Top news for Columbus foodies: openings, a ‘hidden gem’ and inspections

Columbus foodies had plenty of news to chew on in June, including restaurant openings and a new round of health inspection results.

Here are key takeaways from the five most-read Ledger-Enquirer stories about food during the past month:

• Santo Corazón Mexican Gastrobar opens. After months of curiosity around the bold new mural at 8186 Veterans Parkway, this new restaurant opened in June. Owners Sergio Mendoza and Alejandro Hernandez, who also run Sapo’s Mexican Cocina and Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine, took over the space formerly occupied by Pure Taqueria, which closed Sept. 7, 2025. Click here to read the full story.
• Wood Stone family returns with a new Persian concept. Eight years after Wood Stone Restaurant closed, the family behind it has opened Niaz Persian Kitchen at Banks Food Hall, 1002 Bay Ave. The counter-service spot focuses on Persian cuisine and family recipes rather than the full-service Mediterranean model of the original restaurant. Click here to read the full story.
• May health inspections show violations. Georgia Department of Public Health inspectors visited more than 50 Muscogee County establishments, with 20 earning perfect scores and seven receiving B grades for issues including expired food, improper temperature control and pest presence. Officials noted that improper storage and incorrect holding temperatures can increase the risks of cross-contamination and foodborne illness. Click here to read the full story.
• Former police officers transform a “hidden gem” cafe. Isaac Salazar and Alonso Trevizo, two friends who met at the Columbus Police Department in 2017, opened Sandy’s Cafe on May 4 in the former Midtown Café and Bakery space at 2357 Warm Springs Road. The café is named for Trevizo’s mother, Sandra, and its rose logo honors Salazar’s late wife, Rosie. Click here to read the full story.
• A taste of Scotland arrives in midtown. Mother-daughter duo Cathie and Nikki O’Hara, who moved to Columbus from Scotland in November 2024, opened Caledonia Cafe at 2218 Wynnton Road. The business pairs a restaurant serving Scottish comfort foods like fish and chips, bangers and mash and Scotch pies with a retail shop selling imported British candy, sodas, tea and other staples. Click here to read the full story.

These summaries were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. All the Ledger-Enquirer articles linked in this recap were reported, written and edited by journalists.