ADVERTISEMENT

    Top 20 New Columbus Restaurants of 2007

    I previously wrote about ten restaurants that exited the Columbus dining scene in 2007, but there were loads more that opened up to take their places. Here’s my list of the Top 20 new restaurants that opened in the past year:

    ADVERTISEMENT

    1. Rosendale’s – After winning the title of 2005 USA’s Chef of the Year, Richard Rosendale opened up his self-titled Columbus debut in mid-march to much fanfare. Already becoming a favorite of the local restaurant reviewers, this Short North establishment delivers.

    2. Tasi – Kent Rigsby (of Rigsby’s) and his wife Tasi (now of Tasi) opened up their new eatery at the beginning of November, but it’s already been very highly praised. Using mostly local ingredients and making nearly everything in-house typically means higher prices, but Tasi manages to keep your bill casual.

    3. Black Creek Bistro – This new restaurant opened quietly on Parsons Avenue at the beginning of the summer, and despite not doing much advertising, the buzz has quickly grown. The owner is also a farmer who provides the local ingredients for daily dishes, and then takes home scraps for composting. If you want upscale fresh foods at a modest price, this is the spot to check out.

    4. Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails – After a few months of delay, Elizabeth Lessner opened her third Columbus restaurant in May, this time partnering with her brother Tim Lessner and Chuck Hootman. This new Gay Street establishment has already become a downtown staple for food and drinks. Don’t miss the nostalgic Columbus photography on the walls, the Columbus-centric cocktails, and the sweet potato fries. Oh, and the Tip Top is open late to boot, even on weeknights.

    5. Marcella’s – Cameron Mitchell opened up his latest concept in the Short North back in May with enough success to already have a second location at Polaris before the end of the year and plans to expand into other cities including potential spots in New York, Chicago, and Miami. The style is home-grown Italian, and the accordion-style windows opened during the warmer months brings the restaurant atmosphere out into the sidewalk.

    6. Pistachia Vera – Technically Pistachia Vera is just a relocated and renamed version of Pistachio that left its Short North home for a new space in German Village. And technically it’s more of a dessert boutique than it is a restaurant. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of being high up on this list. Dessert aficionados all over town agree that Pistachia Vera offers some of the best treats in Columbus.

    7. Northstar Cafe – Originally scheduled to open in 2006, the second Northstar location suffered from a few delays and opened in March 2007. It was totally worth the wait though, as the new location replicates everything that makes the original Short North location wonderful.

    8. Diaspora – This new campus-area restaurant opened over the summer and offers a range of Korean, Chinese and Japanese dishes for those craving any combination of the three. The affordable prices are intended to serve the OSU crowd but also give others a reason to check it out.

    9. Pita Hut – Not to be confused with that other place, this new Clintonville establishment offers some of the tastiest hummus, falafel, kebabs, and shawarmas around. The small space opened in March and only seats a handful of customers, but their late hours make it a great spot to get some take out at night.

    10. Gingham Bakery – Brown Bag Deli expanded next door in November and opened a separate business for selling cupcakes in German Village. These treats have been all the rage in 2007, and Gingham goes above and beyond with their presentation as well as their taste.

    11. Ying’s Teahouse & Yum Yum – Another Clintonville addition that opened in March was Ying’s Teahouse on High Street. Offering a variety of Chinese teas, smoothies and bubble teas compliment the small plates of Chinese and American food items.

    12. Jeni’s Ice Creams – Jeni Britton opened up her third Columbus location in the Short North this summer, not far from her original North Market shop. If you’ve never had Jeni’s Ice Cream, be ready to try out multiple taste spoons worth. Her wild flavors include Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet, Lime Cardamom with Lingonberries, and Goat’s Cheese and Cognac Fig Sauce… just to name a few.

    13. Mezzo Italian Kitchen – Mezzo opened only a month ago at the new Creekside development in Gahanna, but is already getting some very high praise. Their menu includes pizza and pastas but served in an upscale setting.

    14. Rise & Dine – The first Rise & Dine opened (as “Peach’s Rise & Dine”) in December of 2006, but several additional locations were added throughout 2007. And more importantly, the company relocated their headquarters from Florida to Columbus this year. There are plans to open more Columbus locations soon, all serving up breakfast during the morning and afternoon hours.

    15. Costelo’s – One of the most interesting mixes of cuisine can be found at this new restaurant that opened on Cleveland Avenue last February. Costelo’s serves up both Puerto Rican dishes as well as Italian ones. Where else can you find that combination?

    16. Buffalo Wild Wings – Shortly after the original BW3’s located near campus closed down, a new flagship location was opened in June at the corner of Lane & High. This new spot features two floors, several dozen tvs, and enough beer and wings for everyone.

    17. Noodles & Co – This Colorado-based chain opened several Columbus locations during 2007. Noodles & Co serves up your choice of American, Mediterranean, or Asian style noodle dishes.

    18. Cam’s on Campus – The Wexner Center got a taste of Cameron Mitchell earlier this year when Cam’s on Campus opened up. This cafe serves a variety of fresh casual sandwiches, salads, soups, smoothies, and desserts at an affordable price.

    19. El Paraiso – One of the newest vendors to open at the North Market is El Paraiso, a mexican eatery which launched in September. They also have a grocery section to their location where items can be purchased to take and make at home.

    20. Yosick’s Artisian Chocolates – Another sweet specialty shop landed in German Village opened in December that focuses on chocolate treats. One of their specialties is handmade truffles made with a variety of chocolates.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    French Bistro Slated for Prominent Downtown Corner

    Another new restaurant is coming to the corner of...

    Cheap Eats: 6 Breakfasts on a Budget

    What’s the old saying? Breakfast is the most important...

    14 Easter Brunches in Columbus

    No holiday calls for a big, fancy brunch quite...

    6 New & Recent Restaurant Openings in Central Ohio

    Breakfasts from classic to biscuit focused, desserts to satisfy...
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT