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Check out these new Columbus-area restaurants in early 2025

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

The Columbus-area restaurant scene is bustling in early 2025, with a mix of new openings and expansions reflecting diverse culinary influences. Unique collaborations, like the rebranding of Skipper's Seafood into Skipper's Restaurant with Chester’s BBQ dishes, show how established local brands can adapt and grow. Specialty eateries, such as Kalani's Hawaiian Style Cafe and Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine, bring regional and international flavors to the market, showcasing fresh twists on beloved traditions.

National chains, including Dave & Buster's and Dave’s Hot Chicken, are also making their presence known. From late-night comfort food destinations to upscale fusion menus, the city's food scene is evolving to cater to both local tastes and broader cultural trends.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

A new coffee spot is open in Columbus a stone’s throw away from the roaring waters of the Chattahoochee River. The Seed Coffee and Cafe located at The Rapids on Front Avenue is open for its first full week of serving coffee, sandwiches and more to the Columbus community. 01/02/2025 By Kelby Hutchison

NO. 1: NEW COFFEE SHOP AND CAFE OPENS IN COLUMBUS A STONE’S THROW FROM THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

“This is a beautiful part of Columbus that’s just up and coming and there’s a lot of people that I think could use our service here.” | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

Dave’s Hot Chicken has officially opened in Columbus, Georgia. It’s located at 5279 Whittlesey Blvd. 01/28/2025 By Mike Haskey

NO. 2: WE ATE AT DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN. HERE’S OUR REVIEW OF THE RESTAURANT’S NEW COLUMBUS LOCATION

As I walked into the restaurant the smell of spices hit me, and I couldn’t help but say, “This smells good.” | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

Tous Les Jours, a South Asian and French fusion bakery, has banners annoucing their arrival on Whittlesey Blvd. 02/07/25 By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 3: GAMES AND A NEW BAKERY: THESE TWO BUSINESSES ARE COMING TO COLUMBUS’ WHITTLESEY BLVD.

Two new businesses are setting up shop, bringing fresh entertainment and flavors to Columbus. Here’s what we know so far. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Skipper’s Seafood has leased their restaurant to Chester’s BBQ. The restaurant still will keep the Skipper’s name but will have an expanded menu and be open for longer hours. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 4: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN 2 ICONIC COLUMBUS RESTAURANTS GET TOGETHER? THEY CREATE THIS NEW MENU

A favorite seafood restaurant has leased their space to a popular BBQ business, blending their dishes for a fresh eating experience in town. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Me Encanta, translating to “I love it” in English, aims to bring an elevated twist on Mexican cuisine as a new restaurant in Columbus, offering an upscale dining experience for a reasonable price. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 5: RAVE REVIEWS FOR THIS NEW COLUMBUS RESTAURANT, BRINGING MODERN TWISTS TO LOVED CLASSICS

“We tell the kitchen to cook like you’re doing it for your family members,” the general manager said. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Kalani’s Hawaiian Style Cafe, 711 13th St. in Phenix City, is the first brick-and-mortar location of Kalani’s Mixed Plate, a Hawaiian-cuisine food truck that has served food in the Columbus and Fort Benning area since 2020. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 6: ‘WELCOMING EVERYONE LIKE FAMILY.’ NEW RESTAURANT BRINGS TASTE OF HAWAII TO PHENIX CITY

“This has always been a dream and passion of mine,” owner Kalani Sayles said. “It took a lot of work to get to this point, and it took a lot of years.” | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Owners of Uptown Tap, 1024 Broadway, plan to open Munchies at 1020 Broadway. It will be a late-night eatery serving comfort foods like burgers and mac-and-cheese. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 7: LOOKING FOR LATE-NIGHT COMFORT FOOD IN COLUMBUS? THIS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND EATERY IS COMING

“The only way we’ll strive as a small business is by working with the community,” co-owner Ryan Lake said. | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.