North Market in downtown Columbus was only a twenty minute drive from my home in Dublin. Aside from finding parking, the process was pretty easy and well worth the time. With my shopping list in hand, I was excited to try a new recipe where I needed to pick up some exotic spices, saffron and sumac.
Established in 1876, North Market was celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. When the market first opened the area had not been surveyed so it was set up on an unkempt cemetery that had been abandoned on a site west of Second Union Railroad Station. The primary transportation into the market was by train and the conditions were dirty and caused traffic congestion that could last for hours. Luckily, this was not the case as I found a parking spot in the nearby lot.
The only traffic jam I found was a group of shoppers that had stopped forJeni’s Ice Cream, just inside of the door. With North Market Spices close by, I purchased the saffron and sumac then continued to follow the crowd counter-clockwise for sushi from Nida’s and soft tacos at Dos Hermanos.
The history of North Market is quite fascinating. As the city grew in size and wealth, city officials commissioned Daniel Hudson Burnham to design and build a grand shopping market. They were relying on Burnham to create a space that would rival the spectacular European markets and artistic cityscapes that he had once created for Chicago and D.C.
Burnham’s Union Station opened in 1897 with the arcade opening a couple of years later. Built in the Beaux-Arts Classicism style, the station welcomed more than 160 trains each day as thousands arrived for shopping, government, business, tourism and education.
Electric street cars replaced the trollies bringing in another 80 million to Columbus each year. The beauty of this place put Columbus on the map as “the most brilliantly illuminated city in America.” Business was booming and the surrounding markets flourished. Downtown Columbus became one of the most sought after real estate locations in Ohio.
The opulent North Market Historic District was a result of Ohio’s booming manufacturing. Farming was on the rise and the transportation of goods by the railroad added to the state’s prosperity.
By WWII, the North Market and surrounding area saw a decline as manufacturing began to weaken. Trains no longer brought visitors as cars became more accessible and by 1970, the arcades and businesses were closed and boarded up. North Market was all that remained of the several markets within the city and eventually, it would also result in decline.
A non-profit organization, North Market Development Authority, was eager to restore the market, raising over $5 million dollars to rebuild this landmark. Restaurants such as Martini’s and the Japanese Steakhouse began to open on High Street along with the addition of the Columbus Convention Center. Today, North Market includes over thirty vendors, once again bringing visitors to the downtown area.
Among the vendors that I visited while exploring North Market include:
Spices Limited North Market: Welcome to North Market Spices, your destination for the perfect flavor. Spices Ltd. was conceived over lunch at North Market. We envisioned a place with a wide variety of the highest quality spices. Spices that make cooking creative, fun and delicious. That’s why, when you need the perfect spice to enhance any dish, you’ll find it at Spices Ltd. Website: https://northmarketspices.com/
Firdous Express: Welcome to Firdous Express we are a quick-service restaurant. Offering a wide range of Mediterranean ingredients. From fresh tabula, creamy hummus with a hint of fresh garlic, crispy falafel, tender shawarma, and delicious baklava. We focus on providing our guests with great food, excellent customer service and lots of smiles.
Nida’s Sushi: Nida Perry, a native of Thailand, has brought a love of food and entertainment to North Market. Bringing the delicious cuisine of her childhood to the residents of Columbus, Nida includes the best of Thai cuisine, with accents from Japanese, Vietnamese, and Western traditions. From the crisp fresh spring rolls, to the tangy tom yum soup, to the sweet and spicy curries, our kitchen prepares each signature dish with exotic spices and herbs. Each bite bursts with flavors of fresh lemongrass, ginger, coconut milk, and Thai basil. The sushi bar offers the freshest seafood in both traditional and specialty maki rolls, sashimi, and nigiri.
Lan Viet Market: The Le family started Lan Viet Market downtown in 2010 with the desire to bring a part of our culture to our community. From steaming noodle soup (pho), crispy sandwiches (banh mi), refreshing spring rolls, to sizzling noodle and rice bowls; we serve authentic and delicious food that is inspired by the culture and the history of Vietnam. Our food is made to order from the freshest ingredients and has the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy. Come try out a piece of our culture!
Bubbles: At Bubbles we offer a variety of organic cold-pressed juices, whole fruit smoothies, bubble teas, and açaí bowls. We strive to please each and every customer with our fast service and exceptional customer service. Website: https://bubblesteacompany.com/
Sarefino’s: If you want the kind of pizza described by our East Coast Customers as “the best pie in town”, visit our North Market location right next to Pastaria Seconda and try a slice. Yes – this is the best New York-style pizza in Columbus! We hand toss every pizza and serve it pie-shaped by the slice daily. Favorites include pepperoni, cheese, and a mouthwatering veggie pizza with spinach, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. You can also call and order a whole pie for pickup. https://www.pastarianorthmarket.com/sarefinos-pizzeria-italian-deli/
Pastaria Seconda: Located in the North Market, we have three restaurants and a catering service to bring you the finest in Italian foods. Pastaria was opened by founder Don Ziliak in 1993. We specialize in true scratch cooking and our daily lunch offerings have made many loyal customers. Stop in and try our chicken Parmesan, have a ginormous slice of 3 cheese lasagna, or for the more sophisticated pallet, try our artichoke and Gorgonzola cream sauce! Right next to our flagship store in the historic North Market is where you will find Pastaria Seconda which specializes in fresh raviolis, fresh cuts of pasta and homemade sauces, all prepared fresh daily. Let us tempt you with our Raviolis that you can take home and make for dinner: Lobster, Smoked Mozzarella, Black Bean, and Butternut Squash are just a few of the over 20 ravioli fillings offered daily. Website: https://www.pastarianorthmarket.com/
Stauf’s Coffee Roasters: Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, founded in 1988, is Columbus’ original cafe and roastery. We always endeavor to provide the best and freshest coffees hand-selected from over 20 countries of origin. We think you’ll believe us when we say that the proof is in the cup! Website: https://www.staufs.com/staufshomepage
Flavors of India: Established in 1991, Flavors of India is one of the oldest merchants at North Market. This family-run business will have you feeling like you are a part of the family. Serving you home-style Northern Indian cuisine made with freshly sourced ingredients each morning, Flavors of India incorporates healthy herbs and spices (turmeric, coriander, ginger, and garlic) in each dish offering truly authentic flavors of India. Offering Vegan and Gluten-Free options.
Dos Hermanos: Dos Hermanos has a true passion for sharing authentic Mexican food. While visiting the North Market you may find us hand rolling and steaming Tamales, scooping fresh Avocados for our guacamole, or slow cooking our Barbacoa for Tacos. We often use ingredients that we source from local markets and other small business owners. Website: https://eatatdos.com/
Brezel: Brezel is a gourmet pretzel company specializing in hand-rolled Bavarian-style pretzels and pretzel products in a variety of flavors. If you prefer the classic or something more unique, we’ve got you covered. With 40+ flavors, we make a flavor for every taste bud. Website: https://www.brezelpower.com/
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: This is where Jeni began making the ice creams that The New York Times called “worth the drive to Ohio” and Time magazine called “the best in America.” When Jeni opened in 2002, Jeni could be found making and selling all the ice creams herself behind two dipping cabinets. Today, Jeni continues to draw inspiration from the merchants, food, customers, and overall vibe of the historic city market. She’s often there for events—and to shop for ingredients to use in her home and work kitchens. Website: https://jenis.com/blogs/scoop-shops/columbus-oh
Some of the shops I will miss….
Little Eater…I loved their many healthy salads!
North Market Poultry and Game…fresh beef and chickens; It was the first time I had bison!
The Fish Guys – sushi grade tuna…need I say more?
Pistacia Vera – cute, little, delicious desserts!
Destination Donuts – the glazed and chocolate glazed were my favorite….
Katzinger’s Little Deli – will miss their amazing salads and pickle
*Information regarding each vendor has been copied from The North Market Website.
I’m sure that since my last visit, there are several new vendors, so I look forward to a future trip to Columbus where I can eat my way through North Market.
Have you visited North Market in Columbus, Ohio? What was your favorite vendor? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day trip to North Market and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
North Market Columbus
59 Spruce Street
Columbus, OH 45215
Telephone: 614 463 9664
Where to Stay:
Moxy, Columbus Short North
808 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 45215
Telephone: 888 861 8331
Where to Eat:
North Market Eateries
- Firdous Express
- Nida’s Sushi and Thai
- Lan Viet Market
- Bubbles
- Sarefino’s
- Pasteria Seconda
- Dos Hermanos
- Brezel
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
What to Read:
North Market Cookbook
Photo Guide to Columbus:
- Bicentennial Park
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- German Village
- Hayden Falls Park
- Inniswood Metro Gardens
- Ohio Statehouse
- Scioto Mile Promenade
- Short North Arts District
- Stroll through the stalls of North Market for amazing photos!
