USA TODAY names Columbus food spots among nation's best

If Columbus is known for one thing, it's food – and national rankings are continuing to back that up.

Several central Ohio staples landed on USA TODAY’s 2026 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards lists, highlighting the region's farmers markets, food halls, tours, and public markets among the best in the country.

The latest rankings build upon a strong showing in 2025, when the same group of local food spots all placed in the top 10 nationally.

Here's how Columbus ranked:

A guide with Columbus Food Adventures holds a clipboard while speaking to participants about the history of Columbus and the Short North during a tour.

Best Food Tour

Columbus Food Adventures, a longtime tour company offering guided food experiences across central Ohio, ranked No. 4 this year, improving from No. 7 in 2025. The business is known for its walking tours, van excursions and curated experiences that highlight Columbus' diverse culinary scene.

"From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to explore the area's rich culinary scene," USA TODAY wrote.

"Whether you're a meat-lover, brew-hound, taco fiend, or gastronomic globe-trotter, there's a tour to fit your appetite."

Best Food Hall

Budd Dairy Food Hall, which opened in 2021 inside a renovated early 1900s dairy building in Italian Village, ranked No. 6 this year after placing No. 4 in 2025. The multi-vendor space features about 10 kitchens, multiple bars and a rooftop deck, and has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors.

"Budd Dairy Food Hall is breathing new life into a former dairy that had stood vacant for more than 50 years," the USA TODAY article read.

Best Farmers Market

The Worthington Farmers Market, a year-round market that operates outdoors in the Old Worthington Historic District during warmer months and indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place in winter, ranked No. 7 this year after placing No. 5 in 2025.

"Nearly 100 vendors from the Columbus area converge for the year-round Worthington Farmers Market," USA TODAY wrote.

Best Public Market

North Market Downtown, at 59 Spruce St., opened in 1876 and is made up of local merchants and farmers offering a wide range of food options, from international cuisine to baked goods.

The historic market has long been a centerpiece of downtown Columbus' food scene and includes a satellite location in Dublin.

"Open since 1876, this historic public market has everything to make a foodie smile," USA TODAY wrote.

In 2025, North Market ranked No. 6.