Over 60 new restaurants opened in Columbus in 2017, giving local foodies a plethora of new places to try throughout the year. Some of those spaces have already shot to the top of the lists for discerning diners looking for a mix of pleasant ambiance, quality service and top notch food.
This year, our readers and editors picked Watershed Kitchen & Bar as the number one new restaurant in Columbus. The restaurant opened its doors to the public in January, adjacent to the existing Watershed Distillery in the Fifth by Northwest neighborhood. Tucked away inside a strip of warehouse spaces on Chesapeake Avenue, Watershed serves as a bit of a hidden gem in the area, bringing quality cocktails and food to an area where you might not expect it.
Under the helm of executive chef Jack Moore, the restaurant’s menu has stood out for it’s blend of comfort and cutting edge, offering burgers alongside duck confit in a way that can accomodate a variety of palates and preferences.
“For inspiration, Moore consults his own memories and interests and those of his cooks and farmers,” stated CU Writer Lauren Sega during a recent interview with the chef. “He likes the servers to be well-versed on the stories behind the meals, the intricacies and reasons that make the dishes what they are.”
For more information, visit www.watersheddistillery.com.
The Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2017:
- Watershed Kitchen & Bar
- Cosecha Cocina
- Little Eater – Clintonville
- Hot Chicken Takeover – Clintonville
- Service Bar
- Acre – Grandview
- Pat & Gracies – Downtown
- South Village Grille
- TRISM
- Eden Burger
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2016 — Rockmill Tavern
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2015 — Brassica
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2014 — Bareburger
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2013 — The Pearl
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2012 – TILL Dynamic Fare
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2011 – Milestone 229
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2010 – Knead
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2009 – Dirty Frank’s
Flashback: Best New Restaurant of 2008 – bonoPIZZA
Note: Our “Best of 2017″ lists are published as the combined results of our annual Reader Nomination Survey and Editor’s Choice picks.