Visit The 18 Very Best Restaurants In Ohio For Unforgettable Meals
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April Dray
Author
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! (You can thank us later.)
1. Melt Bar and Grill - Various locations
Melt Bar and Grilled, 4206 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
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. 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.")
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2. The Golden Lamb - Lebanon
The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
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.
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3. Buckeye Express Diner - Bellville
Buckeye Express Diner, 810 OH-97, Bellville, OH 44813, USA
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.
4. Tony Packo’s - Toledo
Tony Packo's Restaurant, 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
For a truly epic chili dog, check out this iconic hot dog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of M*A*S*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.
5. Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor - Various Locations
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Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor, 6541 N Main St, North Kingsville, OH 44068, USA
A unique and delicious pizza eating experience awaits you at this one-of-a-kind pizza restaurant. In addition to exceptional pizza, the salads and pepperoni stromboli are highly recommended. (Pictured is the North Kingsville location.)
6. The Thurman Café - Columbus
The Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
With a menu item like the Thurmanator, how can The Thurman Café 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.
7. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant - Columbus
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
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.
8. The Spot To Eat Restaurant - Sidney
Spot Restaurant, 201 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365, USA
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.
9. Slyman’s Restaurant - Cleveland
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Slyman's Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
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.
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10. Primavista - Cincinnati
Primavista, 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204, USA
Take in downtown Cincinnati's skyline at Primavista, an 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.
11. Heggy's Nut Shop - Canton
Heggy's Nut Shop, 3200 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44708, USA
This low key restaurant serves up some of the Canton area's favorite foods: hotdogs, sandwichs, and burgers! (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.
12. Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina - Athens
Casa Nueva, 6 W State St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
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.
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13. Kewpee Hamburgers - Lima
Kewpee Hamburgers, Allentown Road, Lima, OH, USA
Kewpee Hamburgers is a signature fast food joint in Lima with three locations that serve up the city's best burgers. french fries and malts.
14. The Scioto Ribber - Portsmouth
Scioto Ribber, 1026 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH 45662, USA
At the The Scioto Ribber, a 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.
15. Strip Steakhouse - Avon
Strip Steakhouse, 36840 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011, USA
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.
16. Kengo Sushi & Yakitori - Toledo
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Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, 38 S St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
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.
17. Seven Miles Smokehouse - Chillicothe
7 Miles Smokehouse, 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
With slow, southern cooked meats and sides made from scratch every day, family-owned and operated Seven Miles 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. Currently, Seven Miles Smokehouse operates as a food truck, so be sure to call (740) 851-4015 for the location.
18. Pier W - Lakewood
Winton Place Condominiums, 12700 Lake Ave, Cleveland, OH 44107, USA
Pier W, a Cleveland-area landmark and one of the best Ohio restaurants, 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.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Is so, would you agree that they are among the best places to eat in Ohio? 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!
For more delicious, under-the-radar places offering the best food in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 14 Little Known Restaurants In Ohio Are Hard To Find But Worth The Search.
Do you make road trips based on food adventures? Then you might get yourself some good food containers to use with our ultimate list of 50 on-the-go food ideas.
If you’re still in the mood for more Ohio adventures, take a look at this video:
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More to Explore
Best Restaurants In Ohio
What are the best restaurants in Cleveland?
- Sokolowski's University Inn is a cafeteria-style restaurant with delicious Polish food.
- Pickle Bill’s Lobster House is a New England-inspired, all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant.
- The Bourbon Street Barrel Room features New Orleans–inspired décor and cuisine.
For more of some of the best restaurants in Cleveland, check out these 9 unassuming restaurants.
What are the best restaurants in Cincinnati?
- Zip’s Café is known for their awesome burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and French fries.
- Eli's BBQ has been voted as one of the 50 best barbecue joints in America.
- Moerlein Lager House is rich in German heritage also one of the most popular brewpubs in the state.
For more of some of the best restaurants in Cincinnati, check out these 11 family-friendly spots.
What are the best restaurants in Columbus?
- Barcelona Restaurant and Bar features authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace serves more than 30 unique gourmet hot dog options.
- Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar & Grill serves up fresh Key West inspired flavor
For more of some of the best restaurants in Columbus, check out these 10 unique restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.
What are the best bucket-list worthy restaurants in Ohio?
From pasta to BBQ to burgers and more, these are the best bucket-list worthy restaurants in Ohio:
- Forage Public House, Lakewood
- Mrs Yoders Kitchen, Mt Hope
- Guarino's Restaurant, Cleveland
- Mazunte Taqueria, Cincinnati
- Fifty West Brewing Company, Cincinnati
- Schoolhouse Restaurant, Camp Dennison
- Wolf's Ridge Brewing, Columbus
- Red Feather Kitchen, Cincinnati
Be sure to read our previous article with 12 of our most bucket-list worthy restaurants in Ohio.