Columbus has been named one of the Best Food Cities by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, and the diverse restaurant scene here lives up to the hype. 

For the athlete looking for dishes that support their nutrition and recovery, you’ll be sure to find what you need in the ingredient-driven food scene in Columbus.
 

What Athletes Need on Event Weekends 

Whether you’re fueling for an upcoming event, looking for a recovery meal or need a meal that meets specific dietary accommodations, the Columbus restaurant scene has what you need, and you won’t have to go far. And as a bonus, these healthy food restaurants are within walking distance of Columbus’s major sports districts.
 

Healthy, Athlete‑Friendly Dining Near Major Sports Districts 

There are over a dozen restaurants within the Arena District itself, providing many healthy restaurant options for nutritious and customizable meals. Just a few blocks north of the Arena District, the Short North is a culinary destination filled with everything from restaurants spearheaded by award-winning chefs to fast-casual (yet creative) dining options.

At the North Market, just a few steps from the Arena District, athletes can choose from more than 30 vendors serving fresh and delicious meals. This public market is over 150 years old and offers a diverse array of dining options for everyone, from Sushi at Nida's Sush + Thai to pierogis at Hubert's Polish Kitchen to handmade Nepali dumplings at Momo Ghar.

If you're carb loading, you can't go wrong at Buca Di Beppo in the Arena District for pasta dishes galore. For breakfast and lunch options, Sunny Street Cafe offers outdoor dining and nutritious options like the Power Scramble breakfast, a Berry Yogurt Bowl and avocado toast.

For total control over the ingredients in your meal, head to Sweetgreen in the Short North Arts District, where their nutritious bowls and salads are totally customizable. Or try Brassica, a fast-casual option where you make your bowl, salad or pita sandwich your own. Vegetarian options abound at either of these popular locations in the Short North.
 

High‑Protein, Plant‑Forward & Allergy‑Friendly Picks 

For high-protein restaurants that will fuel your next competition, check out Rodizio Grill or Ted’s Montana Grill, both in the Arena District. Rodizio Grill offers over a dozen grilled meats and gourmet salads. Their grilled items are 100% Gluten Free and are cooked in a 100% MSG-Free and peanut-free environment.

Bison, a protein-rich, nutrient-dense meat, is the cornerstone of the menu at Ted's Montana Grill. The online menu at Ted’s is also searchable for specific allergen info and it includes a nutrition calculator so you can plan your order before you visit.

In the Short North, you can find Bareburgurger, a destination for organic and eco-friendly burgers made from wagyu, organic grass-fed beef, bison and elk. They also offer a plant-based menu with falafel and black bean burgers.

At Northstar, also in the Short North, athletes can refuel with chopped salads, the popular (and vegan) Northstar Burger, and specialty drinks like organic carrot juice and green smoothie. Most of the menu items can be made vegan or prepared without wheat as an ingredient.

In Downtown Columbus, 4th & State is a vegan restaurant that is also 100% nut-free and offers gluten-free and soy-free menu options. They serve up a delicious lunch and dinner throughout the week and brunch on the weekends.

Nourishing food is the goal at Market 65 in Downtown Columbus. The owners grow their own food and raise their vegetables from seed in organic soil. Choose from their extensive signature salad menu (where all salads can also be made into wraps) or customize your own salad or wrap with the ingredients of your choosing.
 

Quick Meals for Tight Schedules 

Order at the to-go window at Wario's Beef and Pork for their famous East Coast-style sandwiches, including The Steak and the Chicken Caesar. Another option for counter service is at Creole 2 Geaux, where the flavorful menu gets its inspiration from New Orleans. 

For drinks and snacks on the go, check out Nelson's Convenience Store, directly across the street from Nationwide Arena. Jimmy John's, right next door, offers take-out sandwiches including the Gargantuan featuring five proteins! Si Señor is another fast-casual restaurant featuring handmade sandwiches, soups and salads with a Latin twist.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options in town. Plan your visit to Columbus and enjoy!.