All Stars
It’s not easy for a restaurant to receive a four-star rating from Columbus Monthly. It’s even harder to earn five stars, our highest honor. In fact, there are only 19 restaurants that can boast of either of those rankings.
THE FIVE STARS
Alana’s, 2333 N. High St. (campus), 294-6783. This gem serves outstanding creative and seasonal dishes, with such distinctive names as the “Cornmeal fried green tomato all cheesy like with chorizo and sweet corn vinaigrette.” Dessert menu is also creative, and the wine list is exceptional.
Kihachi, 2667 Federated Blvd. (northwest), 764-9040. Kihachi offers gracious service, artfully arranged dishes and outstanding cuisine. The finest bluefin toro is available here, as is the traditional Omakase dinner, which must be ordered at least two days in advance.
Refectory, 1092 Bethel Rd. (northwest), 451-9774. The Refectory is located in a restored 19th-century church. Its French-style cuisine is prepared with great flair and attention to detail. The wine list is superb.
Rigsby’s Kitchen, 698 N. High St. (near north), 461-7888. The frequently changing menu of American-style food with Italian overtones is full flavored. It’s one of those places where you can order at will. Rigsby’s sourdough bread is outstanding.
THE FOUR STARS
Barcelona, 263 E. Whittier St. (German Village), 443-3699. A German Village favorite, Barcelona serves satisfying appetizers, pastas and delicious entrees in a casual, yet elegant environment. Try the artfully arranged hummus, calamari in a paper bag or a homemade dessert.
DeepWood, 511 N. High St., (downtown), 221-5602. Stuffed pasta in a spring onion broth,Vermont rack of lamb and bacon-wrapped monk fish are just a few of the simple and elegant American dishes offered at this four-star restaurant. Menu includes a broad wine list, as well as one of the best martinis in town.
Doc Henderson’s, 318 E. Fifth St., Marysville (northwest), (937) 642-6661. This stylish restaurant in a former doctor’s mansion boasts a wide-ranging and interesting menu. Dishes are creative and well executed; items worth trying include chicken saltimbocca, panko-fried calamari and arugula salad.
Eddie Merlot's, 1570 Polaris Pkwy. (northeast), 433-7307. Recommended dishes at this upscale steakhouse include artichoke dip, smokin' shrimp cocktail, Atlantic platter and just about any steak. The desserts were just as good, and the wine menu is extensive. Open for dinner 7 days.
Figlio, 1369 Grandview Ave., 481-8850; 3712 Riverside Dr. (in the Golden Bear Center), 459-6575 (both northwest). Two of the liveliest, and noisiest, gourmet pizza places in town. Look for pizzas such as kung pao shrimp and wild mushroom to emerge from the wood-burning oven.
G. Michael’s Bistro, 595 S. Third St. (German Village), 464-0575. Find delicious food and delightful dining at this Italian-American bistro, where dishes are well executed and salads have flavorful dressings. The cornmeal-crusted salmon and the lamb loin chops are first-rate.
Hubbard Grille, 793 N. High St. (near north), 291-5000. Recommended items include housemade corn bread, short ribs and shrimp, five-tomato soup, B.B.L.T. and a Cajun spiced red snapper.
L’Antibes, 772 N. High St., Suite 106 (near north), 291-1666. This small Short North spot is a longtime favorite for French fare. Dishes include lamb loin, a filet of beef with a rich Roquefort sauce and veal sweetbreads.
Latitude 41, 50 N. Third St. (downtown), 233-7541. Located in the Renaissance hotel, this restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh and local ingredients in its dishes, prepared excellently by chef Tony Miller. The menu of Latitude 41—the creation of South Florida chef Dean James Max—changes often.
Lindey’s, 169 E. Beck St. (German Village), 228-4343. A favorite with Columbus Monthly readers, this chic bistro has fine cooking and service at lunch and dinner. Diners here love the tournedos as well as the pasta dishes and rack of lamb.
M, 2 Miranova Pl., Suite 100 (downtown), 629-0000. You’ll find a contemporary menu at Cameron Mitchell’s most elegant and upscale establishment.
Marcella’s, 615 N. High St. (near north), 223-2100; 1319 Polaris Pkwy. (northeast), 844-6500. You’ll find a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie, but the food here is a selection of well-executed Italian dishes, such as expertly fried calamari, carpaccio and linguine and clams. The menu lists extensive pizza selections, pastas and hot and cold plates for sharing.
Martini Modern Italian, 445 N. High St. (downtown), 224-8259. It offers tasty Italian fare, such as bruschetta, lasagna and veal and spinach ravioli. Also check out the inventive cocktails, a small but interesting wine list and the tasty desserts.
Third & Hollywood, 1433 W. Third Ave. (northwest), 488-0303. A new concept from the owners of Northstar Cafe, Third & Hollywood is the city's newest four-star restaurant. Recommended dishes include guacamole and pimento cheese, grilled artichokes, cheddar herb biscuits, old-fashioned chicken dinner and the vegetable plate.
The Worthington Inn, 649 High St. (northwest), 885-2600. High-quality ingredients, culinary tradition and imagination blend at this comfortably refined country-inn-type restaurant. Start with a delicious soup or salad and an artfully elegant appetizer, and the entrees will not disappoint.
Email
Print
