Open Travel Guide
Restaurants in Ohio

Best Restaurants in Ohio 2026

How to eat well in Ohio at every budget, and the local dishes you shouldn't leave without trying.

The short answer: start with Lola Bistro, Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant and Skyline Chili. This guide profiles 25+ restaurants and places to eat in Ohio, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Ohio is a Midwestern state at the heart of American culture, birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, and home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cedar Point — the 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World.' From Cleveland's revitalized lakefront to Columbus's thriving Short North arts district, Cincinnati's unique chili culture, and the breathtaking caves and waterfalls of Hocking Hills, Ohio offers remarkable variety for every traveler.

Top restaurants

Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.

Modern American

Lola Bistro

$$$$4.7/5

Popular Modern American restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Michael Symon's flagship restaurant; house-cured meats and locally sourced ingredients

2058 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115

German

Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant

$$4.6/5

Popular German restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Columbus institution since 1886; giant cream puffs are a must

240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206

Cincinnati Chili

Skyline Chili

$4.4/5

Popular Cincinnati Chili restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: The defining Cincinnati chili experience; the spiced meat sauce uses cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate

290 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220

French-American

The Refectory Restaurant and Bistro

$$$$4.8/5

Popular French-American restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Columbus's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant for 40+ years; housed in a converted church

1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220

Hungarian-American

Tony Packo's

$$4.5/5

Popular Hungarian-American restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Toledo legend since 1932; famous from M*A*S*H TV show; walls lined with signed hot dog buns from celebrities

1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605

New American / Farm-to-Table

Greenhouse Tavern

$$$4.5/5

Popular New American / Farm-to-Table restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Pioneer of Cleveland's farm-to-table movement; rooftop terrace with skyline views

2038 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115

Contemporary American

Orchids at Palm Court

$$$$4.7/5

Popular Contemporary American restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Opulent Art Deco setting in Cincinnati's most historic hotel; AAA Four Diamond rated

35 W Fifth St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

American Gastropub

Market Garden Brewery

$$4.5/5

Popular American Gastropub restaurant in Ohio.

Known for: Adjacent to West Side Market; 30+ house beers on tap; large beer garden

1947 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

Restaurants by cuisine

Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.

American

Lola Bistro

$$$$

Tony Packo's

$$

Greenhouse Tavern

$$$

Orchids at Palm Court

$$$$

Market Garden Brewery

$$

The Thurman Cafe

$$

Barley's Brewing Company

$$

Happy Dog

$

Montgomery Inn Boathouse

$$$

G. Michael's Bistro and Bar

$$$

Inn at Cedar Falls Restaurant

$$$

Great Lakes Brewing Company

$$

Cincinnati Chili

Skyline Chili

$

Gold Star Chili

$

French

The Refectory Restaurant and Bistro

$$$$

L'Albatros Brasserie

$$$

Ice Cream

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (Flagship)

$$

Graeter's Ice Cream

$$

Italian

Primavista

$$$$

Dante

$$$$

Comfort Food

Melt Bar and Grilled

$$

German

Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant

$$

Multi

North Market

$$

Spanish

Boca

$$$

Steakhouse

The Precinct

$$$$

Dining etiquette & tips

Navigate the local food scene confidently.

Tip

Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.

Tip

Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.

Tip

Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.

Food budget guide

What to expect at different price points.

Level Price Description
Budget $5-15/meal Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants.
Mid-range $15-40/meal Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus.
Upscale $40+/meal Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences.