Kelsey is a freelance writer based in Southern Virginia. She enjoys traveling with her family to destinations from national parks to amusement parks and loves sharing tips and stories from along the way.
Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey across Ohio as we dive into the state’s culinary gems featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. From mouthwatering comfort food to unique twists on local favorites, these restaurants have earned their spots as must-try destinations, and we’re here to guide you through the best of the Buckeye State’s dining scene.
Island Frydays
Island Frydays in Cincinnati, OH, is one of those locations so tasty that Guy visited it twice. This Caribbean-themed restaurant was founded by Jamaican native Leo Morgan and serves favorites like jerk chicken, fried plantains, rice and peas, and Jamaican greens. Guy wanted to take home 10 gallons of the Island Magic marinade!
Pierogi Mountain
Pierogi Mountain in Columbus, OH, serves the kind of made-from-scratch Eastern European-via-Northeast-Ohio cuisine you’d expect to eat at your grandma’s house. With everything from potato pancakes and pierogis to a craft soda menu, you’re sure to fit something to tempt your taste buds.
Melt Revival
Located in Cincinnati, Melt Revival is an eclectic cafe with a mission to serve fresh, sustainable, and healthy meals with local ingredients wherever possible. With menu options like vegan Bahn Mi and the Revival Bowl (superfood slaw, tofu, ginger hoisin, yum), eating healthfully won’t be a drag at this spot.
Lucky’s Cafe
Warning: if you open the website for Lucky’s Cafe in Cleveland, you’re guaranteed to drool right on the keyboard. Not only was this cafe featured twice on DDD, but its biscuits and gravy earned a spot on Food Network’s Best Things I Ever Ate. The offerings here are made by hand with local, high-quality ingredients, and the cafe works to support and promote Ohio’s farmers.
Melt Bar and Grilled
Melt Bar and Grilled has locations all over the Buckeye State. This restaurant serves up gourmet comfort food, including a massive list of fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. The Lake Erie Monster, a panko-breaded fish sandwich, is another crowd favorite. Vegan? Don’t worry. Despite its cheese-forward menu, there are tons of options for vegan and gluten-sensitive guests.
Good Company
Good Company in Cleveland, Ohio, is an awesome restaurant offering an even better atmosphere and delicious food, from burgers and fries to wings and steak. The beer selection is excellent, and the boozy shakes are a must-try. Plus, all of their pastries, bread, and ice cream are made in-house, guaranteeing a totally fresh experience.
Fat Cats
Fat Cats is a super cool restaurant that perfectly fits the bohemian vibe of Tremont. Chef Ricardo Sandoval is well-known for his fusion cuisine, and his talent shines in dishes like the Adobo Fried Chicken and Tofu Bahn Mi. This restaurant is also accommodating of those with allergies, clearly marking plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on the menu.
Mabel’s BBQ
At Mabel’s BBQ, it’s barbecue but with a Cleveland flair. The Eastern European-inspired barbecue style incorporates Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard into the barbecue sauce. The meat is smoked over local fruitwood and accompanied by locally made Cleveland kraut and pickles, making Mabel’s a true Cleveland barbecue experience.
Momocho
Momocho is a hip restaurant serving Mexican cuisine with a unique and modern flair. Every dish offers a flavor-packed twist on traditional Mexican fare, such as the flautas with butternut squash and goat cheese, red chile and chocolate mole, fried brussels sprouts, and spiced peanuts- how’s that for flavorful? Momocho also has a mile-long tequila menu to accompany your meal.
Sweet Carrot
Sweet Carrot is a catering company that makes all of your comfort food favorites but with a twist. It made its debut in 2013 and has been serving unique and delicious meals to parties of all sizes ever since. Best of all, tons of the options are available gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian, making the tasty food accessible to all guests.
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