If a restaurant is well-known and frequently recommended, there’s a reason why—and that reason is almost always the amazing food. From local dives to upscale restaurants, Ohio is full of some really incredible places to eat. There truly is a little something for everyone when it comes to good food in the Buckeye State. No matter how long the line or wait time is, the following famous restaurants in Ohio are so worth it.
See how many you’ve been to before and which ones need to go on your dining bucket list:
- Slyman’s Restaurant (Cleveland)
Slymans/Facebook
Slymans/Facebook 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 located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. To learn more, visit the official website for Slyman’s Restaurant in Cleveland.
- Z Cucina di Spirito (Columbus)
Management Photo/Trip Advisor
Management Photo/Trip Advisor With 341 reviews, this upscale Italian restaurant earned the #1 spot out of 1,821 restaurants in Columbus on Trip Advisor. (Pictured above: Housemade Mozzarella Caprese.) It is unbelievably gorgeous and is located at 1368 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212. To learn more, visit the official website for Z Cucina di Spirito.
- Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl (Zanesville)
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State Since 1950, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area’s best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can’t go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701. To learn more, visit the official website for Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Ohio.
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant (Columbus)
Gregg W./Yelp
Helen S./Yelp For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. This popular German Village eatery has been a well-known sausage haus in central Ohio since 1886. Visit the official website for Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant to learn more.
- G & R Tavern (Waldo)
G &R Tavern/Facebook
G &R Tavern/Facebook With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret. G & R Tavern is a must-stop when you’re in the area. For more than 50 years, it’s been the village’s best spot to eat. The signs here don’t lie; this modest, seat-yourself, no-frills tavern is home to the best bologna sandwich in the world. G & R Tavern is located at 103 N Marion St., Waldo, OH 43356. Visit G & R Tavern’s official Facebook page to learn more.
- Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)
Jonathan R./Yelp
Jonathan R./Yelp In 2016, Business Insider ranked “The 50 best barbecue joints in America,” and Cincinnati’s very own Eli’s BBQ ranked as #3 on that list. For the best BBQ, mac and cheese and jalapeño cornbread you’ll ever have, brave the possibility of a long line at Eli’s BBQ. It’s located at 3313 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45226. Visit the official website for Eli’s BBQ to learn more.
- Kewpee Hamburgers (Lima)
Kewpee Restaurant/Facebook
Kewpee Restaurant/Facebook This signature fast food joint in Lima has three locations that serve up the city’s best burgers, french fires and malts. There’s usually always a wait at the drive-thru during lunch or dinner time, so we recommend going inside if you’re pressed for time. To learn more, visit the official website for Kewpee Hamburgers.
- Katzinger’s Delicatessen (Columbus)
Mark P./Yelp
Carolyn H./Yelp Sandwiches come in two sizes here, where Rueben’s, tuna melts and corned beef are just the start of the sandwich menu—which features a total of 77 different sandwiches. (FYI: You can never go wrong with a #1.) Katzinger’s Delicatessen is located at 475 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215. To learn more, visit the official website for Katzinger’s Delicatessen in Columbus.
- Pier W (Lakewood)
Pier W/Facebook
Pier W/Facebook This landmark Cleveland-area restaurant 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. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH 44107. To learn more, visit the official website for Pier W in Ohio.
- Tony Packo’s (Toledo)
Tony Packo’s/Facebook
Tony Packo’s/Facebook For a truly epic chili dog, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of MAS*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. To learn more, visit the official website for Tony Packo’s.
- The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe (Greenville)
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe/Facebook
Luke B./Yelp “Home of the famous Maid-Rite, Cheese-Rite and Big Jim,” this unsuspecting sandwich shop upholds a strange tradition. Visitors stick their chewing gum outside along the “Wall of Gum” and come inside for what is arguably Ohio’s best loose meat sandwich. (Pictured: Big Jim.) Come see why this is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio! This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. To learn more, visit the official website for The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.
- Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina (Athens)
Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina/Facebook
Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina/Facebook 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. To learn more, visit the official website for Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina.
- Melt Bar and Grilled (Various locations)
Melt Bar & Grilled/Yelp
Cory O./Yelp Ohio is home to a pretty epic grilled cheese joint that takes the simple, mouthwatering sandwich to a whole other level. If you’ve yet to eat at Melt Bar and Grilled in central and northeast Ohio, then you’re truly missing out. Melt Bar and Grilled has locations in Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Independence, Mentor, Akron and Columbus’ Short North and Easton Town Center. To learn more, visit the official website for Melt Bar and Grilled.
Have you been to any of these famous restaurants in Ohio? What else would you add to this list? Let us know!
Slymans/Facebook
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 located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. To learn more, visit the official website for Slyman’s Restaurant in Cleveland.
Management Photo/Trip Advisor
With 341 reviews, this upscale Italian restaurant earned the #1 spot out of 1,821 restaurants in Columbus on Trip Advisor. (Pictured above: Housemade Mozzarella Caprese.) It is unbelievably gorgeous and is located at 1368 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212. To learn more, visit the official website for Z Cucina di Spirito.
April Dray/Only In Your State
Since 1950, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area’s best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can’t go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701. To learn more, visit the official website for Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Ohio.
Gregg W./Yelp
Helen S./Yelp
For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. This popular German Village eatery has been a well-known sausage haus in central Ohio since 1886. Visit the official website for Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant to learn more.
G &R Tavern/Facebook
With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret. G & R Tavern is a must-stop when you’re in the area. For more than 50 years, it’s been the village’s best spot to eat. The signs here don’t lie; this modest, seat-yourself, no-frills tavern is home to the best bologna sandwich in the world. G & R Tavern is located at 103 N Marion St., Waldo, OH 43356. Visit G & R Tavern’s official Facebook page to learn more.
Jonathan R./Yelp
In 2016, Business Insider ranked “The 50 best barbecue joints in America,” and Cincinnati’s very own Eli’s BBQ ranked as #3 on that list. For the best BBQ, mac and cheese and jalapeño cornbread you’ll ever have, brave the possibility of a long line at Eli’s BBQ. It’s located at 3313 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45226. Visit the official website for Eli’s BBQ to learn more.
Kewpee Restaurant/Facebook
This signature fast food joint in Lima has three locations that serve up the city’s best burgers, french fires and malts. There’s usually always a wait at the drive-thru during lunch or dinner time, so we recommend going inside if you’re pressed for time. To learn more, visit the official website for Kewpee Hamburgers.
Mark P./Yelp
Carolyn H./Yelp
Sandwiches come in two sizes here, where Rueben’s, tuna melts and corned beef are just the start of the sandwich menu—which features a total of 77 different sandwiches. (FYI: You can never go wrong with a #1.) Katzinger’s Delicatessen is located at 475 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215. To learn more, visit the official website for Katzinger’s Delicatessen in Columbus.
Pier W/Facebook
This landmark Cleveland-area restaurant 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. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH 44107. To learn more, visit the official website for Pier W in Ohio.
Tony Packo’s/Facebook
For a truly epic chili dog, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of MAS*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. To learn more, visit the official website for Tony Packo’s.
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe/Facebook
Luke B./Yelp
“Home of the famous Maid-Rite, Cheese-Rite and Big Jim,” this unsuspecting sandwich shop upholds a strange tradition. Visitors stick their chewing gum outside along the “Wall of Gum” and come inside for what is arguably Ohio’s best loose meat sandwich. (Pictured: Big Jim.) Come see why this is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio! This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. To learn more, visit the official website for The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.
Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina/Facebook
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. To learn more, visit the official website for Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina.
Melt Bar & Grilled/Yelp
Cory O./Yelp
Ohio is home to a pretty epic grilled cheese joint that takes the simple, mouthwatering sandwich to a whole other level. If you’ve yet to eat at Melt Bar and Grilled in central and northeast Ohio, then you’re truly missing out. Melt Bar and Grilled has locations in Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Independence, Mentor, Akron and Columbus’ Short North and Easton Town Center. To learn more, visit the official website for Melt Bar and Grilled.
For some little-known, incredible restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: 9 Scrumptious Restaurants In Ohio You Never Even Knew Existed.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: 1368 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, USAAddress: 532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USAAddress: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USAAddress: G & R Tavern, 103 N Marion St, Waldo, OH 43356, USAAddress: Eli’s BBQ - Riverside, 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USAAddress: Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USAAddress: Katzinger’s Delicatessen, 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, USAAddress: Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USAAddress: Tony Packo’s Restaurant, 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USAAddress: Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe, 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USAAddress: Casa Nueva, 6 W State St, Athens, OH 45701, USAAddress: Melt Bar and Grilled, 2733 Fairfield Cmns Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
famous restaurants in Ohio August 28, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best highly-rated restaurants in Ohio? There are so many amazing highly-rated restaurants in Ohio. Orchids at Palm Court, located in Cincinnati, is one of the most well-known. This exceptional dining destination is as gorgeous as it is delicious. For something more casual, visit Swenson’s in Akron. This local eatery is known for their no-frills comfort food. What are some classic Ohio restaurants? When most people think of Ohio restaurants, their mind goes to Skyline Chili. And for good reason! Love it or hate it, there’s no denying this place is one of the most iconic restaurants in Ohio. What are the best diners in Ohio? For a nostalgic meal, visit Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala. The retro atmosphere, tasty dishes, and friendly service will keep you coming back again and again. For more old school fun, visit The Diner on 55th in Cleveland. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel like you entered a time capsule.
The OIYS Visitor Center
famous restaurants in Ohio
August 28, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best highly-rated restaurants in Ohio? There are so many amazing highly-rated restaurants in Ohio. Orchids at Palm Court, located in Cincinnati, is one of the most well-known. This exceptional dining destination is as gorgeous as it is delicious. For something more casual, visit Swenson’s in Akron. This local eatery is known for their no-frills comfort food. What are some classic Ohio restaurants? When most people think of Ohio restaurants, their mind goes to Skyline Chili. And for good reason! Love it or hate it, there’s no denying this place is one of the most iconic restaurants in Ohio. What are the best diners in Ohio? For a nostalgic meal, visit Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala. The retro atmosphere, tasty dishes, and friendly service will keep you coming back again and again. For more old school fun, visit The Diner on 55th in Cleveland. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel like you entered a time capsule.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many amazing highly-rated restaurants in Ohio. Orchids at Palm Court, located in Cincinnati, is one of the most well-known. This exceptional dining destination is as gorgeous as it is delicious. For something more casual, visit Swenson’s in Akron. This local eatery is known for their no-frills comfort food.
What are some classic Ohio restaurants?
When most people think of Ohio restaurants, their mind goes to Skyline Chili. And for good reason! Love it or hate it, there’s no denying this place is one of the most iconic restaurants in Ohio.
What are the best diners in Ohio?
For a nostalgic meal, visit Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala. The retro atmosphere, tasty dishes, and friendly service will keep you coming back again and again. For more old school fun, visit The Diner on 55th in Cleveland. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel like you entered a time capsule.
