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What are some great things to do in Columbus?
- There are many great things to do in Columbus, from strolling along the city’s Scioto Mile on the banks of the Scioto River to exploring the American and European paintings and a sculpture garden at the Columbus Museum of Art.
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Where can visitors find romantic dining options in Columbus?
- Visitors also have a choice of intimate and cozy restaurants where they can celebrate love.
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1. Barcelona
Savor Spanish-inspired tapas and wine in a lively, romantic atmosphere.
Renowned for its charming secret garden patio which is the perfect spot for pre-dinner Champagne or after dinner cocktails, Barcelona is one of the city’s top dining establishments, offering sublime cuisine, global wines, and world-class service. Tucked away in historic German Village, the culinary gem is inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the Ramblas and the taste of sipping sangria by the seaside, exuding an Old World European charm and serving a seasonal menu of contemporary cuisine prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and made from scratch, along with home baked bread and desserts. An award-winning wine list features globally-inspired wines that enhance the offerings of Barcelona, along with imported craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Barcelona is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday, and dinner only on the weekends.
263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206, Phone: 614-443-3699
2. Basi Italia
Enjoy fresh Italian cuisine on a charming patio in a cozy setting.
Nestled in the heart of Victorian Village, Basi Italia is a small and intimate restaurant offering simple Italian fare with innovative twists. Specializing in Italian and Mediterranean inspired food, the family-friendly restaurant features a cozy dining room and a charming terrace where diners can enjoy weekly wine tastings known as Vino on the Veranda. The seasonal menu boasts Northern Italian favorites such as homemade pasta and sauces, wood-fired pizzas, prime meat, chicken and veal dishes, and freshly prepared salads with locally sourced ingredients and regional produce. Fine wines can be enjoyed with every meal, along with craft beers and signature cocktails.
811 Highland St, Columbus, OH43215, Phone: 614-294-7383
3. Columbus Fish Market
Savor fresh seafood dishes with bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Located between Fifth and Third avenues in Grandview, just south of Lennox Town Center, the Columbus Fish Market is one of the best places to go for fresh fish in Columbus. Daily delivery of a wide variety of fresh fish flown in from all coasts promises only the freshest produce allowing the restaurant to offer the largest selection of fresh seafood in the city. Boasting an upscale New England chowder house ambiance with a cozy bar area and subtle lighting, the dining room has intimate booth seating, which is ideal for romantic dinners. A full-service bar menu offers an array of libations, including signature cocktails, craft beers, fine wines, and specialty coffees.
1245 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212, Phone: 614-291-3474
4. Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood Columbus
Indulge in prime cuts and seafood in an upscale, elegant environment.
Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood Columbus is a premium restaurant chain that specializes in prime-aged meats such as bison and wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and fine wines. The upscale contemporary American steakhouse boasts plush décor with warm golden accents, luxurious upholstered chairs, and walls lined with bottles of wine. The menu offers a wide range of hand-cut in-house, hormone, antibiotic, and steroid-free meat cuts, including ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip steaks, as well as appetizers, fresh salads, pasta dishes, and desserts, all of which are prepared using locally sourced ingredients and made from scratch. Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood Columbus has multiple private dining rooms for special events and functions and is open for dinner every night.
1570 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, Phone: 614-433-7307, See the Map
5. Hudson 29 Kitchen and Drink
Enjoy modern American dishes and craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
Named after the famous Hudson River Valley, home of the Culinary Institute of America, and the beautiful route which winds through Napa Valley, Hudson 29 Kitchen and Drink is a casual spot where friends can meet and enjoy great food and drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. Part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Group, the restaurant serves a seasonal menu of contemporary cuisine created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and prepared from scratch. The cuisine is accompanied by an artfully composed wine list of more than 100 bottles, both casual and rare vintages, as well as classic cocktails, craft beers from around the world, and a range of soft drinks. Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
The Lane, 1600 W Avenue, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221, Phone: 614-487-0622
6. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Savor premium steaks and fine wines in a sophisticated, romantic space.
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is an upscale steakhouse chain with a sophisticated setting that serves perfectly grilled meats, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. Located in the heart of the city, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is an ideal dining destination for business functions, special occasions or a romantic dinner for two; the restaurant also offers four different private dining rooms that can accommodate up to 60 guests. A full-service bar serves Happy Hour martinis, signature cocktails, and small bar plates in the evenings and valet parking are available. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is open for dinner, seven nights a week.
569 North High Street Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-224-2204
7. J. Gilbert's Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood
Taste wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
J. Gilbert's Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood is a classic steakhouse chain that serves honest Midwestern cuisine in an elegant and refined setting. Named for a renowned Kansas City restaurateur, J. Gilbert, the famous restaurant chain boasts dark wood interiors and intimate seating and serves a menu of rustic Kansas City-steakhouse fare such as prime wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood, hearty sides and fresh salads. Signature dishes include Mishima Ranch Wagyu Burger, Maple Plank Roasted Salmon, and decadent desserts like the made-from-scratch Seven Layer Coconut Cake. The cuisine is accompanied by an extensive wine list of fine wines around the world, handcrafted cocktails, and imported spirits, and craft beers on tap and by the bottle.
1 E Campus View Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235, Phone: 614-840-9090
8. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Experience top-tier steaks and seafood with lavish decor and impeccable service.
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse is the place to go for a great steak, fine wine, and a stylish and elegant ambiance. Offering outstanding cuisine accompanied by impeccable service, dining at Jeff Ruby’s is all about ‘the experience.’ With branches all over the country, Jeff Ruby’s has taken the coveted title of being one of the nation’s highest ranked steakhouses, according to various surveys. Serving award-winning steak since 1981 to an array of connoisseurs, celebrities, loyal guests, Ruby's steaks are renowned for being ‘the best of the best,’ sourced from purebred Heritage Black Angus cattle and hand cut to order. Jeff Ruby’s caters for private parties and hosts various events including live music featuring local artists throughout the year.
89 E. Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-686-7800
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