Plant Powered: Amazing Meat-free Dishes In Columbus

From soul food to soulful pizza, check out eight of the city’s irreplaceable meatless dishes that you might mistake for the real thing

By Jack McLaughlin

Story Design by Atlas Biro

Seitan's Realm

Italian Stallion, Seitan's Realm

Photo by Sarah Pfeifer

For Seitan’s Realm owners Amber Ridenbaugh and Kevin Ridenbaugh, it all started with a gyro.

Kevin explains that, after creating a seitan-based gyro sandwich for himself, he knew he was onto something. And it didn’t take long for Columbus to be onto it all the same.

The vegan deli concept first launched as a food truck in 2019, and not even 18 months later opened a Clintonville brick and mortar of its own. The Italian Stallion (pictured on the cover of this issue) is a hearty, vegan take on the classic Italian sub. The Beeef N’ Cheeduh, along with its take on the classic Reuben, are two other can’t-miss options.

Our pick: The Italian Stallion ($12)

Willoubeez SoulVeg

Rich Boi with Fries, Willoubeez SoulVeg

Photo Courtesy of Willoubeez SoulVeg

While many North Market spots (Hoyo’s and Momo Ghar come to mind), there are likely none as enticingly meat-y as Willoubeez SoulVeg. This family owned eatery is operated by Carnell Willoughby and Malik Willoughby, and is serving up their own take on vegan soul food.

One of the eatery’s most popular dishes–the Rich Boi–is a meatless riff on the classic po’ boy sandwich, and could easily pass for the meat-containing version. The sandwich features oyster mushroom that’s breaded and fried, served on a pretzel roll with a rich and tangy remoulade and classic French fries on the side. The sliders, of which a variety are on rotation, are a great pick as well.

Our pick: Rich Boi (with Fries) ($14)

4th & State

Americana Burger with Fries, 4th & State

The popular downtown spot has the look and feel of a cozy Columbus diner, and even though it’s meatless, its menu still offers the same mouth-watering comfort foods we’d expect. According to owner Chad Goodwin, one of the stars of the show is their handful of burger variations, including the Americana, Jalapeno Cheddar, Big Brunchy and more. The toppings change, but what doesn’t is their Beyond Meat vegan patty, which provides a texture and taste that’s as convincing as they come.

According to Goodwin, the burger has been good enough to introduce loads of meat-eaters to the and world of vegan fare cuisine, and good enough to keep vegans coming back for more.

Our pick: Americana Burger ($13)

Woodhouse Vegan

Chili Cheese Nachos, Woodhouse Vegan

Photo Courtesy of Woodhouse Vegan

Just because Vegan is in the name, don’t let that make you think some of their dishes don’t look and taste just as good (if not better) than some of their meat-containing counterparts.

The eatery, which makes everything in-house, has two locations under the same name, although one (Italian Village) operates as a lunch and dinner spot, and the other (Short North) focuses on breakfast, baked goods and coffee:

But before we go any further, we need to talk about their Chili Cheese Nachos. Featuring tortilla chips with creamy jalapeno nacho cheese, fire-roasted meatless chili, cashew sour cream and fresh jalapenos, this is not a dish to be missed. Did we mention your toppings are all separately packaged if you order to-go?

Our pick: Chili Cheese Nachos ($16)

Preston's: A Burger Joint

Mushroom Nuggets with Dipping Sauce and Fries, Preston's

Photo Courtesy of Preston's: A Burger Joint

You mean to tell me that the Columbus eatery known for stacking smash burgers has great meatless options too? You’re darn right. This one isn’t a burger, but Preston’s has a few new tricks up its sleeve following the grand opening of its new Clintonville location. One of these is a brand-new item for the concept’s new storefront: Crispy Mushroom Nuggets. These deep-fried veggie nuggets look pretty chicken-y too, and they taste just as good (plus they pair well with any of the eatery’s top-notch dipping sauces).

The Crispy Lion’s Mane Mushroom Sandwich is also a winner.

Our pick: 8-piece Mushroom Nuggets ($7)

Portia's Cafe

Quesadilla, Portia's Cafe

Photo Courtesy of Portia's Cafe

Even though Portia’s Diner (the sister restaurant to Portia’s Cafe) has turned from a brick and mortar space into a food truck, Portia’s Cafe continues to serve the meatless fare that made it a popular name in Clintonville.

Also known for vegan pizza and other diner fare, the eatery’s range of Quesadillas are a fun and flavorful riff on the classic. You can opt for quesadillas with just Daiya cheeze, or customize from a variety of ingredients. Portia’s Cafe even offers speciality options, like the Thanksgiving Quesadilla and the Pizzadilla.

Our pick: Quesadilla (Price Varies)

Katzinger’s Delicatessen

Fred's Peta Treata, Katzinger's Delicatessen

Photo Courtesy of Katzinger's Delicatessen

Sure, Katzinger’s Delicatessen can pile corned beef to the ceiling in their classic Reubens, but that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of making a great meatless option.

While the longstanding German Village (and Dublin) deli offers a handful of sandwiches without meat, if you’re in the mood for a lunch with a refreshing Mediterranean twist, look no further than Fred’s Jazzy Peta Treata. The veganfriendly sandwich combines homemade hummus, cucumbers, spinach, tomato and Kalamata olives on whole grain bread.

Seth’s Bella MushReuben is also a fun take on the eatery’s ever-popular Reuben, swapping out corned beef for marinated portobello slices.

Our pick: Fred’s Jazzy Peta Treata ($11.95)

Off Center Patio & Pub

Impossible Sausage Pizza, Off Center Patio & Pub

Photo Courtesy of Off Center Patio & Pub

Last but not least, Off Center Patio & Pub is changing the meatless pizza game in Columbus. While the unique Hilliard eatery (cleverly named for its location just off Center Street and its meatless tendencies) also operates as a Puerto Rican Restaurant—try the Mofongo and Trifongo— it’s also well-known in vegan and vegetarian circles for its pizza.

And honestly, there are so many good options that it’s difficult to pick just one, but the Impossible Sausage is (as you might have guessed) loaded with handfuls of ground Impossible Sausage, is impossibly good. Try the Bianca for a white sauce pie, or the Veggie to go all-in on the meatless train.

Our pick: 14" Impossible Sausage Pizza ($20)