16 Ohio Restaurants Locals Recommend Without Hesitation
Ohio locals do not “suggest” restaurants.
They deliver names like insider stock tips, and I have learned to listen with both ears and an empty schedule.
The first time I followed one of those confident recommendations, my fork barely hit the plate before I was mentally drafting my return visit.
This list is my love letter to the Buckeye State’s no-nonsense favorites, where comfort food shows up bold, burgers arrive juicy, and recipes keep their promises year after year.
I asked Ohioans what they would send an out-of-towner to without even pausing, and the answers came fast, proud, and wonderfully specific.
You will find old-school institutions that have been doing it right for decades, plus a few modern legends that earned their spot the hard way, one packed dining room at a time.
Come hungry, bring your curiosity, and prepare to meet the kind of places people brag about, crave on road trips, and talk about like old friends.
1. Tony Packo’s Cafe (The Original Tony Packo’s), Toledo
When a restaurant gets mentioned on a hit television show, you know it’s something special.
The Original Tony Packo’s at 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, gained national fame thanks to M*A*S*H, but locals knew about this Toledo treasure long before Hollywood caught on.
Founded in 1932, Tony Packo’s became famous for their Hungarian hot dogs topped with a secret chili sauce recipe that the family still guards closely.
The walls are covered with autographed hot dog buns signed by celebrities who have visited over the decades, creating a unique museum-like atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.
Beyond the signature dogs, the menu offers plenty of Hungarian-inspired dishes that reflect Toledo’s rich Eastern European heritage.
The stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikas are both outstanding choices if you want to explore beyond the famous franks.
This is comfort food at its finest, served with genuine Midwestern hospitality.
2. Slyman’s Restaurant, Cleveland
Cleveland locals will tell you that no corned beef sandwich in the world compares to what you’ll find at Slyman’s Restaurant, located at 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114.
This unassuming deli has built a legendary reputation since opening in 1964, and one bite will show you exactly why.
The corned beef is piled impossibly high, slow-cooked to tender perfection, and served on fresh rye bread that somehow manages to support the massive tower of meat.
Many first-timers make the mistake of thinking they can finish a whole sandwich themselves, but even the hungriest diners often need to take half home.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on the food.
Lines can get long during lunch hours, but the wait moves quickly, and every regular will tell you it’s absolutely worth it for what many consider the best corned beef sandwich in America.
3. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, Columbus
Stepping into this beloved German Village institution feels like taking a trip to Bavaria without leaving central Ohio.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206 has been serving up authentic German cuisine since 1886, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the entire city.
The menu features traditional favorites like bratwurst, sauerbraten, and schnitzel, all prepared with recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites, and the atmosphere captures that warm, communal feeling of a traditional German hall.
Don’t leave without trying their famous cream puffs, which are almost as big as your head and absolutely worth saving room for.
The outdoor patio becomes especially popular during warmer months, offering a perfect spot to enjoy your meal while soaking up the charming German Village atmosphere.
4. The Thurman Cafe, Columbus
Burger enthusiasts make pilgrimages to The Thurman Cafe at 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206 specifically for one thing: the Thurmanator.
This monster burger weighs in at nearly two pounds and comes loaded with two 12-ounce patties, bacon, ham, mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, cheese, and mayo, all somehow balanced between two buns.
The casual, dive bar atmosphere adds to the charm rather than detracting from it, and the walls covered with sports memorabilia give you plenty to look at while you wait.
Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, because word has definitely gotten out about this place.
Even if you’re not brave enough to tackle the Thurmanator, the regular Thurman burger is still huge and absolutely delicious.
Bring your appetite and your patience for what will be a memorable burger experience, and know that they now accept cards so you can simply focus on the food.
5. The Pine Club, Dayton
Dayton’s most legendary steakhouse doesn’t take reservations, doesn’t accept credit cards, and doesn’t feel the need to update its decor from the 1940s.
The Pine Club at 1926 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 has been doing things their way since 1947, and customers keep lining up because the steaks are simply that good.
Every steak is hand-cut to order and cooked over an open flame to your exact specifications.
The meat quality is outstanding, and the simple preparation lets the natural flavors shine through without unnecessary fuss or fancy sauces.
The old-school supper club atmosphere transports you back to a different era, complete with wood paneling and red leather booths.
Arrive early because the line starts forming before they even open, especially on weekends.
Bring cash and patience, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best steak dinners you’ll ever have.
The loyal following speaks volumes about what this place has meant to Dayton for generations.
6. Kewpee Hamburgers (Downtown), Lima
Lima’s downtown treasure at 111 N Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45801, represents one of the last remaining locations of what was once a large hamburger chain.
Kewpee Hamburgers opened in 1928 and has been serving square burgers on toasted buns to Lima residents for nearly a century.
The burgers are made fresh to order with a unique seasoning blend that regulars crave, and they’re topped with pickles, onions, and a special sauce that keeps people guessing about the secret ingredients.
The square patties hang over the edges of the round buns in a wonderfully messy way that just feels right.
The vintage lunch counter and stools create an authentic throwback dining experience that hasn’t been manufactured or modernized for Instagram.
The malts and shakes are thick and creamy, made the old-fashioned way.
This is the kind of place where grandparents brought their parents, and now they’re bringing their grandchildren, creating food memories that span generations of Lima families.
7. Camp Washington Chili, Cincinnati
Serving Cincinnati chili since 1940, Camp Washington Chili at 3005 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225, is open 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday, and has perfected the art of Cincinnati chili through decades of practice.
This no-nonsense chili parlor has won numerous awards and earned recognition from national food publications, but locals loved it long before the accolades started rolling in.
The chili recipe strikes that perfect balance of spices that defines Cincinnati-style chili, with just the right amount of sweetness and warmth.
The cheese coneys are particularly outstanding, with natural-casing hot dogs that snap when you bite into them.
The horseshoe-shaped counter encourages conversation with fellow diners, and the efficient staff keeps things moving even during the busiest times.
With those around-the-clock weekday hours, you can satisfy your chili craving almost any time, making it especially popular with night shift workers and late-night food seekers.
The prices remain incredibly affordable, especially considering the quality and generous portions you receive.
8. Blue Ash Chili, Blue Ash
Cincinnati-style chili sparks passionate debates among Ohioans, and Blue Ash Chili at 9525 Kenwood Rd Ste 5, Blue Ash, OH 45242 has earned fierce loyalty from those who have discovered it.
Unlike the big chain chili parlors, this family-owned spot keeps things simple and focuses on getting the fundamentals absolutely right.
The chili here has that distinctive Cincinnati blend of spices, including cinnamon and chocolate, served over spaghetti and topped with a mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese.
Order it three-way, four-way, or five-way, depending on whether you want onions and beans added to the mix.
The coneys are equally popular, with snappy natural-casing hot dogs nestled in steamed buns and topped with that signature chili.
The retro diner atmosphere feels authentic rather than manufactured, and the prices remain remarkably reasonable.
Locals appreciate that this place has stayed true to its roots while the neighborhood has changed around it.
9. The Golden Lamb, Lebanon
Ohio’s oldest continuously operating restaurant opened its doors in 1803, making The Golden Lamb at 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036 older than most of the buildings in your entire town.
This historic inn has hosted twelve U.S. presidents, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain, among countless other notable figures throughout American history.
The menu features classic American fare with a focus on traditional dishes like fried chicken, roast turkey, and prime rib.
Everything is prepared with care and served in dining rooms filled with antique furniture and historical artifacts that would make any museum jealous.
Each room in the restaurant is themed around a different historical figure who stayed at the inn, creating a unique atmosphere that changes as you move through the building.
The famous lamb dish appears on the menu as a nod to the restaurant’s name and heritage.
Sunday dinners here feel like stepping back in time to experience how special occasions were celebrated generations ago.
10. Mancy’s Steakhouse, Toledo
Toledo’s premier steakhouse at 953 Phillips Ave, Toledo, OH 43612 has been the go-to spot for special occasions since 1921.
Mancy’s Steakhouse represents classic fine dining done right, with white tablecloths, professional service, and steaks that rival anything you’d find in much larger cities.
The dry-aged beef is the star of the show, with cuts ranging from filet mignon to massive porterhouses that can easily feed two people.
Each steak is prepared exactly to your specifications, and the kitchen takes tremendous pride in getting it right every single time.
The old-world elegance of the dining rooms creates an atmosphere perfect for anniversaries, business dinners, or any occasion that calls for something more refined.
The seafood options are equally impressive, with fresh catches flown in regularly.
The drink list is extensive, and the staff can guide you to perfect pairings.
Generations of Toledo families have celebrated their most important moments within these walls, creating a legacy of memories.
11. Swensons Drive-In (West Akron), Akron
Akron’s most beloved burger joint at 40 S Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313 operates as a true drive-in where carhops take your order and deliver your food right to your vehicle.
Swensons Drive-In has been perfecting this classic American dining experience since 1934, and locals remain fiercely protective of this regional treasure.
The Galley Boy is the burger everyone orders, featuring two patties with a special sauce that people try to recreate at home but never quite get right.
The onion rings are hand-battered and fried to crispy perfection, and the potato puffs offer a unique alternative to regular fries.
During nice weather, the parking lot fills up quickly with everyone from families to teenagers to business people grabbing a quick lunch.
The carhops move with impressive efficiency, balancing multiple orders while navigating between parked cars.
The prices remain shockingly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive.
This is fast food the way it used to be, before everything became standardized and corporate.
12. Pier W, Lakewood
Perched right on Lake Erie at 12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, this upscale restaurant offers stunning water views that change dramatically with the seasons and weather.
Pier W combines fine dining with a spectacular natural setting that reminds you why people love living near the Great Lakes.
The seafood-focused menu features fresh fish prepared with creativity and skill, showcasing both classic preparations and more adventurous flavor combinations.
The walleye, a Lake Erie favorite, appears on the menu in multiple preparations, all of which honor this regional specialty.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that every table gets a view of the lake, and sunset reservations are particularly popular for obvious reasons.
The service is polished and professional without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
While the prices reflect the upscale nature of the restaurant, the quality of both food and experience justifies the investment.
This is where Cleveland-area residents go when they want to impress someone or celebrate something truly special.
13. Lindey’s, Columbus
German Village’s most sophisticated dining destination at 169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206, has been serving elevated American cuisine in a charming brick building since 1981.
Lindey’s manages to feel both special and approachable, making it perfect for everything from date nights to business lunches to family celebrations.
The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of fresh, local ingredients, but certain favorites like the shrimp Lindey’s appear year-round because regulars would revolt if they disappeared.
The kitchen balances creativity with accessibility, offering dishes that feel refined without being intimidating.
The bar area buzzes with energy and serves as a popular meeting spot for German Village residents and downtown workers.
The outdoor patio becomes one of the most sought-after dining spots in Columbus during warm months, surrounded by brick walls and greenery.
The service staff includes many long-time employees who know the menu inside and out and can guide you to the perfect choice for your tastes and the occasion.
14. The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro, Columbus
Housed in a converted church building at 1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220, this French fine dining establishment offers an unforgettable setting that matches the caliber of the cuisine.
The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro has been Columbus’s premier special occasion restaurant since 1981, setting the standard for elegant dining in central Ohio.
The French-inspired menu features classic preparations executed with precision and modern flair.
From escargot to duck confit to perfectly prepared beef tenderloin, every dish demonstrates the kitchen’s technical skill and respect for traditional techniques.
The soaring ceilings and stained glass windows of the former church create a dramatic backdrop for your meal, while the intimate lighting keeps things feeling romantic rather than cavernous.
The Bistro side offers a more casual atmosphere with a lighter menu at lower prices, providing options for different occasions and budgets.
The extensive collection of fine art throughout the building adds another layer of sophistication.
This is where Columbus residents go for their most important celebrations and milestones.
15. Buckeye Express Diner, Bellville
This train-themed diner inside a vintage rail car at 810 State Rte 97 W, Bellville, OH 44813 isn’t trying to recreate vintage charm because it never lost it in the first place.
Buckeye Express Diner serves classic American comfort food in an old railroad dining car perched beside the highway, drawing hungry travelers and locals who spot the Buckeye-red train on the hill.
The breakfast menu features all the standards done right, from fluffy pancakes to perfectly cooked eggs to crispy bacon that actually tastes like bacon should.
The homemade pies rotate daily and regularly sell out, so if you spot your favorite flavor, grab a slice immediately.
The counter seating encourages friendly conversation with whoever happens to sit next to you, creating that small-town Ohio friendliness that people from bigger cities find so refreshing.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the coffee flows freely.
This is the kind of place where the staff remembers your order after you’ve been there twice, and where locals gather to catch up on community news over breakfast.
16. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit (Clintonville), Columbus
What started as a food truck has evolved into one of Columbus’s most talked-about barbecue destinations at 4214 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit proves that you don’t need a fancy building to serve outstanding barbecue, just quality meat, proper smoke, and a whole lot of patience.
The ribs fall off the bone with the gentlest tug, the pulled pork is smoky and tender, and the brisket develops that perfect bark on the outside while staying moist and flavorful inside.
Everything is smoked low and slow over real wood, the way proper barbecue should be prepared.
The casual, order-at-the-counter setup keeps the focus on the food rather than the atmosphere.
The sides hold their own against the main attractions, with creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw providing perfect complements to the rich meats.
Lines form early and often, especially on weekends, because word has spread far beyond the Clintonville neighborhood about what Ray Ray’s is accomplishing with smoke and fire.