DINING BY DIRECTION

you can’t shake that craving for pasta and meatballs, it’s time for Cardone’s Ristorante, an eatery known for world Italian dining and food made the old-school way: from scratch and with plenty of passion.

No matter where you are in the city of Westerville, good food is not far away. So from north to south to central and Uptown, we take a look at where to stop in each section of the city.

North Westerville

For can’t-miss favorites and one of the most eclectic kids’ menus in the city (plus one for adults that’s not too shabby, either) 101 Beer Kitchen is the place to be. Moving from beer pairings to wine-inspired fare, Napa Kitchen + Bar provides elevated American fare, wine aplenty and even wine-based events, all inside a cozy space recalling the comfort of wine country. But then again, if Mexican cuisine sounds a bit better than burgers and beers or wining and dining, Las Margaritas is a north side gem, featuring house-made Mexican recipes and award-winning margaritas.

Central Westerville

Patty melts, chili cheese fries, smash burgers and Nashville hot chicken. What else needs to be said about Bru Burger ? How about the fact that this concept was deemed one of Food Network's “best burgers from coast to coast.” If you follow a vegan diet, or just want a break with some greens, Can’t Believe It’s Vegan is ready to live up to its name with a full slate of fresh and flavorful dishes even meat-eaters will devour. And when

South Westerville

Sometimes, you just need a good old diner breakfast. Or lunch. Or brunch. Either way, this is exactly what Delany’s Diner has in store for visitors: an inviting interior with great food and prices that won’t break the bank. And speaking of breakfast, the popular concept First Watch , is fast, casual and a true from-scratch kitchen that doesn’t sacrifice house-made quality for speed and efficiency. And if you’re in south Westerville looking for an evening meal, the recently-opened OX-B’s features top-tier fried chicken, mac and cheese, and wings that are delicious enough for entree status.

Uptown

When in Uptown, start your day off right at Northstar Café, where ethics in sourcing is as important as quality. Fresh-made biscuits, house ginger ale and some of the best veggie burgers you can buy are on the menu. If you’re the type to want things your way, FUSIAN allows diners to create their own sushi rolls, selecting the proteins, veggies and toppings they prefer. Any fan of blended cuisine should keep their eyes on Koble Grill, a fast-casual option offering a menu crafted from both Greek and Italian cuisines. Thai Grille adds some spice to Uptown dining, featuring flavorful dishes and local ingredients.

To explore all dining options in Westerville, click here.

Cardinal Pizza

For visitors sticking to Uptown Westerville, Cardinal Pizza (10 E. Main St.) is a can’t-miss option. Not only does the eatery offer both Columbus and New York-style pies, it’s situated inside the city’s DORA and boasts an eclectic selection of craft beer as well.

DICARLO'S PIZZA

Want to mix things up? If you’re trying to bite into a unique piece of Ohio culture, check out DiCarlo’s Pizza (20 S. Main St., Unit K), just make sure you know what to expect: a thinner, crisper square crust pizza, with cheese that’s added after it comes out of the oven.

Their signature Pizza Rolls are an Uptown favorite and wine and beer are available daily.

CARSONIE'S PIZZA

Carsonie’s Pizza (6000 Westerville Rd.) has served as a Westerville stalwart for over thirty years, with the concept now operating three locations and serving a horde of loyal followers. And if it’s Stromboli you’re after, this is the place to be.

Classic Pizza

Speaking of long-standing local spots, Classic Pizza (742 N. State St.) is another Westerville shop that’s a must-try if Columbus-style pizza is what you’re after.

ANTONIO'S PIZZERIA

Antonio’s Pizzeria & Restaurant (7001 Sunbury Rd, #C) serves up thin and crispy, square-cut pies, topped with aged provolone to give them a uniquely delicious edge. Make sure to check out their stromboli, pasta and more.

GIONINO'S PIZZERIA

Next up: Gionino’s Pizzeria (103 Westerville Plaza). This pizzeria has quickly grown to become one of the most popular family-owned chains in northeast Ohio, and is just starting its expansion into the Columbus area.

PASQUALE'S PIZZA & PASTA HOUSE

Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta House (558 W. Shrock Rd.) has served Westerville for over three decades, operating as a classic family-owned pizzeria and pasta spot. This means you can grab a square-cut pie for takeout, or dinein on an Italian sub and house-made gnocchi.

From the square-cut Columbus style to a classic New York slice, Westerville pizza offers something for everyone

From thin and crispy Columbusstyle pies to the New York slice and more, Westerville pizza represents a range of unique and equally delicious styles. Here are the spots you should know. ↓

GIAMMARCO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

If you’d prefer a full Italian menu alongside pizza and other Sicilian classics in a bit more upscale environment, Giammarco’s Italian Restaurant (6030 Chandler Ct.) is the spot for you, just north of Uptown, and boasting one of the liveliest patios in the area complete with regulation bocce ball courts and tournaments.

MINICO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Another eatery that serves both Columbus-style pies and a full menu of Italian dishes is Minico's Italian Restaurant (1180 County Line Rd.). You don’t stick around for over 30 years without making great food.

And if you consider yourself a true pizza fanatic, make sure to check out the new Columbus Pizza Trail from Experience Columbus, a passportstyle trek that hits many of the area’s top spots, including Cardinal Pizza and Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta House in Westerville.

Two of the eateries above are part of the Columbus Style Pizza Trail. Find out more here.

From coffee to baked goods to dive-in desserts, here are our top Westerville sweet spots

Coffee

If you’re looking to stay caffeinated, Uptown Westerville has a variety of friendly coffee stops, including Java Central Cafe & Roaster, Espresso Air Coffee Terminal, Northstar Cafe and Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop, which is slated to open this summer. Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop will offer giant cookies, cinnamon rolls, coffee drinks, sparkling beverages and even a no-line feature for ordering food and drinks.

Uptown even boasts a pair of topnotch spots for tea, if that’s your thing. Asterisk Supper Club offers it by the pot and cup, while Blue Turtle sells a wide variety of dried teas.

Baked Goods

If you want to go local, check out Schenider’s Bakery in Uptown, which has been serving fresh donuts to Westerville since 1957. Can’t get enough donuts? Westerville is home to a Duck Donuts location, the hugelypopular national chain whose claim to fame is made-to-order donuts that are freshly fried. Do we need to say more?

Still on a carb kick? Great Harvest Bread Co. offers from-scratch breads, made daily alongside cinnamon rolls, biscotti and plenty of other sweets.

While Just Pies is nothing flashy from the outside, this long-standing family owned shop makes some of the very best pies in central Ohio.

Dessert

If it’s an after-dinner treat you’re eyeing, there’s no shortage of options, either. You can grab a frozen custard at the locally-famous Whit’s Frozen Custard , or a classic Blizzard at Dairy Queen. Another Uptown spot and Ohio chain, Graeter’s, is always a safe bet. On the north side, Coppa Gelato serves up delicous and creamy small batch, Italian gelato. And Little Ladies Soft Serve–the first-ever brick and mortar home to one of central Ohio’s most popular food trucks–is a soughtafter spot for truly decadent sundae creations.

For a traditional sweets shop, newly opened Sugarbee’s Fine Confections in Uptown serves chocolates and more from an oldfashioned storefront.

Did you know Westerville’s Java Central is part of the Columbus Coffee Trail? Find out more here.