Although we lost a number of restaurants in 2023, we’re excited for these new spots on the horizon. (Most of these have announced 2024 openings, although we know how delays can be in the restaurant industry, so stay tuned.) But here are 18 restaurant openings we’re eagerly anticipating in 2024!
You can also read 30 Notable Columbus Restaurant Openings in 2023 and 20+ Re-Openings, Expansions, and Moves in 2023!
Wario’s Coming to Clintonville
We can’t get enough Wario’s Beef & Pork, and I’m excited they’re expanding their footprint in 2024! In addition to adding a sister concept called Goood Friends this year, they announced a second location coming to Clintonville early in the year, in the busy strip that includes Hot Chicken Takeover, Jeni’s, Northstar Cafe, Kirin Noodle Bar, and others.
JT’s Expanding to Grandview
JT’s Pizza & Pub in Linworth has become a favorite spot for pizzas, wings, and other pub fare. They announced that they’re doubling in size with a shop coming to Grandview Yard next year.
Brothers Drake Consolidating
We’re sad to see Brothers Drake leave the Short North, especially with its active music stage, but with the consolidation into their Grandview production facility, we’re excited to see how they’ll grow!
Species X Beer Reinvigorating the Old Platform Space
After becoming a focal point for beer and food pop-ups, Platform Beer Co.’s downtown Columbus taproom fizzled out with the pandemic when employees walked out, and then the entire Cleveland-based brewery closed this year. But we’re happy to see the experimental Species X Beer reinvigorating that space.
Jennings Java’s Merion Village Shop
Jennings Java has already proven itself as an accomplished roaster at their former Brewery District facility, and this year they moved into the former Bake Me Happy space in Merion Village. They’ve already begun selling bottled coffees and beans from the rear of the building, and we’re excited for the full coffee shop coming next year!
Crimson Cup Joins Lewis Center
Speaking of coffee shop expansions, Crimson Cup is set to add its fifth central Ohio location in 2024. Their brand new building in Lewis Center joins existing Crimson Cup shops in Clintonville and Upper Arlington, a new drive-through on Olentangy River Road, and their flagship store Crimson at Easton.
Nocterra Brewing Audubon
Perhaps one of the biggest openings of 2024 is Nocterra Brewing’s new location next to the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The combined taproom and restaurant is the perfect fit for their outdoors focus, sitting next door to a climbing gym and in proximity to the park, trails, and river.
Prim Mason in Gravity 2
The Gravity 2 development debuted in Franklinton this year, including the new Gravity Experience Park. A centerpiece of the new build is the forthcoming Prim Mason, a Southern California-inspired eatery from the Local Cantina restaurant group.
Cincinnati’s Zundo Ramen Coming to Campus
We’ve seen more and more restaurants and breweries from other Ohio cities step foot in Columbus (see Yellow Springs Brewery). Zundo Ramen, a lovely shop in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, will soon open a location on North High Street, north of campus. (Check out Zundo as part of our itinerary A Little Star Wars in Cincinnati.)
Jenny’s Diner Joins Clintonville
I’ll always welcome more diners! The sign is up and windows are painted over at Jenny’s Diner on North High Street. It’s coming to the stretch near Mozart’s Cafe on the north end of Clintonville/Beechwold, operated by a couple alums from Beechwold Diner and TeeJaye’s.
Lion Cub’s Bringing Cookies to Worthington
Lion Cub’s Cookies got its start during the pandemic as a cookie delivery service. They graduated to a storefront in 2021, and with much adieu announced a store coming to the new Worthington Gateway development in early 2024.
Bitty & Beau’s Coming to Columbus
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a national chain that’s dedicated to hiring adults with development disabilities. They’ve announced a Columbus store, although an exact location and opening date have yet to be confirmed.
Image courtesy @isla_rasc on Instagram
Andrew Smith’s and Devoney Mills’ Isla
Amongst the most anticipated openings of 2024 is chef Andrew Smith’s and Devoney Mills’ Isla, a tasting menu restaurant growing out of the Roys Avenue Supper Clubs they’ve been hosting for years from their home. Isla takes over part of the same Merion Village space that will house Jennings Java’s new shop.
Firefly Winery in Old Hilliard
Announced about nine months ago, Firefly Winery is set to debut in downtown Hilliard this spring, a block away from the Center Street Market.
Los Potosinos Finds a New Home
After moving and re-opening in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville district this year, this beloved food truck known for its pollo al carbon has settled into a brick and mortar on Long Street in the former What The Waffle space.
Cameron Mitchell Adding Butcher & Rose Steakhouse
Cameron Mitchell opened two restaurants in Columbus this year, Valentina’s in Bridge Park and Cento in German Village, and this year he has a new spot (potentially a second Del Mar?) at Easton and a new steakhouse called Butcher & Rose downtown. What’s especially notable is its location, in the renovated Preston Centre (formerly PNC Tower) in a beautiful new sunken plaza on Broad Street.
Maumee Bay Brewing Coming to Shawnee Hills
Toledo’s Maumee Bay Brewing joins the ranks of Yellow Springs Brewery, Saucy Brew Works, and Taft’s as Ohio breweries making their mark in Columbus. Next year a bit of Toledo will open in central Ohio, as Maumee Bay Brewing opens the Shawnee Station Taproom & Kitchen in the new build that includes Boston Stoker.
High Bank Distillery Expands to Westerville
High Bank Distillery has been on a roll, opening a second location in New Albany/Gahanna and sweeping awards for its blended whiskeys. Now they’ve announced a third spot in Uptown Westerville in the old post office building. Opening spring 2024, it will house a full-service restaurant and a speakeasy.
You can also read 30 Notable Columbus Restaurant Openings in 2023 and 20+ Re-Openings, Expansions, and Moves in 2023!
