Discover must-try restaurants and food in Columbus today

Columbus has a range of interesting food options to try right now, some tried and true favorites and others brand new. If you want classic fare with a twist, check out the new menu at Skipper’s Restaurant, which now combines Chester’s BBQ favorites like catfish plates and beef tips with seafood classics. For modern takes on Mexican food, Me Encanta on Broadway offers creative dishes like Ribeye al Pastor, Lamb Chops, and Churro Cheesecake, all served in a renovated, art-filled space.

Fans of comfort food can compare Scrambled Dogs at places like Southern Roots Country Store and Dinglewood Pharmacy, both well-ranked in a recent city taste test. Those looking for sweet treats can sample Mexican conchas, Mantecada, and other pastries at Chilango Pride Bakery, which has become popular for quality and affordability.

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. 1: 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. 2: 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

Ledger-Enquirer reporter Kelby Hutchison did a blind taste test of Scrambled Dogs from six Columbus restaurants to determine which he likes the best. 02/26/2025 By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: WHO HAS THE BEST SCRAMBLED DOG IN COLUMBUS? WE TRIED 6 FROM AROUND THE CITY AND RANKED THEM

A Scrambled Dog is an iconic Columbus dish that typically includes a hot dog bun, a chopped hot dog, chili, pickles, onions and oyster crackers. | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

Ledger-Enquirer reporter Kelby Hutchison recently made his first trip to Golden Chopsticks restaurant, 3846 St Marys Rd, in Columbus, Georgia. Mike Haskey, the Ledger’s visual journalist, joined him for lunch. 03/21/2025

NO. 4: ‘THE BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT IN COLUMBUS.’ WE DECIDED TO GRAB LUNCH AND SEE IF IT’S TRUE

John F. Greenman, former president and publisher of the Ledger-Enquirer, called it “The best Korean restaurant in Columbus.” | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

Ledger-Enquirer reporter Nick Wooten ordered the hamburger steak, fresh mustard green, steamed cabbage, cream potatoes, and blackberry cobbler during his visit to the Royal Cafe in Columbus, Georgia. Everything came neatly separated on this cafeteria tray. By Mike Haskey

NO. 5: ICONIC COLUMBUS RESTAURANT PLANS REOPENING ‘FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ASKING.’

For fans of meat-and-threes and Southern homestyle cooking, this is good news for you. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Chilango Pride Bakery on Hamilton Road in Columbus bakes Mexican bread and a variety of pastries and desserts. Ledger-Enquirer reporters taste-tested several different items on the menu. By Mike Haskey

NO. 6: HAVE A SWEET TOOTH? HERE’S OUR REVIEW OF THIS HIDDEN GEM OF A BAKERY IN COLUMBUS

Ledger-Enquirer photo chief Mike Haskey treated colleagues to these sweet treats. Between mouthfuls and during mouthfuls, they told him what they thought. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Haskey

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