Ryan’s Restaurant Review
(or a brief summary of where
I like to eat from time to time!)
Bravo's Italian Kitchen:
Quite possibly the most
architecturally stunning of Columbus's restaurants, Bravo's offers a classic
Italian menu. An ancient Roman theme
dominates the interior, while the exterior is a work of art in itself. The house specialty is Pasta Bravo, but the
Lasagna will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Quiet and casual, with prompt and courteous service, Bravo's
Italian Kitchen boasts high quality food at a reasonable price (a dinner will run $8-$15).
Directions:
Take 315 North to Bethel Road. Bear right in the fork just beyond Sawmill
Road as Bethel splits from Hayden Road.
Bravo's is on the right just beyond the fork.
791-1245
Brio Tuscan Grille
Situated right in the heart of
Easton Town Center, Brio is quickly becoming a Columbus favorite. Brio offers a menu centered on Northern
Italian cuisine. The décor is Ancient
Italian, with a huge drapery dominating the ceiling. Two kitchens, which are highly visible, serve up large portions
of traditional Italian favorites.
Outdoor dining is an added benefit during the summer months, due to the
sheer numbers of Easton patrons walking the streets. Word on the streets (and word of mouth and eyes) is that the
Lasagna Bolognaise is superb.
Casual with great service, Brio
serves remarkable food at a reasonable price ($10-$20).
Directions:
Take 71 North to 270 East. Exit at the Easton exit. Brio is directly outside of the main building.
416-4745
Buca di Beppo
Conveniently found near the
Nationwide Arena, Buca di Beppo (Joe's Basement for those of us whose Italian
is not so perfect) is a unique experience that I would recommend for larger
groups as opposed to couples or individuals.
A busy and almost tacky décor with over 2,700 pictures throughout the
establishment makes one feel as though he or she is really in an authentic
Italian village. First timers get a
grand tour of the premises before being seated. Themed rooms such as the Grotto Room and the Pope's Room are
highlights of this tour. Huge portions
designed to feed a family come from the crowded and busy kitchen (there is even
a table in the kitchen). The service is
only topped by the quality of food (even if it isn't a Brio or Bravo). Buca di Beppo is an authentic looking and
tasting Italian restaurant, with rich and delicious entrees which will feed at
least two people on $10-$20.
Arrive hungry and looking to enjoy
yourself as you eat.
Directions:
Take High Street South to Nationwide
Boulevard. Turn right onto Nationwide,
and right again at the next light.
Parking is across the street in a public lot.
Cameron’s:
Located in Worthington, Cameron’s is the first
venture of Columbus restaurant owner Cameron Mitchell. The menu is rather diverse; with favorites
from all over the US. Steaks are a
personal favorite, but the Indiana Roast Duckling is the house recommendation. The desserts are rather impressive. The very modern décor makes for a more
enjoyable experience, and the very knowledgeable staff can answer any and all
questions (as well as give free dessert as compensation for slow service).
Sporting a casual, relaxed
atmosphere; a dinner at Cameron’s will run anywhere from $10-$25.
Directions:
Take 315 North to 161. Turn left onto 161. Cameron’s is located roughly one mile from
the exit, on the left.
885-3663
The Cheesecake Factory
Another rising favorite at Easton,
The Cheesecake Factory serves everything from pizza to Cajun dishes. The menu is quite literally a book. Boasting a rather interesting Ancient
Egyptian flavored atmosphere, this always-busy destination never grows
old. Portions are huge (you might be
able to provide lunch for yourself for three days just from the
leftovers). If you are feeling
adventurous, go for the Cajun Blackened Chicken Pasta. Do your best to save room for dessert as the
kitchen offers much more than just cheesecake.
Although I typically avoid chain restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory is
one place I would recommend to anyone, whether you are in Brentwood, CA;
Columbus, OH; or anywhere in between.
Crowded and hoppin', The Cheesecake
Factory will run in the $10-$20 range.
Directions:
Take 71 North to 270 East. Exit at the Easton exit. The Cheesecake Factory is outside right next
to the Virgin Record Store.
418-7600
Columbus Fish Market
Yet another Cameron Mitchell establishment, the Fish
Market is just that…one can literally buy fresh fish from the market in the
front of the store. The restaurant,
however, is the main feature. Fresh
seafood is flown in daily, thus the menu varies day to day. They literally print up a new menu for each
day they are open. Relaxed and casual,
with a hint of West Coast feel, the Market is a must for seafood lovers. The swordfish is superb, if it is
available. In any event, be sure to
save room for dessert, as the Sharkfin Pie is nearly untouchable. A courteous and knowledgeable staff serves
up great food at a slightly steep price ($15-$30 with a stuffed six pound
lobster occasionally available for $60).
Directions:
Take Lane Avenue West to Olentangy
River Road. Turn left on
Olentangy. Columbus Fish Market is
located on the right hand side of the road about a mile beyond the Lennox Centre.
291-3474
Fifty-Five on the Boulevard:
Situated right in downtown Columbus, Fifty-Five on
the Boulevard is a great example of Columbus’s fine dining offerings. Chef Sean O’Rourke offers exquisite seafood
and high quality meats. The Filet
Mignon and Pork Chop are traditional favorites. Desserts are a must! With a formal atmosphere accentuated by soft
lighting and courteous service, Fifty-Five is great for a formal but relaxed
occasion.
Although slightly expensive (entrees
run from $20-$35), Fifty-Five is worth every penny.
Directions:
Take High Street south to Nationwide
Boulevard. Turn left onto
Nationwide. Fifty-Five is located
roughly 100 yards down Nationwide Blvd. on the right.
228-5555
Hyde Park Grille:
One of Columbus’s hidden finds, Hyde Park serves up quite possibly the most flavorful steaks in the city. A small, formal, and clubby feel with prompt, courteous service, Hyde Park’s menu is dominated by steaks and chops. A special section of the menu entitled “Steaks Named for Famous People” sports the personal favorites of famous Columbus natives such as racing great Bobby Rahal and OSU football coach John Cooper. Bring a large appetite, as the food at Hyde Park is virtually unparalleled in Columbus.
Directions:
Take Lane Ave. west to Kenny
Rd. Turn right onto Kenny, and take it
to Old Henderson Rd. Turn left onto Old
Henderson and follow it until the end.
Hyde Park is tucked away on the left at the end.
442-3310
J. Alexander’s:
The first Columbus restaurant ever recommended to me
(and I have returned several times), Alexander’s is yet another
steakhouse. The wood fired grill
accentuates the wonderful flavor of the aged steaks. The house favorite is the Prime Rib, while my personal favorite
is the Filet Mignon. Accompanying the
steak is a monstrous baked potato (very good) and a delicious salad. Other Midwest favorites such as chicken and
ribs diversify the menu.
With a casual, cozy, but somewhat
noisy atmosphere, J. Alexander’s will run about $20 for a good meal.
Directions:
Take 315 North to I-270 East. Immediately exit onto 23 North. Once on 23, turn right onto Vantage
Drive. Alexander’s will be visible on
the right.
847-1166
La Scala:
An authentic Italian menu in a
casual/formal setting awaits guests at this northwest side establishment. La Scala is a quiet but classic Italian
restaurant, with framed pictures covering the walls and service that is hard to
beat. The rich, authentic fare is well
prepared and delicious. Wood fired
steaks and pizzas, handmade pastas, and traditional Italian entrees are all
featured. Small variations from the
norm (the Filet Mignon comes with a whole Portobello mushroom) make La Scala an
interesting place to visit. La Scala
offers a great balance of quality and atmosphere at a very reasonable price
($8-$15).
Directions:
Take 315 North to 161. Go West
on 161. La Scala is located
about 1/4 mile beyond Sawmill Road on 161.
889-9431
Mitchell’s Steakhouse:
My personal favorite of all Columbus restaurants, and quite possibly the most formal of the city’s establishments; Mitchell’s is the signature restaurant of Cameron Mitchell. It is not uncommon to see him walking the dining room, talking to his loyal guests. Mitchell’s serves up USDA Prime beef, which is served by less than ten percent of the nation’s restaurants. The house specialty is an aged Kansas City Strip, which is very delicious, but I highly recommend the Filet Mignon Oscar Style, which is a filet topped with a crab meat in a rich, creamy sauce.
Rather formal, with a New York-type atmosphere, Mitchell’s has an a la carte menu, which quickly elevates the bill. A single dinner can run as much as $40, but I will recommend it all the same.
Directions:
Take High Street to E. 5th Ave. Turn Left onto 5th. Take 5th to Summit/US-23. Turn Right onto 23. 23 turns into N. 3rd St. Mitchell’s is on the right at the corner of 3rd and Gay St.
621-2333
RJ Snapper’s:
A two-story restaurant with a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere, Snapper’s offers up some great seafood, as well as almost unparalleled service. Located in the Short North, just minutes from downtown, Snapper’s is hailed as possibly the best seafood restaurant in Columbus. Each dish is creatively prepared, and the serving staff will readily explain any item on the menu. Lobster tails are a delicious (if somewhat cliché) dish. The house favorite is Florida Grouper, and most will agree with that decision.
Offering a casual to formal
atmosphere, RJ Snapper’s will run the guest anywhere from $15-$30 for dinner.
Directions:
Take High Street South toward
downtown. Snapper’s is located on the
left, at the corner of Lincoln and High.
280-1070
Road Trip?
The Angry Trout Co.:
Located right on the shore of the
Sandusky Bay, the Angry Trout serves some of the better Lake Erie seafood I
have ever had. The steaks are great,
but since you are there, try some Lake Erie Walleye. Some fish selections can
be served "Planked," a method of preparing where the fish is actually
finished on a hardwood plank. Most
dishes come with an absolutely huge baked potato. Appetizers are a plus with one being an alligator selection.
Light, quiet, and casual, dinner for
two at the Angry Trout will run $35-$40.
Directions:
Ask me in person.
1-888-Trout99
Kenyon Inn
Feeling cooped up inside Columbus? Want to take a road trip? Then I highly recommend the Kenyon Inn in Gambier, Ohio. A quaint little college town, Gambier offers relaxing attractions after dinner such as a coffee house, walks through the beautiful campus of Kenyon College, or a browse through the bookstore. An intimate and formal dining room on the first floor of the inn awaits those with a hearty appetite. Traditional entrees are served, but if you are feeling adventurous, try the Bison Chop. Very tender and flavorful, it is served with potatoes and vegetables. Warm bread also accompanies the meal.
Aside from the drive, the Kenyon Inn is a great place to make a stop. Fall in that part of the state is absolutely gorgeous. A meal for two will run around $40-$50, but is definitely worth it!
Directions: (Ask me in person)
(740)
427-2202
Note: This is by no means an exclusive list of
Columbus Restaurants. It is merely my
thoughts on some of the places I have eaten over the past several years. If you have any comments or suggestions,
please let me know.