Here in Ohio, there is no shortage of delicious restaurants. Some towns have more than others, and those are the places worth highlighting. The next time you’re on the road, make a stop at any of the 8 best food towns in Ohio. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable meal. See how many you’ve been to before:
- Athens
David Wilson/Flickr The small city of Athens, Ohio isn’t just a quaint college town with a beautiful campus. It’s also hiding some of the most delicious restaurants in the state—all in one place. From massive burritos to scrumptious international cuisine, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to eat lunch here. A few of our favorite restaurants that you’ll find here include Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina, Bagel Street Deli, Restaurant Salaam and OMG! Rotisserie.
- Waldo
Nyttend/Wikimedia Commons 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.
- Columbus German Village
Postdif/Wikimedia Commons Katzinger’s Delicatessen, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant and The Thurman Cafe are just a few of the many delicious places to eat within this beautiful Columbus area neighborhood.
- Mansfield
OHWiki/Wikimedia Commons If you had to pick the next “Pizza Capital of the World” in Ohio, what town would you choose? We’re thinking Mansfield is solid choice, with several exceptional pizza restaurants you simply have to try. With Two Cousin’s Pizza, Leaning Tower of Pizza, Deschner’s, and more, the pizza options here are seemingly endless.
- Marietta
Mike/Flickr The historic riverboat town of Marietta is known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. It’s also hiding some delicious restaurants you’ll want to try. For dinner, we recommend trying Austyn’s Restaurant or Boathouse BBQ.
- Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook Tucked away in southwest Ohio you’ll find Ohio’s most charming and unique town, where the benches are works of art and the buildings are full of character—inside and out. Even the restaurants and cafes have an artistic flare to them. Winds Cafe and Bakery is just one of the many amazing restaurants here that use fresh, local ingredients.
- Sandusky
Berardi’s Family Kitchen/Facebook Try out Cedar Point Amusement Park’s first fries at Berardi’s Family Kitchen or head on over to New Sandusky Fish Company for the best Lake Erie Perch you can get.
- Berlin
Evan F./Yelp Nothing beats a home-cooked meal. You’ll find some of the best Amish restaurants in the state in Berlin. We especially recommend Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (pictured) and Berlin Farmstead Restaurant.
Have you been to any of the best food towns in Ohio? What other cities would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know another exceptional eatery in the Buckeye State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
David Wilson/Flickr
The small city of Athens, Ohio isn’t just a quaint college town with a beautiful campus. It’s also hiding some of the most delicious restaurants in the state—all in one place. From massive burritos to scrumptious international cuisine, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to eat lunch here. A few of our favorite restaurants that you’ll find here include Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina, Bagel Street Deli, Restaurant Salaam and OMG! Rotisserie.
Nyttend/Wikimedia Commons
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.
Postdif/Wikimedia Commons
Katzinger’s Delicatessen, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant and The Thurman Cafe are just a few of the many delicious places to eat within this beautiful Columbus area neighborhood.
OHWiki/Wikimedia Commons
If you had to pick the next “Pizza Capital of the World” in Ohio, what town would you choose? We’re thinking Mansfield is solid choice, with several exceptional pizza restaurants you simply have to try. With Two Cousin’s Pizza, Leaning Tower of Pizza, Deschner’s, and more, the pizza options here are seemingly endless.
Mike/Flickr
The historic riverboat town of Marietta is known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. It’s also hiding some delicious restaurants you’ll want to try. For dinner, we recommend trying Austyn’s Restaurant or Boathouse BBQ.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
Tucked away in southwest Ohio you’ll find Ohio’s most charming and unique town, where the benches are works of art and the buildings are full of character—inside and out. Even the restaurants and cafes have an artistic flare to them. Winds Cafe and Bakery is just one of the many amazing restaurants here that use fresh, local ingredients.
Berardi’s Family Kitchen/Facebook
Try out Cedar Point Amusement Park’s first fries at Berardi’s Family Kitchen or head on over to New Sandusky Fish Company for the best Lake Erie Perch you can get.
Evan F./Yelp
Nothing beats a home-cooked meal. You’ll find some of the best Amish restaurants in the state in Berlin. We especially recommend Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (pictured) and Berlin Farmstead Restaurant.
Eager for more? Take a road trip to these scrumptious country restaurants in Ohio.
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Address: Athens, OH 45701, USAAddress: Waldo, OH, USAAddress: German Village, Columbus, OH, USAAddress: Mansfield, OH, USAAddress: Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USAAddress: Sandusky, OH 44870, USAAddress: Berlin, OH 44654, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best food towns in Ohio July 29, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best small town restaurants in Ohio? Sure, it’s fun to visit the highly rated eateries in Cincinnati and Columbus, but you can’t miss out on the hidden gems! There are so many amazing small town restaurants in Ohio. If it’s comfort food you’re after, take a road trip to Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot. This welcoming restaurant is known for whipping up mouthwatering fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and magnificent desserts. Bring your whole family and enjoy a tasty meal together! These dishes are best when shared with those you love. What kind of food is Ohio known for? You’ll find a wide variety of food in Ohio, from BBQ to Italian. If you go to Cincinnati, you’ll find loads of tasty joints serving their special brand of chili. Cincinnati chili isn’t like anything you’ll find in the south. This dish is slightly sweet and often comes on top of a bowl of spaghetti. We wouldn’t have it any other way! What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio? As the oldest restaurant in Ohio, The Golden Lamb is also one of the most famous. This spectacular hotel restaurant is loaded with history. In fact, tons of famous figures have enjoyed meals here! Take a step back in time and relax in its gorgeous atmosphere. This is one place you’ll never want to leave. For something more casual, visit Buckeye Express Diner in Bellville. This place isn’t just famous for its comfort food – they’re also known for their eye-catching decor. Everything here is Ohio State themed!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best food towns in Ohio
July 29, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best small town restaurants in Ohio? Sure, it’s fun to visit the highly rated eateries in Cincinnati and Columbus, but you can’t miss out on the hidden gems! There are so many amazing small town restaurants in Ohio. If it’s comfort food you’re after, take a road trip to Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot. This welcoming restaurant is known for whipping up mouthwatering fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and magnificent desserts. Bring your whole family and enjoy a tasty meal together! These dishes are best when shared with those you love. What kind of food is Ohio known for? You’ll find a wide variety of food in Ohio, from BBQ to Italian. If you go to Cincinnati, you’ll find loads of tasty joints serving their special brand of chili. Cincinnati chili isn’t like anything you’ll find in the south. This dish is slightly sweet and often comes on top of a bowl of spaghetti. We wouldn’t have it any other way! What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio? As the oldest restaurant in Ohio, The Golden Lamb is also one of the most famous. This spectacular hotel restaurant is loaded with history. In fact, tons of famous figures have enjoyed meals here! Take a step back in time and relax in its gorgeous atmosphere. This is one place you’ll never want to leave. For something more casual, visit Buckeye Express Diner in Bellville. This place isn’t just famous for its comfort food – they’re also known for their eye-catching decor. Everything here is Ohio State themed!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sure, it’s fun to visit the highly rated eateries in Cincinnati and Columbus, but you can’t miss out on the hidden gems! There are so many amazing small town restaurants in Ohio. If it’s comfort food you’re after, take a road trip to Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot. This welcoming restaurant is known for whipping up mouthwatering fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and magnificent desserts. Bring your whole family and enjoy a tasty meal together! These dishes are best when shared with those you love.
What kind of food is Ohio known for?
You’ll find a wide variety of food in Ohio, from BBQ to Italian. If you go to Cincinnati, you’ll find loads of tasty joints serving their special brand of chili. Cincinnati chili isn’t like anything you’ll find in the south. This dish is slightly sweet and often comes on top of a bowl of spaghetti. We wouldn’t have it any other way!
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?
As the oldest restaurant in Ohio, The Golden Lamb is also one of the most famous. This spectacular hotel restaurant is loaded with history. In fact, tons of famous figures have enjoyed meals here! Take a step back in time and relax in its gorgeous atmosphere. This is one place you’ll never want to leave. For something more casual, visit Buckeye Express Diner in Bellville. This place isn’t just famous for its comfort food – they’re also known for their eye-catching decor. Everything here is Ohio State themed!
