Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Columbus? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Degrees @ Columbus State Community College

5.0

5 (168)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Degrees is a full-service restaurant serving familiar favorites with a gourmet twist. Join us on Columbus State’s campus in the heart of downtown to enjoy carefully crafted food and outstanding hospitality. When you dine at Degrees, you're also supporting the next generation of the hospitality industry. Here, students in our hospitality and culinary arts programs gain valuable experience as they work alongside industry professionals. Degrees is open Monday through Thursday, with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Top review

Samantha

Dined on Dec 2, 2024

We loved our experience! The menu options were great, the food was delicious, and the staff was very friendly. Definitely plan to return!

Cento – German Village

4.8

4.8 (929)

$31 to $50

Italian

German Village

About the restaurant

A tribute to our 100th restaurant opening, Cento is an authentic, chef-driven Italian oasis. Inspired by the intimacy & culinary creativity of the finest restaurants in Italy, Cento is a warm, welcoming, & enchanting addition to German Village. Cento is a place for the entire community – a new, timeless, everyday destination where Great People Deliver Genuine Hospitality.

Our Garden Terrazza is available daily, weather permitting, on a first come first serve basis. Reservations booked are for tables inside the restaurant and will only be seated on the terrazza upon availability.

If you cannot make your scheduled reservation, we ask that you please cancel by 12PM the day of your reservation. Cancellations outside the allowed window will be charged $25/person. Walk-ins are welcome for bar top and patio seating on a first-come basis.

Valet offered daily starting at 5PM, $12 per car.

Top review

Meghan

Dined 5 days ago

Honestly this was one of the best dining experiences my bestie and I have had in a very long time and definitely the best in Columbus! When you’re spending this kind of money you expect it all to be amazing, and I can say not one thing fell short.

Butcher & Rose

4.7

4.7 (573)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Columbus

About the restaurant

There's a place where legend intertwines with reality. A paradoxical union between power & elegance; craft & creativity. An unparalleled steakhouse experience brought to you by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. This iconic location on Broad Street in Downtown Columbus showcases a harmonious blend of beauty and brawn with a playful, modern flair. We are delighted to introduce: Butcher & Rose - Now Open

Top review

Emmy

Dined 3 days ago

I booked this restaurant for my daughters 17th birthday because I wanted something special. Wow did they come through! We had a reservation at 4:30 and when we check into our hotel room which was a block away we discovered her birthday dress was still hanging up at home an hour away. She forgot it since it wasn’t in her overnight bag. Long story short we got the dress but had called the restaurant to let them know we would be almost an hour late would we still be able to come. The gentleman who answered the phone said absolutely and her birthday won’t be spoiled on our end! Relief in that moment one act of kindness gave. We get there at 5:20 to a beautiful table, incredible service, and outstanding food. From me being able to sample a couple of the white wines and settling on a delicious one from France. To our steak being cooked perfectly medium rare and that peppercorn sauce amazing. The lobster was delicious, picked two sides which my daughter loves a good gourmet Mac and cheese this one was perfect! They even give a complimentary dessert and candle. Never did we have an empty water glass and the continuous staff was either wishing her happy birthday or asking if we needed anything. If you want exceptional service, amazing food and a great experience please don’t skip this one! They even made sure we had plenty of time to get to the nutcracker!

RH Rooftop Restaurant Columbus

4.7

4.7 (3026)

$31 to $50

American

Columbus

About the restaurant

The RH Rooftop Restaurant resides on the third floor of RH Columbus, a 55,000-square-foot design gallery that blurs the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, home and hospitality. We invite you to enjoy our menu of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and a selection of wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe. Guests dine beneath a glass-and-steel atrium amidst trickling fountains, trellised London plane trees and glimmering chandeliers.

For group dining inquiries, please email: columbushospitality@rh.com

Top review

ReneeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

My husband and I wanted an evening out at a place with great food and drinks and a romantic, intimate setting. RH delivered. Our wine, burrata starter, followed by gem salad, salmon and truffle fries were all very delicious. Our waiter Giovanni was pleasant, attentive and made the evening enjoyable. We will be back :)

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Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Columbus

4.8

4.8 (5165)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

Jeff Ruby is widely considered one of the nation's preeminent restaurateurs. And, while national organizations like Zagat, Food Network, USAToday, and Wine Spectator rank his steakhouses among the best in the country - making him a celebrity in his own right, it is his total commitment to the finest food, impeccable service, and a total dining experience unlike any other that keep his loyal fans coming back year after year.

Top review

Sergio

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing service, honestly one of the best & would highly recommend!

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The Guild House - Columbus

4.8

4.8 (3900)

$31 to $50

American

Columbus

About the restaurant

The Guild House is an artisan eatery featuring creative American cuisine available for dinner. We proudly source locally grown ingredients whenever possible. Our chefs collaborate to create seasonal offerings that are regionally and globally inspired, all with artistic technique in an energetic and inviting space. Our wine list includes wines from around the world that are diverse and carefully selected, and our bar chefs craft fresh squeezed juices and spirits with skillful passion. Repurposed wood, local art and contemporary accents lend to The Guild House’s cosmopolitan character – suitable for revelry or relaxation.

Top review

Brian

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely amazing food, atmosphere, and even better service!

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4.9

4.9 (9105)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

German Village

About the restaurant

Lindey's has been consistently voted one of Columbus' top restaurants for the past 38 years, and has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, the New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, The BigTen Network and the book "As the Tables Turn" by Sue Doody & Michael Rosen.

Lindey's is a high-energy, white tablecloth restaurant serving the finest American cuisine in an upper east side New York bistro setting. Nestled in historic German Village, the design incorporates original artwork, bentwood chairs, copper topped bars and hardwood floors. With its exciting and vibrant atmosphere, Lindey's has three main dining rooms, three private party rooms and an award winning outdoor courtyard that has been voted one of the top 100 patios in America by OpenTable.

Top review

AnnaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Always outstanding service! The food is out of this world and cocktails are top notch. Such a fun Christmas outing with friends!

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Barcelona Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (2121)

$31 to $50

Spanish

German Village

About the restaurant

Tucked away in historic German Village – an authentic global dining experience awaits. Inspired by seaside sangria and a walk on the Ramblas, Barcelona is a culinary fusion of metropolitan chic & Old World European charm.
Barcelona was designed to be one of the premier independent restaurants in Columbus. We work hard to present a warm, inviting atmosphere; quality service; & above all, creative, exciting food and beverage offerings. We attribute our success to our service staff, unique, colorful individuals dedicated to exceeding your expectations. Whether it is dining at our historic bar, on the enchanting patio or in the main dining room, we hope you see the dedication of our staff each time you visit us.

Creating memorable experiences by making your family our family through food and hospitality.

Proud member of Columbus Independents.

Top review

Lina

Dined 1 day ago

Barcelona in German Village was a fantastic experience. A friend recommended this restaurant to my husband and I. The service, the ambiance, drinks and food were amazing. We will definitely be back!

The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge

4.8

4.8 (1265)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Founded in 1911 as a small ice cream and candy shop in the heart of Downtown Mount Vernon, The Alcove offers the finest dining experience in Central Ohio. Our diverse menu includes steak and seafood favorites as well as our signature Prime Rib of Beef available Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings. Within feet of one-of-a-kind shops, just a block away from The Grand Hotel, across the street from The Woodward Opera House, and a few miles from Kenyon College and the Mount Vernon Nazarene University, our establishment is a great location for gathering with loved ones young, elderly, and in between. Whether you're entertaining or looking to be entertained, The Alcove is the perfect spot for you. | Join us today to experience Casual Elegance. We'll save you a seat. | Reservations and Carry-Out orders may also be made by calling us at 740.392.3076.

Top review

Lauren

Dined 1 day ago

Perfect night for our anniversary dinner! Our waitress Allie was wonderful. The food was quick and fantastic, very reasonable prices for the quality. Drinks were delicious, the sea bass was to die for. Very cozy and romantic vibe. We will definitely be making a special trip back to the area to try again!

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4.7

4.7 (488)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Easton

About the restaurant

Inspired by Mediterranean coastal cuisine, Del Mar features flavors from southern European countries, with a rotating and seasonal made-from-scratch menu that showcases a variety of seafood accompanied by fresh produce, house-made cheeses, rich olive oil and earthy spice blends. Handcrafted cocktails with refreshing flavors will pair perfectly with the dishes and invite guests to relax amongst a scene of lush greenery and European-inspired architecture.

Top review

CharlesVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our server was really good, nice and friendly. Food was really good too.

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