What are Your Favorite Columbus Restaurants?

Columbus Restaurants are so diversified just like the city. I really enjoy getting out and trying new restaurants!

When I started In-and-Around-Columbus.com it was to share my adventures in our fair city. And restaurants are obviously part of that adventure. I’ve really had fun going out to eat and reporting on what I found.

But now… I want to turn the tables on you.

I would love to hear about your favorite restaurants, your reviews on the restaurants I have reviewed, and your favorite types of food!

Ok… It’s YOUR turn to rave about YOUR favorite Columbus Restaurants!

Your Favorite Columbus Restaurants Reviews

Mad Mex Mexican Restaurant

by Anonymous – Columbus Ohio
It is absolutely the freshest Mexican food I have ever had. Lots of interesting options (multiple salsas!) and very vegetarian friendly!

October 16, 2009
Mad Mex
by: Ann

If you are interested in trying Mad Mex, it’s located at 1542 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio – Phone (614) 586-4007. Mad Mex is located right on campus and they have student specials if you show them your ID at certain hours of the day. The prices are good and the servings are large. Check it out!

China Phoenix Has Seen Better Days

by Anthony Capretta
(Bexley, OH)

Having been a regular (2-3 time) weekly customer since 1992. On July 8, 2008, I made a conscious decision to stop patronizing this restaurant due to a drastically changing clientele that has become so disturbing that I no longer enjoy a quiet meal there. The management appears to now be catering to a “neighborhood” bar crowd that echoes throughout the dining room with fowl language, boisterous conversation and questionable activities. In addition, the food as become somewhat inconsistent in quality; yet the menu prices have increased; the service fair at best; and the cleanliness and upkeep of the restaurant often not good–especially the restrooms. My last several visits were quite disturbing as I walked into a dining room full of uncleared tables with one waitress or waiter serving while management only stood by without assisting to help. Frankly, I cannot believe this is happening at this place. I approached the owner about the noise coming from the bar–he seemingly was dis-concerned. The last night there, Wednesday July 9, 2008, I was not only witness to a bar fight (do you believe it…in a Chinese restaurant?) but to another distressed regular patron (a middle-aged white women dining alone) who shared her observations of seeing illegal activities taking place in the bar–and too has seen the decline of the restaurant. I ask myself, why would management permit its long time regular customers to experience such dissatisfaction? Well, I won’t be back there again…so now I’m off to my new find…The China Bell in Grove City…a wonderfully clean restaurant with excellent service and great food!

July 11, 2008
China Phoenix
by: Ann

I’m really sorry to hear it has declined. I haven’t been there for at least 2 years, possibly longer. But I’m glad to hear you found China Bell –
I don’t get there often but I do take-out and I’ve never gotten bad food yet!

Banana Bean Cafe

Best Brunch in Columbus Ohio!

December 31, 2008
Amen to the Best Brunch in Columbus
by: Alice

I have had brunch and lunch at the Banana Bean many of times and I love the place. Best Brunch in Columbus with no question the menu is different and I love taking friends and family there when they are in town.

Tensuke Express 1167 Old Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington

by Marilou Rugo
(Columbus, Ohio)

Located inside the Tensuke Japanese Market, the Express is a scrupulously clean, surprisingly roomy little restaurant. Personable and welcoming, the staff graciously explain any questions regarding the menu; selections are clear, easy to understand, and offer remarkable and diverse food choices. The prices are quite reasonable, the quality is excellent, the service is hospitable and professional. Diners relax while awaiting their meals by either watching Japanese travel programs on the two large-screen TV’s, or quietly contemplating the large exotic fish aquarium. Fabulous choices: the Yaki Udon wafer-thin slices of pork and vegetables in peanut sauce over udon noodles, the Gyoza steamed or fried, the Tempura Udon bowl the broth is heavenly or the eye-catching Bento box. Treat yourself to either the cold barley tea or the cold honey-lemon tea. Even when the Express is not serving, market patrons may use the restaurant to dine on purchases made at the sushi bar #71 and #72, the Supreme and the Chirashi, respectively, are superb. Alternatively, if shoppers choose items from the market’s coolers, they may also consume these items in the Express. Go for the agenasu roasted eggplant, sunomono seaweed, cucumber, noodles, sesame, pollock salad, or the udon bowl salad. A wide selection of beverages offers coffee drinks, soy-based concoctions, and a delightful array of green teas. Try the delicately perfumy Jasmine tea. As with the food, they are most reasonably priced. Tensuke Market’s frozen foods showcase impeccably presented, wafer-thin sliced meats, absolutely fresh and attractively displayed. All food labels, whether on frozen, prepackaged, or fresh, are in Japanese and English to facilitate ease of purchase. Don’t forget the desserts! Tempt your taste buds with green tea ice cream, red bean paste buns or a wonderfully moist ‘cheesecake’. There are numerous varieties of Pocky, a popular coated pretzel, or crunchy veggie chips.

June 04, 2009
Tensuke Express 1167 Old Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington – Great value
by: Nick Tomashot

Took the kids there — had a great time. Excellent food, no frills but great value!

Zamarelli’s Pizza Palace in Grove City

by Anonymous

Best pizza I’ve ever tasted. They make everything in there by hand themselves. My friends have been going there for years and they say the people in there know them by name, it has such a ‘small town’ ‘mom and pop’ vibe. They don’t take plastic, but its worth making a stop to the ATM.

House of Japan Dublin and Polaris

by Laura Buoni
(Hilliard, Ohio)

I love House of Japan!! I love the food, love the egg yolk sauce and the salad dressing. It’s a favorite lunch spot to meet friends and for just my mom and I. The Imperial Feast is a great deal and the chefs are very entertaining.

Martini Modern Italian

by Emily
(Columbus, Ohio)

Martini has always been my favorite happy hour restaurant, and now it’s even better!! Since they reopened after remodeling they have $3 martinis for their happy hour, usually they are around $10….so if you ask me that’s a great deal! If I ever go out and meet friends after work I always suggest this place. They also have half off appetizers If you’re going out for dinner or happy hour check this place out, the food is great and I always get good service.

Cap City Diner

by Cindy
(Ohio)

This restaurant always has amazingly good food!! And their staff is always truly dedicated to making you have a terrific experience at their place!!

Alexa

by Alexa
(Dublin, Ohio)

This place has incredible sandwiches, a huge lunch buffet and incredible prices. The staff is extremely friendly. We can’t wait to go back. They catered an office event for us. The catered food was as good as the in house food.

What’s your Favorite Restaurant?