Our “Dine Like a Local” series was created to provide you with a friendly set of recommendations on where to find some great restaurants in Columbus. By locals, for locals!
Sarah Bryant is a great foodie guide to Columbus. With over 15 years of experience at Pattycake Bakery, she’s seen a ton of change in the local restaurant scene throughout Columbus in recent years.
“I love the variety of options in walking distance from my home and work,” said Bryant. “And I love how supportive the local establishments are of each other.
Here are some of her favorite spots, across 10 different categories of dining:
Favorite Breakfast Spot
The Lox Bagel Shop in the Short North. I know everyone has opinions about the best bagels in Columbus and I think these are it! The everything bagel with cream cheese is my go to. Also really love the cauliflower melt.
Favorite Lunch Spot
Lavash Cafe in Clintonville. The Lentil Soup with Black Bean Hummus, Fries and Falafel are my favorites there.
Favorite Happy Hour Spot
I love eating and drinking outdoors. For happy hour, Antiques on High‘s rooftop offers comfortable seating, great views and amazing cocktails.
Favorite Dinner Spot
Lately we can’t seem to get enough of Everest Cuisine in Worthington. And we always order the same things: Vegetable Pakora, vegetarian fried rice, Palak Paneer, Navaratan Korma and mango lassis for dessert.
Favorite Dessert
I clearly eat the most desserts from the bakery I work at, Pattycake Bakery but Columbus has such a wide range of delicious options when it comes to sweets. I have different bakeries that I go to for different things: Tulip Cafe for Pistachio Baklava; Cherbourg Bakery for Lemon Bars; Pistacia Vera for Pain au Chocolat; and Destination Donuts for their Apricot Pistachio Donut.
Favorite Coffee Shop
If I am near home and want a latte I usually swing by Winston’s food truck Indianola Ave. and get a oaty honey latte. When I’m in the Short North I like to stop at One Line for one of their seasonal offerings.
Favorite Date Night Recommendation
Watershed Kitchen and Bar. They have a really fun cocktail menu that is designed as a small brochure with the theme/design changing throughout the year. The food menu is excellent. We like to get a lot of small plates and share.
Favorite Spot for Large Groups
Understory is great for group meet-ups. The patio is huge and a gorgeous view of the Olentangy Trail. There’s plenty of space to spread out and there are board games available if you run out of things to talk about.
Favorite Spot out in the Suburbs
My in-laws live in Bexley and one of our favorite dinner spots is Giuseppe’s Ritrovo. The Eggplant Parmigiana with Burrata as an appetizer is my favorite. They have excellent gluten-free options as well.
Favorite “Hidden Gem”
When we lived Downtown we frequented Indian Oven. It’s not as convenient for us to go there these days, but we still love it and order takeout whenever we are craving Indian food.