The only thing better than an absolutely delicious, tastebud-exploding restaurant is an unexpected absolutely delicious, tastebud-exploding restaurant. Here in Ohio, you’ll discover that there are several delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurants that offer exceptional food when you decide to take the “don’t judge a book by its cover approach” to dining. These good and unassuming restaurants in Ohio will absolutely blow your socks off. The following are just seven of the ones we consider to be the best unexpectedly delicious eateries in Ohio.

1. Windward Passage Restaurant (Upper Arlington)
Ellen F./Yelp
The dark dining room merely makes you feel like you're under the sea while you're enjoying the best shrimp cocktail and seafood dish of your life. You can find more about current menus on Windward Passage Restaurant's website.
4739 Reed Rd, Columbus, OH 43220, USA
Jared E./Yelp
Pictured: Surf n’ Turf. Absolutely as good as it looks here at one of the most unassuming restaurants in Ohio.
2. Mac's Pizza Pub (Cincinnati)
Yelp Inc./Flickr
205 W McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
Yelp Inc,/Flickr
In addition to mouthwatering pizzas, Mac's features burgers, wings, and many other delicious food items. You can visit one of Mac's Pizza Pub's many locations!
3. Star of India (Athens)
Star of India/Facebook
128 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Star of India/Facebook
Tucked away near Ohio University's campus you will find the authentic and undeniably delicious Indian cuisine that your tastebuds have been longing for. This place is truly one of the best hidden gem hole-in-the-wall restaurants of Ohio. And now you can order online!
4. Jerusalem Pizza and Grill (Columbus)
Jerusalem Pizza and Grill/Facebook

Related Stories

Dine Surrounded By Priceless Art At This Art Museum Restaurant In Ohio

Dine Surrounded By Priceless Art At This Art Museum Restaurant In Ohio

 The BBQ Is Cooked Low And Slow At Swine BBQ In Medina, Ohio, And It's Well Worth The Wait

The BBQ Is Cooked Low And Slow At Swine BBQ In Medina, Ohio, And It's Well Worth The Wait

 Nestled In The Middle Of A Garden Center, This Tiny Ohio Cafe Is An Enchanting Day Trip Destination

Nestled In The Middle Of A Garden Center, This Tiny Ohio Cafe Is An Enchanting Day Trip Destination
5590 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231, USA
Jerusalem Pizza and Grill/Facebook
Some of the best Mediterranean cuisine and gyros in central Ohio can be found here, along Cleveland Avenue. (Pizza and Mediterranean cuisine go together better than you think.) If you’re dining in Ohio, make sure this tasty spot makes your list! Check out Jerusalem Pizza & Grill's delicious menu.
5. Crabill's Hamburger Shoppe (Urbana)
Crabills Hamburger Shoppe/Facebook
727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078, USA
Crabill's Hamburger Shop/Facebook
Now in its third generation of local owners, this tiny burger joint —with just eight dine-at-the-counter seats—appropriately specializes in tiny burgers. (White Castle's sliders will make you laugh after you've dined here.) This is one of the best places to eat in Ohio. In fact, it’s practically an institution! Follow them on Facebook and stay up to date on hours of operation and specials.
6. The Root Beer Stand (Sharonville)
The Root Beer Stand/Facebook
11566 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA
The Root Beer Stand/Facebook
On the outskirts of Cincinnati, this little gem serves family-brewed root beer and all the classic American foods such as coney dogs and french fries. Foot-long cheese coneys and home made root beer? We’re in! But there’s so much more on the menu, too! It's one of the best mom-and-pop restaurants in Ohio.
7. Hamburger Wagon (Miamisburg)
phillip c reed/Flickr
12 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342, USA
vistavision/Flickr
A rolling cart that's served burgers in the same location for nearly 100 years features a serious burger. The catch? You'll find no cheese, ketchup or mustard here. The onions and pickles-only method gives the wagon its distinct reputation and allows your taste buds to focus more on the main, tastiest feature: the burger itself. The Hamburger Wagon is in itself a destination in downtown Miamisburg. Make sure you check out the Hamburger Wagon website for fun facts about its history and all the choices on the menu!

What do you think? Do you think this is a comprehensive list of good and unassuming restaurants in Ohio? What other unexpectedly delicious eateries in Ohio should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for a more popular selection of restaurants in our great state? Check out the 12 Wildly Famous Restaurants In Ohio That Are Totally Worth The Hullabaloo!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Unassuming Restaurants In Ohio

Megan McDonald | January 26, 2021

What type of food is Ohio famous for?

There are many types of food Ohio is famous for. Ohio is known for producing great comfort food. Try Buckeyes, a peanut butter and chocolate confection that is to die for, and delicious options like chili dogs and cheese coneys. And they are the home of the beloved Wendy’s chain, so of course the burgers in Ohio are legendary. And these 10 iconic foods in Ohio will have your mouth watering.

Are there a lot of great places to eat in Ohio?

Yes, there are a lot of great places to eat in Ohio. Tasty restaurants can be found anywhere from rural areas to cities. There are so many varied types of restaurants from hot dog stands, to fresh and delicious seafood restaurants. No matter what someone is craving, a fine Ohio restaurant will satisfy it, guaranteed. Here are must-try restaurants in Ohio!

Does Ohio have any good diners?

Yes, there are good diners in Ohio. One of our favorites, the Buckeye Express Diner, is actually located in an old train car!

Related Articles

Explore Ohio