Ohioans love their food, and who doesn't? But these restaurants prove that the people of Ohio know how to do food right. Are you craving a burger and fries, the perfect Reuben, or maybe some Thai food and sushi? Check out our list of the best places to eat in Ohio that will be sure to satisfy your hunger.
The Spot to Eat, Sidney, OH
The Spot to Eat has been in business on the corner of Court Street and Ohio Avenue since 1907, when the owner removed the wheels from his chuckwagon and started cooking. Everyone who's ever stopped into the Spot (including former President George W. Bush) has recommended that if you're only going to be there once, don't skip the apple pie.
Buckeye Express Diner, Bellville, OH
For the train lover in your family, the Buckeye Express Diner serves home-style comfort food in a repurposed train car. If your kids want to join in the fun too, there's a miniature version of the train just outside where children can play and explore while you enjoy the scenery.
Thai 9, Dayton, OH
Thai 9 isn't your typical Thai food restaurant. Aside from just favorite upscale Thai dishes, they also have a fantastic sushi selection. And if you want some delicious beverages, they offer wine, craft beers, and soda pop for the kids.
Thurman's Café, Columbus, OH
Featured on the Travel Channel's “Man v. Food,” Thurman's Café has a wide variety of bar-style food (and beverages) and delicious pizza. If you want to take the challenge though, order the “Thurmanator.” Bun, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, a 12-ounce burger, bacon, cheddar, another 12-ounce burger, mushrooms, onions, ham, mozzarella, American cheese, and another bun. It's typically served with fries and a pickle spear, but don't be surprised if your fries go neglected when you see the burger.
Slyman's Restaurant, Cleveland, OH
Slyman's is the second restaurant on our list to be visited by a former president, but he's not the only one. Television chef Rachael Ray and singer-songwriter Jason Castro have also stopped in to have a taste of Cleveland's finest. Famous for their massive roast beef sandwiches, Reubens, and bacon sandwiches Esquire Magazine called it a “taste of true Cleveland.”
Primavista, Cincinnati, OH
The Primavista is an elegant, upscale restaurant with classic, vegan, and gluten-free Italian cuisine. While the food is delicious, the real prize-winner of the restaurant is its atmosphere of class and the stunning top-floor view of the city of Cincinnati from the comfort of your dinner table.
Kewpee Hamburgers, Lima, OH
Kewpee Hamburgers is an Ohio tradition. Although originally founded in Flint, Michigan, the permanent headquarters was moved to Lima, Ohio where three of the five remaining Kewpee restaurants are located. We've mentioned other hamburger places on our list, but you'll never get a burger quite like the ones here. They're known for being the first to use the flat bun and for their semi-sweet “loose beef” burger rather than the traditional solid patty.
Strip Steakhouse, Avon, OH
Another upscale Northeast Ohio restaurant, if you're more in the mood for steak or Midwest cuisine than Italian. The steakhouse is located in a renovated rustic-elegant barn, and the interior blends a modern look with a rustic aesthetic. Have a martini at the first-floor bar, and if it's your first visit, you're cheating yourself if you don't try the steak!
Pier W, Lakewood, OH
Pier W is an upscale seafood restaurant perched on a high cliff overlooking Lake Erie with live piano music every weekend. If you're looking for a romantic date night with stunning views, Pier W seats 165 people in the dining room with a 50-seat bar and cocktail lounge.
Skillet, Columbus, OH
Skillet is a daytime-only restaurant serving up farm-to-table style new American cuisine. The atmosphere is rustic and modest, yet hip at the same time. They offer comfort food favorites from biscuits and gravy to honey apple pie with an urban twist. They use exclusively local products and are partnered with numerous farmers, producers, and craftsmen to support their community.
La Colombiana, Beavercreek, OH
La Colombiana Restaurante is located in Beavercreek. They offer authentic Colombian cuisine, and are owned and operated by Martin and Ana Rivera who moved here from Colombia many years ago. The food is so authentic that they frequently see Colombian-Americans travel from all over the state (or country) to experience the tastes of home!
Rodizio Brazilian Grill, Columbus, OH
Rodizio Grill is America's first authentic Brazilian grill and steakhouse. You can order from the menu and they come to your table to cut rotisserie meats and grilled pineapple right off the stick onto your plate. They offer 100 percent gluten-free, MSG-free, and peanut-free grilled items, and use a traditional grilling process from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Olde Dutch Restaurant, Logan, OH
This family-friendly Amish-style restaurant offers a la carte or buffet options and is located right next to the beautiful Hocking Hills campgrounds in Logan. It's been in business for over 30 years, but the site has been used as a community picnic ground since the 1840s when President William McKinley met with over 1,000 Civil War veterans.
Key Insights at a Glance
- The Spot to Eat: Established in 1907, it is known for its historic chuckwagon origins and recommended apple pie. Visited by former President George W. Bush.
- Buckeye Express Diner: Unique dining experience in a repurposed train car, offering home-style comfort food with a miniature train for kids outside.
- Thai 9: Upscale Thai restaurant with a comprehensive sushi menu serving wine and craft beers.
- Thurman's Café: Famous for its enormous "Thurmanator" burger, featured on the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food," serving bar-style food and pizza.
- Slyman's Restaurant: Renowned for massive roast beef and Reuben sandwiches, visited by celebrities including a former president and Rachael Ray.
- Primavista: Upscale Italian restaurant offering classic, vegan, and gluten-free options, known for its elegant atmosphere and stunning views of Cincinnati.
- Kewpee Hamburgers: This is an Ohio tradition known for its unique "loose beef" burgers and flat buns, with a historical significance dating back to Flint, Michigan.
- Strip Steakhouse: Upscale steakhouse in a renovated barn, combining modern and rustic aesthetics, known for its steaks and first-floor bar.
- Pier W: Upscale seafood restaurant on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie, offering a romantic setting with live piano music and a spacious dining and bar area.
- Skillet: Daytime-only restaurant specializing in farm-to-table New American cuisine with a rustic yet hip atmosphere, focused on local products and community support.
- La Colombiana: Authentic Colombian cuisine in Beavercreek, popular among Colombian-Americans seeking a taste of home, operated by owners from Colombia.
- Rodizio Brazilian Grill: This is America's first Brazilian grill and steakhouse. It offers traditional rotisserie meats and grilled pineapple served table-side, and it focuses on gluten-free, MSG-free, and peanut-free options.
- Olde Dutch Restaurant: This family-friendly Amish-style restaurant offers a buffet and a la carte options. It is located near Hocking Hills and has a history as a community picnic ground dating back to the 1840s.
