Now open: New restaurants in Columbus, central Ohio as of July 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - From pizzerias and Italian cuisine to smoothie bowls and fast food favorites. Here are some new restaurants and businesses that have recently opened in the Columbus area and central Ohio.

Bar Italia

4145 The Strand West at Easton Town Center

• The new Italian eatery recently opened its doors to customers, offering fresh pasta and homemade sauces. Described as a "bar-centric" bistro, the restaurant also serves pizza, salad dishes, a 24-layer lasagna and much more. Bar Italia at Easton is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open for dinner on Mondays through Thursdays from 3 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 3 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

East African Coffee House

4359 Morse Road

• This new coffee shop opened in June and brings traditional East African teas and coffee to customers that feature a unique blend of spices. The store also offers a wide selection of drinks including lattes, refreshers and matcha. Customers can visit Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Playa Bowls

1515 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place

• Playa Bowls is a tropical chain known for its smoothie bowls and juices. The new spot opened on May 24, marking the brand's fifth central Ohio location. Guests at Playa can pick from an extensive menu of bowls or customize their own. The Polaris shop is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

782 N. State St. in Westerville

• Potbelly opened its newest shop at the end of June, adding to the brand's list of central Ohio locations. The Westerville eatery is the sixth Columbus area spot, offering a list of sandwiches, subs, salads, soup, mac and cheese, chips, cookies and milkshakes. Potbelly in Westerville is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Roots Natural Kitchen

808 Grandview Avenue

• Known for its healthy food options, Roots Natural Kitchen is open with its newest location on Grandview Avenue. Customers can pick from its menu of “healthy and flavorful” signature bowls or create their own. Patrons can choose from a salad or a grain bowl and customize from a selection of different toppings, salsas and sauces that are made from natural ingredients. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

UA Pizza

3794 Fairlington Drive

• The pizzeria has been open for a couple of months serving tavern-style pizza. Toasted subs and salads are also on the menu, along with dessert options and some additional appetizers. UA Pizza is open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.