Here in Ohio, dining can be an adventure.
Many of the state’s best restaurants are hiding in the most unexpected places. From transformed warehouses to underground restaurants, there’s likely a hidden restaurant less than an hour away from you. Here are 9 best kept secret restaurants in Ohio that are so worth seeking out:
- Sotto (Cincinnati)
vmeyi/Trip Advisor
Susan C/Trip Advisor Hiding beneath East Sixth Street in the bustling city of Cincinnati is one of the most divine Italian dining experiences you can have in the state of Ohio. The atmosphere and decor are downright romantic, making Sotto the perfect date night destination when you want to really impress that special someone. Address: 118 East Sixth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Coney Island Diner (Mansfield)
pchefmichele/Trip Advisor
pchefmichele/Trip Advisor Known for their coneys and pea salad, this Main Street restaurant is a gem. It’s a 50s themed diner with so much more than just coneys on the menu. You might have to wait for a seat, as it’s a popular joint to grab a bite, but it’s worth it. Address: 98 North Main Street, Mansfield, OH 44902
- Pine Tree Barn (Wooster)
management/Trip Advisor
Dianna W/Trip Advisor Hiding in northeast Ohio is a magical tree farm that’s also a restaurant, gift shop and furniture store. The Granary Restaurant serves lunch every day from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. With grommet entrees and amazing views, a lunch here will spoil you. Address: 4374 Shreve Road, Wooster, OH 44691
- The Farm Restaurant and Pub (Adena)
The Farm Restaurant and Pub/Facebook
The Farm Restaurant and Pub/Facebook A little-known culinary secret in the Ohio Valley, The Farm Restaurant and Pub is unbelievably charming. Inside, the table setting and decor will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a home, rather than a restaurant open to the public. There’s everything from upscale seafood dishes to hearty burgers and fries here. Address: 1247 State Route 150, Adena, OH 43901
- Cocina De Carlos (Perrysburg)
Stephie_1284/Trip Advisor
management/Trip Advisor With an extensive menu and a lunch buffet option, Cocina De Carlos is arguably one of the most underrated Mexican restaurants in Ohio. The burritos are massive and the enchiladas are irresistible. At the buffet, you’ll find a wide variety of selections, including make-your-own tacos. Address: 27072 Carronade Drive, Perrysburg, OH 43551
- Spearman’s Restaurant (Howard)
elsplace/Trip Advisor
management/Trip Advisor Driving by, you might not realize what’s hiding in this unassuming gas station off of U.S. Highway 36. Spearman’s Restaurant is the definition of a true hidden gem. It humbly serves up some of the best comfort food in the state. Address: 26155 Coshocton Road, Howard, OH 43028
- Father John’s Microbrewery (Bryan)
Rcscruffy4/Trip Advisor
Father John’s Microbrewery/Facebook What was once a gorgeous church is now a truly unique microbrewery and restaurant enchanting both locals and visitors alike. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of upscale American dishes that are downright mouthwatering. (Just know that if you order a soft pretzel, you’re going to have to share it with someone.) Address: 301 West Butler Street, Bryan, OH 43506
- The Whitehouse Inn (Whitehouse)
Whitehouse Inn/Facebook
Management Photo/Trip Advisor Although the name makes it sound like a swanky overnight getaway, The Whitehouse Inn is a gorgeous restaurant that’s unlike any other. Inside, you’ll find elegant decor that pays homage to our country’s presidential history. Here you’ll enjoy seafood, steakhouse favorites and other unique creations, such as the Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Address: 10835 Waterville South, Whitehouse, OH 43571
- Strongwater Food and Spirits (Columbus)
Strongwater Food and Spirits/Facebook
Strongwater Food and Spirits/Facebook What was once a sanitary porcelain manufacturing company is now a one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and event space. This century-old warehouse features the perfect blend of industrial, modern day decor and rustic historic touches. On the menu, you’ll find everything from upscale seafood dishes to burgers and fries and other casual classics. Address: 401 West Town Street, Columbus OH 43215
Have you ever been to any of these restaurants before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
vmeyi/Trip Advisor
Susan C/Trip Advisor
Hiding beneath East Sixth Street in the bustling city of Cincinnati is one of the most divine Italian dining experiences you can have in the state of Ohio. The atmosphere and decor are downright romantic, making Sotto the perfect date night destination when you want to really impress that special someone. Address: 118 East Sixth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
pchefmichele/Trip Advisor
Known for their coneys and pea salad, this Main Street restaurant is a gem. It’s a 50s themed diner with so much more than just coneys on the menu. You might have to wait for a seat, as it’s a popular joint to grab a bite, but it’s worth it. Address: 98 North Main Street, Mansfield, OH 44902
management/Trip Advisor
Dianna W/Trip Advisor
Hiding in northeast Ohio is a magical tree farm that’s also a restaurant, gift shop and furniture store. The Granary Restaurant serves lunch every day from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. With grommet entrees and amazing views, a lunch here will spoil you. Address: 4374 Shreve Road, Wooster, OH 44691
The Farm Restaurant and Pub/Facebook
A little-known culinary secret in the Ohio Valley, The Farm Restaurant and Pub is unbelievably charming. Inside, the table setting and decor will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a home, rather than a restaurant open to the public. There’s everything from upscale seafood dishes to hearty burgers and fries here. Address: 1247 State Route 150, Adena, OH 43901
Stephie_1284/Trip Advisor
With an extensive menu and a lunch buffet option, Cocina De Carlos is arguably one of the most underrated Mexican restaurants in Ohio. The burritos are massive and the enchiladas are irresistible. At the buffet, you’ll find a wide variety of selections, including make-your-own tacos. Address: 27072 Carronade Drive, Perrysburg, OH 43551
elsplace/Trip Advisor
management/Trip Advisor
Driving by, you might not realize what’s hiding in this unassuming gas station off of U.S. Highway 36. Spearman’s Restaurant is the definition of a true hidden gem. It humbly serves up some of the best comfort food in the state. Address: 26155 Coshocton Road, Howard, OH 43028
Rcscruffy4/Trip Advisor
Father John’s Microbrewery/Facebook
What was once a gorgeous church is now a truly unique microbrewery and restaurant enchanting both locals and visitors alike. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of upscale American dishes that are downright mouthwatering. (Just know that if you order a soft pretzel, you’re going to have to share it with someone.) Address: 301 West Butler Street, Bryan, OH 43506
Whitehouse Inn/Facebook
Management Photo/Trip Advisor
Although the name makes it sound like a swanky overnight getaway, The Whitehouse Inn is a gorgeous restaurant that’s unlike any other. Inside, you’ll find elegant decor that pays homage to our country’s presidential history. Here you’ll enjoy seafood, steakhouse favorites and other unique creations, such as the Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Address: 10835 Waterville South, Whitehouse, OH 43571
Strongwater Food and Spirits/Facebook
What was once a sanitary porcelain manufacturing company is now a one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and event space. This century-old warehouse features the perfect blend of industrial, modern day decor and rustic historic touches. On the menu, you’ll find everything from upscale seafood dishes to burgers and fries and other casual classics. Address: 401 West Town Street, Columbus OH 43215
For more unique restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: The 10 Wackiest Restaurants In Ohio Where Dining Is A Blast.
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