Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Columbus

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Columbus? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Refectory- Columbus

4.9

4.9 (3159)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Columbus

About the restaurant

The Refectory's relaxed and quiet pace presents an evening of elegant dining. At the heart of the dining experience are the culinary creations directed by Chef Richard, a native of Lyon, France, who studied under chef Paul Bocuse. The exceptional contemporary American cuisine and classic French cuisine is complemented by a world-class wine cellar encompassing over 700 selections. An experienced and knowledgeable staff and the personal touch of owner Kamal Boulos, complete the gracious yet unpretentious service that enhances a memorable evening. Our commitment to excellence in presenting each guest with the finest cuisine and service possible makes The Refectory the perfect setting for an important business dinner, a special celebration, or simply to treat yourself to an elegant dining experience! Thank you for choosing The Refectory!

Top review

SandraGold

Dined on 14 Oct 2026

For exceptional food, service, and ambiance, I don’t think you can beat the Refectory.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse-Downtown Columbus

4.9

4.9 (2560)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Short North - Arena District

About the restaurant

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is an award-winning prime steakhouse specializing in aged USDA prime steaks. Positioned at the gateway of the Short North arts & entertainment district, Hyde Park is located adjacent to the Greater Columbus Convention Center and a short walk from the major downtown hotels, North Market, and Nationwide Arena. The restaurant offers a chef-inspired menu featuring variations of its legendary aged prime steaks, daily chef’s fresh fish features, and great seafood. Award-winning menus, the extensive wine list and impeccable service are why Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is Columbus Ohio’s “go-to” fine-dining restaurant choice and place to be impressed, for convention goers, business meetings, corporate events, intimate dinners & special occasions. Private event rooms available; heated covered outdoor dining; valet parking offered - $10

Top review

Pat

Dined 4 days ago

Paul and Bita we're great and the food was excellent and we did not feel rushed and enjoyed the evening very much

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon center cut 8oz12oz

4.9

4.9 (333)

$50 and over

Japanese

Polaris

About the restaurant

Experience a Japanese culinary tour at HARU Omakase, crafted by Executive Chef Yudi Makassau. We specialize in modern sushi prepared using traditional techniques. Each curated course showcases seasonal ingredients and unique flavor pairings, and our selection of wine and saké pairings perfectly complement each dish.

Enhance your dining experience at our omakase bar where you can get up close and personal with the preparation of your meal and interact with our chefs while they serve you directly. Join us for an unforgettable evening where tradition meets innovation!

Top review

AdamGold

Dined 2 days ago

Incredible experience from start to finish. Parking was simple. Hosts were quick to greet with a smile and extremely nice. Service was extremely attentive. Sitting at the Omakase area was the right play. The main chef and chefs were attentive and truly talented. I haven't had sushi like this since I lived in California many years ago. Fresh and well thought out. The sake pairing was perfect, as well. This experience was truly an art form.

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Experience

Omakase Counter Dining Experience

Yoshi's Japanese Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (28)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Dublin

About the restaurant

Yoshi's Japanese Restaurant is a cozy establishment that serves traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Come with a group of friends and sit in the comfortable and well-decorated dining room, or come solo and sit at the sushi bar. Privacy for business meetings can be accomplished by requesting one of the private dining rooms, like Ume, which holds up to four people, Kiku, which seats up to 15, or Sakura, which also seats up to 15. Yoshi's offers appetizers like edamame, hiyayakko and shumai. Choose from a menu that offers itamemono, age mono, yaki mono, kushiyaki or sushi combinations. Yoshi's offers many beverages including wines from California, premium wines from around the world, Japanese and American beers, whiskey, sake and shochu. Non-alcoholic options include soft drinks, Ramune Japanese soda, green tea and iced oolong tea. Finish the meal with a dessert of ice cream and wafer cookie.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on 30 Sept 2026

Friendly staff, nice atmosphere and food was excellent

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Upper Arlington

4.8

4.8 (1973)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Upper Arlington

About the restaurant

Indulge in a culinary journey at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, located in Upper Arlington. For over 30 years, this award-winning restaurant has been a destination for steak lovers. Savor our signature aged USDA prime steaks, grilled to perfection, including classic cuts like New York Strip and Filet Mignon, as well as unique dishes like the Oscar and Tournedos au bleu. Our chef-inspired menu also features fresh seafood, delicious appetizers, and decadent desserts, all made with the finest ingredients. Enjoy the warm ambiance with five cozy fireplaces and elegant décor, ideal for intimate dinners or special occasions. Join us for Happy Hour in the bar, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, martinis, and bar plates starting at just $7. With live music on select nights, it's the perfect spot to unwind and socialize. Experience the best of fine dining at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse.

Top review

Dave

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing food and the best service - as usual at Hyde Park!

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Popular dish

American Wagyu Filet Mignon 8oz

Tony's Italian Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (824)

$30 and under

Italian

German Village

About the restaurant

Tony and his staff invite you to come in and experience their high quality, yet reasonably priced food. You will enjoy a superb Italian meal prepared using only the finest ingredients. This includes our signature homemade pastas and hand-cut fresh meats. You will discover a taste difference unique to Tony's Ristorante. Tony's is also happy to host your next event in our private party space. Please ask our staff for details about booking private events. Our family looks forward to hosting your family soon!

Top review

Darby

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

Great food, beautiful and charming inside and out

Veritas

4.7

4.7 (275)

$50 and over

American

Columbus

About the restaurant

Enjoy an immersive, multi-course tasting menu experience in our main dining room at Veritas, located in downtown Columbus, OH.

Our goal is to take you on a culinary journey highlighting ingredients and techniques that drive our passion in our innovative approach to modernist cuisine.

Top review

Bob

Dined 3 days ago

It is always an amazing adventure and experience at Veritas. We go back every time the menu changes, and always have an amazing evening. It’s our favorite spot in Columbus!

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Experience

Contemporary American

FYR Short North

4.6

4.6 (989)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Columbus

About the restaurant

FYR Short North, recently reimagined by Chef Zach Warn, offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience in Columbus, blending the elemental power of live-fire cooking with Ohio’s rich agricultural heritage. Anchored by open-flame cuisine and an enhanced and refined hospitality, including elevated tableside service and chef-led tastings, the restaurant showcases a seasonally curated menu featuring Ohio beef, regional produce, local artisan breads and cheeses, and one of the best dry-aged programs found in the state. Even desserts and beverages embrace fire-inspired creativity, making FYR Short North a premier destination in the vibrant Short North neighborhood for those seeking the finest live-fire experience in the Midwest.

Top review

JulieGold

Dined 2 days ago

I attended the collab dinner with Moody Tongue. The food, beer and service were all impeccable. It was such a wonderful event and I’m excited to do it again!

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FYR Thanksgiving Feast To-Go

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbus

4.5

4.5 (1472)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Columbus

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Columbus, OH serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

HerbGold

Dined 2 days ago

The Host at check in is amazing. Michelle our server did an outstanding job with top notch service and making us feel valued.

The Lounge at Final Cut - Hollywood Casino Columbus

4.3

4.3 (268)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Columbus

About the restaurant

Toast the good life at The Lounge at Final Cut Steak & Seafood. Savor Choice grade steaks made to order, fresh seafood, and hearty sides plus a great wine selection and hand-crafted cocktails.

Must be 21 years or older. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-589-9966.

Top review

MarlenaGold

Dined on 14 Oct 2026

We went for the Surf and Turf Wednesday special and it did not disappoint.

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