Best Overall Restaurant: Lindey’s (Credit: Chris Casella)

Best Steakhouse: Hyde Park Steakhouse (Credit: Chris Casella)

Best New Restaurant: Milestone 229 (Credit: Megan Leigh Barnard)

Best Seafood: Columbus Fish Market

Best Overall Restaurant

Lindey's
10.65% of 3,767 votes

169 E Beck St.
www.lindeys.com

As far as personality goes, Lindey's has plate-fulls. If Lindey's were a person, it’d be the one wise-but-still-hip friend in everyone’s group who can turn any night out into the best one of the year. You’d be hard-pressed to have the most imaginative architects conjure up something as picturesque as the patio, and the cobblestone walk-up to the corner entrance offers matching charm. You’ll often see many of Columbus’ most recognizable faces tucked into corner tables, but Lindey's is more than just a place to be seen. It’s the epitome of style and comfort – and that’s before you even taste the world-class food.

2) Hyde Park Steakhouse … 10.35%
3) Marcella’s Ristorante … 8.42%

Lindey's Also won:

Best Place to Get a Classic Cocktail
27.17% of 1,840 votes

2) Mouton … 21.03%
3) M at Miranova … 15.6%

Best Wait Staff
12.08% of 2,706 votes

2) Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery … 11.31%
3) Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern … 9.65%

Best Steakhouse

Hyde Park Steakhouse
23.95% of 3,436 votes

Multiple locations
www.hydeparkrestaurants.com

No sizzlin’ sensational new winners in the meat department – the road to the best steak in Columbus still runs through Hyde Park. Our local Ron Swanson-like carnivores flock to the chain with locations downtown and Upper Arlington, confident that passionate professionals have seared their flesh. Who else would you trust with your pricey hunk of beef than those that cater to the meat-dork market as well as Hyde Park does?

2) The Top Steak House … 14.52%
3) Mitchell’s Steakhouse … 12.57%

Best New Restaurant

Milestone 229
22.13% of 2,738 votes

229 Civic Center Dr.
www.milestone229.com

Whether it is the sunset patio patrons dining under the soft light of downtown, or gleeful children splashing in nearby fountains, Milestone 229 had plenty of instant cache to make a splash in the Columbus dining scene. But, it’s the menu that floats the “Jewel of the Mile” to the top of this year’s new contenders. With creative options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, it’s hard to decide what time to show up at Milestone, but the Osso Bucco pork shank and the Bananas Foster Waffles would be good no matter what your watch says.

2) Sidebar 122… 10.12%
3) DeNovo Bistro & Bar … 10.04%

Party with the Best
(614) Magazine invites all the readers, voters and winners of our annual ColumBEST poll to join us for a celebration Thursday, May 17th, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Park Street Cantina. Sponsored by Patrón, so you know it’s gonna be fun.

Best Seafood

Columbus Fish Market
34.83% of 3,356 votes

Multiple locations
www.columbusfishmarket.com

Ever been to a restaurant so many times that the unvarying menu starts to get monotonous? That won’t happen at this seafood gem. Every visit to the Columbus Fish Market is different thanks to the menu’s fresh catch section. Fresh fish are flown in daily from both coasts and served in a variety of ways such as Shanghai-style, steamed with ginger and chives in white wine soy sauce. The nautical-themed environment and fresh seafood selection will trick your brain into thinking you’re eating on Fisherman’s Wharf.

2) Mitchell’s Ocean Club … 16.48%
3) Bonefish Grill … 12.34%

Best “Price is No Object” Restaurant

The Refectory
13.64% of 3,446 votes

1092 Bethel Rd.
www.therefectoryrestaurant.com

It might be a church-turned-restaurant, but you’ll get more than a hand full of Communion crackers at The Refectory. You can enjoy the fine cuisine of Chef Richard Blondin under the presence of stained-glass windows and wooden beams. Blondin specializes in wild game preparations such as a rack of baby New Zealand lamb or homemade pâté and ostrich tenderloin wrapped in double-smoked bacon. On top of the delicious food and unique atmosphere, The Refectory’s American cuisine and classic French cuisine is complemented perfectly by a wine cellar that includes 700 selections.

2) Hyde Park Steakhouse … 13.35%
3) Lindey's … 11.23%

Best Asian Restaurant

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
10.22% of 3,787 votes

Multiple locations
www.pfchangs.com

Anyone who says P.F. Chang’s is an unauthentic, Americanized Chinese food establishment needs to get off of their high horse and take a big bite of the restaurant’s undeniably delicious lettuce wraps. Although some classify it as a guilty pleasure, P.F. Chang’s really is just … a pleasure. With affordable meals and excellent service, you’ll forget you’re eating at a chain by the time you’re done with your appetizer.

2) Haiku … 9.8%
3) Tai’s Asian Bistro … 6.97%

Best Sushi

Haiku
19.44% of 3,220 votes

800 N High St.
www.haikushortnorth.com

Exuding an ambiance matched only by its diverse menu and drink options, Haiku really embraces the whole “eating with your eyes” philosophy. Luckily, the exquisite experience doesn’t stop short at the taste buds. Haiku makes the most of its prime location and fresh fish. Next time you want to schedule a day at the spa, consider an afternoon on the patio drinking sake and trying some of the inventive rolls instead. The restaurant will nourish your body and nurture your spirit.

2) Akai Hana … 12.33%
3) Sushi Rock … 9.41%

Best Mexican

El Vaquero
27.49% of 3,969 votes

Multiple locations
www.vaquerorestaurant.com

El Vaquero technically means “The Cowboy” in Spanish, but in Columbus, these two words translate much more instantly to beans and salsa than boots and spurs. Still, with 200 menu options, there’s enough food at the local chain’s locations to feed an entire cavalry and their herd. With complimentary tortilla chips fresh and warm at your table and a pleasing happy hour, El Vaquero is the best South-of-the-Border option inside I-270.

2) La Fogata … 9.15%
3) Cuco's Taqueria … 7.73%

Best Italian

Marcella’s Ristorante
12.67% of 4,079 votes

Multiple locations
www.marcellasristorante.com

Mamma mia! These joints (one of which is in the Short North with floor-to-ceiling windows opening on to a busy High Street sidewalk) crank out mouthwatering Italianate specialties primarily designed for sharing, a la small-plate style. It’s a Columbus favorite, especially from 4-6 on weekdays while the highly regarded happy hour is in session. Anywhere you can find a meatball as big as your fist, you know you’re at the right place.

2) Basi Italia … 10.86%
3) Brio Tuscan Grill … 7.5%

Best Cajun Restaurant

J. Gumbo’s
29.82% of 2,394 votes

Multiple locations
www.jgumbos.com

We want our Cajun grub to kick us in the taste buds and make us scream, “who dat!” The Voodoo Chicken at J. Gumbo’s steps up to the spicy plate and scores. The combo of poultry and kicked-up tomato sauce is just one of the reasons this homegrown joint takes the King Cake yet again. Hunker down with a Jean Lafitte po’boy and you’ll be talking’ like a pirate in no time. Columbus loves yarrrr, J. Gumbo.

2) Flatiron … 18.0%
3) Da Levee … 16.25%

Best Greek Restaurant

The Happy Greek
20% of 3,325 votes

660 N High St.
www.happygreek.com

The Happy Greek apparently makes its customers really, really happy as this is a repeat winner. With its tome-like menu and sunny flavors, the Short North favorite is like a trip to Athens, without the jet lag and bankruptcy. This is the place to indulge in a big fat Greek meal made on-site, with recipes that reach back to the days of the Acropolis. The cocktails are Olympian as well – have a couple Hera martinis and you’ll feel like a goddess in no time.

2) The Big Fat Greek Kuzina … 10.02%
3) Easy Street Cafe … 8.45%

Happy Greek Also Won: Best Gyro
13.63% of 3,426 votes

2) Easy Street Cafe … 7.41%
3) Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub … 7.03%

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Aladdin’s Eatery
25.23% of 2,648 votes

Multiple locations
www.aladdinseatery.com

Your Middle Eastern cuisine wish is Aladdin’s Eatery’s command. From classic dishes to Midwest-Eastern mélanges, this growing chain has it all. A hearty Sahtain! (the Arabic word for “double health”) accompanies every dish. It’s a fitting salutation considering that Aladdin’s food is made from scratch and contains no preservatives, sulfites or other chem-lab additives. This Lebanese food destination has a lock on this category yet again.

2) Lavash Cafe … 14.77%
3) Café Istanbul … 13.14%

Best Indian Restaurant

Aab India
23.78% of 2,906 votes

1470 Grandview Ave.
www.aabindiarestaurant.com

Who needs yoga to reach a state of bliss? The food at Aab can get you there with less sweat and in more attractive attire. The Grandview bastion of curry goodness lures diners with the kaleidoscope of flavors that mark this favorite of international cuisine. Aab has something that will please everyone in your party –meat lovers to veggie pals, from heat addicts to those with a timid palate. Add in sterling service and Columbus has a winner.

2) New India … 16.55%
3) Taj Mahal … 12.59%

Best Diner

Cap City Fine Diner
31.58% of 3,641 votes

Multiple locations
www.capcityfinediner.com

There’s an art to diner fare. Cameron Mitchell was surely aware of this when he elevated the usual turn-and-burn dishes to an upscale experience at Cap City Fine Diner. The menu effortlessly offers chili cheese dogs and fried chicken alongside Ponzu glazed salmon, and each dish is worthy of a wine pairing. The meatloaf is known among local circles as “the one,” and the desserts make eyes pop and stomachs bulge.

2) Starliner Diner … 16.34%
3) Blue Danube … 11.78%

Best Pizza

Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza
10.2% of 4,626 votes

2657 N High St.
www.hounddogspizza.com

Hound Dog’s has been a staple of the campus area for years. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they’re known for cranking out a serious pie, with just about anything you could ever want on top. Buttery crust, fresh toppings, and an array of sauces has kept them in the No. 1 spot on our list for three years in a row now – and keeps their tables full well into the night.

2) Mellow Mushroom … 7.33%
3) Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza … 6.72%

Hounddog’s Pizza Also won: Best Place for After Hours
18.16% of 3,474 votes

2) Mikey’s Late Night Slice … 17.67%
3) Waffle House … 10.65%

Best Delicatessen

Katzinger’s Delicatessen
37.63% of 3,787 votes

475 S Third St.
www.katzingers.com

From pastrami, turkey and brisket, to pickled tongue and chopped liver, Katzinger’s Delicatessen has EVERYTHING you could ever want on a sandwich. With a goliath menu – that one might use a bookmark to peruse – the little shop has held down the corner of Third and Livingston for over 25 years. Free pickles, house-made bread, and a small section dedicated to boutique style condiments all come together to ensure a permanent place in Columbus’ restaurantscape as well as a solid favorite in our reader poll.

2) Jason’s Deli … 14%
3) The Brown Bag Deli … 11.49%

Katzinger’s Delicatessen Also won: Best Reuben
23.67% of 3,109 votes

2) Schmidt's Sausage Haus … 9.68%
3) The Old Mohawk … 9.2%

Best Barbecue

City Barbeque
40.17% of 3,679 votes

Multiple locations
www.citybbq.com

The readers have spoken – putting thousands of sauce-stained fingers to the keyboards to honor City Barbeque, a Columbus staple since 1999. The juicy tower of beef brisket on the golden buttery bun and the cornbread is as close as you can get to Memphis or Kansas City, and best of all, you can have it any day of the week if you want. We won’t stop ya.

2) Ray Ray’s Hog Pit … 14.24%
3) Montgomery Inn … 8.86%

Best Wings

Roosters
27.85% of 3,612 votes

www.roosterswings.com

While another Columbus wing chain may steal the spotlight (and the silver medal in this category), Roosters edged out its more famous competitor in the hearts of the fans. If it’s not the “muscular bird with sunglasses” mascot, their delicious wings and great spread of appetizers and bar food must have won them over.

2) Buffalo Wild Wings … 15.23%
3) Quaker Steak & Lube … 8.39%

Best Burrito

Chipotle Mexican Grill
43% of 3,821 votes

Multiple locations
www.chipotle.com

Not everyone in Ohio still seems to grasp the pronunciation (it’s not Chi-POL-tay, gringo), but you don’t need to be fluent in Espanol to order the best burrito in the tri-state area. The original purveyor of fast casual foodstuffs in Columbus, Chipotle makes everything right before your eyes and can fill up the burliest of Ohio-fed strongman, as well the gals out for lunch.

2) El Vaquero … 10.36%
3) Northstar Café … 8.85%

Best Burger

The Thurman Cafe
28.78% of 4,420 votes

The waiting room is almost as big as the dining room at Thurman Cafe, and on busy days neither is large enough to satisfy Cowtown’s demand for the famed restaurant’s burgers as patient patrons wait, even in a cold drizzle, outside the local landmark just to eventually get a seat within the cramped and hallowed walls. The massive, grease-drunk patties are not to be overlooked by anyone.

2) Five Guys … 11.7%
3) Graffiti Burger … 10.38%

Thurman Cafe Also won: Best Eating Challenge
The Thurmanator at Thurman Cafe – 66.38% of 2,870 votes

2) The Dagwood Challenge at Ohio Deli … 17.04%
3) Big Ass Burrito at La Fogata … 5.68%

Best Fries

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
23.79% of 3,893 votes

Always generous with the sizzling spuds, you’ll have a fresh-cut hangover cure that rivals any over-the-counter prescription – plus a little leftover for later. Throw in the Cajun option and it’s hard to believe these fries don’t get top billing over the burgers.

2) McDonald’s … 10.53%
3) Wendy’s … 8.19%

Best Dogs & Brats

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
44.69% of 3,600 votes

Until 2009, locals desiring to tear into gourmet hot dog dishes while surrounded by retro rock and sports illustrations, serenaded all the while with local music, would have had to do so in their dreams. Lucky for Columbus, Liz Lessner has played dreamcatcher, making the uber-popular eatery a reality and a success – enough so that they made USA Today’s “10 great places to bite into a surprising sandwich.” Well, they’re surprised – we’re not.

2) Schmidt's Sausage Haus … 24.44%
3) Skyline Chili … 6.53%

Best Food Truck

Mikey’s Late Night Slice
27.66% of 2,994 votes

“The Amy Winehouse of Pizza Joints” has always taken great delight in not only serving the over-served in Columbus, but in slicing up their sense of humor with a playful sneer. Case in point: this year, on April 1st, they mixed up their sauces … deliberately. Only Mikey’s customers would take that kind of joke with a smile and gleefully eat their pizza anyway, staying inline with their unofficial motto: “It’s 3 a.m., and people are hammered and hungry.”

2) Ray Ray’s Hog Pit … 15.87%
3) Junior’s Tacos … 14.66%

Best Place to Eat at the Bar

Surly Girl Saloon
14.63% of 3,759 votes

1126 N High St.
www.surlygirlsaloon.com

Seating is always at a premium in the hip Short North haven, but the service and conversation from the top-notch staff makes bar-top dining so appealing, we’re surprised there aren’t elbow indentations in front of every stool. The spicy peanut butter and banana sandwich or the Salad From Hell are competent sponges for Surly’s careful tap selections and house-infused spirits.

2) Press Grill … 10.77%
3) Rusty Bucket … 9.63%

Best Fast Food

Raising Cane’s
23.72% of 3,976 votes

Multiple Locations
www.raisingcanes.com

Like many things in Columbus, what goes over well with college students quickly spreads to the adult population. Raising Cane’s has followed the same trajectory since their arrival on campus, now serving five locations. No matter where you go, Cane’s simple menu of chicken finger-based combos is made fresh while you wait, anchored by Texas Toast and that delicious special sauce you’ll be tempted to hoard in the fridge.

2) Wendy’s … 17.98%
3) Chick-Fil-A … 14.76%

Best Hidden Gem Restaurant

Basi Italia
2.93% of 1,840 votes

811 Highland St
www.basi-italia.com

Use your GPS, people. You will know you’ve arrived when this all-but-truly-hidden gem’s heady spice collection and sizzling sauces assault your olfactory gland with aromas tantamountly tantalizing. With dining room and kitchen only barely large enough to house a mid-sized sedan, Basi offers the desired air of exclusivity without the pretension of some reservation-only joints. But what really highlights the “hidden” and the “gem” part of the tucked-away Highland St. establishment is the back patio, a cozy enclave nestled amongst Victorian Village terraces, fire escapes and gardens.

2) Sidebar 122 … 1.9%
3) Commonwealth Sandwich Bar … 1.3%

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Northstar Café
48.54% of 2,674votes

Multiple locations
www.thenorthstarcafe.com

Specializing in healthier options and local, organic ingredients, Northstar Café serves up some of the city’s premier vegetarian options including a veggie burger that has caused carnivores on the fence to convert. On a warm day, the patio adjacent to High Street is the ideal place to enjoy a breakfast or brunch of pancakes and freshly squeezed juices. The menu’s wide variety has vegans and all-around food lovers coming back for more.

2) Whole Foods Market … 15.22%
3) Whole World Natural Restaurant … 9.72%

Northstar Café Also won:

Best Fast Casual
25.49% of 4,171 votes

2) Piada Italian Street Food … 20.59%
3) Chipotle Mexican Grill … 16.9%

Best Brunch
17.16% of 4,243 votes

2) First Watch … 13.76%
3) Cap City Fine Diner … 7.31%

Best Breakfast

First Watch
16.57% of 5,094 votes

To hell with “good morning” – the best two words to drag someone out of bed in Columbus are “First Watch.” With an affordable menu and stellar service, First Watch also draws in the breakfastgoers by the hundreds thanks to simple, well-executed morning staples. Plus, they’re only open until 2 p.m., so the A-Team is serving you just about anytime you show up.

2) Northstar Café … 11.21%
3) Tasi Cafe … 5.69%

Best Kid’s Menu

Red Robin
23.31% of 2,394 votes

Multiple locations
www.redrobin.com

Red Robin has taken the electromagnetic ray from Honey I Shrunk the Kids and made their popular menu items more appropriately sized for children ten and under. The Rad Robin Burger is a kids’ version of Red Robin’s signature gourmet burgers. They also include favorites of the little ones such as the Hot Diggity Dog and for dessert there’s the Rootbeer Float and a blackberry ice cream treat called the Purple People Eater.

2) Bob Evans … 20.47%
3) Max & Erma’s … 19.97%

Best Buffet

Schmidt's Sausage Haus
32.56% of 3,016 votes

240 E Kossuth St.
www.schmidthaus.com

Short of strapping on your grandpa’s lederhosen and waking your neighbors with a solid tuba blast, the best way to have an authentic German Sunday is to pull up a seat at Schmidt's Sausage Haus and test your real (or assumed) Germanic heritage at the city’s best buffet. Be careful, though, as the sight of such a plentiful bounty of meats and stews will have you calling Uncle Klaus if you don’t pace yourself. If not for any other reason, moderation is required to reserve space for the cream puff you know you will order at the conclusion of the meal, come heil or high water.

2) Der Dutchman … 25.27%
3) Aab India … 9.68%

Best Ice Cream Parlor

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
55.94% of 4,315 votes

An 8-foot bronze statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger was erected in Columbus this year, an honor that could just as easily been bestowed upon our own milky-mad scientist Jeni Britton Bauer. With a Nashville expansion, and her ice cream-at-home cookbook landing on national bestseller and awards list, no one has put the capital city on the map this year the way Jeni’s ice cream empire has. When VP Joe Biden toured Columbus, one of his first stops was Jeni’s counter at the North Market. He’s just about the only one that doesn’t have to wait in line for the city’s most popular treat.

2) Graeter’s Ice Cream … 21.04%
3) Cold Stone Creamery … 5.65%

Best Retail Bakery

Pistacia Vera
12.28% of 3,966 votes

If Jeni reigns as Princess of the Dessertland, then Pistacia is Columbus’ Pippa Middleton. Riding the must-have crave-ability of their Parisian macarons, a borderline obsession for many locals, they have surged in popularity – as evidenced by them sneaking from off the ColumBEST radar last year, into the top spot. But, Pistacia is more than just a macaron factory: their chocolate chunk pistachio packs a sweet-and-salty punch and their Pâte de Fruit put a clever spin on a childhood candy favorite – all while being gluten- and dairy-free.

2) Resch’s Bakery … 10.46%
3) Pattycake Bakery … 9.08%

Best Coffee House

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters
18.98% of 4,231 votes

We’re not sure what makes a bigger noise in Grandview: the screeching of espresso machines or the electrified rattle of countless young professionals’ MacBooks – either way, Stauf’s has become the perfect destination for coffee lovers, untethered freelancers, or both. There’s a reason why Stauf’s doesn’t call itself a coffee shop; it’s a little more advanced than that. The qualified staff will help you pick out and roast your own custom haul, or pick out the perfect gift for the coffee nut in your house.

2) Cup O’ Joe … 15.01%
3) Starbucks … 14.63%