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These Essential Ohio Restaurants Are Absolutely Worth the Road Trip

By CityBeat Staff on Fri, Aug 23, 2019 at 7:56 pm

The Buckeye State is home to countless culinary gems, spanning from Ohio's southernmost cities to the tippy-top of the north. We may be situated in the Midwest, but don't let our geographical location fool you, our food scene often finds itself in the national spotlight. From family-owned Italian eateries that have stood the test of time to new dining destinations that are taking cities by storm — these Ohio eateries are absolutely worth the trip.

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Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant

240 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, (614) 444-6808

Located in Columbus’ German Village, this historic eatery has been a must-visit dining destination for over 50 years. Schmidt family patriarch J. Fred Schmidt moved to Columbus in the early 1880s and started a meat-packing house. Then his son, George L., opened a food stand at the Ohio State Fair. His grandson, George F., eventually opened this iconic restaurant using recipes from the Schmidt family’s prior ventures. Diners can expect authentic German cuisine like wiener schnitzel and haus saurbraten, as well as a variety of sausages and sweets including jumbo cream puffs and German chocolate cake. Enjoy your eats with a side of oom-pah-pah with live music Wednesday through Saturday evenings by Squeezin’ N’ Wheezin’ and Der Musik Masters.

Photo via schmitscbus/Facebook

The Golden Lamb

27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon, (513) 855-0990

The Golden Lamb is Ohio’s oldest and longest continually operating business located in Lebanon. The historic gem has seen numerous notable guests, including 12 United States Presidents like John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush. You can dine two ways at The Golden Lamb. The traditional dining space offers an extensive upscale menu of items like the seared Faroe Island salmon or braised lamb shank, while the Black Horse Tavern offers more casual bites like everything-seasoned pork rinds and prime rib sliders in addition to dishes from their main menu.

Photo via thegoldenlamb/Facebook

Momo Ghar

Multiple locations including 59 Spruce St., Columbus, (614) 463-9664; 1265 Morse Road, Columbus, (614) 749-2901

Nestled in two different Columbus food markets is a shop offering mouth-watering Nepalise cuisine.The family-owned and operated booth is well-known for their made-from-scratch momos, which are Himalayan dumplings that are filled with vegetables and/or meat, but they also offer a variety of other traditional Nepali dishes and drinks. The humble restaurant has seen national attention with a feature in Food & Wine and a visit from Guy Fieri for his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show.

Photo via momogharohio/Facebook

Marion’s Piazza

Multiple locations including 711 Shroyer Road, Dayton, (937) 293-6991

In Dayton, Marion’s Piazza — which opened its first location in 1965 — is an institution. Over the years, the Glass family has stuck to their formula of cracker-like crust (aka Dayton-style pizza), canned sauce, vegetables and bagged cheeses. Yet despite the lack of some fresh ingredients, their pizzas taste damn good. You can even order the crust extra crispy or, god forbid, less crispy. A 9-inch pizza (most cost around $8) is a personal size and can be eaten in one sitting — no shame there. Besides pizza, they also offer subs, pasta and dinner salads (for only $2.49). You don’t have to visit Dayton to get Marion’s, as they thankfully have a location in Mason. Dine-in or get pizza to go.

Photo via marions.piazza/Facebook

The Wildflower Cafe

207 E. Main St., Mason, (513) 492-7514

With local farm-raised, grass-fed beef and an extensive wine list that features products from Cincinnati-area vineyards, Wildflower is dedicated to producing the freshest and best-quality food at an honest price. Foods are local, sustainable and seasonable to offer peak freshness.

Photo via wildflowercafe/Facebook

Mama DiSalvo’s Italian Ristorante

1375 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 299-5831

Mama DiSavlo's ain't fancy, it's Italian — or, as someone from Dayton might say, "eye-talian." Expect big portions of pasta. Classics like homemade cheese ravioli, eggplant parmigiano and manicotti al forno — come with salad and bread. The menu also offers chicken, veal and seafood. Oh! And pizza. Their classic “red sauce” Italian is made with Mama’s recipes from the Abruzzi Molise region of Italy.

Photo via mamadisalvos/Facebook

Skyline Chili

Multiple locations including 5476 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, (513) 451-3355; 254 E. Fourth St., Cincinnati, (513) 241-4848; 2711 Water Park Drive, Cincinnati, (514) 336-7009

Skyline is a chain of chili parlors founded by Greek immigrants in Cincinnati in 1949. The Cincinnati-style chili is poured over spaghetti or hot dogs and there are also compatible items like chili burritos, fries and baked potatoes. It’s a Cincinnati staple, though many would say it’s an acquired taste.

Photo via skylinechili/Facebook

The Village Pump

103 W Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island, (419) 746-2281

Kelley’s Island is the perfect spot to hit up for a quick weekend getaway and Village Pump is the place to eat there. Famous for their Lake Erie Perch and lobster chowder, both dishes are must-orders at this seafood restaurant. Don’t forget to try the famous Brandy Alexander, a mixture of nutmeg, brandy, creme de cocoa and vanilla ice cream.

Photo via nachoavgnachos/Instagram

Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar

169 E. Beck St., Columbus, (614) 228-4343

Lindley’s has been a top-notch Columbus eatery for more than three decades. Offering upscale American cuisine in an elegant setting with impeccable service, it’s no wonder this restaurant stands out from the pack. Restaurant owner Sue Doody worked as an educator, then caterer and taught cooking classes before opening up Lindey’s, with hospitality being her largest focus. The dinner menu offers dishes ranging from carpaccio to shrimp and lobster risotto, or stop by for brunch for fluffy beignets or their popular chicken sausage hash. Make sure to reserve a spot on their absolutely dreamy patio.

Photo via lindeysrestaurant/Facebook

Jackie O’s Public House

22 W. Union St., Athens, (740) 592-9686

This Athens-based brewery has a national following for favorites like their Razzwheat beer. The brewery opened a restaurant in 2009, offering a wide variety of dishes ranging from pizzas made with spent grains from the brewing process to extravagant burgers and shareable sides like their seasonal meat and cheese board or their wings brined with their popular Mystic Mama beer. It’s a must-visit destination while spending time in Athens.

Photo via vegasfoodiebooziemom/Instagram