Rave reviews for this new Columbus restaurant, bringing modern twists to loved classics

A new restaurant has opened in downtown Columbus.

Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine, at 1231 Broadway, had their soft opening was Feb. 22, but their grand opening has yet to be announced.

The restaurant made a big splash on social media, filling popular foodie online communities with rave reviews. Rogelio Gonzalez, general manager of Me Encanta, told the Ledger-Enquirer he was surprised at how packed the restaurant was during their soft opening.

“I guess the word just spread around on social media,” Gonzalez said. “We did one post, and then other people started posting. We opened at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and we were good until 4. It looked like a grand opening.”

Me Encanta’s approach to Mexican food

Sergio Chavez, owner of Me Encanta, approached business partner Alejandro Hernandez, owner of Sapo’s Mexican Cocina & Bar in Columbus, with the idea of opening a new Mexican restaurant on Broadway. Hernandez told the Ledger-Enquirer that they both wanted to bring the future of Mexican cuisine to Columbus.

“We’ve been to Mexico in the past few years, and we’ve seen what changed,” Hernandez said. “It’s nothing compared to what we’re used to. Everything’s more modern. That’s where the future of the restaurants are going.”

Chavez and Hernandez are the joint owners of Me Encanta, but Chavez has a separate team, led by Gonzalez, running daily operations.

“We were raised here in Columbus,” Gonzalez said. “When we got the opportunity to open this location, we thought it would be a great place, a prime location, for us to bring something good.”

Me Encanta, translating to “I love it” in English, aims to bring an elevated twist on Mexican cuisine, according to Gonzalez, offering an upscale dining experience for a reasonable price. Gonzalez said the name was inspired by the experience they want customers to have.

“When we first opened this restaurant, we wanted to make this where people come in and they’d be like ‘Oh, I loved it,” Gonzalez said.

From the Golf Gallery to a Mexican restaurant

Getting the restaurant ready to open was no small feat. Gonzalez said the restaurant had been under reconstruction for two years, replacing the former Golf Gallery. The building had to be completely renovated to accommodate their kitchen and storage.

“I think remodeling a building like this was more worth it in the end than just building a new one,” Gonzalez said, “because it has history.”

The design of the restaurant captures nods to Mexican culture through a hand-painted mural and portraits of famous figures like Frida Kahlo and Roberto Gómez Bolaños. Gonzalez said the restaurant’s interior was developed to have an elevated feel, inspired by other restaurants around the country.

“We’re trying to reach out to Columbus in a way that hasn’t been placed here,” Gonzalez said. “We have restaurants like this one in Atlanta and Miami, but nothing like us. ”

Me Encanta prioritizes presentation and taste

Gonzalez said each dish on the menu took threeor four times to perfect, with their Trompo al Pastor (grilled pork) taking over two months to get right. The presentation and taste of each dish is a high priority, he said.

“If you don’t like the taste, all you will see on the plate is flowers and a beautiful design,” Gonzalez said. “So, we tell the kitchen to cook like you’re doing it for your family members, your mother or your grandmother. Everything is plated with love.”

The “modern” feel comes from the fusion of traditional Mexican food and American food in unique combinations. Dishes like their Ribeye al Pastor, Lamb Chops and Churro Cheesecake have been popular among new customers.

“We make tomahawks,” Gonzalez said. “We have lamb chops. We have pasteles, but also, at the same time, we still have rice and beans. We’re trying to step out of the box and bring something else to Columbus.”

Me Encanta looking to expand menu and space

Me Encanta is looking to expand their menu and their space.

Gonzalez said, in the coming weeks, the restaurant will be open for brunch with a new limited menu under development. And, a big change is in store for the summer time. In the summer, Me Encanta will open their back and side patios for outdoor dining. Gonzalez said the restaurant eventually will host live music and karaoke events.

“I just want everyone to come here and give the food a try,” Gonzalez said.

This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.