This Ohio Restaurant Is Quietly Becoming One Of The State’s Most Talked-About Places Heading Into 2026
I never expected to walk into a restaurant on South High Street in Columbus, Ohio, and leave thinking about it for weeks.
But that is exactly what happened at Agni, located at 716 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206. This place has been quietly building a reputation that is spreading far beyond Ohio’s borders, turning into one of those dining destinations people actually plan trips around.
Chef Avishar Barua has created something truly special here. It is not just the food, though, that alone would be enough to earn the praise.
It is the entire experience, from the moment you step through the door until you walk out hours later, completely satisfied and maybe a little bit changed.
What makes Agni different is how it balances sophistication with soul. You get world-class cooking without any of the stuffiness that sometimes comes with fine dining.
Instead, you get warmth, creativity, and genuine hospitality that make you feel like you are part of something memorable, something truly special.
1. A Journey Through Flavor and Memory
Walking into Agni feels different from other restaurants. The space is modern but not cold, intimate without feeling cramped.
What Chef Avishar Barua has created here goes beyond typical fine dining. His tasting menu takes you on what he calls a travel experience, weaving together flavors from his Bangladeshi heritage, childhood memories, and global culinary influences.
Each course tells a story, and you can feel the personal connection in every bite.
The menu changes regularly, keeping things fresh and giving guests reasons to return. Some dishes pay tribute to fast food favorites with elevated twists, while others explore traditional techniques from around the world.
What strikes me most is how the food manages to be both playful and profound. You might find yourself smiling at a clever reference to a childhood snack, then moments later, savoring complex flavors that showcase serious culinary skill.
This balance is rare and makes Agni stand out in Ohio’s dining landscape.
2. Service That Feels Like Family
One thing guests mention again and again is the staff at Agni. They are not just knowledgeable, they are genuinely enthusiastic about what they do.
Each course gets introduced by different team members, creating a rotating cast of friendly faces throughout your meal. This approach lets you connect with multiple people who all bring their own energy and expertise to your table.
They explain dishes with real passion, not rehearsed scripts.
The service style is attentive without being intrusive. Your water glass never sits empty, but you never feel rushed or watched.
Staff members seem to anticipate needs before you even realize you have them.
What really sets the service apart is the lack of pretension. Despite offering a high-end experience, nobody makes you feel like you need to know fancy culinary terms or act a certain way.
You can relax, ask questions, and just enjoy yourself.
3. The Mystery Menu Experience
Here is something fun about dining at Agni. You do not get a menu when you sit down.
Instead, each course arrives as a surprise.
Only at the end of your meal do they hand you a printed menu showing everything you just ate. This approach turns dinner into an adventure where you focus completely on the food in front of you rather than thinking ahead to what comes next.
Some guests request the menu upfront if they have dietary concerns or just prefer knowing what to expect. The staff happily accommodates either preference without judgment.
I found the mystery approach made me more present during the meal. Instead of comparing one course to another or saving room for a specific dish, I gave full attention to whatever arrived.
Each plate became its own little event, sparking conversation and genuine surprise at the table.
4. Standout Dishes That Stay With You
Certain dishes at Agni have become legendary among regular guests. The biryani gets mentioned constantly in reviews, with people calling it heart-stealing and unforgettable.
Then there is the playful tribute to fast food. The restaurant creates elevated versions of nostalgic favorites, like a deconstructed happy meal that somehow manages to be both whimsical and sophisticated.
One dessert called the Wendy’s secret has people talking about it months after their visit.
The dumpling course showcases Chef Barua’s technical skill, paired with sauces that demonstrate his understanding of flavor balance. Another favorite is the Caesar Chaat Froid, which combines unexpected elements into something entirely new.
Small bites pack intense flavor, showing how much thought goes into every element on the plate. You leave satisfied despite the portions being designed for a multi-course experience.
The progression feels perfectly paced from start to finish.
5. Wine and Beverage Pairings Worth Every Penny
Agni offers beverage pairings that guests consistently describe as perfect matches for the food. The basic pairing option gets as much praise as the premium selection.
The sommelier brings knowledge and enthusiasm to each pour, explaining why specific choices complement certain dishes. You might try bottles from Germany, Portugal, or other regions you would not normally explore, expanding your palate alongside the food journey.
For those who prefer not to drink, the restaurant creates thoughtful non-alcoholic options. These are not afterthoughts but carefully crafted beverages that stand on their own.
Custom sodas and other inventive creations show the same creativity as the food menu.
Guests often mention that the beverage pairings enhanced their meal without overshadowing it. The portions are sized just right, giving you enough to appreciate each selection without feeling overwhelmed by the end of the evening.
6. Those Unforgettable Bathrooms
Yes, I am dedicating a whole section to the bathrooms. Trust me, they deserve it.
Multiple reviews mention the restrooms at Agni, which tells you something special is happening in there. Custom wallpaper creates a fun atmosphere, and the space is stocked with amenities beyond what you would typically expect.
The real star is the Japanese Toto toilet, which delights guests enough that they actually write about it in their reviews. One former Tokyo resident specifically praised this touch, showing how much attention to detail the restaurant puts into every aspect of the experience.
Even the music selection in the bathroom gets mentioned, with Japanese city pop creating an unexpectedly cool vibe. These small touches show that Agni thinks about the complete guest experience, not just what happens at your table.
It is these kinds of details that turn a great meal into a memorable night out.
7. Perfect for Celebrations and Special Occasions
Agni has become the go-to spot for anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestone moments. The staff excels at making celebrations feel extra special without going overboard.
When you mention a special occasion during your reservation, they acknowledge it thoughtfully. Past guests have received personalized cards, candles with dessert, and other small gestures that show they care about making your night memorable.
The intimate atmosphere naturally lends itself to romantic dinners and important celebrations. You can have meaningful conversations without shouting over noise, and the pacing of the tasting menu gives you time to savor both the food and the company.
People travel from Indianapolis, other Ohio cities, and beyond specifically to celebrate at Agni. That says something about the experience.
When guests are willing to make it a destination rather than just a dinner, you know the restaurant has achieved something rare and valuable.
8. Value That Surprises in the Best Way
Fine dining often comes with sticker shock, but guests consistently call Agni a bargain compared to similar experiences in major cities.
One reviewer compared it favorably to flying to Paris for a three-star Michelin meal, noting you get comparable quality at a fraction of the total cost. The tasting menu delivers twelve courses of thoughtfully prepared food, making the price feel justified when you consider what you receive.
The restaurant includes an employee wellness fee in the final bill, which supports the staff. While some guests suggest incorporating it into menu prices for a more seamless experience, most appreciate the transparency about how the restaurant takes care of its team.
You will not leave hungry. Despite the small plate format, the progression and portion sizes add up to a filling meal.
Combined with the quality of ingredients and skill in preparation, most diners feel they got their money’s worth and then some.
9. Building Toward Something Bigger
Guests and reviewers keep bringing up Michelin stars when they talk about Agni. The consensus seems to be that this restaurant deserves that level of recognition.
Chef Avishar Barua, who gained wider recognition through his appearance on Top Chef, has created something that elevates Ohio’s dining reputation. People who have eaten at celebrated restaurants across the country and around the world rank Agni among their top experiences ever.
The restaurant changes its menu regularly, showing a commitment to evolution and creativity rather than resting on past successes. Each new iteration gives returning guests something fresh to discover while maintaining the quality and thoughtfulness that made them fans in the first place.
As word spreads heading into 2026, Agni is positioning itself as a must-visit destination not just in Columbus or Ohio, but in the broader American dining landscape. The combination of technical skill, personal storytelling, and genuine hospitality creates something truly special.