13 Mouth-Watering Restaurants in Sandusky Ohio to Whet Your Appetite
There are a lot of things to do in Sandusky Ohio — water parks, amusement parks, and taking in stunning lake views. And, you should know that the city is also a top place to get an amazing meal. The best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio serve everything.
Whether you want American comfort food, upscale pub fare, Asian fusion, or freshly caught seafood, you can find it in one of these Sandusky Ohio restaurants.
Berardi’s Family Kitchen
Berardi’s Family Kitchen has been providing Sandusky with the most delicious Italian and American-style family food for more than 75 years! Now in its fourth generation as a family restaurant, Berardi’s remains a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Menu favorites include beef brisket, Lake Erie yellow perch, baked lasagna, chicken or veal Parmesan, and of course, Berardi’s famous fries, which have been made since 1939! You’ll want to finish off your meal with one of the signature homemade pies.
The Readers Choice Awards named Berardi’s the Best Breakfast, Best Lunch, and Best Place to Get a Homemade Meal.
Small City Taphouse
Asian cuisine meets the American brewery experience at Small City Taphouse. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of Asian cuisine and sushi paired with more than 80 exquisite craft beers from around the country.
The sushi menu is extensive, with specials like eel, crab, salmon, octopus, and caviar. If you’re not a fan of fish, opt for a hot bowl of pho or pad thai or even a juicy steak.
There’s always something new on tap, as well as specialty bourbon and rye. Small City Taphouse’s craft beers are hand-picked from the best craft beers around the United States.
Chet & Matt’s Pizza
Who are Chet and Matt? They’re brothers who decided to open a pizza restaurant more than 20 years ago. These days, they’re still serving delicious signature pies in one of the best pizza places in Sandusky Ohio.
The restaurant interior is unforgettable, filled with a huge collection of sports memorabilia and decorated with murals from wall to wall. There’s a family seating area, a bar, and even an arcade!
But it’s the food that will really stick in your mind. The menu features signature pizzas, pastas, salads, and appetizers, such as potato skins, wings, chicken tenders, and jalapeno poppers.
J Bistro Downtown
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience in Sandusky, J Bistro Downtown is the place for you. Here, you can enjoy a glass of wine or a signature cocktail before starting your meal — which is as trendy as you might expect. Parties can order off the menu or have a signature meal prepared for them.
Although J Bistro is quintessentially Sandusky, the atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Manhattan. Start your meal with an artisan cheese plate or escargot, follow it with filet mignon, and leave room for dessert.
Nachos Mexican Restaurant
Who knew that you could get stellar Mexican cuisine on the shores of Lake Erie? Nachos Mexican Restaurant is a Sandusky favorite among tourists and locals alike. It offers a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
Popular menu items include arroz con pollo, camarones deluxe, and chiles rellenos. There are vegetarian options too. You’ll want to finish up your meal with one of the signature desserts, such as churros, flan, sopaipilla, or fried ice cream.
In addition to the menu of authentic Mexican dishes, grown-ups will enjoy the full bar, which features draft beer, margaritas, tequila, and more.
Bay Harbor
If you’re looking for restaurants near Cedar Point, stop by Bay Harbor. This stunning eatery offers waterfront dining, so you can enjoy the views of Lake Erie over a delicious meal.
This restaurant proves that Sandusky knows how to do fine dining! It should come as no surprise that, mere feet from the lake, the focus at Bay Harbor is on seafood.
Bay Harbor is widely known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Sandusky Ohio, with menu items like Lake Erie perch, Boston blue cod, Parmesan-crusted salmon, Great Lakes walleye, and Alaskan king crab.
The Brick Oven Bistro
Among the best restaurants in Sandusky Ohio is The Brick Oven Bistro, a family-owned eatery that’s all about pizza. Here, you can enjoy one of many signature pizzas, calzones, or sandwiches, accompanied by a cold beer, glass of wine, or a signature cocktail.
The pizzas are cooked in a brick oven to get the best flavor, and you can find signature styles, such as pear Gorgonzola, quattro formaggio, or the inferno pizza covered with spicy capicola and jalapenos.
The Brick Oven Bistro is known for its gluten-free options too, making it a great place for everyone, no matter their dietary restrictions.
The Thirsty Pony Restaurant & Lounge
Are you looking for restaurants near Kalahari Sandusky Ohio? The Thirsty Pony is one of the best places to go after a long day of getting wet and wild at a water park. Part bar, part horse track, and part top-notch eatery, it’s an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
The menu is eclectic and varied, with favorites like jumbo chicken wings with signature sauce, handmade pizzas, and truly unique burgers. You’ll want to order a beer on tap with your meal before placing a bet on the horse races, which the venue shows live in its off-track betting theater.
Manny’s Sports Tavern & Grille
If you’re one of those people who needs to find a sports bar everywhere they go, stop at Manny’s Sports Tavern. Within walking distance of Kalahari Resorts, this relaxed tavern serves up fresh food and craft beer — and the game, of course.
You can watch the game in high definition on one of the many televisions. In the meantime, enjoy specials like hand-made burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Daily happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., during which you’ll find discounted craft beer, local wine, and spirits.
Jo Wok
Among Sandusky Ohio restaurants is an impressive number of Asian eateries! One of the best is Jo Wok, the first Thai restaurant to open its doors in the city. The menu features a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes, including vegetarian options.
You may customize some dishes to include proteins like chicken, beef, tofu, catfish, and even duck! That variety is consistent throughout Jo Wok’s menu, as is the amazing quality.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or completely new to Thai food, you’ll find something to love at this history-making Asian restaurant. Make sure to finish off your meal with a Thai iced tea!
Demore’s Offshore Bar & Grill
When it comes to enjoying a meal by the lake, it doesn’t get much more literal than Demore’s Offshore Bar & Grill. The food here is served fresh from the lake — and within view of the lake too!
One of the most highly rated seafood restaurants in Sandusky, Demore’s features large portions of delicious food, such as freshly caught walleye, perch, calamari, and more.
If you’re not a fan of seafood, try one of Demore’s signature burgers or club sandwiches. You can also order a “basket” that includes shrimp, oysters, or walleye with a variety of items.
Sandusky Bay Pancake House
One of the best places to get breakfast in Sandusky Ohio has to be the Sandusky Bay Pancake House. This comfortable eatery has been serving some of the most delicious breakfast food in Northwest Ohio since 1966.
While the restaurant has done some rebranding recently, it holds onto its traditions. You can enjoy the classic menu favorites prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Try the sunrise Monte Cristo sandwich, ham and broccoli potato pancakes, Nutella crepes, country omelet, or stack of vegan apple bourbon pancakes.
Dockside Cafe
Dockside Cafe isn’t your typical restaurant. Here, you’ll experience something that’s quintessentially Sandusky.
Open seasonally, this strictly outdoor cafe offers locals and tourists the chance to enjoy a great meal alongside Lake Erie. Though the cafe is open for lunch and dinner, you might want to hit it up in the evening to catch the sunset over Sandusky Bay.
Things are pretty laid back at Dockside Cafe. You’re welcome to bring outside food, but trust us — you’ll want to order what the cafe is serving. Specials here include fresh fish tacos, gourmet burgers, and of course, drinks.
Discover More Beyond the Best Restaurants in Sandusky Ohio
Are you looking for an elegant restaurant for a date night? Need somewhere to kick back after a long day at a water park? Sandusky has every option. While each offers a unique experience, all have food so good that you’ll want to visit again. And if you have room for dessert afterward, head to Toft Dairy for ice cream.
If you’re looking for ways to fill the time between meals, check out all the indoor activities and outdoor things to do in Sandusky. There are even unique destinations, such as Ghostly Manor Thrill Center.