Best Local Cuisine in Columbus, Indiana

Columbus’ Top Eats

Find the best local cuisine in Columbus, Indiana and savor each dish!

Columbus, Indiana may be best known for its world-class architecture, but the city’s food scene is worth exploring, too. From handcrafted cocktails and fresh-ground burgers to curry, tacos, pizza, tenderloins, and craft beer, Columbus is full of locally loved restaurants serving up signature dishes and memorable flavors. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family meal, or a casual bite between architecture stops, these local favorites are a great place to start.

Columbus Classic

Coffee

breakfast

Burger

sushi

indian

ramen

italian

brewery

Best Pizza & Local Brews

Patio & Craft Beer

Date Night

Sweet Treat

Best Columbus Classic

Blackerby’s Hangar 5

Located at the Columbus Municipal Airport, Blackerby’s Hangar 5 serves classic breakfast and lunch favorites with a side of runway views. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., this casual local spot is known for hearty comfort food, friendly service, and a setting that makes the meal feel a little more memorable, especially for families, aviation fans, or anyone who loves a good breakfast with a view.

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Best Coffee Stop

Lucabe Coffee Co.

Set inside a renovated 1961 Harry Weese-designed bank, Lucabe Coffee Co. at the Bank blends great coffee with Columbus design history. Once home to drive-thru banking lanes, the Mid-Century Modern building was thoughtfully reimagined by Lucabe in 2021 as a welcoming coffee shop and community gathering space, a preservation project that earned a 2022 Docomomo Modernism in America Award. Stop in for expertly crafted coffee and espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and light breakfast or lunch options.

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Best Breakfast Stop

Le Fernandez Café

Located on 25th Street, Le Fernández Café is a family-owned café serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a fresh, made-with-care feel. The menu blends café favorites with a little something for everyone, from crepes, omelets, avocado toast, huevos rancheros, pastries, and espresso drinks to paninis, salads, smoothies, burgers, and vegetarian options. It’s a bright, welcoming spot for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, and on weekends, they also serve mimosas and mimosa flights

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Credit: Le Fernandez Café

Best Burger

Theo’s Brunchfast

Theo’s Brunchfast knows how to have fun with a burger. Known for juicy smash burgers piled with plenty of melty cheese, this local favorite keeps things interesting with a menu that mixes classic comfort food with playful, unexpected add-ons. You might find burgers topped with eggs, donuts, orange jam, Fruity Pebbles, or the usual classic condiments, but all with Theo’s creative twist. Theo’s is both a restaurant and a food truck, so if you spot the all-black food truck around town, take it as your sign to stop.

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Credit: Theo’s Brunchfast

Best Sushi

E Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Located on East 25th Street, E Sushi Japanese Restaurant is a go-to spot for fresh sushi, sashimi, hibachi, and Japanese noodles. The menu offers a wide selection of rolls and Japanese favorites, with high-quality fresh ingredients and elaborate sushi presentations that make it a fun choice for both dine-in and takeout. With a friendly atmosphere, group-friendly setting, and plenty of options beyond sushi, E Sushi is an easy pick for lunch, dinner, or a colorful sushi boat worth sharing.

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Credit: E Sushi Japanese Resturant

Best Indian Food

Apna Kitchen

Located on Cottage Avenue, Apna Kitchen brings the taste of India to Columbus with a menu full of rich flavors, warm spices, and traditional favorites. The restaurant serves a wide variety of Indian dishes, including kebabs, biryanis, curries, chutneys, tandoor-grilled specialties, South Indian dishes, Indo-Chinese options, and vegan selections. It’s a great choice for both longtime Indian food lovers and visitors looking to try something new, with plenty of comforting, shareable dishes like naan, tikka masala, biryani, samosas, and Gobi Manchurian.

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Best Ramen Bowl

Ramen Alley

Located downtown on Washington Street, Ramen Alley is a cozy stop for authentic, fresh Japanese ramen bowls. The menu features comforting noodle soups, rice bowls, gyoza, mochi, and drinks, with favorites like spicy miso ramen and tori don rice bowls. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl on a chilly day or a quick, flavorful lunch while exploring downtown, Ramen Alley is an easy pick for rich broth, fresh toppings, and satisfying Japanese comfort food.

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Credit: Ramen Alley

Best Italian

Angotti's Italian Restaurant

Located downtown on Washington Street, Angotti’s Italian Restaurant is a cozy, intimate spot for Italian comfort food and a relaxed night out. The menu features pasta favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, lasagne, ravioli, tortellini, shrimp in vodka sauce, and other hearty Italian dishes, along with brunch options on Sundays. With its warm atmosphere, attentive service, and classic Italian flavors, Angotti’s is an easy pick when you’re craving pasta, wine, and a meal that feels homemade.

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Best Brewery Experience

450 North Brewing Co.

Located just outside the city on East 450 North, 450 North Brewing Co. is more than a place to grab a beer, it’s a full Columbus-area brewery destination. Known for creative craft beers, brick oven-fired pizza, and a full restaurant menu, 450 North pairs big flavor with a laid-back, come-stay-awhile atmosphere. The property is also home to Simmons Winery and 450 North Spirits, making it a great stop for groups with different tastes. With 30 taps of fresh beer, cider, and wine, plus live music on Fridays, it’s an easy pick for anyone looking for a fun brewery experience with food, drinks, and plenty of local character.

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Credit: 450 North Brewing Co.

Best Pizza and Local Brews

ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing

Located near downtown on Lafayette Avenue, ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing is a Columbus favorite for fresh pizza and craft beer brewed right here in town. Their original-recipe dough is made fresh daily, paired with a house sauce made from California tomatoes, olive oil, spices, and a few secret ZwanzigZ ingredients. The brewery side offers 20+ craft beers and sodas on tap, all brewed in Columbus, with growlers and packaged beer available for carryout. Whether you’re stopping in for a specialty pizza, a weekday lunch combo, or a pint with friends, ZwanzigZ is an easy pick for pizza lovers and local beer fans alike.

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Credit: ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing

Best Patio and Craft Beer

Hog Molly Brewing Co.

Hog Molly Brewing Co. is a family-friendly taproom with a relaxed local feel, handcrafted beer, and plenty of reasons to hang out awhile. The brewery keeps 24 handcrafted beers on tap, with a mix of traditional styles and fruit-forward options, plus cider, wine, NA beer, non-alcoholic drinks, flights, growlers, crowlers, and 4-packs to take home. Hog Molly also has a kitchen, outdoor dog-friendly seating, and a busy events calendar with live music, trivia, music bingo, paint events, new beer releases, and more. It’s an easy pick for a casual drink, a laid-back patio stop, or an evening out with friends.

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Credit: Hog Molly

Best for Date Night

Henry Social Club

Located downtown on Washington Street, Henry Social Club brings big-city dining to the heart of Columbus. Since opening in 2014, this award-winning restaurant has served creative New American cuisine under the direction of owner and chef Gethin Thomas, with a menu featuring large and small plates, steaks, homemade breads, pastas, salads, and desserts. The warm, sleek interior, open-concept kitchen, boutique cocktails, fine spirits, and world-class wine selection make it a standout choice for date nights, celebrations, and unforgettable dinners.

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Credit: Henry Social Club

Best Sweet Treat

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor

Located downtown on Washington Street, Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum has been serving “sodas, sundaes and smiles” since 1900. What began as a candy store opened by three brothers from Greece has become one of Columbus’ most iconic stops, known for homemade ice cream, classic sundaes, hand-pulled sodas, and a beautifully preserved soda-fountain setting. With its museum, historic details, and old-fashioned charm, Zaharakos is more than dessert, it’s a sweet Columbus experience.

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Credit: Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor