12 UNIQUE Restaurants in Ohio for Foodies (Ultimate List)

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Ohio’s food scene is way cooler than most people give it credit for. From the bustling markets of Cleveland to the trendy eateries in Columbus and the hidden gems in Cincinnati, this state has something for every foodie. I’ve visited Ohio several times and fallen in love with its diverse dining options, from hole-in-the-wall gems to upscale, chef-driven spots.

Having explored everywhere from the German Village in Columbus to Ohio City in Cleveland and Findlay Market in Cincinnati, I know just how vibrant the food culture here is. Whether you’re craving creative comfort food, farm-to-table feasts, or one-of-a-kind themed restaurants, Ohio delivers. These 12 restaurants aren’t just great places to eat—they’re the kind of spots you’ll want to plan your next trip around. Let’s dig in!

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re in Cincinnati, you have to check out this streetcar food tour with Findlay Market! It’s basically a crash course in trying all the local flavors, with stops at 6 of the city’s coolest spots. You’ll get to munch on all the best dishes imaginable, including Greek chicken pitas, gourmet burgers, Keema Samosa, Scottish bangers, pizza, French macarons, Belgian waffles, homemade fudge, and more. It’s the perfect way to dive into Cincinnati’s food scene with a small group tour.

Unique Restaurants in Ohio: 12 Incredible Ohio Eateries

Ohio’s unique restaurants offer a feast for both the eyes and the palate, each with its own special charm. From historic settings to creative themes, these dining spots provide more than just great food; they create unforgettable experiences. And for an even more elaborate dining experience in OH, be sure to check out these top spa resorts!

Join us as we journey through Ohio, uncovering these culinary gems that are sure to delight and surprise.

1. Mike’s Place

• 📍 Location: Kent (Near Kent State University)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Pub Fare / Huge Menu / Eclectic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Insanely eclectic/kitschy decor, massive diverse menu, huge beer selection, fun atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: College crowds, casual hangs, huge menu explorers, kitsch lovers, and beer fans.

Get ready for sensory overload at Mike’s Place in Kent. This legendary spot near Kent State is famous for its completely over-the-top, wildly eclectic decor – movie props, weird signs, random objects everywhere – creating a super fun, slightly chaotic vibe.

The menu is just as massive. Their burgers, like the “Godzilla Burger,” are a popular choice. Huge plates of nachos or their various fried appetizers are also great for sharing. They also boast a seriously impressive beer list.

2. Buckeye Express Diner

• 📍 Location: Bellville (Off I-71)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Diner Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining inside repurposed train cars, strong Ohio State Buckeye theme, classic diner food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: OSU Buckeye fans, families/kids, roadside attraction seekers, unique diner lovers, and I-71 travelers.

All aboard for classic diner eats at the Buckeye Express Diner right off I-71! This unique spot lets you dine inside actual repurposed vintage train cars, all decked out in scarlet and gray celebrating Ohio State University. It’s a full-on Buckeye shrine.

The menu serves straightforward American diner fare. Their juicy cheeseburgers are a good bet. Classic breakfast items like pancakes and omelets, or a comforting hot roast beef sandwich, are also popular. It’s a quirky roadside attraction.

3. Pier W

• 📍 Location: Lakewood (West of Cleveland, Overlooking Lake Erie)
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Seafood / Contemporary American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Lake Erie/skyline views, ship hull architecture, fresh seafood/prime meats, Sunday Brunch, awarded wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Lake views, special occasions, romantic dinners, seafood lovers, and impressing guests.

Talk about dinner with a view! Pier W in Lakewood is built into a cliff overlooking Lake Erie, designed to look like the hull of a cruise ship. Prepare for stunning panoramic views of the lake and the Cleveland skyline.

Chef Cassandra Soja focuses on fresh seafood. The pan-seared scallops are a highlight. Their bouillabaisse, or simply prepared fresh Lake Erie walleye, are also excellent choices. Their Sunday Brunch is legendary among Clevelanders.

4. Momo Ghar

• 📍 Location: Cleveland (Multiple locations, including inside Saraga International Market)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Nepalese / Tibetan / Dumplings
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Himalayan momos (dumplings), flavorful dipping sauces, often found in vibrant market settings, casual and affordable.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Dumpling fanatics, adventurous eaters seeking unique Asian flavors, budget-friendly meals, and exploring Nepalese/Tibetan cuisine.

Get ready for a delicious journey to the Himalayas at Momo Ghar! This beloved Cleveland spot, often found tucked inside bustling international markets, specializes in authentic Nepalese and Tibetan momos – delectable steamed or fried dumplings that are pure comfort food.

Trying their signature jhol momo (dumplings served in a savory, tangy broth) is essential. Their classic steamed pork or vegetable momos served with a vibrant tomato-based dipping sauce are also incredibly popular. Momo Ghar offers a simple, flavorful, and affordable taste of the Himalayas.

5. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Columbus (German Village)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic German / Sausages
• 🔥 Standout Features: Columbus icon since 1886, famous Autobahn Buffet, Bahama Mama sausage, giant Cream Puffs, polka music.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food lovers, sausage fanatics, hearty appetites, family dinners, and festive group meals.

A true Columbus icon in historic German Village, Schmidt’s has been serving hearty German fare since 1886. This lively restaurant is renowned for its “Autobahn Buffet,” featuring an all-you-can-eat selection of German specialties. The atmosphere is pure Oktoberfest fun.

Their signature spicy Bahama Mama sausage is a must-try. Bratwurst, crispy schnitzel, and traditional sides like sauerkraut and German potato salad are also fantastic. Don’t leave without trying their legendary, giant cream puffs.

6. Thirsty Pony

• 📍 Location: Sandusky (Near Cedar Point)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Pub Fare / Pizza / Sports Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Large sports bar/restaurant, adjacent OTB (off-track betting), pub games, casual family-friendly vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sports fans, casual family meals, groups near Cedar Point, betting enthusiasts, and pub grub seekers.

Located near Cedar Point, Thirsty Pony is a large, bustling sports bar and restaurant offering something for almost everyone. With tons of TVs for catching the game and a lively atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for casual gatherings.

The menu features straightforward American pub fare. Their burgers, like the “Pony Burger,” are a popular choice. Crispy chicken wings, various pizzas, or hearty sandwiches are also designed to satisfy hunger after a day at the amusement park.

7. Jimmie’s Ladder 11

• 📍 Location: Dayton (South Park Historic District)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic American / Gastropub
• 🔥 Standout Features: Housed in a historic former firehouse, firehouse decor/memorabilia, gastropub menu, live music often.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History/firehouse buffs, gastropub fans, live music lovers, casual dates, and unique neighborhood dining.

Dine inside a piece of Dayton history at Jimmie’s Ladder 11, in a preserved historic firehouse in South Park. The space retains original character, filled with cool firefighting memorabilia and offering a unique, atmospheric setting. They have live music.

The menu features eclectic, elevated American pub fare. Creative sandwiches, like their popular Reuben or a gourmet grilled cheese, are great. Hearty entrees such as steak frites or inventive pasta dishes also impress.

8. The Haunted House Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Cleveland Heights
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Themed Dining / American Comfort Food / Creative Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Horror movie/haunted house theme, spooky decor/animatronics, themed menu items, immersive experience.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Horror fans, themed dining seekers, fun group outings, unique date nights, and Halloween lovers year-round.

Get ready for dinner with spooky fun at The Haunted House Restaurant! This spot fully embraces its theme, decking out the space with horror movie memorabilia, creepy decor, and an overall haunted house vibe. It’s designed to be immersive for fans of the genre.

Chow down on comfort food with spooky names. “Nightmare Nachos” piled high with toppings are a popular starter. A “Chucky Burger” or their “Vampire Garlic Bread” are also fun choices while Freddy or Jason might wander past your table.

9. Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern

• 📍 Location: Wooster
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Steakhouse / American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located in a historic former county jail (1865), dining in jail cells possible, unique historic ambiance, steak focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs, unique dining settings, steak lovers, special occasion meals, and experiencing a former jail.

Ever wanted dinner behind bars (voluntarily)? You can at the Olde Jaol Steakhouse in Wooster! This unique restaurant is housed within the historic Wayne County jail building from 1865. Guests can dine within refurbished original jail cells.

The menu focuses on classic American steakhouse fare. A perfectly cooked filet mignon or a flavorful ribeye are excellent choices. Seafood options like grilled salmon or lobster tail, and traditional sides, complete the experience.

10. The Whitehouse Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Whitehouse (Near Toledo)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Diner / Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Long-standing local diner, classic comfort food, friendly small-town vibe, often known for breakfast/pie.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic diner fans, comfort food lovers, small-town dining explorers, budget-friendly meals, and pie enthusiasts.

Experience classic small-town charm at The Whitehouse Restaurant. This spot is a long-standing local institution, the kind of friendly, unpretentious diner known for serving hearty portions of familiar American comfort food. They are famous for their pies.

Classic breakfast plates, like eggs, bacon, and toast, are a staple. Satisfying lunches like burgers and melts (a tuna melt is a classic), or homestyle dinner specials such as meatloaf or roast turkey, are also popular. Save room for a slice of homemade pie.

11. Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop

• 📍 Location: Greenville
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Loose Meat Sandwiches
• 🔥 Standout Features: Famous loose meat sandwich (Maid-Rite), historic chain origins, simple/nostalgic menu, counter service vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Trying Maid-Rite sandwiches, nostalgic food fans, quick/cheap eats, experiencing a Midwest classic, and simple comfort food.

Get a taste of a true Midwest original at the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Greenville. This spot is part of a historic chain famous for its unique signature sandwich: the Maid-Rite, featuring seasoned loose ground beef served on a warm bun.

The menu is straightforward, focusing on the Maid-Rite (get it with cheese and pickles!). Classic sides like fries or onion rings, and simple milkshakes or pie for dessert, complete the nostalgic experience. It’s a piece of Midwestern culinary history.

12. Black Forest Cafe

• 📍 Location: Harrison (Near Cincinnati/Indiana border)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German / American
• 🔥 Standout Features: German specialties (schnitzel/sauerbraten), cozy Black Forest theme, beer garden possibly, homestyle cooking.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food fans, comfort food seekers, casual dinners, trying schnitzel/sauerbraten, and cozy vibes.

Get a taste of Germany in Harrison at the Black Forest Cafe. This spot offers authentic German specialties alongside American favorites in a cozy setting, with charming Black Forest-inspired decor – think cuckoo clocks or dark wood accents. Expect hearty, homestyle dishes.

Look for German classics like crispy schnitzel (Wiener or Jäger style). Tangy sauerbraten with red cabbage and spaetzle, or various German sausages with sauerkraut, are also excellent. They might feature German beers or a pleasant beer garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Ohio

Explore our Ohio restaurant guide’s FAQ section for insights into the state’s vibrant food scene, covering everything from iconic dishes to standout dining destinations.

What is Ohio’s most famous restaurant?

Ohio boasts several renowned eateries, but one that often tops the list is The Precinct in Cincinnati. Known for its fine dining and exceptional steaks, The Precinct has a rich history and a reputation for culinary excellence. It’s a place where both locals and tourists flock to experience some of the best food in Ohio, set in an elegant, historic police patrol house.

What is Ohio famous for food?

Ohio has a diverse culinary scene, with a special nod to its comfort foods. The state is known for dishes like Cincinnati chili, served over spaghetti or hot dogs, and Buckeye candies, peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. These local specialties reflect Ohio’s rich cultural heritage and are a must-try for anyone exploring the state’s food landscape.

What is Ohio’s oldest restaurant?

The Golden Lamb in Lebanon holds the title of Ohio’s oldest restaurant. Established in 1803, it has been serving guests for over two centuries. This historic inn and restaurant has hosted many famous guests, including 12 U.S. presidents. Its traditional American fare and historic charm make it a unique destination for those interested in both history and cuisine.

What fast food is from Ohio?

Ohio is the birthplace of several fast-food chains, but Wendy’s stands out as a notable example. Founded in Columbus in 1969 by Dave Thomas, Wendy’s quickly grew into a global brand. Known for its square hamburgers and Frosty desserts, Wendy’s reflects Ohio’s contribution to the fast-food industry.

Is Ohio known for pizza?

While not traditionally known for pizza, Ohio has made its mark with a unique style. Ohio Valley-style pizza, particularly popular in Steubenville, features a cold cheese topping added after the pizza is baked. This distinct approach to pizza has garnered a following and adds to the state’s diverse culinary identity.

What are some extraordinary restaurants in Ohio?

Ohio is home to an array of unique restaurants, each offering a distinct dining experience. From the quirky decor and history of The Schoolhouse Restaurant to the horror-themed Haunted House Restaurant, Ohio’s dining scene is full of surprises. These establishments provide not just great food but also memorable experiences, making them standout destinations for both locals and visitors.

What are the best options for fine dining in Ohio?

For those seeking fine dining in Ohio, options abound. Cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus boast high-end restaurants like Orchids at Palm Court and Lola Bistro, known for their exquisite menus and elegant atmospheres. These establishments offer gourmet dishes, expertly paired wines, and impeccable service, ensuring a top-tier dining experience.

Are there any famous food festivals in Ohio?

Ohio hosts several food festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich culinary heritage. The Columbus Food Truck Festival and the Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic are just a couple of examples. These festivals, among many other fun things to do in Ohio, showcase the best of Ohio’s food scene, from local specialties to innovative culinary creations, offering a taste of the state’s diverse and vibrant food culture.

Final Thoughts On Unique Ohio Restaurants

Exploring the unique restaurants in Ohio is like embarking on a culinary adventure. Each establishment tells its own story, whether through historical settings, quirky themes, or innovative menus. These dining spots are experiences that linger in your memory long after the meal is over.

Ohio’s diverse restaurant scene offers something for everyone, from history enthusiasts to foodies seeking new flavors. As you travel through Ohio, let your taste buds lead the way to these extraordinary eateries, where every meal is an adventure waiting to be savored amidst the backdrop of Midwestern charm.