With Valentine’s Day coming up quickly, do you have restaurant plans? Do you go out for V-day or just hang at home with your loved one? Regardless of what you do, lots of couples are looking for cozy dining places in their cities and today I’m teaming up with a big group of gals today all across the country sharing ideas on romantic restaurants. As a rule of thumb, I personally prefer “off the beaten path” type restaurants…and by that I don’t mean they need to be out in the boonies, but I want to go to the hidden gems of a City. The places that make the City unique and Columbus, Ohio definitely has a wide variety of culinary choices that are unique. Sure you can find a nice restaurant near your local mall, but whenever we travel I try to find the well-known “non-chain” restaurants in the area that the locals rave about and like to take their visitors to for amazing meals. So without further adieu, if you’re seeking romantic restaurants in Columbus, Ohio then I have your list of fun restaurants compiled by myself and opinions of some friends–these are your “hidden gems” of the City! Enjoy! #Dinner4Valentines
The exceptional contemporary American cuisine and classic French cuisine is complemented by a world-class wine cellar encompassing over 700 selections. An experienced and knowledgeable staff and the personal touch of owner Kamal Boulos, complete the gracious yet unpretentious service that enhances a memorable evening. Our commitment to excellence in presenting each guest with the finest cuisine and service possible makes The Refectory the perfect setting for an important business dinner, a special celebration, or simply to treat yourself to an elegant dining experience!
2. Basi-Italia
Nestled in the heart of the Victorian Village neighborhood, Basi Italia is a small casual feel-good restaurant featuring clean simple Italian fare with innovative twists. Specializing in Italian and Mediterranean inspired entrees, Basi offers full service dining and carry out. The menu changes seasonally to reflect locally grown produce. Sit inside the cozy interior or outside on a warm, inviting terrace where they also feature Vino on the Veranda – a weekly wine tasting offering guest the opportunity taste and learn more about the wines served at Basi. Located in the heart of Victorian Village at 811 Highland Avenue, Basi is an easy walk from High Street in the Short North as well as the Columbus Convention Center.
When it comes to upholding the standards of honest Midwestern cuisine, no other Columbus restaurant comes close. Year after year, J. Gilbert’s restaurant has clinched the ‘best entrée’ title at the annual Taste of Worthington Festival.
4. The Pearl
The Pearl is a well-polished culinary jewel that showcases made-from-scratch food, classically inspired cocktails and an exclusive selection of Ales, Lagers & Stouts. All within one urban and cozy tavern.
The Top Steak House, a Columbus, Ohio restaurant icon, has been serving juicy charbroiled steaks, jumbo lobster tails, slowly roasted ribs, seafood and more signature items for over 55 years.
6. Haiku -OUT OF BUSINESS (booo)
Haiku, Poetic Food & Art, have established a straight forward Asian Pacific style of cooking highlighted by the freshest ingredients, paired with great wines and impeccable service. Combined with a casually elegant dining room that buzzes with the excitement of an open exhibition kitchen, Haiku creates a truly memorable dining experience.
7. M Restaurant
The ambiance has the magical power to transport you outside Columbus and into a cosmopolitan embrace. The state of the art lighting and music create artistic synergy for the ultimate sensory experience.
Unmatched Columbus, Ohio dining with remarkable views of downtown Columbus, the restaurant features elevated comfort food from a scratch-kitchen with the finest and freshest ingredients.
Voted best patio of 2013!!! The perfect spot for before or after dinner cocktails, the secret garden patio was a hidden gem of the restaurant.
10. The Barn
With its pastoral setting and abundant rural elegance, a visit to The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek transforms dining out into an unforgettable culinary outing. Serving traditional cuisine refined by the inventive chefs from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, The Barn features an onsite smokehouse, butcher shop and bakery. Also on the grounds is a rustic, bourbon-centric bar that pours 50 of the world’s finest; along with classic cocktails and a robust list of superb wines, ales and lagers.
So there you have it…10 fun and unique restaurants you should definitely try out for this year’s Valentine’s Day festivities. Or if you want to avoid the crowds, try them out in upcoming weeks because I’m sure you’ll be BLOWN away!
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