This Ohio Food Spot Is Starting To Feel Like The State’s 2026 Star
I walked into Mezcla at 1022 Summit St, Columbus, Ohio, expecting another trendy taco spot, but what I found was something far more compelling. This restaurant has been making serious waves in the local dining community since opening, and after experiencing it firsthand, I understand why people keep coming back.
The space itself sits in the Italian Village neighborhood, and from the moment you step through the door, there’s an unmistakable energy that suggests this place is onto something special. The moody lighting, live plants, and that gorgeous marble bar create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and genuinely welcoming.
What really sets Mezcla apart isn’t just the modern Latin and Mexican approach to its menu. It’s the way every element comes together with intention and care.
From the kitchen team’s commitment to layered flavors to the staff’s genuine enthusiasm for what they’re serving, this restaurant operates at a level that feels rare for Columbus.
After several visits and countless dishes, I’m convinced that Mezcla represents something bigger than just another restaurant opening. This is the kind of place that could redefine what people expect from dining in Ohio, and I’m here to walk you through exactly why it’s earning that reputation.
The Story Behind the Space
Walking into Mezcla for the first time felt like discovering a secret that Columbus had been keeping. The restaurant occupies a thoughtfully designed space that immediately signals this isn’t your typical neighborhood Mexican spot.
Every design choice feels deliberate, from the tile work that catches the light just right to the seating arrangements that somehow feel intimate even when the place is packed.
The open kitchen concept lets you watch the culinary team work their magic, and there’s something mesmerizing about seeing dishes come together in real time.
What impressed me most during my visits was how the management has created an environment where the staff genuinely seems to enjoy being there. You can tell when a team runs a tight ship while still maintaining warmth, and that’s exactly what’s happening here.
The location in Italian Village puts Mezcla in a neighborhood that’s been hungry for this kind of elevated dining experience. It’s the perfect fit for an area that appreciates quality without pretension, and the restaurant has quickly become a cornerstone of the local scene since opening its doors.
The Guacamole and Salsa Experience
If you only order one thing at Mezcla, make it the guacamole and salsa starter. But honestly, that would be doing yourself a disservice because you’d miss everything else.
This appetizer arrives at your table served with tostadas instead of the typical chips, which immediately elevates the experience. The guacamole tastes like it was made by someone’s grandmother who’s been perfecting the recipe for decades.
Fresh, perfectly seasoned, and with just the right amount of lime to brighten everything up.
The salsa has a gentle heat that builds gradually rather than punching you in the face. Multiple reviewers mentioned it has just enough kick at the end to keep things interesting without overwhelming those who don’t typically handle spicy food well.
What really caught me off guard were the fresh vegetables that come alongside. Crisp, crunchy, and a pairing I wouldn’t have thought of but now can’t imagine living without.
The portion size is generous enough for three people to share comfortably, making it the perfect way to start your meal while you peruse the rest of the menu.
Fish Tacos That Set the Standard
Ordering fish tacos at a new restaurant always feels like a test. They’re simple enough that there’s nowhere to hide if you’re cutting corners, but they also offer endless opportunities for creativity when done right.
Mezcla’s tacos de pescado come in a set of three, and they’re everything you want from this classic dish. The fish gets a corn crust that provides serious crunch against the creamy avocado and poblano mayo that tops each taco.
That textural contrast alone makes these memorable, but the flavor layering takes things even further.
Fresh corn tortillas arrive warm and soft, perfect for wrapping around each component without falling apart halfway through your first bite. The fish itself tastes light and fresh, never greasy or heavy despite the fried preparation.
Multiple guests called these the best fish tacos they’d had in Columbus, and while I’m always cautious about superlatives, I haven’t found evidence to contradict that claim.
They’re substantial enough to satisfy without leaving you feeling overstuffed, which makes them an ideal choice whether you’re building a multi-course meal or keeping things simple.
Enchiladas Suizas Done Right
Enchiladas suizas appear on countless Mexican menus across the country, which makes it easy to overlook them in favor of more unusual options. That would be a mistake at Mezcla, where this classic gets the attention it deserves.
The execution here is flawless, with each element working in harmony rather than competing for attention. The sauce brings complexity beyond what you typically encounter, layered with flavors that suggest serious time and technique went into its development.
What struck me most was how the dish managed to feel both comforting and refined. It’s familiar enough to satisfy cravings for traditional Mexican food, but prepared with enough care and skill to stand alongside the more adventurous menu items.
That balance is tricky to nail, and many restaurants fail by going too far in one direction or the other.
Several guests mentioned ordering these enchiladas multiple times across different visits, which tells you everything you need to know about their consistency and appeal.
Whether you’re a first-timer looking for something approachable or a regular seeking a reliable favorite, these enchiladas deliver every single time.
Carnitas Tacos That Demand Attention
Tacos de carnitas showed up repeatedly in customer reviews as a standout choice, often described as someone’s favorite item from their entire meal. The pork arrives tender and flavorful, seasoned in a way that enhances rather than masks the meat’s natural richness.
What makes these tacos special is the preparation method that results in meat that’s simultaneously moist and slightly crispy at the edges. That textural variety keeps each bite interesting, and the accompanying toppings complement without overwhelming the star ingredient.
Fresh corn tortillas come standard here, and they make a noticeable difference in the overall experience. Warm, pliable, and substantial enough to hold everything together, they’re the kind of detail that separates good tacos from great ones.
One reviewer specifically noted that while the carnitas lacked the same textural contrast as the fish tacos, they’d still order them again without hesitation. That kind of enthusiasm for a dish that came in second place tells you just how high the bar sits at Mezcla.
These tacos represent comfort food elevated through technique and quality ingredients, and they’re a safe bet for anyone who wants something hearty and satisfying.
Barbacoa de Borrego That Deserves Its Own Category
Some dishes transcend their menu description and become experiences unto themselves. The barbacoa de borrego at Mezcla falls squarely into that category, and guests who’ve tried it speak about it with an almost reverent tone.
This lamb dish arrives with a juice so flavorful that one reviewer admitted to drinking it straight from the bowl. The meat itself is tender enough to fall apart at the gentlest prod, infused with spices that create layers of flavor without any single element dominating.
The preparation method here honors traditional barbacoa techniques while showcasing the kitchen’s ability to execute complex dishes with precision. It’s the kind of entree that makes you slow down and pay attention to what you’re eating, savoring each component rather than rushing through your meal.
Multiple guests called this dish out of this world, and after trying it myself, I can confirm that’s not hyperbole. It’s rich without being heavy, complex without being confusing, and satisfying in ways that stick with you long after you’ve finished eating.
If you’re looking for something that showcases what Mezcla can do when firing on all cylinders, this is your answer.
Duck Thigh That Changes Perceptions
Duck on a Mexican menu might raise eyebrows for diners expecting only traditional proteins, but Mezcla’s preparation makes a convincing argument for this fusion approach. The duck thigh arrives perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful in ways that showcase the kitchen’s technical skill.
Black beans accompany the duck, and they’re anything but an afterthought. Zesty and well-seasoned, they provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich meat, cutting through the fat while adding their own layer of flavor to each bite.
What impressed me most was how the dish balanced indulgence with brightness. Duck can easily veer into overly heavy territory, but the accompanying elements here keep everything in check.
The result is a plate that feels special without being overwhelming.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned the duck as a highlight of their meal, often alongside more expected choices like tacos and enchiladas.
That speaks to the kitchen’s ability to execute across different techniques and ingredients, maintaining quality whether they’re working with familiar staples or pushing into less common territory.
It’s this kind of versatility that suggests Mezcla has staying power beyond initial buzz.
The Dining Experience That Ties Everything Together
Great food only tells part of the story at Mezcla. What really sets this restaurant apart is how every element of the dining experience works in concert to create something memorable.
The staff consistently earns praise for their knowledge and attentiveness, offering recommendations that actually enhance your meal rather than just pushing high-margin items. They seem genuinely invested in your experience, which creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return.
Operating hours run from 4 PM to 11 PM Wednesday through Saturday, with slightly shorter hours on Sunday (closing at 10 PM), and the restaurant stays closed Monday and Tuesday.
This schedule allows the team to maintain consistency and quality rather than burning out trying to be everything to everyone.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as this place fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The cozy space means capacity is limited, but that intimacy is part of what makes dining here feel special.
From the moment you walk through the door until you finish your last bite, Mezcla delivers an experience that justifies the buzz and suggests this restaurant is just getting started on what could be a very impressive run.