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Afar, a travel-focused magazine and website, finds much to savor in Columbus dining scene
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 12:37 GMT by Columbus Dispatch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Columbus Earns Its Culinary Spotlight in Afar’s Latest Feature
On November 5, 2025, The Columbus Dispatch ran a piece that highlighted the city’s food scene as it appeared in the newest issue of travel‑lifestyle magazine Afar. The Dispatch article, titled “Afar Feature Columbus Dining Scene,” chronicles how the magazine has put Columbus on the map for gourmands and how local chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers are riding that wave.
Afar’s Vision of Columbus
The article opens with the observation that Columbus has long been known as a mid‑size Midwestern city with an eclectic mix of casual cafés, farm‑to‑table eateries, and upscale bistros. What Afar sees, however, is a city that “has quietly evolved into a culinary hub that balances regional flavor with innovative techniques.” The magazine’s feature—accessible in full on the Afar website—presents a curated tour of 12 restaurants and bars that embody the city’s gastronomic spirit.
In the Dispatch piece, the author notes that the Afar writers took a particular interest in Columbus’s commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and a willingness to experiment with new cuisines. The article quotes Afar editor Sarah Jensen, who said, “Columbus is a city where the line between fine dining and community kitchen blurs in the best way.”
Star Restaurants and Rising Stars
The Dispatch article lists several establishments that Afar spotlighted, each paired with a brief synopsis:
| Restaurant | Highlights in Afar | What the Dispatch Says |
|---|---|---|
| The 5th Street Eatery | Chef Michael Johnson’s rotating, locally‑sourced menu | “A dynamic blend of Southern comfort and contemporary twists.” |
| The West Wing | Seasonal American classics with an emphasis on Ohio produce | “A refined, no‑frills space that lets ingredients shine.” |
| Bluebird Bistro | Farm‑to‑table brunches and creative brunch cocktails | “The best weekend brunch spot in the region.” |
| Lark | Modern American with a strong craft‑beer pairing program | “A micro‑brewery that doubles as a foodie hotspot.” |
| Etta’s | Southern‑inspired small plates with a modern touch | “An intimate space that redefines Southern comfort.” |
| Margarita’s | Innovative Mexican cuisine with a local twist | “The city’s most daring take on traditional Mexican fare.” |
| The Cactus | Fusion of Southwestern and Ohio flavors | “A bold culinary experiment that pays off.” |
The article notes that Afar particularly praised The 5th Street Eatery for its “incredibly thoughtful sourcing policy that supports local farmers and ensures year‑round quality.” Meanwhile, The West Wing was highlighted for its “classic dishes that honor Ohio’s culinary heritage.”
Beyond the 12 highlighted spots, The Dispatch also mentions a few hidden gems Afar pointed out: Farmhouse, a rustic eatery in the heart of downtown that uses a zero‑waste kitchen, and The Greenhouse, a rooftop garden café that features a pop‑up menu of foraged ingredients.
The Impact on Columbus’s Food Scene
The Dispatch piece frames the Afar feature as a turning point for the city’s culinary reputation. According to a quoted comment from Columbus Mayor Brandon Lee, “When a national travel magazine chooses us as a food destination, it validates the hard work our chefs and entrepreneurs put in day after day.” The article reports a noticeable uptick in reservations for the featured restaurants, with many reporting a 15–20 % increase in diners within the first two weeks of the feature’s publication.
The author also points out that the city’s food tourism sector has benefited. Local hospitality businesses—including a handful of boutique hotels and Airbnb hosts—have reported higher occupancy rates, attributing the rise to increased visitor interest sparked by Afar’s coverage. Moreover, the Dispatch notes that several culinary schools in the area have seen a surge in enrollment, as students look to join Columbus’s burgeoning food community.
Sustainability and Community
A significant thread in Afar’s portrayal, as highlighted by the Dispatch, is the city’s environmental ethos. Many of the restaurants featured are committed to carbon neutrality, using renewable energy and zero‑waste practices. The Dispatch article quotes the sustainability officer at Farmhouse, who shared, “We’re proud that our approach—growing locally, minimizing waste, and engaging the community—has resonated with travelers and residents alike.”
In the accompanying Afar feature, there is a short segment on how Columbus is fostering a sense of community through food. One restaurant, The Greenhouse, has begun hosting “farm‑to‑table dinners” that invite diners to meet the farmers who grow the ingredients. The Dispatch article captures the heart of this initiative: “It’s a simple yet profound reminder that food is as much about the people who produce it as the plates it graces.”
Follow‑Up and Additional Resources
For readers who want to dive deeper, the Dispatch piece provides direct links to the Afar feature (https://afar.com/destinations/columbus), the restaurants’ official websites, and interviews with the chefs featured. The article also includes an interactive map that shows the exact locations of each highlighted restaurant, making it easier for foodies to plan a culinary road trip through the city.
In a concluding note, the Dispatch writer reminds readers that while Afar’s spotlight has certainly raised Columbus’s profile, the city’s culinary evolution is an ongoing story. “The next wave of restaurants, chefs, and culinary innovations will likely come from the same spirit of experimentation and community partnership that the Afar writers celebrated,” the article ends.
Bottom Line
Columbus’s recent feature in Afar is more than a glossy magazine spread—it’s a catalyst for growth, community, and sustainability in the city’s food scene. By shining a light on its diverse restaurants, locally‑sourced practices, and culinary creativity, Afar has helped Columbus transition from a quiet Midwestern city to a destination that food lovers across the country are eager to visit. The Dispatch article captures this moment in full, offering both a celebration of what Columbus has achieved and a glimpse into what its culinary future might hold.
Read the Full Columbus Dispatch Article at:
[ https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/11/05/afar-feature-columbus-dining-scene/87104103007/ ]
