Columbus dining scene sees new restaurant openings and local food events

Several new dining establishments are opening or soft-opening in the Columbus, Ohio area. Lira Italian Kitchen, from the owners of Clocktower Kitchen & Bar, is planned for Old Hilliard in an old Chase bank building with an expected opening in early 2028. KVIDA Modern Mexican Bar has soft-opened in the Italian Village at the former Zaftig Brewpub location.

Other recent developments include the soft opening of The BeckFast Place in Schumacher Place and the official opening of Mikey’s Late Night Slice near Polaris, marking its tenth Columbus location. Sexton’s Pizza has launched a thin-crust concept called Uncle Frico’s, and Barry Bagels has opened near the Ohio State University campus. Additionally, Paris Baguette has opened its fourth central Ohio location in Hilliard.

Local culinary events include Weiland’s Market annual Party in the Parking Lot on August 29, a pop-up at North Market by Caroline’s Sandwiches and Crunchick, and the Columbus International Festival at the Franklin County Fairgrounds on August 30.