Spring produce pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, so it’s no surprise Columbus chefs’ spring menus are filled with inventive seafood specialties. Read on to find 10 seafood dishes worth seeking out this spring.
Barcelona
263 E. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43206
The Vieiras (pan-seared scallops) are a mainstay on the Barcelona menu, but Chef Jacob Hough always impresses with his seasonal seafood dishes. From his spring menu, try the Bacalao, a pistachio-crusted cod served with a Basque pepper-, caper- and sun-dried tomato-rice pilaf and an arugula pesto.
Basi Italia
811 Highland St., Columbus, OH 43201
Basi’s seasonal risottos are always delightful. The Spring Crab Risotto incorporates some of the best spring flavors—asparagus, leek and Meyer lemon.
Copious
520 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
All meals at Copious should start with the bright, tart Grapefruit Ceviche. It’s raw scallop and shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with roasted poblano, cilantro, mint and avocado, and can be scooped up with tortillas.
G. Michael’s
595 S. Third St., Columbus, OH 43215
Chef David Tetzloff’s seasonal low country-inspired menus always feature standout seafood options. From his spring menu, try the Corn Flour Dusted Walleye with herb roasted potatoes and broccolini, topped with a tomato-scallion butter sauce and a pickled cucumber salad.
Nicola Restaurant & Bar
4740 Reed Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
Tuscany-trained Chef Nicola Bedalli considers his Cioppino to be his signature dish. The fisherman-style seafood stew is made as you’d find it in Livorno, a port city on the western coast of Tuscany. It’s brimming with fish, shrimp, clams, calamari and mussels.
The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
1092 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
Pan Seared Barramundi is a standout offering from Chef Richard Blondin’s spring menu. The environmentally friendly Asian sea bass is sided with chef’s intriguing kangaroo sausage and served with a dark ale vin blanc sauce.
The Table
21 E. Fifth Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
The Table’s Korean-inspired Arctic Char entree can be ordered individually or family-style. It’s served with spaghetti squash and kimchi, served in a miso and sweet chili broth, and topped with toasted cashews.
Veritas Tavern
15 E. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015
The tasting menu often changes daily at Veritas, but it’s guaranteed to have an excellent seafood bite—or three. On a recent tasting menu, Chef Josh Dalton featured shrimp and grits, halibut with white asparagus and fennel, and a Dungeness crab roll.
Worthington Inn
649 High St., Worthington, OH 43085
Worthington Inn Chef Mike Waters keeps it local with his popular Ohio Rainbow Trout entrée. The freshwater fish is accompanied with haricot verts, basmati rice and a rich hazelnut butter.
Z Cucina
1368 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
Try an Italian twist on Japanese sushi rolls next time you’re at Z Cucina. Found on the Primo section of the spring menu, Cucumber Wrapped Tuna Tartar is made with grilled lemon aioli, chef’s red bell pepper caramel and wild arugula.
Dine Originals Columbus celebrates, supports and promotes the culinary diversity that locally owned and operated member restaurants contribute to the identity and culture of our city. The nonprofit group is committed to strengthening the local economy and enriching the community through education and charitable partnerships.
A limited quantity of Dine Originals restaurant gift certificates are sold at 30% off face value each quarter. They can be purchased at doc.instagift.com/discount-sale.
For more information, visit www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com.
