rooftop bars and coffee shops steeped in innovation and excellence within walking distance from the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Whether you’re exploring before your conference sessions begin or planning a dinner after a busy day of networking, there are countless options nearby. Read on to discover just a few, some of which have even been featured in publications like Food & Wine and Fodor’s Travel, or click to jump to the section you're most interested in: Nearby Food Halls, Light Fare, Breakfast, Coffee, Upscale, Rooftop Cocktails and Bars.

Check out our Downtown Dining and Hotels Map

Nearby Food Halls

Exterior view of Budd Dairy rooftop and patio

Budd Dairy Food Hall

Located in Italian Village, this chef incubator space was named one of the “Ten Best New Food Halls in the U.S.” by Fodor’s Travel.

North Market

Columbus’ public market of nearly 150 years, located across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center, offers a crowd-pleasing mix of traditional market vendors and restaurant booths.

East Market

The newest addition to Columbus’ growing list of food halls, East Market is located in Olde Towne East’s historic Trolley District.

Light Fare

Brassica

This Mediterranean eatery is a great option for those hunting for an informal but unique local eatery. Create your own sandwich, salad or pita for a filling yet healthy lunch.

Native Cold Pressed

This GMO-free, HPP-free and dairy-free shop specializes in cold pressed, organic juices to zest up your day, and also offers salads, bakery items and more.

Icarus Sandwich Shop

From the creators of the Food & Wine-lauded local coffee shop Fox in the Snow comes Icarus Sandwich Shop, a cozy shop selling “beautiful sandwiches” that’s tucked away in the Short North Arts District.

Breakfast

Lox Bagel Shop

Stop in at Lox for a Food & Wine-lauded bagel experience! Featured in the “Best Bagels in America” and located in the Short North Arts District, Lox Bagel Shop is an undeniably delicious way to start your day.

Tasi

Tasi locally sources its ingredients to create an expansive and delightful menu. Get breakfast all day long at this cozy café or try one of their lunch options.

Freedom a la Cart

With fresh menu items made from scratch and a workplace that trains local human trafficking survivors, Freedom A La Cart is worth a stop not just for its food but for its social justice work.

Cravings Cafe

This popular local café offers everything from Brussels sprouts and burgers to apple slaw and potato salad.

Coffee

If you have some spare time to head further into Columbus, check out the full Columbus Coffee Trail! Otherwise, enjoy the Trail options below that are within walking distance from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and nearby hotels

One Line

With a focus on sustainable sourcing and top of the line in-house equipment, One Line is a coffee lover’s delight. Family-founded and located in the Short North, head on over if you need a jolt of caffeine for your day.

Roaming Goat

Stop in at Roaming Goat to get the finest Arabica coffee from around the world, and enjoy the sleek aesthetic of this shop that’s located in the heart of the Short North Arts District.

Crimson Cup

Try Crimson Cup’s innovative, award-winning coffee to wake up your tastebuds.

Stauf's

Visit the North Market location of Stauf’s Coffee Roasters. Founded in 1988, Stauf’s is Columbus’ “original café and roastery.”

Upscale

The Guild House

This intimate eatery in the Short North Arts District aims to offer innovative, seasonal cuisine whether you’re coming in for brunch or happy hour.

Hyde Park Steakhouse

With private and semi-private dining areas available, fireplaces and views over High Street, head to Hyde Park for happy hour or settle in for an excellent meal experience with your party.

Jeff Ruby Steakhouse

Famous for “The Jeff Ruby Experience,” you’re sure to have an unforgettable time and delicious meals at this steakhouse.

Martini sign on North High Street at night

Martini Modern Italian

With made-from-scratch pasta and fresh ingredients in their dishes, Martini Modern Italian offers a must-try blend of classic and innovative Italian dining.

SoCal Kitchen + Bar

Serving delicious classics that range from steak to seafood, SoCal Kitchen + Bar offers a host of Southern California-inspired dishes and creative cocktails.

Rooftop Cocktails

Lumin Skybar

Located within the AC Hotel, Lumin is an expansive and chic rooftop bar offering tapas, sleek cocktails and an unforgettable view of the Columbus skyline.

Lincoln Social

Lincoln Social is a sleek rooftop experience for those who enjoy the nightlife scene. Night owls will be right at home at this energetic rooftop in the Short North Arts District.

Goodale Station

Head to Goodale Station above the Canopy by Hilton hotel for rooftop views and locally inspired food that blends Midwest tastes with global influences.

Bars

Howl at the Moon

One of two piano bars in Columbus, Howl at the Moon is always alive and energetic. Stop in for happy hour for a more chill experience or head by later in the evening to revel in their lively dueling pianos.

Union Cafe

This LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood café and cocktail lounge is beloved for everything from its brunch to nightlife. Between their patio overlooking High Street and the drag performances they host regularly, Union is always an unforgettable stop.

Exterior shot of Callahan's rooftop patio

Callahan's Columbus

Head to the Irish-influenced Callahan’s for a classic neighborhood bar and patio experience, and stay late to enjoy their rooftop dance parties.

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