A culinary revolution has swept the nation during the past decade, and Southern Ohio’s meetings-friendly destinations are no exception. The area boasts an array of new eateries residing alongside old favorites.
Over the past few years, the diverse culinary scene in Columbus has exploded and continues to gain national attention and accolades, according to Brian Ross, vice president of sales at Experience Columbus. Many of its popular restaurants are within walking distance of the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
One storied standby is Martini Modern Italian (614.224.8259; www.martinimodernitalian.com), which touts “dining in Milan”—pasta dishes, fresh calamari, brick oven pizzetta, veal martini and chicken carbonara—right across from the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Its private dining room on the upper level, decorated with dark woods and white leather, can accommodate up to 70 attendees. Guests may also enjoy a variety of handcrafted specialty drinks, including Italian grapefruit gimlets.
A newer kid on the block is Sushi Rock (216.623.1212; www.sushirockohio.com/private), also situated across the street from the convention center, for everything from intimate groups of 10 to buyouts for up to 300 people. Seated events featuring fresh sushi and prime steaks are accommodated, as are stationed or passed hors d’oeuvres gatherings with creations such as lobster spring rolls, mini crab cakes and chipotle short rib sliders.
Also within walking distance of the convention center is Hubbard Grille (614.291.5000; www.hubbardgrille.com), which recently opened with a modern American-style menu boasting organic offerings, including a buttermilk-fried all-natural Ohio chicken served with redskin potato cakes, braised BBQ pork ribs, and housemade cornbread served with lavender-infused butter. Groups of 10 or more are accommodated, and a private party room is available.
Arnold’s Bar & Grill (513.421.6234; www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com), Cincinnati’s oldest tavern, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, as well as a guest-starring role on NBC’s Harry’s Law, starring Kathy Bates.
“They selected our restaurant to feature on the show as a hangout for the characters,” says Proprietor Bret Androski, explaining that exterior shots will be used and the interior will be replicated on a soundstage in Burbank, Calif.
Situated a short walk from the central hotel district, Arnold’s menu is diverse and features local seasonal ingredients in items such as Greek spaghetti, a pasta dish topped with garlic butter and sauteed bacon and olives.
“We offer the second-floor space for private parties and can accommodate small intimate groups in one room or provide the entire floor for large groups of 75 or more,” Androski says. “We routinely host corporate happy hour events in the courtyard and offer appetizer buffet options with happy hour specials for these events.”
Via Vite (513.721.8483; www.viaviterestaurant.com), which opened in recent years on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square, features a contemporary take on Northern Italian cuisine, including warm Boucheron goat cheese salad and braised lamb shank on a bed of polenta and gelato.
“The glass walls of our building provide patrons with great views of the bustling square,” says Kara Gruber, event manager, adding that private rooms are available on the second floor. “The open-air terrace that surrounds the second floor is the perfect spot for a drink and appetizer before sitting down to any dinner.”
Jean Robert’s Table (513.621.4777; www.jrtable.com), which opened in downtown Cincinnati near Fountain Square and the Duke Energy Convention Center in 2010, features French culinary traditions mingled with Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel’s contemporary flair.
According to Amy B. Hunter, spokesperson at the restaurant, specialties include the French chateau burger, bacon-wrapped salmon and chocolate macadamia nut tart.
“Private dining and buyouts are available any day of the week except Sunday,” she says, adding that customized menus are available.
In Dayton, El Meson (937.859.8229; www.elmeson.net) is a group-friendly restaurant with several private dining rooms.
“Every month we add a new special menu and offer a large variety,” says spokesperson Bill Castro, citing tapas, quesadillas, the mariscada, a seafood sampler and steak encebollado. “For groups, we offer cooking classes, wine dinners and salsa dance classes. Lots of fun!”
Specialties at Dayton’s Amber Rose Restaurant & Catering (937.228.2511; www.theamberrose.com), housed in a circa-1910 general store that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, include classic American cuisine and old-world favorites like cabbage rolls, hunter schnitzel and beef stroganoff.
According to Owner Joe Castellano, the restaurant offers a first-floor dining room and two private rooms on the second floor that can accommodate up to 120 guests.
“In addition to our lunch and dinner menus, we offer custom catering and are happy to prepare any menu for a group at our place or theirs,” he says.
