The biggest FIFA Men’s World Cup ever is coming to North America this summer, with 16 cities in three countries hosting the event. The World Cup will officially begin on June 11, and match play will continue through July 19.
Even though Columbus is not hosting any World Cup matches, you can still get in on the action by watching at local restaurants and bars, attending the Ecuador friendly at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, or eating around the world at some of our favorite spots below!
Barroluco, courtesy of Experience Columbus
Argentina
BARROLUCO
47 N. Pearl St. Columbus, Ohio 43215
Founded officially in 2014, Barroluco has been serving authentic Argentinian comfort food in Columbus for nearly two decades. Originally started in 2009 as D’Angelo’s Bakery, nine years after the founding family moved to Columbus from Mendoza, Argentina, Barroluco has been a variety of different eateries, including an award-winning food truck. Its current brick-and-mortar location opened in 2018.
MATCHES
vs. Algeria — Tuesday, June 16
vs. Austria — Monday, June 22
vs. Jordan — Saturday, June 27
Brazil
BRAZILIAN GRILL & BAKERY
5818 Columbus Square, Columbus, OH 43231
Since its opening in 2018, Brazilian Grill & Bakery has become the largest Brazilian store in the Midwest, and it is located right here in Columbus! Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with dishes prepared from fresh ingredients, Brazilian Grill & Bakery strives to provide the most authentic meals that are delicious whether you eat in, order takeout or have it delivered.
MATCHES
vs. Morocco — Saturday, June 13
vs. Haiti — Friday, June 19
vs. Scotland — Wednesday, June 24
El Arepazo
Colombia
CILANTRO LATIN FUSION
4852 Sawmill Road, Columbus, OH 43235
It’s not uncommon to see Cilantro’s food trucks around the streets of Columbus, but did you know they have a brick-and-mortar location as well? Cilantro prides itself on creating authentic Latin meals rooted in tradition. Every dish is handmade from scratch and inspired by the spirit of family and community.
EL AREPAZO LATIN GRILL
515 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
A staple in Columbus for the past 15 years, El Arepazo is a family-owned restaurant founded by Carlos and Carolina Gutierrez. When the Gutierrezes moved from Venezuela and Colombia to Columbus, they had a dream of bringing Latin American flavors into their new community. Now, El Arepazo is a go-to for anyone in the city looking for authentic Latin American dishes.
MATCHES
vs. Uzbekistan — Wednesday, June 17
vs. Confo DR — Tuesday, June 23
vs. Portugal — Saturday, June 27
Ecuador
LOS GALAPAGOS
378 S Grener Ave, Columbus, OH 43228
Los Galapagos is a family-owned Ecuadorian grocery store and restaurant. The restaurant specializes in made-to-order authentic Ecuadorian dishes, while the grocery store serves as a gathering place for the Ecuadorian community in Columbus.
MATCHES
vs. Cote d’Ivorie — Sunday, June 14
vs. Curacao — Saturday, June 20
vs. Germany — Thursday, June 25
Chouette. Courtesy of Makeready, photo by Melissa Chu.
France
CHOUETTE
66 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Channeling classic French bistro vibes, Chouette seamlessly blends tradition with modern comfort to create a unique French-inspired dining experience. With a menu inspired by timeless French cuisine favorites, Chouette is the only restaurant in the United States that has been awarded the World’s French Restaurant certification by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs.
THE REFECTORY
1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
If you’ve never been to The Refectory, there’s no better time for your first experience than now, while the restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Located in a restored 19th-century church, The Refectory has been offering award-winning French-inspired cuisine to the Columbus community since 1992.
LA CHATELAIN
1550 West Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Since 1991, La Chatelain has offered “a little of France to every customer.” From fresh-baked breads and croissants to team time favorites, everything is made in-house using family recipes passed down through generations.
MATCHES
vs. Senegal — Tuesday, June 16
vs. Iraq — Monday, June 22
vs. Norway — Friday, June 26
Courtesy of Gemut.
Germany
VALTER’S AT THE MAENNERCHOR
976 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
More than 168 years ago, 12 new Americans founded the Columbus Männerchor, the nation’s largest and longest continually active German singing society and social club. Today, Valter’s at the Mannerchor elevates this tradition by offering authentic German food and beers with a modern American twist and has become a staple in German Village.
SCHMIDT’S
240 E. Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206
Known for its world-famous cream puffs, Schmidt’s is a must-visit German staple in Columbus. Since 1886, the restaurant has been offering classics like sauerkraut bratwurst balls and potato soup at its brick-and-mortar location, food truck, and special events.
GEMÜT BIERGARTEN
734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205
Located in Olde Towne East, Gemut Biergarten offers a relaxed outdoor atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic German food and drinks in the heart of German Village.
MATCHES
vs. Curacao — Sunday, June 14
vs. Cote d’Ivorie — Saturday, June 20
vs. Ecuador — Thursday, June 25
Haiti
T-CO ISLANDS RESTAURANT
4466 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231
T-CO Islands Restaurant offers authentic Caribbean food in Columbus.
MATCHES
vs. Scotland — Saturday, June 13
vs. Brazil — Friday, June 19
vs. Morocco — Wednesday, June 24
Fukuryu Ramen
Japan
TENSUKE RAMEN
1155 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Tensuke Ramen offers quick and delicious authentic Japanese meals and snacks.
AKAI HANA
1173 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Founded in 1986, Akai Hana has grown from a small restaurant with only 40 seats to a Columbus favorite that now seats more than 100 dining guests! With an expansive selection of Japanese favorites like tempura and sushi, this is a must-visit for Japanese cuisine lovers.
OSAKA TON KATSU
194 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Osaka Ton Katsu is where Osaka comfort food meets Midwest warmth. From its signature tonkatsu dish to a variety of other Japanese-inspired offerings, Osaka Ton Katsu will transport you with every bite.
MESHIKOU
1506 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Meshikou offers authentic ramen and other Japanese cuisine.
FUKURYU RAMEN
748 Harmon Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
Fukuryu’s authentic ramen and Japanese soul food are intended to provide an unparalleled culinary experience. With recipes passed down from generations of ramen chefs from partners in Japan, this is a go-to comfort food spot.
MATCHES
vs. Netherlands — Sunday, June 14
vs. Tunisia — Saturday, June 20
vs. Sweden — Thursday, June 25
Korea
MIN-GA
800 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Min-Ga offers authentic Korean cuisine.
MATCHES
vs. Czechia — Thursday, June 11
vs. Mexico — Thursday, June 18
vs. South Africa — Wednesday, June 24
Mexico
LA PLAZA TAPATIA
255 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Founded in 2004 by Gustavo Salazar, La Plaza Tapatia has been serving the Columbus area as a go-to Mexican grocery store and hot bar. To provide only the freshest ingredients, La Plaza Tapatia hopes to cultivate a sense of togetherness through food.
MATCHES
vs. South Africa — Thursday, June 11
vs. Korea Republic — Thursday, June 18
vs. Czechia — Wednesday, June 24
Morocco
TAJINE HOUSE
59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Located in the iconic North Market, Tajine House celebrates Moroccan flavor, comfort and tradition through spices, stews and slow-cooked tajines. Founders Alex Daray and Lotfi Khomsi immigrated to the United States in 2001 and met in Columbus in 2007, where they eventually brought their passion for bringing Moroccan food to Columbus to life.
MATCHES
vs. Brazil — Saturday, June 13
vs. Scotland — Friday, June 19
vs. Haiti — Wednesday, June 24
Courtesy of Barcelona Restaurant & Bar.
Spain
BARCELONA RESTAURANT & BAR
263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206
Located in the iconic German Village, Barcelona Restaurant & Bar is inspired by a walk on the Ramblas with a glass of sangria in hand. Blending metropolitan chic & Old World European charm, Barcelona is the perfect European getaway in Columbus.
MATCHES
vs. Cabo Verde — Monday, June 15
vs. Saudi Arabia — Sunday, June 21
vs. Uruguay — Friday, June 26
