Best Places to Eat in Delaware Ohio

The charming cities of Delaware County are full of unique shops, crave-able restaurants, and historic buildings perfect for a weekend of exploring. I recently did just that and found some new favorites that I can’t wait to share! Let’s start with the best part, the food. 

12 West: 12 W. William Street

There is no better place to be for Taco Tuesday! 12 West is the spot for authentic tacos and traditional Tex-Mex. 

Alongside a relatively small menu of entrees, is a “build your own taco” section. I ordered a few different varieties and was NOT disappointed. 

I loved the soft texture of the white corn tortillas and the pork belly was out of this world. The proteins were all cooked perfectly, and the vegetables were crisp and fresh. I also tried a citrusy, shrimp ceviche, and was so happy with how fresh and bright it tasted. 

The full bar and cocktail menu makes for a great happy hour. I had a grapefruit margarita to wash down my tacos and was pleasantly suprised by the simple mix of grapefruit juice, tequila and lime juice. No syrupy, neon sugar bomb here. 

Bun’s Restaurant: 12 W. Winter Street

To really feel like a local “Delawarian,” head to Buns. It has been part of the community for over 150 years beginning as a bakery, where it got its name from the best selling items, the Buns! 

These days Buns is a full-service restaurant and bar. The menu is packed with local classics and fun new dishes. 

Although there were quite a few items on the menu I wanted to try, I can never pass up ordering a restaurant’s specialty. In this case, it was an old-fashioned dish, around since the beginning: Hamloaf.

No, this is not something I would have normally ordered, especially because I don’t like meatloaf, but I was honestly surprised at how good it was! Imagine a slightly spiced, ham based meatloaf with a savory honey mustard glaze. I admit, that simple description really doesn’t do it justice so you will just have to trust me. It came with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, and I will be stopping by Bun’s in the future to order it again. 

Amato’s Food Fired Pizza: 6 S. Sandusky Street 

True, wood-fired pizza is something special and Amato’s has it. All their pizzas are hand tossed and to made to order. Create your own or order one of the specialties, like my personal favorite, the Adrianne. Topped with pesto sauce, pepperoni, fresh jalapenos, gorgonzola, feta, and fresh mozzarella it’s truly a unique treat! The best part though is the perfectly crispy and slightly charred crust. I could eat that crust plain all day long. 

There is more than just Pizza on the menu. Lots of salads, pasta, and sandwiches made with only fresh, natural ingredients promise something for everyone. No matter what you decide, try a side of their homemade meatballs in red sauce. You won’t regret it. 

Coffeeology: 43 N. Sandusky Street

Need a Coffee Break? Coffeology is the cutest little shop. Not only are baristas busy serving all your favorite coffee drinks, the shelves are stocked with a curated collection of antiques and home decor. Oh, and a counter full of pastries and desserts. Every coffee shop should be like this. 

Ciao Cafe: 2 N. Sandusky Street

Real Italian Gelato? Yes, please! Ciao is the first Gelato cafe of its kind in Delaware, and if you haven’t stopped in yet, you are seriously missing out! 

All the Gelato is made in-house by owner Eva, who spent years in Italy learning the secrets for the perfect scoop. After moving to Delaware with her husband, they put those years of training to the test by opening Ciao. There is no one I would trust more with my gelato than Eva! 

Visitors can find about 12 flavors available on any given day, 6 mainstays and 6 seasonal. I liked every single flavor I tried but the chocolate was a clear standout. It was incredibly rich and decadent. I had no idea gelato could taste that dreamy. 

As if the Gelato wasn’t reason enough to visit, Eva fills a pastry case with homemade treats, including 2 of her specialties, tiramisu and cannoli. 

Oak & Brazen Wine Company: 38 E. Winter Street 

Oak and Brazen is the perfect place to stop for a great glass of wine. Owners Jeff & Gina Kirby handcraft their wine using old world techniques with grapes from California and Washington State. 

There is a wide variety of reds, whites and sangrias on the menu. Not sure what you like? A wine flight is the way to go. The bartenders were all helpful and enthusiastic about explaining the wines and helping me pick 4 different varieties for a flight. 

I liked every single wine in my flight, something I don’t think had ever happened before. The seasonal sangrias add an extra element of fun to the menu. I had the Cranberry, featured for the holidays and believe me when I say I could have taken home a case. Santa, are you reading this? 

Local Roots: 15 E. Olentangy Street, Powell 

My favorite place for a night out in Delaware is Local Roots. Walking into this cozy restaurant is like walking into your best friends kitchen. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and you immediately want to sit down and stay awhile. 

The motivation behind the restaurant though is really what makes it special. Much of the menu is sourced locally, from the meat and produce to local craft beers. Menus change seasonally, with specials added weekly to highlight the best fresh ingredients from local farms.

All that lovely produce is in capable hands, which was evident by the perfectly crispy fried okra that came as part of my blackened scallop dish. The scallops were velvety and full of flavor. 

When you visit, don’t hesitate to order the house-made potato chips as an appetizer. They are drizzled with just the right amount of creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with crispy bacon and scallions. 

Phew! So between all that food, you should probably take a break and do some shopping and sightseeing. I know just the places.