Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Columbus | Upscale Mediterranean Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Columbus | Upscale Mediterranean Food

• Martini Modern Italian — Italian · rated 4/5: Martini Modern Italian pulses with a chic, contemporary energy where sleek urban design meets the soulful warmth of a Mediterranean kitchen. The air is perfumed with the aroma of truffled garlic bread and warm, loaded focaccia, inviting guests to linger over vibrant plates of silky beef carpaccio, creamy stracciatella, and tender charred octopus. Every bite, from the crunch of golden arancini to the delicate brightness of tuna tartare, captures a spirited approach to Italian dining that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
• Cafe DaVinci — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into Cafe DaVinci feels like entering a sun-drenched atelier where the rich aroma of freshly ground espresso mingles with the buttery scent of golden, artisanal pastries. Each plate is composed with the precision of a Renaissance masterpiece, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and seasonal ingredients that celebrate the art of the meal. It is a sanctuary of creative elegance, where guests linger over velvety lattes and rustic, herb-infused dishes in an atmosphere that honors both culinary craft and soulful conversation.
• Zaki Mediterranean Grill — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Sunlight dances across tables laden with colorful mezze at this vibrant Mediterranean escape, where the air hums with the savory aroma of flame-kissed kebabs and warm, pillowy pita. Each plate is a celebration of the sun-drenched coast, from the velvety richness of house-made hummus to the bright, herb-flecked crunch of fresh salads. It is a welcoming sanctuary where bold spices and fresh ingredients come together, inviting guests to linger over a shared feast that captures the soulful essence of the region.
• BBR — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: Stepping into this sun-drenched sanctuary within the historic Raffles Hotel, guests are greeted by a striking blend of colonial elegance and modern Mediterranean zest. The open kitchen serves as a spirited stage for culinary artistry, sending out plates of salt-crusted fish and smoky grilled meats that capture the bright, bold essence of the Riviera. With its soaring ceilings and vibrant energy, the space invites diners to linger over shared mezze and chilled wine in a setting that feels both timeless and exhilaratingly fresh.
• Loops — Greek: Loops captures the high-energy pulse of urban street food, where the savory perfume of slow-roasted gyros and spice-rubbed Italian beef invites diners into a modern, bustling atmosphere. From the satisfying crunch of golden-fried gyro rolls to the fiery kick of zesty feta spreads, every plate balances bold, nostalgic flavors with a contemporary flair that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
• Jack & Benny's — American: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered ragu and toasted artisan bread creates an atmosphere of effortless warmth. Guests linger over plates of silky, hand-folded garganelli and pressed Mediterranean sandwiches, pairing each savory bite with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. It is a soulful retreat that bridges the gap between a bustling deli and a refined Italian trattoria, offering a dining experience that feels both intimately familiar and expertly elevated.
• Comune — Mediterranean: Sunlight streams through expansive windows into a minimalist, airy sanctuary where lush greenery and clean lines set the stage for a sophisticated celebration of the seasons. The kitchen elevates plant-forward dining into an art form, crafting vibrant shared plates that coax deep, complex flavors from local produce and unexpected spices. It is a space where the communal spirit thrives, inviting guests to linger over inventive cocktails and thoughtfully composed dishes that prove vegetable-centric cooking can be both bold and deeply soul-satisfying.
• Veranico — Mediterranean: Bathed in the golden light of a perpetual Indian summer, Veranico offers a luminous escape where the vibrant colors of seasonal harvests take center stage on every plate. The atmosphere hums with a relaxed elegance, inviting guests to linger over bright, herb-forward flavors and crisp wines that capture the soul of a sun-drenched afternoon.
• Shawerma Bite — Middle Eastern: The air at Shawerma Bite is thick with the savory perfume of slow-roasted chicken and steak caramelizing on vertical spits, drawing guests into a space where vibrant Middle Eastern flavors take center stage. Crispy, golden falafel and zesty garlic-dusted chips provide a satisfying crunch against velvety ribbons of hummus and baba ghanoush, offering an inviting dining experience that celebrates bold spices and comforting textures.
• Agapé — Mediterranean: Bathed in the soft glow of amber candlelight, Agapé offers a soulful sanctuary where the spirit of communal connection meets a refined approach to seasonal cooking. Every plate arrives as a vibrant celebration of texture and flavor, inviting guests to linger over shared stories and artisanal ingredients that capture the essence of heartfelt hospitality.
• Agapé Mediterranean — Mediterranean: Sunlight dances across a vibrant, airy space where the air is thick with the savory aroma of spit-roasted meats and the bright, zesty tang of lemon and garlic. Hand-crafted bowls and warm, pillowy pitas overflow with garden-fresh ingredients and velvety hummus, inviting diners to slow down and savor the soulful, time-honored traditions of Mediterranean hospitality.
• Pita House — Mediterranean: The air at Pita House is thick with the irresistible scent of pillowy, hand-stretched bread emerging hot from the oven and the savory char of spiced meats sizzling over an open flame. Guests gather in a bright, bustling space to tear into golden pita pockets overflowing with vibrant, herb-flecked salads and velvety swirls of tahini. It is a soulful celebration of Mediterranean flavors where every bite offers a harmonious balance of crunch, spice, and sun-drenched freshness.
• Greek Express — Greek: The savory aroma of spit-roasted meats and fragrant oregano wafts through this bright, energetic space, instantly transporting guests to a sun-drenched Mediterranean taverna. Zesty lemon and cool, velvety tzatziki bring a refreshing brightness to every plate, creating a lively dining experience where the speed of modern service meets the soulful, time-honored flavors of Greece.
• Cafe Istanbul — Middle Eastern: Stepping into Cafe Istanbul feels like a vibrant escape to the Mediterranean, where the warm glow of mosaic lanterns illuminates a space filled with the intoxicating aroma of sizzling kebabs and freshly baked pide. Guests linger over colorful spreads of zesty mezes and tender, spice-rubbed meats, finishing the evening with the sweet crunch of honey-soaked baklava and a steaming cup of rich Turkish coffee.
• Del Mar — Seafood: Del Mar captures the effortless elegance of a coastal escape, where sun-drenched interiors and the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses set the stage for a vibrant celebration of the sea. Plates arrive bursting with the bright flavors of citrus-kissed seafood and herb-infused oils, inviting diners to linger over a meal that feels like a long, leisurely afternoon on a Mediterranean shore.
• Lávash Café — Middle Eastern: Sun-drenched and inviting, this neighborhood sanctuary wraps guests in the warm, yeasty aroma of traditional flatbreads emerging blistered and golden from the oven. Vibrant plates of herb-flecked mezze and spice-rubbed meats invite communal lingering, creating a soulful dining experience that captures the sun-soaked essence of Mediterranean hospitality.
• Brassica — Mediterranean: This vibrant Mediterranean destination pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of hearth-baked pita and spice-rubbed meats roasting to tender perfection. Radiant bowls come alive with a kaleidoscope of zesty pickled vegetables, velvety hummus, and herbaceous sauces, offering a fresh, soul-warming feast that balances bold Middle Eastern flavors with a sleek, contemporary spirit.
• Aladdin's Eatery — Middle Eastern: Step into a sun-drenched space where the bright, zesty scent of fresh lemon and chopped parsley fills the air, inviting guests to linger over vibrant Mediterranean plates. Velvety hummus and crisp, golden falafel take center stage alongside nourishing grain bowls and warm, toasted wraps that celebrate the wholesome flavors of Lebanese tradition. It is a refreshing sanctuary where health-conscious ingredients meet soulful hospitality, offering a colorful escape that nourishes both the body and the spirit.
• Greek Bites — Greek: Sun-drenched flavors and the bright, zesty aroma of lemon and oregano fill this vibrant space, where the spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive through every charred skewer and crisp, feta-topped salad. The open kitchen hums with energy as fresh ingredients are transformed into savory wraps and colorful mezze plates, offering a joyful escape to a seaside taverna. Each visit captures the essence of Greek hospitality, inviting guests to slow down and savor the simple, bold tastes of the Aegean in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Aladdin's Eatery — Middle Eastern: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the zesty aroma of fresh lemon and garlic mingles with the warmth of hearth-baked pita bread. Ornate stained-glass lamps cast a soft glow over tables laden with velvety hummus, crisp falafel, and jewel-toned salads, offering a wholesome journey through Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The experience concludes with an eye-catching display of towering, decadent cakes that provide a sweet, indulgent finish to a meal defined by fresh ingredients and Lebanese hospitality.
• Basi Italia — Italian: Tucked away like a cherished neighborhood secret, this intimate bistro invites guests into a space where the warm glow of candlelight meets the vibrant, herbaceous aromas of a modern Italian kitchen. The menu celebrates bold, seasonal textures, from the delicate crunch of flash-fried zucchini and smoky sweetness of fig flatbreads to the pillowy richness of baked chive ricotta gnocchi. Whether lingering over a velvety parmesan brûlée or sharing a plate of pan-roasted mussels, diners find a sophisticated yet soulful retreat that transforms classic Mediterranean comfort into an elegant culinary escape.
• Barcelona — Spanish: Barcelona transports guests to the heart of the Mediterranean with its vibrant, social atmosphere where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses sets the tempo for an evening of shared discovery. Artfully plated cold tapas burst with the bright, sun-drenched flavors of Spain, providing the perfect accompaniment to a meticulously curated selection of regional wines available by the bottle or case for those wishing to take the experience home.
• isla — Mediterranean: Stepping into isla feels like a sun-drenched escape to a coastal sanctuary, where light-filled interiors and natural textures evoke the serene rhythm of the tides. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant spirit of the sea through bright, citrus-kissed plates and wood-fired flavors that transport diners to a perpetual summer afternoon. It is a place where time slows down over chilled glasses of wine and shared platters, offering a refreshing, salt-aired retreat from the bustle of the city.
• Happy Greek — Greek: Sun-drenched flavors and a boisterous, welcoming energy define this vibrant Mediterranean escape, where the air is thick with the savory scent of charred meats and zesty lemon. Guests gather around tables laden with golden-fried halloumi and herb-flecked souvlaki, celebrating the simple joy of a Greek feast shared among friends in a space that radiates warmth and genuine hospitality.
• The Olive Tree — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched interiors and the gentle clink of wine glasses define this Mediterranean sanctuary, where the air is fragrant with charred lemons, fresh oregano, and the warmth of a wood-burning oven. Vibrant mezze platters and succulent grilled meats invite guests to linger over shared plates that celebrate the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the coast, creating a soulful atmosphere where every meal feels like a leisurely escape.
• Aladdin's Eatery — Middle Eastern: This vibrant Mediterranean oasis invites guests into a space filled with the enticing aroma of toasted spices and the warmth of freshly baked pita. Wholesome plates of velvety hummus and herb-flecked tabouli share the table with savory rolled wraps, while a glowing display of decadent cakes and fresh-pressed juices offers a sweet, refreshing finale. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where healthy, flavorful traditions are served with a genuine sense of hospitality.
• Yappy Greek — Greek: This vibrant neighborhood haunt captures the sun-drenched spirit of the Mediterranean, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-roasted meats and charred oregano. Guests tuck into overstuffed pitas brimming with succulent carvings and zesty, garlic-laced tzatziki, all served in a lively space that hums with the convivial energy of a bustling Athenian street corner.
• 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.
• Brio — Italian: Bathed in warm light and echoing with the lively hum of conversation, Brio captures the spirited essence of a Mediterranean villa where every meal feels like a festive occasion. The air is rich with the scent of fresh herbs and searing proteins as chefs transform seasonal ingredients into artful plates of handmade pasta and wood-fired specialties. Whether tucked into a plush booth or lingering over a crisp glass of wine, guests find a sophisticated yet welcoming retreat designed for the simple joy of shared stories and bold, honest flavors.
• Piada Italian Street Food — Italian: The sizzle of the stone grill and the aroma of fresh-baked dough fill this bright, modern space, where the vibrant spirit of an Italian street market comes to life. Guests watch as thin, hand-stretched piadas are layered with crisp vegetables and savory proteins, then finished with a drizzle of bold, house-made sauces for a meal that feels both artisanal and effortless. This is a destination where the rustic charm of Rimini meets contemporary speed, offering a fresh and flavorful journey through the heart of Mediterranean casual dining.