Note: The poster of the request did not indicate price range or cuisine preferences; my requirements are reasonably inexpensive and interesting (often ethnic) food, so none of these are $$$$ or "typical Midwestern food".
"In" Spots (i.e. crowded, but the food may be worth it):
Figlio's, 1369 Grandview Ave:
Pasta and Wood-Fired Pizza
Spagio's down the street has a similar menu and more space (but just as
long a wait), but the food is better at Figlio's. My favorite dinner:
Field Greens Salad and Wild Mushroom Pizza.
Bravo Cucina, 3000 Hayden Road:
Italian, one of the few places in town that offers Northern Italian dishes
Less Crowded Options:
Pastabilities, 161 & Karl Road:
A new (mostly) Italian restaurant, where the chef knows what he's doing and
isn't afraid to experiment a bit. The specials are worth checking out:
the BBQ pork lasagne and the "chicken nuggets" with roasted peppers etc.
are wonderful though they sound suspicious at first. Our waitress
offered to bring a sample of the BBQ lasagne before we ordered, so you
might inquire about dishes you're not sure of.
Thai Orchid, 7654 Sawmill Road:
Thai and Chinese
We had a party of 22 adults & kids the first time I went. The staff is
excellent and the food is exquisite.
Lai Lai, 5125 E Main Street:
Chinese
I found it worth a 20 minute drive (each way) for a carryout last week,
even with five Chinese reastaurants within 12 blocks of my apartment.
King Avenue Coffee House, 247 King Avenue:
Vegetarian, with an entensive tea & coffee menu
The service is often slow, but the food is good. Try the sesame noodles hot
or check out the quiche of the day.
a la carte, 2333 N. High Street:
Rotating menu of Meditteranean dishes;
Again, the service can be slow, but the food is good.
Enjoy a selection from the on-site wine shop for a very resonable corking
fee.
Enjoy, and let me know if you find any gems.
Susy I.
[email removed]Columbus, OH