Posts in category 'Columbus And Central Ohio'

Going on a picnic with either a significant other or your family is a tried-and-true tradition that's become a national pastime throughout the ages. There are plenty of great parks in the Columbus area where you lay out a blanket or sit at a table for a nice meal and even nicer company. Here are some of our favorite picnic hotspots for National Picnic Day April 23.

Scioto Grove Metro Park

5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

You could spend nearly the entire day at Scioto Grove Metro Park because there are so many things to do. In addition to picnic shelters that will keep you off the ground, you can burn off some calories with a nice walk along one of its eight trails. You'll also find a sizable event space, archery ranges, disc golf course, and beautiful river views.

Topiary Garden Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Situated next to the Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch, Topiary Garden Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic with friends or family. The spot is also unique because it's home to the only existing topiary interpretation of a painting. This makes it great for art lovers or people looking to snap a cool picture for their Instagram.

Franklin Park Adventure Center

1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

As one of the many iconic parks in Columbus, Franklin Park Adventure Center is perfect for couples and families who are interested in having a picnic or simply spending time together. After your feast, feel free to head over to the conservatory where you can explore several types of environments and plants. You'll need to purchase admission, but it's a small charge and worth every penny.

Columbus Park of Roses

3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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As you can probably guess from the name, the Columbus Park of Roses is an absolutely gorgeous spot for a picnic. This 13-acre park is also known as Whetstone Park and the landscape changes throughout the seasons depending on which flowers are in bloom. Every park on our list is beautiful and unique, but this is arguably the most romantic in the Columbus area.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215

Whether you're in the mood for a gorgeous view of the city or prefer a river view, Scioto Audubon Metro Park has more than enough options. In addition to a healthy amount of picnic tables, you'll find a dog park, rock climbing area, obstacle course, picturesque water tower, and more. There's even a playground for kids of all ages and a mister to keep them cool on hot days.

Goodale Park

120 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Perhaps one of the greatest things about Goodale Park—Columbus' first public park—is that it's situated near quite a few restaurants, which means you can grab food at one of those instead of cooking yourself. While you're there, you'll surely be enthralled by the architecture of Victorian Village homes and can find plenty of things to do between the park's pond, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and playground.

Hoover Reservoir Park

7701 Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

With more than 4700 acres, Hoover Reservoir Park has many great spots to enjoy a picnic. There's wildlife in many areas of the park to enjoy. If you're lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle. There are also many types of water sports available and families often spend some time on the water before returning to land for a picnic.

Genoa Park

303 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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For fans of skylines, Genoa Park is the place you want to be because you'll get some stunning views of Downtown Columbus. The first things most visitors will notice, however, are the humanized deer sculptures that are enjoying a day at the park just as you will be. This park is also home to an amphitheater that holds concerts and other events throughout the year.

McFerson Commons Park

218 West St., Columbus, OH 43215

Often referred to as Arch Park thanks to the iconic Union Station Arch that's found there, McFerson Commons Park is what you might consider an urban oasis. Surrounded by a wall of trees that provides plenty of shade, this is a popular spot for annual festivals, 5K races, casual sports leagues, and more. 

Life is a Picnic

What picturesque surroundings will make your Columbus picnic-perfect?

While many people out there may think that most live performances are limited to entertainment hubs like Los Angeles and New York, the truth is that Columbus has become of the greatest cities for all types of artists. If you're thinking about moving to the area or are already living here, rest assured that there are plenty of wonderful venues to choose from—and to get you started, we've put together a list of some of our favorites.

Shadowbox Live

503 S. Front St. #260, Columbus OH 43215

If you've never been to Shadowbox Live because you're new to the area or just haven't taken the time, then it's time to give it a try. This amazing performance arts venue and cafe consists of the United States' largest full-time resident theatre ensemble. This award-winning, non-profit performance troupe features everything from rock operas and cabaret to sketch comedy and dance. Over the past 25 years, thousands upon thousands of people have also enjoyed the food, but it's the people and their performances that truly make this a special place.

Actors' Theatre

1000 City Park Ave., Columbus OH 43206

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Another mainstay of art performance in Columbus has been the Actors' Theatre located in Schiller Park. In recent years, they've brought to life the works of William Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, T.S. Eliot, and many more all year round, but they're best known for their summer performances. These outdoor events bring people from all over and create a relaxing atmosphere where you can pull up a blanket and have a picnic while enjoying delightful entertainment. Outside of the summer months, residents are especially fond of their monthly Shakespeare Underground and Drunken Underground events.

Columbus Children's Theatre

177 E. Naghten St., Columbus OH 43215

As the name suggests, Columbus Children's Theatre concentrates on providing family-friendly entertainment. Founded in 1963, they've spent nearly 60 years honing and perfecting their crafts. They've done everything from The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe and Annie to the upcoming Crawls, Flies, and Squirms, and their newest addition, Think Spring. Some of their most notable features include programs tailored for kids under the age of 6 called the Theatre for the Very Young, the hosting of plays put on by local schools, educational programs, and sensory-friendly performances for families with special needs.

Ohio Theatre

39 E. State St., Columbus OH 43215

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Although demolished in 1969 after 40 years of providing entertainment to the community, the Ohio Theatre was restored by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). The successfully loyal restoration to the original Spanish-Baroque design, along with the velvet seats, velvet curtains, gilded ceilings, and giant chandelier, is an incredible sight to behold. With performances that range from classical music to modern dance, not to mention popular Broadway shows like Wicked and The Lion King, there's a little something for everyone to be found here.

Short North Stage

1187 N. High St., Columbus OH 43201

Spanning an incredible 90 years of entertainment, the Short North Stage has been everything from a vaudeville venue and movie emporium to a strip club and adult film theater. Taken over years ago by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, they've shed the notorious past and now specialize in reproducing Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Each year, you can find audience favorites such as Hair, Dreamgirls, Little Shop of Horrors, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Altar Boyz, in addition to everything from puppet shows to concerts. You can also enjoy small productions at their Green Room Stage and food and drink at a speakeasy-style cocktail bar called Ethel's Lounge.

Palace Theatre

34 W. Broad St., Columbus OH 43215

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Aside from its delightful design, the first thing you'll notice about this original vaudeville house very well could be the excellent acoustics. The Palace Theatre was designed at a time when performers needed to be heard by everyone without the use of electronic amplifiers—and it certainly shows. Coupled with the fancy style that includes a grand staircase, fountains, chandeliers, and elegant ceilings, their performances of Broadway shows and symphony orchestras will bring you back time and time again.

MadLab

227 N. 3rd St., Columbus OH 43215

If you've been on the lookout for live improv, sketch comedy, or original plays, this venue is definitely worth checking out. Over the years, MadLab has helped breathe artistic life into the city of Columbus by providing performance artists a place at which to experiment with their craft. Perhaps the greatest thing about this particular venue is that they're constantly producing short plays, often having close to two dozen cast at once. And if you're a performer by chance or would like to dip your toe in the water, you could always stop by during one of their open stage nights.

Southern Theatre

21 E. Main St., Columbus OH 43215

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Okay—hang on to your hats! The Southern Theatre has been around since 1896! This makes it the oldest surviving theater in all of Central Ohio. Somewhat early in its history, it spent some time as an opera house, followed by a full-time movie house, but was restored by (you probably guessed it!) the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts and transformed into a live performance entertainment hub. This venue has a very heavy focus on music including performances ranging from Henry Rollins to the Brentano String Quartet.

Wexner Center for the Arts

1871 N. High St., Columbus OH 43210

The Wexner Center for the Arts has hosted everything from visual art exhibitions and film screenings to live theatre and dance performances. This amazing hotspot features two stages that allow for both small, intimate performances and much larger productions. You'll find a wide variety of live performances that include everyone from singular artists to full production companies from around the world. There's always something going on, so feel free to stop by anytime and see for yourself.

Incredible Performances

Which Columbus theater will you visit next?

Chocolate and mint pair together so well! This must be a pretty popular opinion because there's actually a whole holiday dedicated to the flavor combination. February 19th is National Chocolate Mint Day. If you want to celebrate, all you have to do is enjoy your favorite chocolate mint treat. There are a few great places in Columbus serving chocolate-mint creations too.

Graeter's Ice Cream

1534 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221

If you prefer your chocolate and mint fix in ice cream form, Graeter's is the place to go. This veteran-owned ice cream parlor has been a vibrant part of the community for decades. They make their ice cream by hand in small batches, and it is incredibly creamy and delicious. 

The obvious choice at Graeter's is the Mint Chocolate Chip. It has Oreo cookie crunchies for a unique touch. Another option is the Peppermint Chip Wheelies. These are ice cream sandwiches made with chocolate chip cookies and pink peppermint ice cream. 

Simply Rolled Ice Cream

968 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Simply Rolled Ice Cream is a modern ice cream shop that uses locally sourced ingredients and prepares each ice cream treat to order. You choose your ingredients, and they freeze your ice cream on a large, chilled flat-top surface, adding in toppings as desired.

Rolled ice cream is a whole other way to experience the chocolate and mint combination. Their Mint Chocolate Mania signature roll, made with mint ice cream, hot fudge sauce, peppermint patties, and chocolate chips, is incredibly delicious. Of course, you can also custom-create your own minty ice cream treat by selecting mint ice cream as the base and adding various chocolate toppings as desired.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream

1515 Gemini Pl., Columbus, OH 43240

Bruster's Real Ice Cream makes their ice cream fresh in-store. They've been around since 1989, and they take pride in their premium flavors, which have been carefully developed over the years.

The obvious choice for National Chocolate Mint Day is their Chocolate Peppermint. The red peppermint candies make it unique. Their Mint Chocolate Chip is also delicious and quite classic, and of course, you can't go wrong with the Mint Oreo. If you want something a bit different, you can ask them to make a milkshake out of any flavor.

Anthony-Thomas Candy Shoppe

5040 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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Anthony-Thomas Candy Shoppe is a family-owned candy company with several locations in the Columbus area. They've won numerous awards over the years, including a CBUS Top Pick in 2020. 

Anthony-Thomas is best known for their buckeyes, which are an Ohio staple. But they do also make some chocolate-mint creations. Their Peppermint Bark, made with dark and white chocolates, is a top choice and suitable for sharing. Customers also love the Milk Melt-A-Way Mints, which feature creamy, whipped chocolate centers with a hint of mint.

Colonial Candy

3620 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

Colonial Candy has been serving the Columbus area for more than 50 years, and it's a great place to get your chocolate and mint fix—candy style! Their Peppermint Cream candies are coated in smooth, milk, or dark chocolate. The interior is white, creamy, and oh so minty.

You can purchase the Peppermint Creams by the 1/8-pound, so you can order as few or as many as you like. While you're there, you may want to try some of the chocolate-covered pretzels. No, they're not minty, but they're so munchable and addictive.

Chocolate Café

1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

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Chocolate Café is a bright, welcoming cafe where you can enjoy anything from a freshly made sandwich to a hot cup of mocha. The obvious choice on National Chocolate Mint Day is the Thin Mint Martini. It's rich and creamy with just the right amount of mint.

If you're in the mood for dessert, then try one of the mint truffles. They're creamy and so satisfying. Or, if you want to bring a mint chocolate treat home to the whole family, you could order an 8" or 10" Thin Mint Cake. Add an espresso filling for something totally unique.

Schmidt's Fudge Haus

220 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

Schmidt's Fudge Haus, as the name suggests, is known for its handmade fudge. You have to try it, but you should also explore their selection of gourmet chocolates. The Mint Meltaways are creamy and delicious—the perfect choice for a National Chocolate and Mint celebration.

Schmidt's is also a great place to pick up some snacks. Their Bridge Mix, Animal Crackers, and Yogurt Pretzels are good to munch on if you need a break from chocolate and mint.

Stauf's Coffee

1334 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

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Stauf's Coffee is a pristine, modern coffee shop with a minimalist vibe. They offer a great selection of coffees, including a Chocolate Mint coffee that's well worth a try. They'll brew some for you in-house, and they also sell the beans, so you can take more home for later. In the mood for something lighter? Try a mug of peppermint tea. Pair it with a chocolate dessert, and you'll be fully celebrating National Chocolate Mint Day.

Stauf's also has delicious chocolate cookies, which are worth pairing with your Chocolate Mint coffee. If you're really craving chocolate, the Espresso Fudge Brownies are incredible. Guests also love the Chocolate Croissants and the Chocolate Chip Scones. 

Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea

15 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Sweetwaters is known for serving delicious coffee, tea, and pastries. Their cafe is airy and open, making it a great place to relax as you sip your minty beverage and maybe even read the newspaper.

A unique option would be to order the Greek Mint Tea, which comes straight from Greece, paired with a chocolate pastry. The Chocolate Croissants are perfectly flaky and delicious, and the OMG Chocolate Cake is truly indulgent. You really can't go wrong with a simple Chocolate Cookie, either. Sweetwaters puts pretzel pieces in them to add an incredible crunch.

Better Together

Which one of these Columbus businesses will you visit on National Chocolate Mint Day?

There's no better way to warm up in the winter than with a perfectly blended cup of chai tea, which is actually one of the oldest tea drinks around. Cinnamon, clove, and warming spices combine for a delicious wintertime drink that can truly warm your soul. 

Columbus is known for its wide selection of cafes and coffee shops, so you never have to go far to find a chai tea latte in our area. Below are some of our top destinations to grab our favorite blended drinks.

Cafe De Nook 

175 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215

This small, cozy Parisian cafe downtown has all your favorite espresso drinks, custom brews, and a wonderful chai tea latte. The drinks at Cafe De Nook are literary-themed, adding to the fun atmosphere. Stop in for your favorite drink or grab a delicious pastry. A vibrant, beautiful seating area with lovely decor makes this shop a great place to meet friends or get some work done. Current hours are 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.

Parable Coffee

677 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43206

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Parable Coffee has a wide assortment of your favorite coffees and teas, including one of the best chai tea lattes in town. Inside, you'll find a big open seating area with tons of natural light and calming music to create the perfect peaceful ambiance. If you're on the go, online ordering is available. To create a welcoming community, Parable is a gratuity-free coffee shop. Stop by Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Fox In The Snow Cafe

1031 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

This rustic-styled Columbus coffee shop and bakery was named one of The Best Coffee Shops in America by Food & Wine magazine, and it's easy to see why. Custom coffee drinks, teas, baked goods, and some amazing desserts are just some of the many highlights of Fox In The Snow Cafe. It's a popular destination, so it can get a bit busy at times, but the service is great, and the line moves fast. The shop is open daily until 3 pm.

Third Way Cafe

3058 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204

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Coffee, books, and community are the three things you'll find at Third Way Cafe. This local shop is the perfect place to customize your chai tea Latte just the way you like it. The cafe opened in December 2017 in the Greater Hilltop area. It offers a beautifully decorated interior and an extensive book selection, making it a warm, cozy destination. To top it off, the staff is notorious for being incredibly friendly and accommodating. The shop is open Monday through Saturday until 3 pm.

One Line Coffee

41 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Pick up a perfectly spiced chai tea latte in this brick-accented coffee house in downtown Columbus. With an extensive menu and a wide selection of pastries, a stop by One Line Coffee is the perfect way to start your day. It's a popular spot, so you may want to consider ordering online ahead of time if you're in a hurry. The shop is open until 7 pm Sunday through Thursday and 8 pm on Friday and Saturday.

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse

300 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Not only does this non-profit coffee house serve delicious custom beverages and lattes, all of their profits are donated to global initiatives that support eradicating hunger, unclean water, and human trafficking. The Roosevelt Coffeehouse is one of the best shops in Columbus. Enjoy your beverage in their laid-back seating area and throw a record on the in-house record player. They also sell a wide range of roasted beans and teas, so you can brew your favorite beverage at home. Roosevelt Coffeehouse is open daily until 6 pm.

Stauf's Coffee Roasters

1277 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

With coffees from over 20 countries and an extensive selection of teas, Stauf's Coffee Roasters is one of the best stops you can make in the morning. This shop has been a Columbus staple for several decades. Service is fast and friendly, and drinks and pastries are delicious. Grab your drink to go or enjoy it in their cafe, which has plenty of seating.

The Bexley Coffee Shop

492 N. Cassady Ave., Bexley, OH 43209

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Tasty blended drinks and sweet treats are to be had at The Bexley Coffee Shop. Inside you'll find a quaint and cozy atmosphere. All of your favorite custom beverages are on the menu, along with a nice selection of breakfast, lunch, and snacks items. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 11 am.

Highline Coffee Co.

693 High St., Worthington, OH 43085

Highline Coffee in Worthington makes a great chai tea latte and is definitely worth a visit. What makes this coffee shop unique is their in-house art studio located in the back of the shop, which features rotating exhibits from local artists. Grab your drink and take a look around. The shop is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.

Spice Up Your Tea Options

Where will you go for a chai tea latte around Columbus?

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

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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

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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

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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

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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?