When you think of delicious dining in the Buckeye State, you’d likely consider Ohio’s bigger cities. Yet you’ll be equally impressed by some of the small-town options. Athens, Ohio is a case in point. Offering some of the best and most diverse restaurants in Ohio, this small town is truly a culinary destination. Here’s more on what awaits you there. (Spoiler alert: you’ll want to bring your appetite!)

Athens, Ohio is perhaps most famous for being the home of Ohio University. Yet this college town is also bustling with a lively food scene and one that you’ll want to dive right into. The following is a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Athens.

Visit Athens Ohio / Facebook

  1. Restaurant Salaam

Restaurant Salaam / Facebook

Restaurant Salaam / Facebook A truly impressive small-town restaurant, Restaurant Salaam is your go-to destination for fresh Mediterranean food with a global twist. This family-owned restaurant incorporates a lot of local produce, ensuring every dish is fresh and delicious. Learn more when you visit Restaurant Salaam online.

  1. Tavolino

Tavolino / Facebook

Tavolino / Facebook Should you find yourself in Athens craving Italian food, there’s one place that belongs on your radar: Tavolino. It’s the kind of place that will immediately make you feel like family, with made-from-scratch dishes incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients. You can’t go wrong with whatever happens to be the special of the day. Learn more when you visit Tavolino on Facebook.

  1. Gran Ranchero

Mr. Sommers / Google

Lora Hall / Google Next up on our list of impressive restaurants in Athens is Gran Ranchero. Serving up delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, it’s a phenomenal place to visit with a group of friends. No matter what you order, you’re bound to be impressed. And don’t forget drinks! Learn more about what you can look forward to when you visit Gran Ranchero.

  1. Union Street Diner

Google

Nikole Allen / Google One of the best parts about visiting a true college town is enjoying the diner experience. Union Street Diner is a prime example. Open 24/7, this beloved local spot offers all kinds of late-night dishes: cheeseburgers, roast beef sandwiches, chicken tenders…the list goes on. For more information, head on over to the Union Street Diner website.

  1. Jackie O’s

Mark Kemper / Google

Eliot Fendig / Google Last but certainly not least is Jackie O’s, another classic Athens dining experience. If you’re looking to grab a local beer with friends and family, this is the spot. Plus, they serve some seriously delicious entrees including made-to-order sandwiches and pizza. Learn more when you visit Jackie O’s online.

Have you visited the town of Athens recently? Do you agree that this small town is home to some of the best restaurants in Ohio? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For more great dining options, be sure to check out the Ultimate Guide To The Best Restaurants In Ohio — Pizzas, Tacos, Ice Cream, And More!

Visit Athens Ohio / Facebook

Restaurant Salaam / Facebook

A truly impressive small-town restaurant, Restaurant Salaam is your go-to destination for fresh Mediterranean food with a global twist. This family-owned restaurant incorporates a lot of local produce, ensuring every dish is fresh and delicious. Learn more when you visit Restaurant Salaam online.

Tavolino / Facebook

Should you find yourself in Athens craving Italian food, there’s one place that belongs on your radar: Tavolino. It’s the kind of place that will immediately make you feel like family, with made-from-scratch dishes incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients. You can’t go wrong with whatever happens to be the special of the day. Learn more when you visit Tavolino on Facebook.

Mr. Sommers / Google

Lora Hall / Google

Next up on our list of impressive restaurants in Athens is Gran Ranchero. Serving up delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, it’s a phenomenal place to visit with a group of friends. No matter what you order, you’re bound to be impressed. And don’t forget drinks! Learn more about what you can look forward to when you visit Gran Ranchero.

Google

Nikole Allen / Google

One of the best parts about visiting a true college town is enjoying the diner experience. Union Street Diner is a prime example. Open 24/7, this beloved local spot offers all kinds of late-night dishes: cheeseburgers, roast beef sandwiches, chicken tenders…the list goes on. For more information, head on over to the Union Street Diner website.

Mark Kemper / Google

Eliot Fendig / Google

Last but certainly not least is Jackie O’s, another classic Athens dining experience. If you’re looking to grab a local beer with friends and family, this is the spot. Plus, they serve some seriously delicious entrees including made-to-order sandwiches and pizza. Learn more when you visit Jackie O’s online.

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Address: Athens, OH 45701, USA