Brian Nagele
Columbus is a vibrant, up-and-coming city with plenty of nightlife to suit any tastes. Of course, every night out requires a bite to eat to start things off right.
We give bonus points for venues offering something unique, like a special drink or signature dish that appeases any palate.
When the weather is right, it’s nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Eating outside enhances the experience, and thankfully, Columbus has plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating.
Check out our list of the best restaurants with outdoor seating in Columbus!
One of these restaurants is sure to satisfy your cravings for an appetizing meal in the ideal outdoor setting. From downtown Columbus to the chic suburbs, you won’t have any trouble eating your fill.
Barcelona Restaurant and Bar
263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone: 614-443-3699
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Do you have a yearning for Spanish cuisine? Step into Barcelona where you can experience an elegant selection of global dishes infused with a touch of Spain.
Barcelona is in the historic German Village neighborhood, where there’s plenty of charm and scenery to take in while you dine.
The stunning patio features perfectly maintained greenery and fountains to set the scene for people dining outside.
Chef Nate Bingman and his team rotate the menus regularly to keep things fresh, but you will never be disappointed by the Plato de Charcuteria.
Bingman and his team carefully select cured meats and artisanal cheese that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
DK Diner
1715 W 3rd Ave, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
Phone: 614-488-5160
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Head to Grandview Heights on the city’s west side for a unique outdoor dining experience. DK Diner is known for its proper diner food, but it offers something a little extra and oh-so-satisfying – donuts!
The DK Diner team makes donuts fresh every day, and they even offer some special selections, like Apple Fritters and Cinnamon Rolls. Expect a laid-back, everybody’s welcome, casual dining experience.
Aside from the donuts, you can get incredible breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. I recommend the DK pancakes made from donut batter to start the day off right.
For lunch and dinner, try the Donut Burger featuring smoked bacon, an over-hard egg, and of course, a donut on top.
Pistacia Vera
541 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-220-9070
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Lunchtime in German Village is only complete when you swing by Pistacia Vera. The theme is French cuisine at this quaint local hot spot.
Though it’s on the main thoroughfare, the area is typically quiet during the day. Plus, you can walk down the block to the Book Loft before or after you eat!
As for what to order, I have one word for you: macaron. Sure, you can get a sandwich, croissant, or any number of French-inspired dishes at Pistacia Vera, but you go for the macarons.
Order a cup of coffee or tea and ask for at least two macarons (the raspberry Chambord and vanilla bean are divine).
When you settle into a cafe chair on the patio, it will practically transport you to the French countryside.
Lavash Cafe
2985 N High St #1103, Columbus, OH 43202
Phone: 614-263-7777
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Did you ask for Mediterranean cuisine? Head to Clintonville in the city’s north end and swing by Lavash Cafe, where you can eat your fill of falafel, kebabs, gyros, and so much more.
The owners are delightful and love chatting with customers. Just be ready to wait because this place is usually hopping with a line out the door!
When you stop in, try the Lavash Combo to get a taste of everything, and don’t forget to leave room for dessert. The baklava is divine and tops off the whole meal.
Lindey’s
169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone: 614-228-4343
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Lindey’s is another well-kept secret. Okay, maybe it’s not that well kept because it’s often busy, but it’s often overshadowed by some of the other fine dining restaurants downtown.
Concerning nightlife, Lindey’s is a bit off the beaten path because it’s tucked away in a German Village neighborhood, but that only adds to its charm.
If you don’t mind going a few blocks away from the main thoroughfares, you are in for a treat. The patio is a hot spot, and it’s first-come, first-serve so get there early for surf and turf with a sophisticated spin.
Go to Lindey’s for a special occasion and splurge on the filet for a meal you will never forget. It’s served with buttermilk chive mashed potatoes, and you can even add blue cheese crumbles if you like.
Save room for Lindey’s Post Mortem, a chocolate brownie topped with coffee ice cream and drizzled with Kahlua hot fudge!
Tucci’s
35 N High St, Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614-792-3466
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Even though it’s located in Dublin, Tucci’s is anything but Irish because it’s more eclectic. You can find everything from steak to lasagna and a healthy selection of appetizers.
The local favorite features an outdoor dining experience that’s surprisingly intimate and chic. Tucci’s is known for its friendly service, ambiance, and incredible wine selection.
While Tucci’s offers a fine selection of meals, it’s not easy to pass on the steak.
You can choose everything from a New York Strip to Filet Mignon and there are several add-ons, including sauteed mushrooms and lobster. As a side, go with the parmesan truffle fries.
Northstar Cafe
951 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-298-9999
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Northstar Cafe is a Columbus staple with multiple locations, but the original is downtown in the Short North district. If you aren’t familiar with Columbus, the Short North is the city’s art district with the trendiest spots.
You can find everything from vintage clothes to vinyl records to awesome eateries like Northstar Cafe right on the main thoroughfare. The cafe serves local brews and uses local ingredients for most dishes.
While you can certainly swing by for any meal of the day, lunch and dinner are the best with a selection of salads, bowls, pizzas, and sandwiches for every taste.
Try the house Northstar Burger to get a taste of what it’s all about, and your share of vegetables for the day.
BrewDog
1175 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-908-3053
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Speaking of local brews and the Short North, BrewDog is a must-visit. Even if you don’t drink beer, you can get wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages at this industrial-style restaurant and brewhouse.
Beer drinkers can pick from 24 taps featuring BrewDog specials and a range of other local breweries. For food, BrewDog teamed up with Moody Trudys to provide food to complement the brews.
While the pressed sandwiches are stellar, try pairing a Smorgasboard (cheese, meats, and spreads) with a flight of beers. You can even get vegetarian or vegan options.
Polaris Grill
1835 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Phone: 614-431-5598
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Back on the north end of town, cross over I-270 to stumble into the Polaris area with loads of shopping, entertainment, and dining.
The Polaris Grill is a popular choice with eclectic menus and regular events. While the inside is nice, the patio provides one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the city.
For dinner at the Grill, try the Salmon Shiitake Fettuccine. It’s served with clam sauce and roasted asparagus. Then, top off your meal with the Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Hofbräuhaus Columbus
800 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: 614-294-2437
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Hofbräuhaus Columbus is in an up-and-coming area near the Arena District. If you aren’t feeling the crowds around Nationwide Arena, take a five-minute cab ride to grab a beer and meal in a quieter venue.
The patio is comfortable and the Bavarian-inspired food makes for a fun, filling meal. Special events are happening all the time to enhance the experience.
It’s impossible to visit Hofbräuhaus Columbus and not try the pretzels and bier cheese. Seriously, once you see an order come out to a table near you, we challenge you to pass on that deliciousness.
Plus, there’s schnitzel and some of the best burgers you will ever have.
Fox in the Snow Cafe
1031 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-372-5677
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One of the best things about Columbus is the number of hidden gems, like Fox in the Snow Cafe. This treasure is tucked away off the main road by a little drive, so you could almost miss it.
While the building might not look like much at first glance, it is one of the best outdoor dining options in Columbus.
Of course, Fox in the Snow only serves breakfast and lunch, but what more do you need? Fox in the Snow has a lot to offer, and they do it well, but start with the Pecan Sticky Buns.
Sure, it’s a sugar shock that can knock your socks off, but every delectable bite makes it worthwhile. Besides, you can balance that sugar with iced tea or a pour-over coffee.
That wraps up our list of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in Columbus. There is so much to do in this city between the sporting events, the concerts, and art that you have to remind yourself to eat somewhere.
Thankfully, there are so many options all over the city, and something for every taste.
Want to grab a drink outside with a view? Check out Columbus’ best rooftop bars.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
Review Charlotte, NC please..it’s the fastest growing city in the south.. #2 in banking in the US. With so many award winning chefs here, I was surprised not to see the city covered on your lists..
Thank you
Hi Brenda, you can find all of our best of Charlotte lists here! https://restaurantclicks.com/charlotte/