Want to support local restaurants this October? Curious about new openings or under-the-radar finds? Here are five restaurants I’m suggesting you try this month!

1. Chilispot

Chilispot sits in the Kenny Centre on the northwest side and serves a delightful mix of Chinese dishes. Try the Chengdu dan dan noodles, spicy Sichuan wontons, and Chongqing popcorn chicken. Consensus generally seems to be that Chilispot is a suitable replacement for the now-gone Hong Kong House.

1158 Kenny Centre Mall
Columbus, OH 43220
(614) 929-5565
chilisoptcolumbus.com

2. Saddleberk

Saddleberk’s new storefront in North Market Bridge Park serves as a combined restaurant, butcher shop, and produce stand. Stock up on blueberry maple sausage and pork chops, stay for a burger, pork dip sandwich, beef cheek poutine, and a shake.

6750 Longshore Dr.
Dublin, OH 43017
saddleberk.com

3. Aroma Restaurant

Aroma is a hidden gem on Lynn Alley downtown, serving lunch and dinner from the former Si Senor space. They serve a curious mix of Mediterranean and European dishes, so it ranges from Greek to Spanish to French. But everything we’ve tried has been a hit: the ezme tomato, chili, and walnut dip; the “angry potatoes” generously spiced with chipotle pepper sauce; the pomme de terre, a giant croquette with ground beef, potatoes, red peppers, and mozzarella.

72 E. Lynn St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 929-5230
aromacolumbus.com

4. Fay’s Crepes

The Somali-owned Fay’s just made the move from a stall in the Polaris food court to a stand-alone storefront at Easton. They make giant crepes from scratch and fill them with sweet and savory toppings. Think banana and Nutella, strawberry and cream, or spring veggies and chicken florentine.

3951 Easton Square Pl.
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 906-2815
fayscrepes.com
And read my blog post on Fay’s last year

5. Terita’s Pizza

And finally, an old school pizza shop. A recent dinner reminded me that I rank Terita’s amongst the city’s best Columbus-style pizza. Since 1959 they’ve been plying Columbus with pizza, subs, and wings. My favorite: the Terita’s Special with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, pepperoni, and Terita’s homemade sausage.

3905 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43224
(614) 475-2100
teritas.com

Want more ideas for places to try? Follow me on Instagram at @breakfastwithnick, check out the news archives, follow our Current Cravings, or…