Many people associate Ohio cuisine exclusively with fast food and traditional American desserts. Columbus restaurants can prove that regional gastronomy is much more interesting and varied. There are indeed many restaurants that serve popular burgers, breaded chicken wings, and macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs continue to be one of the city’s most popular snacking options for residents.
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If you want to try something a little more original, order beef dishes at one of the local restaurants; they make different versions of meatloafs here. Usually, large slices of meat are cooked in the oven for several hours, and the baked meat is served with various sauces. It is noteworthy that beef cooked in this way can be served as a separate dish, and used as a component for other, more complex dishes. Tasty sandwiches are prepared with it, added to salads, as well as in meat soups.
Another interesting feature of traditional Columbus cuisine is the abundance of potato dishes. You won’t see the commonplace fried or boiled potato here. In restaurants and cafes you’ll find stuffed with meat and vegetables potato boats, original potato balls and lots of hearty salads, where potatoes are the main ingredient.
Mexican cuisine has had a major influence on local gastronomy, so Columbus restaurants often prepare popular versions of tacos as well as simple and delicious bean dishes. You’ll have the opportunity to try meat, vegetable, and fish tacos; keep in mind that many Mexican dishes have a lot of chili peppers and hot spices added to them. Although meat dishes make up a large portion of the regional menu, some city restaurants specialize in cooking seafood. The traditional clam chowder is especially popular with lovers of seafood delicacies.
The selection of desserts at the local restaurants and pastry shops also surprises. In addition to sumptuous sponge cakes and cheesecakes, you’ll find glorious banana pudding, caramelized apples, cream pies, and fruit cakes. The most unusual local dessert is considered sweet potato pie, and it is a famous version of a historic dish that is popular in many different regions of the United States.
Eddie Merlot’s Columbus restaurant will appeal to fans of a variety of dishes; its menu is very diverse. Meat lovers will be offered great steaks with sauces, and fans of seafood will have popular crab and salmon dishes. Many meat and seafood dishes are cooked on open fire; the famous restaurant has a rich wine list. It will surprise visitors with the original interior in the style of past years.
Northstar café-restaurant is popular with vegetarians, and those who can’t imagine their life without meat will also like its specialties. Especially worth mentioning are hearty rolls with rice and mushrooms, original potato dishes and a huge choice of salads from seasonal vegetables and greens. The restaurant cooks very tasty oatmeal cookies and fruit desserts; its menu will appeal to the adherents of healthy eating.
The sophisticated Lindey’s restaurant and bar offers a wide variety of regional and international cuisine. Chefs grill excellent beef steaks and lobster dishes are also popular. The menu offers a wide choice of seafood dishes delivered here from American cities located on the seacoast. One of the restaurant’s main secrets is using seasonal regional products.
The original Schmidt’s Sausage Haus restaurant will also appeal to fans of hearty, contemporary dishes. Despite the fact that it specializes in German cuisine, the restaurant enjoys a well-deserved popularity among locals. There are excellent potato salads and boiled soups, grilled sausages and various kinds of meat are always served. In addition to meals the guests are offered a large choice of German and American beers and popular sorts of wines. The restaurant is located in a remarkable historic building.
For the best fish in Columbus, head to Mitchell’s Ocean Club. You won’t find seafood delicacies as plentiful as here at any other restaurant in town. The chefs prepare sumptuous dishes of sea bass, lobsters, crabs and clams, with crab cakes being one of the most original dishes. For dessert, order a peanut butter pie or chocolate frappe, and the restaurant also prepares refreshing cocktails of berries and fruits.