A restaurant bucket list is a wonderful thing to have, and if you have yet to make one of your own, you can use our list of the best restaurants in Ohio as a jumping off point! All throughout Ohio there are delicious, unique eateries offering one-of-a-kind cuisine and atmospheres. The following are 18 of our favorite restaurants in the Buckeye State and they are arguably the best places to eat in Ohio. Don’t believe us? Well, we think you should make a point to try them all before you die. (You can thank us later.)
- Melt Bar and Grill (Various locations)
Jim Reynolds/Flickr
Melt Bar and Grill With an array of specialty sandwiches and several shop locations in Columbus and Cleveland, this sandwich joint has made quite an impression on locals, and is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Ohio. The Melt Bar and Grill won “Best Sandwich of 2015” in both the Columbus Alive Magazine and Cleveland Scene Magazine. In addition to mouthwatering sandwiches, this shop is known for its “Melt Challenge,” which features more than 5 lbs. of food; composed of 13 different cheeses, three slices of grilled bread and a pile of hand-cut fries and slaw. (Pictured: “The Big Popper.”) Melt Bar and Grilled, 2733 Fairfield Cmns Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
- The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
WestKastle/Flickr Ohio’s oldest continuously operated hotel in Lebanon holds a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and U.S. Presidents have stayed. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036. The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
- Buckeye Express Diner (Bellville)
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you’ll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) Buckeye Express Diner is located at 810 State Rt. 97 W., Bellville, OH 44813. Buckeye Express Diner, 810 OH-97, Bellville, OH 44813, USA
- Tony Packo’s (Toledo)
Tony Packo’s Facebook/Facebook
Tony Packo’s/Facebook For a truly epic chili dog, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of MAS*H signed a bun. While that bun is no longer in existence, today the cafe proudly showcases Styrofoam bun look-alikes signed by various celebrities, including five U.S. presidents. The original Tony Packo’s is located at 1902 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605. Tony Packo’s Restaurant, 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
- Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor (Various Locations)
Frank B./Yelp
Frank B./Yelp A unique and delicious pizza eating experience awaits you at this one of a kind pizza joint. In addition to exceptional pizza, the salads and pepperoni stromboli are highly recommended. (Pictured is the North Kingsville location.) Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor, 6541 N Main St, North Kingsville, OH 44068, USA
- Thurman’s Cafe (Columbus)
James Yeo/Flickr With a menu item like the Thurmanator, how can this cafe not be featured on “Man vs. Food?” This beloved Columbus burger and restaurant first appeared on the Travel Channel in 2008. Thurman’s Cafe is located in Columbus’ German Village at 183 Thurman Ave., Columbus, OH 43206. The Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant (Columbus)
Lydia/Flickr In addition to the best genuine German cuisine around, this historic restaurant has an animated atmosphere complete with live German music on certain nights. You can also find this popular eatery in Columbus’ German Village at 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
- The Spot To Eat (Sidney)
OZinOH/Flickr Both literally and figuratively, this is the spot to go to for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Sidney. What started out as a chuck wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary old fashioned eatery that will make you feel like you’ve temporarily stepped foot into a Happy Day’s episode. The Spot To Eat is located at 201 S Ohio Ave., Sidney, OH 45365. Spot Restaurant, 201 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365, USA
- Slyman’s Restaurant (Cleveland)
Slymans/Facebook
Slymans/Facebook This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to the best corned beef you can find in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray’s “$40 a Day.”) An early lunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the lunch rush. Slyman’s is open Monday - Friday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
- Primavista (Cincinnati)
Primavista/Facebook Take in downtown Cincinnati’s skyline at this Italian eatery “where the food is as captivating as the view.” Attire here is casual and walk-ins are welcome. Primavista is located at 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204. Primavista, 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204, USA
- Heggy’s Nut Shop (Canton)
Heggy’s Nut Shop/Facebook This hotdog, sandwich and burger joint serves up some of the Canton area’s favorite food. (Be sure to get a side of the butter fries when you stop here.) Heggy’s Nut Shop is located at 3200 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708. Heggy’s Nut Shop, 3200 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44708, USA
- Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina (Athens)
Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina/Facebook
Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina/Facebook Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this beloved Athens eatery features the area’s best Mexican cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients. On the weekends, business really picks up, so expect a wait. If the wait is too long for you, we suggest grabbing a seat on the bodega side. Casa Nueva is located at 6 W State St., Athens, OH 45701. Casa Nueva, 6 W State St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Kewpee Hamburgers (Lima)
Kewpie Hamburgers/Facebook Within the fictionalized setting of “Glee,” this signature fast food joint in Lima has three locations that serve up the city’s best burgers. french fries and malts. Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USA
- The Scioto Ribber (Portsmouth)
The Scioto Ribber/Facebook
The Scioto Ribber/Facebook At this local favorite steakhouse you can watch your steak cook on one of the five wood-fired grills out back. (FYI: A “small” steak is 16 oz. and a “large” steak is 32 oz.) The Scioto Ribber is located at 1024 Gallia St., Portsmouth, OH 45662. Scioto Ribber, 1026 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH 45662, USA
- Strip Steakhouse (Avon)
Strip Steakhouse/Facebook The Ewers Barn is home to Strip Steakhouse, where guests can enjoy an exceptional meal while they observe the unique architecture and history of the barn, which dates back to 1851. Strip Steakhouse is located at 36840 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011. Strip Steakhouse, 36840 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011, USA
- Kengo Sushi & Yakitori (Toledo)
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori/Facebook
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori/Facebook For the best sushi of your life and what might be the most authentic omakase experience in Ohio, head over to this small sushi and yakitori spot in downtown Toledo. Be sure to come early or call ahead. (Reservations can be made for omakase only.) Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 38 S Saint Clair St., Toledo, OH 43604. Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, 38 S St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
- Seven Miles Smokehouse (Chillicothe)
7milessmokehouse.com
7 Miles Smokehouse/Facebook With slow, southern cooked meats and sides made from scratch every day, this family owned and operated smokehouse serves up some exceptional barbecue. Pictured is “The Mad Dog” with pulled smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork, topped with grilled onions, sauce and creamy signature cole slaw. Seven Miles Smokehouse is located at 285 E 7th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. 7 Miles Smokehouse, 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
- Pier W (Lakewood)
Pier W/Facebook
Pier W/Facebook This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience. The unique waterfront restaurant serves up exceptional seafood and offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH, 44107. Winton Place Condominiums, 12700 Lake Ave, Cleveland, OH 44107, USA
Have you been to any of these restaurants? What (and where) is your picks for the best places to eat in Ohio? Share your thoughts, recommendations and experiences with us so we can add to the list of the best restaurants in Ohio!
Jim Reynolds/Flickr
Melt Bar and Grill
With an array of specialty sandwiches and several shop locations in Columbus and Cleveland, this sandwich joint has made quite an impression on locals, and is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Ohio. The Melt Bar and Grill won “Best Sandwich of 2015” in both the Columbus Alive Magazine and Cleveland Scene Magazine. In addition to mouthwatering sandwiches, this shop is known for its “Melt Challenge,” which features more than 5 lbs. of food; composed of 13 different cheeses, three slices of grilled bread and a pile of hand-cut fries and slaw. (Pictured: “The Big Popper.”)
Melt Bar and Grilled, 2733 Fairfield Cmns Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
WestKastle/Flickr
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated hotel in Lebanon holds a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and U.S. Presidents have stayed. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036.
The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook
If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you’ll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) Buckeye Express Diner is located at 810 State Rt. 97 W., Bellville, OH 44813.
Buckeye Express Diner, 810 OH-97, Bellville, OH 44813, USA
Tony Packo’s Facebook/Facebook
Tony Packo’s/Facebook
For a truly epic chili dog, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of MAS*H signed a bun. While that bun is no longer in existence, today the cafe proudly showcases Styrofoam bun look-alikes signed by various celebrities, including five U.S. presidents. The original Tony Packo’s is located at 1902 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605.
Tony Packo’s Restaurant, 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
Frank B./Yelp
A unique and delicious pizza eating experience awaits you at this one of a kind pizza joint. In addition to exceptional pizza, the salads and pepperoni stromboli are highly recommended. (Pictured is the North Kingsville location.)
Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor, 6541 N Main St, North Kingsville, OH 44068, USA
James Yeo/Flickr
With a menu item like the Thurmanator, how can this cafe not be featured on “Man vs. Food?” This beloved Columbus burger and restaurant first appeared on the Travel Channel in 2008. Thurman’s Cafe is located in Columbus’ German Village at 183 Thurman Ave., Columbus, OH 43206.
The Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
Lydia/Flickr
In addition to the best genuine German cuisine around, this historic restaurant has an animated atmosphere complete with live German music on certain nights. You can also find this popular eatery in Columbus’ German Village at 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
OZinOH/Flickr
Both literally and figuratively, this is the spot to go to for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Sidney. What started out as a chuck wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary old fashioned eatery that will make you feel like you’ve temporarily stepped foot into a Happy Day’s episode. The Spot To Eat is located at 201 S Ohio Ave., Sidney, OH 45365.
Spot Restaurant, 201 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365, USA
Slymans/Facebook
This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to the best corned beef you can find in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray’s “$40 a Day.”) An early lunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the lunch rush. Slyman’s is open Monday - Friday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114.
Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Primavista/Facebook
Take in downtown Cincinnati’s skyline at this Italian eatery “where the food is as captivating as the view.” Attire here is casual and walk-ins are welcome. Primavista is located at 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204.
Primavista, 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204, USA
Heggy’s Nut Shop/Facebook
This hotdog, sandwich and burger joint serves up some of the Canton area’s favorite food. (Be sure to get a side of the butter fries when you stop here.) Heggy’s Nut Shop is located at 3200 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708.
Heggy’s Nut Shop, 3200 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44708, USA
Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina/Facebook
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this beloved Athens eatery features the area’s best Mexican cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients. On the weekends, business really picks up, so expect a wait. If the wait is too long for you, we suggest grabbing a seat on the bodega side. Casa Nueva is located at 6 W State St., Athens, OH 45701.
Casa Nueva, 6 W State St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Kewpie Hamburgers/Facebook
Within the fictionalized setting of “Glee,” this signature fast food joint in Lima has three locations that serve up the city’s best burgers. french fries and malts.
Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USA
The Scioto Ribber/Facebook
At this local favorite steakhouse you can watch your steak cook on one of the five wood-fired grills out back. (FYI: A “small” steak is 16 oz. and a “large” steak is 32 oz.) The Scioto Ribber is located at 1024 Gallia St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Scioto Ribber, 1026 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH 45662, USA
Strip Steakhouse/Facebook
The Ewers Barn is home to Strip Steakhouse, where guests can enjoy an exceptional meal while they observe the unique architecture and history of the barn, which dates back to 1851. Strip Steakhouse is located at 36840 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011.
Strip Steakhouse, 36840 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011, USA
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori/Facebook
For the best sushi of your life and what might be the most authentic omakase experience in Ohio, head over to this small sushi and yakitori spot in downtown Toledo. Be sure to come early or call ahead. (Reservations can be made for omakase only.) Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 38 S Saint Clair St., Toledo, OH 43604.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, 38 S St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
7milessmokehouse.com
7 Miles Smokehouse/Facebook
With slow, southern cooked meats and sides made from scratch every day, this family owned and operated smokehouse serves up some exceptional barbecue. Pictured is “The Mad Dog” with pulled smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork, topped with grilled onions, sauce and creamy signature cole slaw. Seven Miles Smokehouse is located at 285 E 7th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
7 Miles Smokehouse, 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Pier W/Facebook
This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience. The unique waterfront restaurant serves up exceptional seafood and offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH, 44107.
Winton Place Condominiums, 12700 Lake Ave, Cleveland, OH 44107, USA
For more delicious, under-the-radar places to dine in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 14 Little Known Restaurants In Ohio Are Hard To Find But Worth The Search.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Restaurants In Ohio
November 15, 2019
April Dray
What are the best restaurants in Cleveland?
Cleveland is arguably home to some of the most unique restaurants in Ohio. From upscale rooftop dining to humble mom and pop joints, there’s a little something for everyone. You’ll also find delicious German and Eastern European cuisine in Cleveland. Some must-try restaurants in the Cleveland area include Pier W, Sokolowski’s University Inn, The Greenhouse Tavern, Pickle Bill’s Lobster House and Slyman’s Restaurant. In the summer months, there’s plenty of patio dining as well. For a list of unassuming yet delicious restaurants in Cleveland, check out our previous article: 9 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Cleveland Bucket List.
What are the best restaurants in Cincinnati?
Some of the most legendary restaurants in Ohio are hiding in the Queen City. From scenic riverfront restaurants to family-friendly eateries, there’s plenty to choose from when you can’t quite decide. A few must-try Cincinnati area restaurants include Boca, The Precinct, Primavista, Eli’s BBQ and Moerlein Lager House. (Of course, you have to try some Skyline Chili, too.) There are also some must-try seasonal restaurants, such as The Root Beer Stand. To view a list of family-friendly restaurants in Cincinnati, check out our previous article: Here Are The 11 Absolute Best Family-Friendly Restaurants In Cincinnati.
What are the best restaurants in Columbus?
When you find yourself in the middle of the state, it can be overwhelming and difficult to decide where to dine out in Ohio. The Columbus area is home to some of the most delicious restaurants. The variety is wide and the cuisine is one-of-a-kind in our state capital. For your Italian cravings, try Marcella’s. For some exotic ethnic cuisine, try Barcelona Restaurant and Bar. For gourmet-style hot dogs that are downright mouthwatering, try Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace. Other must-try Columbus area restaurants include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, Milestone 229, Jack & Benny’s and The Top Steakhouse. For a list of some of the most unique restaurants in Columbus, check out our previous article: These 10 Unique Restaurants In Columbus Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Restaurants In Ohio
November 15, 2019
April Dray
What are the best restaurants in Cleveland? Cleveland is arguably home to some of the most unique restaurants in Ohio. From upscale rooftop dining to humble mom and pop joints, there’s a little something for everyone. You’ll also find delicious German and Eastern European cuisine in Cleveland. Some must-try restaurants in the Cleveland area include Pier W, Sokolowski’s University Inn, The Greenhouse Tavern, Pickle Bill’s Lobster House and Slyman’s Restaurant. In the summer months, there’s plenty of patio dining as well. For a list of unassuming yet delicious restaurants in Cleveland, check out our previous article: 9 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Cleveland Bucket List. What are the best restaurants in Cincinnati? Some of the most legendary restaurants in Ohio are hiding in the Queen City. From scenic riverfront restaurants to family-friendly eateries, there’s plenty to choose from when you can’t quite decide. A few must-try Cincinnati area restaurants include Boca, The Precinct, Primavista, Eli’s BBQ and Moerlein Lager House. (Of course, you have to try some Skyline Chili, too.) There are also some must-try seasonal restaurants, such as The Root Beer Stand. To view a list of family-friendly restaurants in Cincinnati, check out our previous article: Here Are The 11 Absolute Best Family-Friendly Restaurants In Cincinnati. What are the best restaurants in Columbus? When you find yourself in the middle of the state, it can be overwhelming and difficult to decide where to dine out in Ohio. The Columbus area is home to some of the most delicious restaurants. The variety is wide and the cuisine is one-of-a-kind in our state capital. For your Italian cravings, try Marcella’s. For some exotic ethnic cuisine, try Barcelona Restaurant and Bar. For gourmet-style hot dogs that are downright mouthwatering, try Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace. Other must-try Columbus area restaurants include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, Milestone 229, Jack & Benny’s and The Top Steakhouse. For a list of some of the most unique restaurants in Columbus, check out our previous article: These 10 Unique Restaurants In Columbus Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Cleveland is arguably home to some of the most unique restaurants in Ohio. From upscale rooftop dining to humble mom and pop joints, there’s a little something for everyone. You’ll also find delicious German and Eastern European cuisine in Cleveland. Some must-try restaurants in the Cleveland area include Pier W, Sokolowski’s University Inn, The Greenhouse Tavern, Pickle Bill’s Lobster House and Slyman’s Restaurant. In the summer months, there’s plenty of patio dining as well. For a list of unassuming yet delicious restaurants in Cleveland, check out our previous article: 9 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Cleveland Bucket List.
What are the best restaurants in Cincinnati?
Some of the most legendary restaurants in Ohio are hiding in the Queen City. From scenic riverfront restaurants to family-friendly eateries, there’s plenty to choose from when you can’t quite decide. A few must-try Cincinnati area restaurants include Boca, The Precinct, Primavista, Eli’s BBQ and Moerlein Lager House. (Of course, you have to try some Skyline Chili, too.) There are also some must-try seasonal restaurants, such as The Root Beer Stand. To view a list of family-friendly restaurants in Cincinnati, check out our previous article: Here Are The 11 Absolute Best Family-Friendly Restaurants In Cincinnati.
What are the best restaurants in Columbus?
When you find yourself in the middle of the state, it can be overwhelming and difficult to decide where to dine out in Ohio. The Columbus area is home to some of the most delicious restaurants. The variety is wide and the cuisine is one-of-a-kind in our state capital. For your Italian cravings, try Marcella’s. For some exotic ethnic cuisine, try Barcelona Restaurant and Bar. For gourmet-style hot dogs that are downright mouthwatering, try Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace. Other must-try Columbus area restaurants include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, Milestone 229, Jack & Benny’s and The Top Steakhouse. For a list of some of the most unique restaurants in Columbus, check out our previous article: These 10 Unique Restaurants In Columbus Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience.
