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, Casual Dinner, Upscale, Rooftop Cocktails, and Bars.
Nearby Food Halls
Budd Dairy Food Hall
Columbus’ 145-year-old public market, located across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center, offers a crowd-pleasing mix of traditional market vendors and restaurant booths for ordering meals. You'll find authentic cuisine and vendors offering everything from coffee and curry to charcuterie and ramen, all of which you can enjoy outside or on the interior upper level.
Located in Italian Village, this chef incubator space (named one of the “Ten Best New Food Halls in the U.S.” by Fodor’s Travel) is a longer walk than options you’ll find in the Arena District or the Short North Arts District, but it’s well worth the stroll if you have time to spare (…or time to Uber!). Housed in a former milk bottling facility, this unique food hall has plenty of amazing chef concepts to choose from (lobster, anyone?), and the space even boasts an all-weather rooftop.
Light Fare
A meal from Brassica
This 100% non-GMO and mostly organic eatery strives to offer balanced options in a wellness-focused space, and you can choose from having a sit-down meal or placing a to-go order. If you’re enjoying your meal seated at the restaurant, we guarantee you’ll feel centered and tranquil by the end - it’s hard not to feel relaxed after dining amidst greenery and an indoor moss wall! Tip: try their bone broth or zero-toxin coffee.
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.
Breakfast
Bagels from 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 Café
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.
Experience the Columbus Coffee Trail!
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.
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.
Try Crimson Cup’s innovative, award-winning coffee to wake up your tastebuds.
Casual Dinner
Buca di Beppo serves family-style Italian meals
You can enjoy Goodwood’s southern-influenced menu, offering “burgers, brunch and brews,” right in the heart of the Arena District.
Buca di Beppo
There are few things more comforting than hearty, family-style Italian cooking, and Buca di Beppo is a centrally located eatery offering just that. From its vintage, quirky atmosphere to the delicious food (cannolis, anyone?), stop in at Buca di Beppo for a warm, enjoyable evening.
Arch City Tavern
Named for one of Columbus’ longtime monikers (“Arch City”, derived from the arches that originally spanned High Street in the Short North Arts District in the late 1800s and which were reinstalled in recent years), Arch City Tavern strives to highlight Columbus’ history. They offer locally sourced food and craft beer to provide an authentic Columbus experience.
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. From oysters to duck toast, there’s something for every flavor palette, and don’t miss their creative, fascinating cocktail options.
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.
Famous for “The Jeff Ruby Experience,” you’re sure to have an unforgettable time and delicious meals at this steakhouse.
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.
Rooftop Cocktails
Lumin Skybar
Lincoln Social is a sleek rooftop experience for those who live for the scene. Night owls will be right at home at this energetic rooftop in the Short North Arts District.
Head to Goodale Station above the Canopy by Hilton hotel for rooftop views and locally inspired food that blends Midwest tastes with global influences.
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.
Bars
Union Café
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.
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.
This LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood café and cocktail lounge is popular and beloved for everything from its brunch to nightlife. Between their patio overlooking High Street and the drag performances they host regularly, Union is an unforgettable stop no matter the season.
