20 Best Restaurants in Columbus, GA

I've been living in Columbus, Georgia, for quite a while now, and I have to say, one of my favorite things about this city is its incredible and diverse culinary scene.

From classic Southern comfort food to international delicacies, Columbus offers something for everyone's taste buds.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I've spent a good amount of time trying out various eateries around town, and I've compiled a list of my absolute favorites.

In this article, I'll be sharing the 20 best restaurants in Columbus, Georgia.

Trust me, if you get the chance to visit these spots, you won't be disappointed!

Mabella's Italian Steakhouse

Last week, I decided to treat myself to a cozy dinner at Mabella's Italian Steakhouse, which has become one of my favorite go-to spots in town.

As I walked in, the exposed brick walls and art-adorned space provided the perfect ambiance for a relaxing evening.

The quaint trattoria had a warm and inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home.

Although it was my first time trying their steak, I had heard wonderful things about it.

So, I decided to order the filet mignon, and it was cooked to perfection - tender and juicy, with just the right amount of seasoning.

In addition to the steak, I couldn't resist trying some Italian classics.

The lasagna was incredibly flavorful, with layers of rich, cheesy goodness.

The waiter also recommended their signature tiramisu for dessert, and it was the perfect ending to the meal - light, creamy, and simply divine.

Warehouse 9

I recently had the chance to visit Warehouse 9, and it was an amazing experience.

The atmosphere was lively, with a perfect combination of a rustic warehouse ambiance and modern touches.

The music selection was on point, and the DJ really knew how to get the crowd moving.

One of the standout features of Warehouse 9 was the incredible selection of craft beers.

I was so impressed by the variety of options, from local brews to international favorites.

I also tried some of their signature dishes, and they did not disappoint.

The portions were generous, and the flavors were perfectly balanced.

I particularly enjoyed the blue cheeseburger, which was tender and full of flavor.

Millhouse Kitchen + Bar

There's nothing quite like a visit to Millhouse Kitchen + Bar to experience a delightful meal in a casual yet refined atmosphere.

I recently dined at this fabulous restaurant, and I must say, the food, service, and overall experience were absolutely outstanding.

Upon entering Millhouse, I was immediately impressed by the warm and inviting atmosphere, with its exposed brick walls and industrial-chic decor.

I began my meal with the highly recommended Fried Green Tomatoes appetizer, and I was not disappointed.

The tomatoes were crispy and well-seasoned, served with delicious house-made pimento cheese, and topped with a tangy, smoky bacon jam.

The combination of flavors was truly delectable.

For my main course, I opted for the Shrimp & Grits, which is always a favorite of mine.

The dish exceeded my expectations with its creamy stone-ground grits, perfectly cooked shrimp, and rich, flavorful sauce.

I also couldn't resist trying a glass of wine from their extensive menu.

Saltcellar

The ambiance at Saltcellar was cozy and inviting, with beautiful decor that made my visit all the more enjoyable.

One thing that stood out to me was the extensive collection of gourmet salts from all around the world.

I'm a big fan of experimenting with different flavors in my cooking, and Saltcellar provided a wide variety of unique and exotic salts that I couldn't wait to try.

I was impressed by their passion for their products and their commitment to providing excellent customer service.

In addition to the gourmet salts, Saltcellar also offers a variety of other high-quality products, such as artisanal pepper grinders, Himalayan salt lamps, and unique kitchen accessories.

I was particularly drawn to their selection of beautifully crafted saltcellars, which would make a great addition to my dining table.

Epic Restaurant

Last weekend, I decided to treat myself to a fine dining experience at Epic Restaurant, known for its elevated American cuisine and extensive wine menu.

The moment I entered the restaurant, I was blown away by the contemporary white-tablecloth setting, which added a touch of elegance to the already incredible atmosphere.

As I perused through their menu, I noticed a great selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts that showcased the culinary creativity of the chefs at Epic.

I started with the lobster bisque, which was rich in flavor and had the perfect velvety texture.

For my main course, I went with the almond-crusted trout.

The wine menu was also quite impressive, featuring a variety of options to suit any palate.

Morten's at Old Town

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Morten's at Old Town, and it was an exquisite experience.

The ambiance and decor immediately transported me to a cozy European setting, making me feel at home.

As for the food, it was nothing short of amazing.

I started with the French onion soup, which was rich and flavorful with a generous amount of melted cheese.

For the main course, I opted for the steak au poivre, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a delicious pepper sauce.

The vegetables and potatoes served alongside were fresh and well-prepared.

To finish off, I indulged in their delightful red velvet cake, which was a delightful and satisfying end to the meal.

11th and Bay Southern Table

I recently had the pleasure of dining at 11th and Bay Southern Table, and I must say it exceeded my expectations.

As soon as I walked in, I was captivated by the rustic-chic atmosphere.

The indoor and outdoor seating options made for a comfortable dining experience.

The menu was filled with Southern classics that had been given a modern twist.

I started with the fried green tomatoes, which were cooked to perfection and served with a delicious sauce.

For my entree, I couldn't resist ordering the pork chop.

The dish was presented beautifully, which only added to the enjoyment of my meal.

The bar at 11th and Bay Southern Table also had a great selection of drinks.

I tried one of their signature cocktails and was not disappointed.

It was a refreshing complement to my meal and made for a relaxing evening.

The Loft

I've lived in this city for years, and The Loft has always been one of my favorite spots.

It's a trendy place where you can find a variety of casual American fare, and the upstairs lounge features live music and comedy acts.

The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it an ideal spot to spend a night out with friends or a date.

One thing I love about The Loft is the quality of their food.

Their menu offers a diverse range of dishes, and everything I've tried has been delicious.

Some of my favorites include their juicy burgers, flavorful salads, noodles, and mouthwatering appetizers.

The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, which is always a plus.

The Loft's upstairs lounge is where the magic really happens.

They host some of the best local bands, and I've discovered some amazing musicians there.

The comedy acts are always a hit, too – I've laughed until my sides hurt on more than one occasion.

Another great thing about The Loft is its location.

It's only situated in a bustling part of town with plenty of parking available, which makes it a convenient spot for an evening out.

The Simple Greek

One of my favorite places to grab a quick and delicious meal is The Simple Greek.

The menu here offers a variety of tasty options, including build-your-own bowls, gyros, and salads, which makes it easy to customize your meal to your preference.

I usually go for the build-your-own bowl with a choice of protein, toppings, and sauces.

The marinated chicken is incredibly flavorful and tender, while the roasted vegetables are fresh and well-seasoned.

I love how they offer a generous portion of tzatziki sauce, which adds a refreshing tanginess to the meal.

The pita bread is warm and soft, perfect for dipping into the rich hummus.

Don't forget to try their signature Greek potatoes as a side – they're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that leave a lasting impression.

Thai House

Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Thai House, a casual restaurant located in Columbus.

The cozy atmosphere immediately made me feel at home, and the unfussy decor added to the relaxed vibe of the place.

The menu boasted a variety of familiar Thai noodle dishes, curries, and stir-fries, making it difficult to choose just one dish.

I ended up ordering a delicious Pad Thai, which was packed with flavor and made to perfection.

The portion size was generous, ensuring that I would be taking some home for later.

My dining companion opted for a mouth-watering Green Curry, which had the right balance of spice and flavor.

We were both very impressed with the quality of the food and the presentation.

In addition to the great food, the service at Thai House was exceptional.

Charred Oak Kitchen + Bar

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Charred Oak Kitchen + Bar, and I must say it was a delightful experience.

The menu here had a wide variety of delicious options, and it took me a while to decide on what to order.

I finally settled on the salmon with Caesar salad, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

For my drink, I decided to try one of their signature cocktails, and I was not disappointed.

Even though the restaurant was quite busy, I never felt rushed or neglected.

The atmosphere of Charred Oak Kitchen + Bar is cozy and inviting, with a mix of rustic charm and modern elegance.

It is the perfect place for a date night or a meal with friends.

I can't wait to go back and try some of their other dishes and explore more of their extensive cocktail list.

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine

Visiting Uptown Vietnam Cuisine has always been an enjoyable experience for me.

I love their cozy, family-owned atmosphere, which offers a perfect casual setting for a laid-back meal with friends or a low-key dinner date.

Over the years, I have tried many of their delicious homemade Vietnamese dishes.

Their pho, in particular, has a depth of flavor that I cannot find anywhere else.

The broth is rich and fragrant, and the noodles are always cooked to perfection.

The generous portions of meat and fresh vegetables make it a complete meal in itself.

In addition to its amazing pho, Uptown Vietnam Cuisine also offers a variety of other mouthwatering dishes that never fail to impress.

Their banh mi sandwiches are packed with flavor and feature a perfect balance of textures, from the crispy baguette to the tender meat and pickled vegetables inside.

I also highly recommend trying one of their refreshing bubble tea drinks to complement your meal.

If you fancy a drink, they have a nice selection of beer and wine too.

The Animal Farm

Venturing into Columbus, Georgia's charming downtown area, I discovered a delightful culinary haven: The Animal Farm.

There's something heartwarmingly inviting about The Animal Farm that made even a dreary day feel comforting.

The true charm, however, was in the food.

The pig-in blankets and the Brussels sprouts proved to be delightful appetizers, both exuding a perfect blend of flavors.

However, the undoubted crowning glory of my meal was the Harlot Burger.

It was nothing short of gastronomic brilliance.

Its super juicy consistency and power-packed flavors propelled it straight to my top three burgers of all time, a testament to the culinary skills of the chef.

I also sampled the Grit Bowl. The grits alone were a revelation - incredibly creamy with a flavor profile that was both rich and satisfying.

The Speakeasy

Last Friday, I decided to spend my evening at The Speakeasy, a longtime restaurant in the area known for its full bar, game area, and diverse menu of pizza, burgers, and other familiar eats.

The menu offered a variety of delicious options to choose from, and I ultimately decided on a classic cheeseburger with a side of crispy fries.

The burger was cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor, while the fries were seasoned just right.

I also couldn't help but notice the mouthwatering pizzas being served to the table next to me, which I will definitely be trying on my next visit.

One of the highlights of The Speakeasy is its game area, which offers a fun and interactive way to spend time with friends or make new ones.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing a few rounds of pool and trying my luck at the arcade games.

The full bar also served a wide selection of beers and cocktails to accompany the exciting game night.

The Black Cow

I had the pleasure of visiting The Black Cow recently, and I must say, it was an amazing experience.

The place has such a homey atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for some Southern-inspired comfort food.

One of the dishes I tried was their famous fried green tomatoes, and they were absolutely delicious.

The balance of flavors and the crunchiness of the tomatoes made it a memorable dish that I would love to have again.

I also enjoyed their other offerings – the shrimp and grits were cooked to perfection, and the chicken pot pie had a flaky, golden crust that was just divine.

Their assortment of cocktails was fantastic too. I decided to try one of their signature drinks, and I was not disappointed.

It was refreshing and had just the right amount of kick to it.

Trevioli Italian Kitchen

I always appreciate a warm and cozy atmosphere, and Trevioli Italian Kitchen offers just that with its dimly lit setting.

The handmade pasta dishes at this restaurant are truly exquisite and worth every single bite.

I remember trying their steaks and seafood as well—absolutely delicious!

And to top it all off, they have a fantastic selection of wines by the bottle, which really enhanced our dining experience.

I can see why it's such a popular spot in our town, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

Ruth Ann's Restaurant

I recently had breakfast at Ruth Ann's Restaurant, and I must say, it was an amazing experience.

The place is unpretentious, and it serves hearty, down-home fare for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

As soon as I walked in, I noticed the warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home.

I ordered the Cap'n Crunch french toast because it sounded unique, and it did not disappoint.

The portion sizes were generous, and I couldn't even finish my plate.

However, I noticed that they offer doggy bags, which is a nice touch for those who want to take their leftovers home.

The prices were also very reasonable, making it a great option for anyone on a budget.

Smokey Bones Columbus

Visiting Smokey Bones Columbus to satisfy my craving for some delicious smokehouse and barbecue dishes was a great decision!

The moment I walked into this easygoing bar and grill chain, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

One thing I absolutely loved about Smokey Bones Columbus was its extensive menu.

There were so many mouth-watering options to choose from!

I finally decided on the pulled pork sandwich, which was served with a side of crispy fries.

The meat was tender and full of flavor, while the barbecue sauce had just the right amount of tanginess.

To accompany my meal, I ordered a refreshing craft beer from their impressive selection.

The bartender was knowledgeable and helped me choose the perfect beer to complement my barbecue.

As I sipped on my drink and enjoyed the laid-back ambiance, I couldn't help but feel grateful for having discovered this local gem.

In addition to the fantastic food and drinks, I was also impressed by the cleanliness and cozy decor of the restaurant.

Carrabba's Italian Grill

The other day, my family and I decided to dine at Carrabba's Italian Grill in Columbus, Georgia, for a change.

We were in the mood for some authentic Italian cuisine, and we had heard great things about this place.

We started with the Tomato Caprese with Fresh Burrata as an appetizer, which was an absolute delight.

The combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, and tangy balsamic glaze was simply perfect.

For the main course, I went with the Chicken Bryan, which was a grilled chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a basil lemon butter sauce.

The chicken was cooked to perfection, and the flavors blended together beautifully.

My wife chose the Lobster Ravioli, which was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

Our kids enjoyed their classic Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti with meatballs, both of which were flavorful and satisfying.

The dining area was clean, and the ambiance was warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a family dinner or a date night.

Wicked Hen Restaurant

Last weekend, I decided to treat myself to a lovely brunch at Wicked Hen Restaurant, and it truly lived up to its reputation.

Their menu offered a great variety of dishes, and I started off with their whipped feta and honey appetizer.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors was absolutely mouthwatering!

Wanting to try more of their Southern specialties, I opted for their chicken and waffles as my main course.

It was cooked to perfection, the perfect balance of sweet and salty, just the way I love them.

I also decided to go with their recommendation of a refreshing house cocktail, which paired perfectly with my meal.

One of the highlights of my experience was the live music that played throughout my visit.

The talented musicians created a lively atmosphere that made my brunch experience even more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Living in Columbus, Georgia, has truly been a culinary delight.

With such a diverse range of options available, from traditional Southern classics to modern twists on international favorites, there's always something new and exciting to try at the local eateries.

So, if you find yourself in Columbus, be sure to explore these fantastic dining options and indulge in the city's vibrant food scene.