Every year a crop of new restaurants in Columbus open their doors, offering new foods and dining experiences. These are the hottest new restaurants in Columbus, Ohio.

Cento, has opened in German Village, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to try it out. Cento is the latest Cameron Mitchell concept restaurant serving fine-dining Italian cuisine. The fact that it is a Cameron Mitchell restaurant is exciting! Ever since Cameron opened his first restaurant, Cameron’s just down the street from my wife and I’s first apartment, we have been big fans.

Cento (pronounced CH-ENTO) will open at 595 S. 3rd St. and offer traditional Italian dishes in an intimate, upscale experience. Cento means “100” in Italian and represents Cameron Mitchell’s 100th restaurant opening. They are currently hiring and plan to open shortly.

Kyushu Ramen Bar

Kyushu Ramen Bar, opened its second location in Lewis Center. It is located at 6418 Pullman Drive, next to the Dairy Queen. Eat some ramen, and then go next door and get some ice cream!

My favorite dish so far is Spicy Tonkutsu Ramen (pictured below). I ordered it with chicken. There is a big portion of noodles hidden below the chicken, corn, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and other ingredients.

Santos has recently opened its doors at 1079 N. High St. in the Short North, transforming from its previous identity as Chophouse614. The reopening brings a refreshed dining experience with a revamped menu featuring gourmet burgers, chicken, tacos, seafood, and steaks.

The restaurant’s ambiance and decor have also received a makeover, creating a renewed atmosphere.

Complementing the delicious fare, Santos offers a drink menu featuring tequila-inspired cocktails, martinis, and refreshing spiked lemonades.

Hiraeth

Hiraeth, a fine-dining restaurant, is located at 36 E. Lincoln Street in the Short North. The diverse range of dishes showcases wood-fired fare with influences from various cultures and cuisines, such as Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisines as well as traditional wood-fired meat entrees.

Hiraeth features a spacious dining room in the basement, where a prominent wood-fired grill takes center stage. Additionally, guests can dine on the first floor and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the bar area.

Hiraeth offers a wide range of items from Stuff on a Stick (Steet Corn, Glazed Chicken, Lamb Merguez, Lemongrass Pork) each seasoned with a variety of spices and seasonings, to its Large Cuts of meat (Whole-Roasted Guinea Hen, Pork Shoulder Steak, Whole-Fried Fish, or is 28oz Prime, Dry-Aged Ribeye). A variety of drinks and appetizers are also available. You can check out the current menu here.

Reservations are highly recommended, although walk-ins will be accepted for the upstairs bar area on a first-come, first-served basis.

Genghis Grill

As someone who works in The Ohio State University area, I can’t tell you how excited I am to see a new, stripped-down fast-casual version of Genghis Grill.

Genghis Grill is trying a new approach for their new Mongolian stir-fry style restaurant at their new location located at 1865 N. Pearl Street just across the street from The Ohio State University Oval.

Previously, customers would choose their ingredients from a wide selection of fresh veggies, sauces, and meats and then carry them to a chef, where they were stir-fried on a hot grill.

Now, customers will be able to order their ingredients from over 80 choices at a kiosk or cashier, and their food will be prepared for them within 15 minutes.

This makes it perfect for those who want a hot, fresh meal prepared quickly and a meal that can support various eating styles, including keto, low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or standard meat and veggie bowls.

Bowls will start at $8.00, making it a perfect choice for those who want a reasonably priced meal.

Another nice service is that call-ahead orders will have meals prepared in a separate prep area so in-store customers don’t have to wait while pick-up orders cut in the line. Genghis Grill will also have curb-side pickup and mobile ordering for those on the go.