Best Affordable Vietnamese Restaurants in Columbus | Affordable Vietnamese Food

9 restaurants in Best Affordable Vietnamese Restaurants in Columbus | Affordable Vietnamese Food

• Hiro Ramen & Tea — Japanese · rated 5/5: Soft light glows over tables laden with pillowy pork belly buns and golden, crispy karaage, creating a lively sanctuary where the comforting steam of fresh ramen mingles with the delicate fragrance of specialty teas. From the savory crunch of takoyaki to the melt-in-your-mouth richness of cheesy pork belly fries, every bite offers a vibrant celebration of Japanese-inspired comfort food in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Swensons Drive-In — American: Neon lights shimmer against the pavement as energetic servers sprint to car windows, reviving the high-octane charm of a classic mid-century drive-in. The air is thick with the aroma of griddled patties and toasted buns, most notably the legendary Galley Boy burger which balances savory beef with a signature duo of secret sauces and a crowning green olive. Every meal is a nostalgic celebration of the open road, best enjoyed with a thick, hand-spun milkshake balanced perfectly on a window tray.
• Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace — American: Step into a kaleidoscope of local art and high-energy kitsch, where the air is thick with the savory scent of grilled franks and the hum of a lively, eclectic crowd. Snap into perfectly charred dogs piled high with an imaginative array of toppings—from tangy kimchi to crushed potato chips—all nestled in soft, steamed buns and served alongside heaps of golden, crispy tater tots. It is a whimsical urban sanctuary where culinary creativity meets nostalgic comfort, offering a spirited dining experience that feels like a perpetual neighborhood party.
• Bambu Dessert Drinks — Vietnamese: Step into a vibrant oasis where the air is sweet with the scent of coconut and pandan, offering a refreshing escape from the everyday. Tall glasses overflow with colorful layers of exotic fruits, chewy jellies, and creamy coconut milk, creating a kaleidoscope of textures that dance on the palate with every sip. This playful retreat blends traditional Asian flavors with modern flair, crafting cooling, handcrafted treats that are as beautiful to look at as they are to enjoy.
• Kolache Republic — American: The scent of warm, yeasty dough and sweet fruit preserves fills this bright, artisanal bakery, where the humble Czech pastry is elevated to a culinary art form through hand-crafted techniques. Each pillowy, golden-brown bun gives way to vibrant fillings ranging from traditional apricot and poppy seed to savory, smoke-kissed sausages, creating a comforting handheld feast that balances rustic Old World charm with modern flavor.
• Buca di Beppo — Italian: Step into a boisterous celebration of Italian-American heritage where eclectic vintage photos and red-checkered tablecloths create a whimsical, high-energy backdrop for communal dining. Heaping platters of garlic-scented classics and oversized meatballs arrive at the center of the table, inviting guests to pass plates and share in a nostalgic, feast-like experience that captures the warmth of a lively family gathering.
• Zundo Ramen & Donburi — Japanese: Stepping into this lively sanctuary of Japanese comfort food, guests are greeted by the irresistible scent of sizzling kurobuta pork and the gentle steam rising from baskets of delicate jumbo shumai. The kitchen masterfully balances crunch and tenderness, serving up everything from golden, crispy soft shell crab to pillowy chashu buns that melt away with every savory bite. It is an intimate, high-energy space where the art of the fry meets the soul of the simmer, creating a dining experience that feels both deeply traditional and vibrantly modern.
• 6-1-Pho — Vietnamese: Steaming bowls of fragrant broth and the bright, herbaceous scent of fresh Thai basil fill this vibrant space, where modern energy meets the soul-warming traditions of Vietnamese street food. Guests dive into silky rice noodles submerged in deeply savory, long-simmered stocks, brightened by crisp bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime for a perfect balance of heat and freshness. The atmosphere hums with a casual warmth, making every nourishing slurp feel like a celebration of bold, authentic flavors.
• Shawerma Bite — Middle Eastern: The air at Shawerma Bite is thick with the savory perfume of slow-roasted meats turning on vertical spits, drawing diners into a vibrant space where modern flair meets traditional street-food soul. Each wrap is a masterclass in texture, bundling tender, spice-crusted shavings with crisp pickles and a velvet drizzle of garlic sauce inside warm, pillowy bread. It is a destination where bold Levantine flavors and charred, smoky aromas create a deeply satisfying escape into the heart of Mediterranean comfort.