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December 23.2025
3 Minutes Read

Discover Isla: The Communal Dining Experience Transforming Columbus

Chic interior of Isla Restaurant Columbus with elegant tables.

Unveiling the Spirit of Isla: More than Just a Restaurant

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Columbus, Isla transcends the typical dining experience, offering an atmosphere steeped in warm hospitality and human connection. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Andrew Smith and Devoney Mills, this communal dining establishment has quickly made a name for itself, evolving from a home-based supper club into a beloved restaurant that emphasizes relationships over just meals.

The Journey from Supper Club to Standalone Restaurant

The genesis of Isla traces back to the couple's supper club, inspired by the influence of their late friend, Dan Murphy. With an initial gathering of just 14 guests in their home three to four nights a week, the couple crafted unique dinners that not only delighted the palate but also nurtured friendships. As Andrew and Devoney reflected, the magic of their supper club led them to open Isla, aiming to share that same community spirit on a larger scale.

What to Expect When You Dine at Isla

For first-time diners, the experience at Isla is akin to stepping into a welcoming dinner party. Guests are invited to savor culinary delights crafted with seasonal and local ingredients, all while seated at a communal table. Each meal is enriched with stories behind the food, as Andrew personally walks diners through each dish. “It’s about making connections, not just filling stomachs,” Devoney ardently states, echoing the restaurant’s core philosophy.

Creating Lasting Connections

One of the unique aspects of dining at Isla is its focus on fostering friendships among guests. Through assigned seating arrangements, Andrew and Devoney curate social interactions that allow patrons to meet others who share similar interests, breaking down barriers and creating bonds that often lead to lifelong friendships. Guests have reported staying hours after dinner, chatting and enjoying drinks with newfound friends, a testament to Isla's success in building community through food.

Unique Dining Experiences in Columbus: Isla Among the Best

Isla is just one of many exceptional dining options in Columbus that prioritize unique experiences. The city boasts a plethora of culinary gems, including Bonifacio’s Kamayan Feast, where diners enjoy meals Filipino-style, and Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, a fun tech-enhanced experience. These dining spots, including Isla, are tearing down traditional dining barriers, offering immersive experiences that are as much about the food as they are about shared moments.

The Future of Dining: Trends Toward Community and Connection

As dining trends continually evolve, the success of communal-oriented restaurants like Isla suggests a shift in how people view meals. The pandemic has cultivated a yearning for connection, pushing diners to seek out meaningful experiences rather than merely filling their plates. Isla stands at the forefront of this movement, blending local flavor with the timeless tradition of coming together over food.

If you're a socialite looking for your next culinary adventure or a new dining spot to connect with friends, Isla is the perfect place to start. With its emphasis on community and quality, this restaurant not only feeds the body but also nourishes the soul.

So Why Wait? Discover Isla Today!

Isla isn't just a restaurant, it's a movement inviting you to experience dining differently. Don't miss the chance to make new friends while enjoying seasonal dishes made with passion. Visit Isla and be part of this joyous journey.

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01.15.2026

Spring Date Ideas in Columbus: Explore Food Halls and Nature's Beauty

Update Unforgettable Experiences Await: Rediscover Columbus This Spring As the vibrant colors of spring bloom across Columbus, there's no better time to set out on a unique date adventure. Whether you're a lifelong resident looking to rediscover your city or someone new hoping to explore the local flavor, here are several delightful spring date ideas that promise lasting memories. With an array of food, activities, and experiences, you and your partner can enjoy the best that Columbus has to offer. Food Halls: A Culinary Adventure Together Start your date with a culinary exploration at the North Market Downtown. Featuring a wide variety of vendors, you can indulge in breakfast delights like fresh bagels from Fox's Bagel & Deli or sweet treats from Buckeye Donuts. The fun doesn't stop at breakfast; for dinner, head to The Little Grand Market in Grandview where you can treat yourselves to everything from Vietnamese dishes at Common Rice to delicious Italian pizzas from Gants Pizza, wrapping up with cookies from For the Love of Dough for dessert. Nature Awaits: Embrace the Great Outdoors As temperatures rise, take advantage of Columbus's stunning outdoor spaces. Visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to watch wild bison roam in their natural habitat. For a taste of serenity, stroll through the beautiful Inniswood Metro Gardens, which boast thousands of plant species. For a more adventurous outing, rent a kayak or canoe at Trapper John’s Canoe Livery in Grove City for a fun day on the water, paddling along the picturesque rivers. Cheer Together: The Thrill of Sports Spring means sports season in Columbus! Head to Lower.com Field to cheer for the Columbus Crew, or catch a game at the Columbus Clippers baseball stadium. Enjoy special promotions like Dime-A-Dog Night or happy hour drink specials and make the most of your game day by savoring games and tasty stadium food from local favorites. Remember, DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) is available three hours before the games, allowing you to enjoy the local scene before your sporting event. A Wildly Fun Zoo Date Spring is the prime season for visiting the Columbus Zoo. With many animals becoming more active, this is a great time to catch some incredible sights. Book a special encounter to interact closely with giraffes or pet stingrays to elevate your zoo visit, making it truly unforgettable. A trip to the zoo combines education with excitement, making it a fantastic option for any couple. Showcasing Romance at the Conservatory Nothing speaks romantic charm quite like a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. With its stunning collection of plants and beautiful gardens, this venue not only offers breathtaking scenery but also serves as a tranquil spot for intimate conversations. If the weather turns, the glass greenhouses provide a cozy atmosphere to explore nature's beauty together, come rain or shine. Express Your Creativity at the Museum of Art If you and your partner enjoy arts and culture, the Columbus Museum of Art should be on your date itinerary. Not only can you explore the intriguing exhibits, but you can also participate in hands-on creative experiences during open studio hours. Plus, visiting on Sundays means free admission—what better way to inspire deep conversations and shared laughter amid artistic discovery? Capture the Moment: Sweet Memories Await Consider concluding your date by taking a trip to Blossom Flower Bar in the Short North. Here, you can both design your own flower arrangements—a lovely way to engage with each other while creating something beautiful. Afterward, head to the Lincoln Social Rooftop for stunning skyline views, making for a perfect backdrop to end your day on a high note. Actionable Insights for Springtime Fun With these exciting options at hand, Columbus spring dates do not have to be ordinary. Whether enjoying a day exploring nature, engaging with art, or indulging in delicious local food, you can craft the perfect romantic excursion that suits your shared interests and hobbies. So grab your partner, paint your season with love, and bask in all that Columbus has to offer this spring!

01.14.2026

Explore Columbus Summer Date Ideas: Fun Activities for Couples

Update The Ultimate Guide to Columbus Summer Date Ideas As the sun shines brightly over Columbus, it’s the ideal time for socially active adults to venture out and explore everything the city has to offer. From rooftop cocktails to leisurely hikes, here are some vibrant summer date ideas that will help you and your partner create lasting memories. Dine and Soak Up the Skyline Patio season has arrived, and Columbus boasts numerous options for outdoor dining. Start with a sunset cocktail at VASO Rooftop Lounge for breathtaking views, or savor a meal at The Wine Bistro in Upper Arlington. For a friendly atmosphere that welcomes your furry companions, check out Condado Tacos for street taco delights or Pecan Penny's for Southern fare. Adventure seekers can enjoy offerings from Astra or Understory, where you can indulge while soaking in the mesmerizing skyline. Trail Dates and Sunset Walks If you're looking for an active date, Columbus is home to scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, or lazy strolls. Try a day at Quarry Trails Metro Park, where a giant waterfall and nature trails await. Grab a freshly brewed coffee from Bada Bean Bada Booze to fuel your outing. For the adventurous at heart, don't miss the Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, where you can traverse a 40-foot-high boardwalk with stunning views. Game Time Dates No summer in Columbus is complete without catching a local game. Head to Huntington Park for a Columbus Clippers baseball game where Dime-A-Dog Night gives fans a chance to enjoy 10-cent hot dogs. For soccer enthusiasts, a night cheering for the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field, paired with delicious stadium eats from Dirty Franks or Swensons, is an exhilarating experience. A Romantic Stroll Through Blooming Gardens Summertime means flowers are in full bloom, making it the perfect backdrop for romance. Spend a day amidst 7,500 rose specimens at the Columbus Park of Roses, or take a leisurely stroll through the botanical beauty of Franklin Park Conservatory and explore its diverse flora, both indoors and outdoors. Movies Under the Stars City nights are made for outdoor movies! Grab your blanket and head to NightLight 614 for their 21+ movie series, or visit The South Drive-In Theatre for classic films under the stars. Pack a picnic or grab a bite from local food trucks — this is summer cinema at its finest! Craft Fun and Games at Land-Grant Brewing Company For a laid-back vibe, check out Land-Grant Brewing Company. Join trivia nights on Tuesdays or play outdoor games like cornhole or pickleball at Gravity Experience Park. It’s an excellent spot for casual flirtation and group dates. Don’t forget to make a reservation for a private cabana for a cozy evening out. Discover Local Events and Festivals Columbus is a festival central, and the summer calendar is brimming with options. With over 325 festivals this year, there’s something for everyone – from street fairs to music festivals. Don’t miss an opportunity to join in on the local culture, check out neighborhood events, and sample culinary creations at local food fairs. Conclusion: Embrace the Summer Spirit! As you and your partner explore these date ideas throughout Columbus, remember that this city is a vibrant hub full of opportunities for connection and fun. Whether it’s a cozy patio dinner, an adventurous hike, or a night at the ballpark, the summer experiences in Columbus are all about creating memories together. So lace up those shoes, call your date, and dive into an unforgettable summer!

01.11.2026

Experience the Vibrant Pulse of Columbus Around Nationwide Arena Concerts

Update Explore Columbus: A Pre-Show Adventure When attending a concert at Nationwide Arena, the energy is palpable. But why limit the excitement to just the inside of the venue? Columbus offers a treasure trove of experiences for concertgoers that can turn a night out into an unforgettable event. This guide curates some of the best places to eat, drink, and explore in the vibrant city, ensuring your next concert trip is more than just a musical interlude. Must-Visit Eateries Near Nationwide Arena Starting your evening with the right fuel is essential, and the options near Nationwide Arena are exceptional. For hearty, East Coast-inspired flavors, Wario’s Beef & Pork is a must-try. Their signature sandwich, The Steak 'Wario’s Way,' is stacked high with delicious ingredients that will leave your taste buds buzzing with excitement. If you’re in the mood for something international, Si Señor offers authentic Peruvian sandwiches crafted with fresh, in-house roasted meats. After a quick bite, swing by Creole 2 Geaux to indulge in soulful Louisiana cuisine; their shrimp po'boys are rumored to be the best in town. Rooftop Hangouts and City Views Once your hunger is satisfied, how about soaking up some impressive views? Goodale Station, perched atop the Canopy by Hilton, promises breathtaking sights of the Columbus skyline. Sipping cocktails by the fire pits creates a magnificent backdrop for reminiscence before the high-energy atmosphere of the concert. If you prefer a more eclectic environment, head to the North Market, a bustling hub with over 30 local vendors. Here, you can nibble on everything from stunning pastries to BBQ delights while immersing yourself in the heartbeat of the city. Nightcap Spots to Extend the Fun After the concert ends and the music fades, keep the good times rolling at one of Columbus's charming bars. Betty’s Bar, a cozy spot located just a short stroll from the arena, is a fun, lively place to chat about the night's highs with fellow fans. If you're looking for something upscale, Brass Eye at The Junto Hotel offers perfect ambiance to unwind and reflect on the evening. Discovering Columbus Through Nightlife Columbus isn’t just about the concerts and bars; it’s about the culture, history, and the heartbeat of a city that comes alive at night. Explore some of the local music venues and quirky alt-spaces that frequently host indie acts and emerging artists. It’s a chance to experience local talent and bolster the community’s creative scene. Columbus: More Than Just a Concert Stop Your concert visit in Columbus can be enhanced from mere attendance into a true exploration of the local flavor. From pre-show meals to after-show drinks and hidden local spots, this city has so much to offer. Bring your friends, or take time for a solo adventure. Either way, Columbus can turn a concert stop into an always memorable evening. Next time you find yourself enjoying a show at Nationwide Arena, step outside the doors to embrace the magic around you. Discover what makes Columbus such an electric backdrop for your concert experience; you'll be glad you did! As you roll into your next concert adventure, make sure to savor not only the music but also what the city can provide. Join the exploration and embrace the enriching experiences Columbus has to offer!

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