614feast gives us his exclusive list of his favorite dishes from 2024
2024 was a wild ride—full of highs, lows, and plenty of bites to remember (and a few to forget). On social media, I’m always asking “feast or pass?” and this list is all about the meals that were an absolute feast for me this year.
I spend a lot of time in restaurants on the hunt for delicious, creative flavors and these are the top 5 dishes that had me coming back for more.
Pelino’s Pasta (245 King Ave)
The chef’s tasting menu isn’t just food—it’s art on a plate. The attention to detail, high-quality ingredients, and authenticity shine through in every dish. The space is warm, inviting, and filled with beautiful natural light. Every course was incredible, but my favorite was the braised lamb pasta.
Third & Hollywood (1433 W 3rd Ave, Grandview Heights)
Casual fine dining with romantic lighting makes this the perfect spot for a special occasion. I took my girlfriend here for her birthday, and we had an unforgettable time. My Ribeye was cooked to perfection with a beautiful sear and tender, juicy center. Paired with their decadent mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked asparagus, it was a meal for the ages.
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Pizza Nerds (1376 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna)
This pizza spot feels like it was made for me. The vibe is nostalgic millennial goodness—think TMNT, The Simpsons, Transformers, arcade games, and more. But they’re not just pop culture nerds; they’re pizza nerds in the academic sense too. They’ve mastered the science of pizza-making, perfecting a thick crust similar to Detroit-style and a thin crust like a Grandma-style—each with their own unique twist. My favorite? The Mario. It’s topped with their signature cheese blend, red sauce, pepperoni, banana peppers, and a drizzle of hot honey.
The Lox Bagel Shop (772 N High St)
My go-to is the Egg & Cheese on their everything bagel—add a side of Sabo hot sauce, a side of egg sauce, and bacon if you really want to party. These artisan, house-made bagels strike the perfect balance between New York and Montreal styles. Each one is dense, chewy, and has a fantastic crust, boiled first and then fired in a wood oven.
Martha’s Fusion Kitchen (3331 Maize Rd)
This small, cozy spot is warm, welcoming, and serves up some of the best birria and authentic Mexican food in Columbus. Their birria was the first I ever tried in the city, and they’ve mastered it—loaded with tender beef and melted cheese. The consomé is rich, flavorful, and an experience in itself. I can’t recommend their tacos enough—they’re a must-try.
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