Posts from January 5th, 2022

Did you know that Columbus has one of the most vibrant international food scenes of any city in America? Whether you're an adventurous foodie, someone who loves to experience other cultures through unique cuisine, or you're just looking for a fun, fresh experience for your next date night, the authentic, international restaurants of Columbus are sure to have something for you. Start planning your next international dining adventure with our guide to going global for dinner around Columbus.

Los Gauchos Taqueria

5221 Godown Rd., Columbus, OH 43235

We start our journey with some familiar food from south of the border, cooked to absolute perfection. Los Gauchos Taqueria has long been one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Columbus, best known for its famed Tacos Al Pastor, which blend sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Operated by the Nonatos family, the main Los Gauchos Taqueria location is a small, inviting restaurant perfect for enjoying a delicious lunch. The brand has become so popular that there are now three locations around Columbus, along with the original taco truck.

Hoyo's Kitchen

5788 Columbus Square, Columbus, OH 43231

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hoyo's Kitchen (@hoyoskitchen)

Up next is a trip to Africa – Somalia, to be precise. There is a vibrant Somalian immigrant community in Columbus, and Hoyo's Kitchen is an excellent place to sample authentic Somali food. Hoyo means "mother" in Somali, a fitting name since this restaurant is operated by the Hassan brothers along with their mother. Hoyo's Kitchen offers an outstanding Somali dining experience, with a delicious selection of bowls, salads, and wraps made with classic Somali recipes. There are some great vegetarian options here, with something that appeals to every taste.

Momo Ghar North Market

59 Spruce St., Columbus, OH 43215

For a taste of Tibet and Nepal, it's hard to top the experience at Momo Ghar North Market. Located in the heart of a bustling market, Momo Ghar has become famous for its authentic Tibetan and Nepali dumplings. Served alongside a spicy, flavorful sauce, these dumplings simply have to be tasted to be believed. Enjoy some time chatting with the friendly staff while your food is prepared, and take in the sights of the market. Momo Ghar also serves a great selection of comfort foods, along with Nepali and Tibetan desserts.

Brassica Sandwiches + Salads

680 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brassica (@brassica.sandwiches.salads)

Take your taste buds on a journey to the Mediterranean at Brassica Sandwiches + Salads, where you can find traditional Lebanese cuisine and so much more. Inspired by their grandfather, who immigrated from Lebanon nearly 100 years ago, brothers Kevin and Darren opened Brassica with the goal of serving fresh, healthy, authentic food. Everything is made from organic ingredients, the meat served here is antibiotic-free, and the whole wheat pita is prepared fresh in-house every day. Order a delicious meal, and pair it with one of the distinctive, local craft brews available on tap.

Drelyse African Restaurant

1911 Tamarack Circle N., Columbus, OH 43229

We return to Africa to sample the flavors of Ghana at Drelyse African Restaurant, which was founded by Ghanaian chef Lisa Bannerman who moved to the United States 20 years ago. After serving delicious Ghanaian food to friends and family around Columbus, Bannerman decided to open Drelyse African Restaurant over a decade ago. Try dozens of traditional African dishes prepared with recipes that have been passed down for generations. Drelyse African Restaurant also offers one of the best buffets in Columbus, so you can sample a little bit of everything on the menu.

Ranchero Kitchen

984 Morse Rd., Columbus, OH 43229

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Columbus Underground (@columbusunderground)

With a focus on authentic Salvadoran cuisine and excellent service, Ranchero Kitchen is a great place for a group outing. The husband and wife team of Aleyda Rodriguez and Julio Cesar founded Ranchero Kitchen as a passion project, with a smaller location at an international market. That smaller version of Ranchero Kitchen quickly became so popular that a larger space was needed, and the current restaurant opened to rave reviews in 2017. If you've been searching for a different spin on some of your favorite Latin American dishes as well as some unique recipes from El Salvador, you're sure to love a trip to Ranchero Kitchen.

Yemeni Restaurant

5426 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43231

Don't let the unassuming name fool you. A trip to Yemeni Restaurant is sure to please and give you a little taste of the Middle East close to home in Columbus. The menu is packed with authentic Yemeni dishes, all cooked fresh and served with a smile. The large, freshly prepared Tandoori bread here is always a highlight and pairs well with just about every dish on the menu. Yemeni Restaurant is also a community gathering place, popular among the many diverse cultures that call Columbus home.

Bonifacio

1577 King Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bonifacio: Modern Filipino (@bonifacio614)

Our next culinary adventure will take you across the Pacific to the Philippines, with modern, home-cooked Filipino dishes served fresh in Columbus. Bonifacio was born from the Filipino tradition of greeting guests with a great meal and sharing modern Filipino cuisine with the world. Bonifacio is open for takeout and delivery, but it's hard to top the experience of sitting down for a meal at the restaurant. No matter how you order, you're sure to love the authentic Filipino dining experience at Bonifacio.

Akai Hana Japenese Restaurant

1173 Old Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

We close our culinary journey with some fantastic Japanese cuisine at Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant, where you will find the best sushi in Columbus and so much more. What started as a small, 40-seat restaurant has grown into an atmospheric 130-seat dining destination serving all of your Japanese favorites. Akai Hana has been a local favorite ever since it first opened its doors in 1986, whether you're looking for a quick, delicious lunch or a sit-down dinner with family and friends. Everything served is as fresh as it gets, with many ingredients imported directly from Japan.

Travel the World Without Leaving Columbus

Where will your next globetrotting dinner take you?