Delaware sits at the north edge of the metro, its own downtown and its own restaurant scene, not a Columbus suburb to drive through. This list covers the storefronts and taverns that hold the town together: Mexican kitchens on repeat, a diner that has not changed its rhythm, and a few rooms worth the drive up 23.
№ 01
The Backstretch
Delaware $$
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The tater tots get top billing here, and regulars order them without checking the rest of the menu. The nut crusted chicken salad is the quieter standout, and the Trashcan cocktail has its own following at the bar. Street parking near downtown Delaware is easy, and the room works for a Saturday night out with friends as much as a weeknight plate.
What to ordertater tots, nut crusted chicken salad, the Trashcan
№ 02
Taqueria Ay Caramba
Delaware
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Quesabirria tacos are the draw, served with a dipping broth on the side, and the salsa is thick, mild, and made with real care. Chips and salsa are not bottomless, so order accordingly. The beef taco salad holds up well through the drive-through, packed with crisp lettuce and a generous portion of meat. Service is quick and the room stays clean.
What to orderQuesabirria tacos, beef taco salad, salsa
№ 03
La Matraca Mexican Grill and Cantina
Delaware
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Half chicken and half carnitas split between two plates is the move for groups, and the fajitas come out with extra tortillas without anyone asking. Portions run large enough to justify the prices, and the kitchen still turns out full plates close to closing. This is a room built for groups who want generous food and fast service.
What to orderhalf chicken, carnitas, mixed fajitas
№ 04
Las Miches Mexican Grill
Delaware
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Carne asada and chiles rellenos anchor a menu that reads as genuinely Mexican rather than a hedge for a broader crowd. The margaritas draw as much loyalty as the food, and service has built a following of regulars who return specifically for the staff. Quality has some inconsistency dish to dish, so lead with the carne asada.
What to ordercarne asada, chiles rellenos, enchiladas
№ 05
Barrio Burrito Bar
Delaware
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The veggie bowl is the order for anyone who wants the customizable format without meat, built from ingredients that read fresh rather than assembled from a bin. The room itself is bright and clean, a step up from the standard fast-casual burrito counter. Consistency on the service side varies, so patience helps on a busy visit.
What to orderburrito, veggie bowl, burrito with toppings
№ 06
Hamburger Inn Diner
Delaware $$
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A hamburger and fries, ordered the plain way, is the whole reason to come, and the small patio out front makes it a natural stop after the Delaware Farmer's Market. This is an old-school diner in the literal sense, unchanged and proud of it. Service moves fast, and the room carries a genuine diner feel that Delaware has kept intact for decades.
What to orderhamburger, cheeseburger, fries
№ 07
Son of Thurman
Delaware $$
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The Italian sub with hand-cut fries and onion strings is the order regulars mention first, with the onion strings singled out for their crunch. The burger runs thick, thick enough that doneness can be uneven, so ask for guidance. Wings come out oversized. This is a sports-bar room built for repeat visits with the same group of friends.
What to orderthick burger, Italian sub, wings
№ 08
Opa Grill & Tavern
Delaware $$
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Saganaki and souvlaki carry the Greek menu here, in a room with low light and a smoky char in the air that reads as intentional rather than accidental. Service has drawn praise for warmth on most visits, though the bar side has had some rougher nights. This is a room built for a relaxed group dinner rather than a quick bite.
What to ordersaganaki, souvlaki, moussaka
№ 09
Mi Cerrito Mexican Restaurant | Delaware
Delaware $$
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The cheese dip gets ordered before anything else, and the margaritas keep tables lingering past the meal. Crab enchiladas are the specialty item worth trying, though quality control on shellfish prep has been inconsistent on carryout orders. For a first Mexican meal for someone unfamiliar with the cuisine, staff steer newcomers well. Family-friendly and casual, built for regular return trips.
What to ordercrab enchiladas, cheese dip, margaritas
№ 10
Amato's Woodfired Pizza
Delaware $$
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The patio is the reason to come on a warm weekend, wood-fired margherita and pepperoni pies paired with a cold drink outdoors. The kitchen runs a single oven for both takeout and dine-in, so weekend waits stretch long, sometimes close to an hour on a Saturday night. Go on a weekday or early for a shorter wait and the same pizza.
What to orderMargherita pizza, pepperoni pizza, wood-fired pizza
№ 11
Smash Shack Burgers, Dogs and Wings - Delaware
Delaware
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Smashed burgers here come well-cooked and tightly built rather than falling apart, which is the main compliment regulars repeat. The Angus coney and onion rings with chimney sauce round out the order, though the coney sauce has a habit of overwhelming whatever it touches, so ask for it on the side if that matters. Worth crossing the Outerbelt for from Columbus.
What to orderhamburgers, Angus coney, onion rings with chimney sauce
№ 12
Typhoon Asian Fusion Bistro
Delaware $$
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The Delaware roll and sesame chicken are the two dishes regulars name first, and the sushi program here has built a reputation as one of the stronger fusion counters in the northern part of the metro. The dining room runs small, but the room reads as more considered than a typical strip-mall Chinese counter. Portions and presentation both come in generous.
What to ordersesame chicken, delaware roll, mapo tofu
Frequently asked
What is the best restaurant in Delaware, Ohio right now?
Based on the Insider Score, which weighs the full review record rather than a single visit, The Backstretch and La Matraca Mexican Grill and Cantina rank at the top of this list. No restaurant pays to appear here or to rank higher.
Where can I find good Mexican restaurants near me in Delaware?
Delaware has an unusually deep Mexican lane for its size: Taqueria Ay Caramba, La Matraca, Las Miches, and Mi Cerrito all operate within a few miles of downtown, each with its own strengths from quesabirria to crab enchiladas.
Is Delaware, Ohio part of Columbus?
No. Delaware is its own municipality at the northern edge of the Columbus metro, with its own downtown and restaurant scene. It is not a Columbus neighborhood and should not be treated as one.
How is the Insider Score calculated for this list?
The Insider Score comes from an analysis of the full public review record for each restaurant, not a single critic's visit. It weighs consistency and volume of feedback. No restaurant pays for placement or a higher score on this list.
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The data first, then the verdict
We start with the review record, not a press release. Every room here is a real kitchen with a strong rating across a meaningful number of reviews, ranked on our 10-point Insider Score. We weight consistency over time and the rooms locals return to, not the ones tourists pass through once. The list updates as the data does. How we work →
Amina Warsame
Staff Writer · Top of Columbus
Amina Warsame is a Staff Writer at Top of Columbus. Born in Mogadishu and raised in Northland, she grew up between her mother's kitchen and the grocery-cafes of the Somali malls. She writes the guides, sweeps the whole Outerbelt, and covers the Somali and East African tables as the beat she knows best.
