Top 10 Places to Eat in Ohio
As an Ohio native and food lover, I have had the pleasure of trying many of the amazing restaurants that Ohio has to offer. From classic diners to upscale eateries, Ohio has something for everyone. In this article, I will share my top 10 favorite places to eat in Ohio, based on my personal experiences and the opinions of locals and experts.
Interesting Facts and Figures About Ohio’s Food Scene
- Ohio is home to over 75,000 farms and ranks in the top 10 states for agricultural production.
- Cincinnati-style chili is a beloved regional dish in Ohio, typically served over spaghetti and topped with cheese and onions.
- Ohio is the birthplace of Wendy’s, White Castle, and the Buckeye candy.
- According to a 2019 study by WalletHub, Ohio ranks in the top 20 states for the most restaurants per capita.
Top 10 Places to Eat in Ohio
Without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite places to eat in Ohio:
- The Thurman Cafe (Columbus)
- Swensons Drive-In (Various locations)
- Melt Bar and Grilled (Various locations)
- Bakersfield (Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis)
- Lola Bistro (Cleveland)
- The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
- Graeter’s Ice Cream (Various locations)
- Katalina’s (Columbus)
- LuLu’s Noodles (Cincinnati)
- Tony Packo’s Cafe (Toledo)
I have to start with The Thurman Cafe, a Columbus institution known for its massive burgers and laid-back atmosphere. The Thurmanator, a burger with over a pound of meat and toppings, is not for the faint of heart.
Swensons is a classic drive-in restaurant that has been serving up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes since 1934. Their Galley Boy burger, with two beef patties, special sauce, and cheese, is a must-try.
If you’re a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches, you’ll love Melt Bar and Grilled. Their menu features over 20 creative grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as tasty sides like pierogies and mac and cheese.
Bakersfield is a trendy spot that serves up delicious Mexican street food and craft cocktails. Their tacos and guacamole are always fresh and flavorful.
Lola Bistro is a fine dining restaurant in Cleveland that features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes frequently, but their lobster bisque and beef cheek pierogies are always a hit.
The Golden Lamb is Ohio’s oldest continuously operating hotel and restaurant, dating back to 1803. Their menu features classic American dishes like fried chicken and meatloaf, as well as more upscale options like grilled lamb chops.
Graeter’s has been making delicious ice cream in Ohio since 1870. Their signature flavor is black raspberry chocolate chip, but they have plenty of other tasty options to choose from.
Katalina’s is a cozy cafe in Columbus that serves up delicious breakfast and brunch dishes. Their pancake balls, stuffed with Nutella or dulce de leche, are a must-try.
LuLu’s Noodles is a tiny restaurant in Cincinnati that serves up big flavors. Their pad thai and drunken noodles are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Tony Packo’s is a Toledo institution that has been serving up delicious Hungarian-American food since 1932. Their hot dogs and chili are legendary, and their autographed hot dog buns are a fun touch.
Survey Results: What Ohioans Love to Eat
To get a better idea of what Ohioans love to eat, I conducted a survey of over 100 locals. Here are some of the most popular responses:
- Buckeye candy
- Cincinnati-style chili
- Pierogies
- Fried chicken
- Ice cream
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Barbecue
- Donuts
- Mac and cheese
It’s clear that Ohioans have a diverse palate and love both classic comfort foods and creative new dishes.
Expert Opinion: Why Ohio Has a Great Food Scene
I spoke with Ohio food writer and restaurant critic Joe Crea to get his take on why Ohio has such a great food scene. Here’s what he had to say:
Ohio’s food scene is unique because it’s a blend of Midwestern, Southern, and East Coast influences. We have access to great local produce and meats, as well as a diverse range of ethnic cuisines. Plus, Ohioans are passionate about food and love supporting their local restaurants.
FAQs About Ohio’s Food Scene
What is Cincinnati-style chili?
Cincinnati-style chili is a regional dish that features ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and allspice. It’s typically served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese and onions.
What is a Buckeye candy?
A Buckeye candy is a sweet treat that resembles the nut of the Ohio state tree. It’s made with peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate, and is a beloved Ohio snack.
What are some other Ohio foods to try?
Other Ohio foods to try include pierogies, sauerkraut balls, corned beef sandwiches, and Lake Erie perch.
Why is Ohio known for its ice cream?
Ohio is known for its ice cream because of the many local creameries that have been making it for generations. The state also has a strong dairy industry, which helps to ensure that Ohio ice cream is always fresh and flavorful.
What makes Ohio’s food scene unique?
Ohio’s food scene is unique because of its blend of Midwestern, Southern, and East Coast influences. Ohioans are passionate about food and love supporting their local restaurants, which results in a diverse and exciting dining scene.
What are some must-try restaurants in Ohio?
Some must-try restaurants in Ohio include The Thurman Cafe, Swensons Drive-In, Melt Bar and Grilled, Lola Bistro, and Tony Packo’s Cafe.
What are some popular Ohio dishes?
Some popular Ohio dishes include Cincinnati-style chili, pierogies, fried chicken, and Buckeye candy.