With brick-paved streets and old Victorian houses, German Village is one of the first in a collection of boroughs that give Columbus its flavor.

With such district staples as Schmidt's Sausage Haus, Plank's Pizzeria, Diebel's Bier Garten, and even the Johnny-come-lately, Katzinger's Deli, the flavor is distinctly German. Don't let that fool you; German Village is more than Sauerkraut and Beer. Expect decadent desserts, homemade stews, and friendly gathering places in which to unwind after a hard day at work.

Lindey's

A perennial top 10 list and local favorite, Lindey's is a Village institution.  Serving American cuisine in what it calls an "upper east side New York bistro setting,"  Lindey's is a place to see and be seen and to have a delightful meal in the process.  The menu is varied and the influence of Italy and France prevails over anything German.  The long bar right inside the front door is a favorite place for a nightcap as well.  Private rooms upstairs are available for parties and celebrations, and a seasonal outdoor terrace is a fine place for a summer evening.   Dress is, well, upper east side New York bistro.  People wear everything from suits to jeans.  Valet parking available.

G. Michael's

G. Michael's breaks away from the German restaurant scheme, instead offering fine seafoods in a Bistro setting.  Items such as Sauteed Pacific Salmon, Maryland Crab Cakes, and Pan-fried Lake Walleye highlight the menu list. Try to make it a point to sit in the garden area for best atmosphere. The dress is business casual to formal and the average dinner for two will cost approximately $70.

Katzinger's Deli

At Katzinger's Delicatessen, you'll have to get in line and approach the counter with caution: there are so many choices you might not know where to go next. There are 37 different types of bread to put your stuff on, let alone of the many different meats, vegetables, dressings, and condiments to put inside that bread. Katzinger's brings a distinct touch to the average deli cut, and fills your stomach in the process.

Max and Erma's

Max and Erma's takes a little entitlement when they call themselves "Your Neighborhood Gathering Place" as the days gone by have done went. Max and Erma's has been a Columbus gathering place since the 50s, when owners Max and Erma opened a little bar and grill in German Village. Now, you can still gather for arguably the best burger joint in town. Dress is casual and dinners run around $12 per guest.

Old Mohawk

The Old Mohawk has a friendly "round-the-corner" pub feel..that's probably because of the large rectangular bar in the middle of the restaurant floor. Still, with the serving island right in the middle of things, you never feel crowdedby people or bar noise.The Old Mohawk is like a comfy chair made of suede. The best of both worlds. Dress is business casual and dinner costs approximately $15 per guest.

Plank's Pizza and Bier Garten

Plank's Pizza is a staple around the villagefolk, and for good reason, too. The sauce is sweet and tomatoey, the toppings are plentiful. The restaurant itself is more a tavern, with traditional square tables in diamond pattern with cane and wicker chairs. Booths also surround the dining room floor. Plank's also offers traditional German dishes, like Reuben's, Bratwursts, and the like. Dinners cost around $9 per guest.

Schmidt's Sausage Haus

Schmidt's Sausage Haus is a more formal eatery than most other village stops, but still casual enough you can visit in jeans and a sweatshirt on a fall afternoon. All the German staples are here, with an accent on their "Bahama Mama", a very spicy bratwurst. Save room for the Cream Puffs, too, their other specialty. Dress is business casual to casual and dinners run about $12 per guest.

Thurman Cafe

One part dining area, one part sports-type bar, the Thurman Cafe excels in large portions for a reasonable price. The atmosphere is strictly casual. The menu features simple items, such as Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken Sandwiches, and BLTs. The bar serves a reasonable, but not large variety of beers.

Banana Bean Cafe

This small cafe serves Cuban/Jamaican/Caribbean food in a casual setting that, sometimes, feels like eating in someone's house.  The creative menu is a welcome departure from restaurants whose menus seem designed for tourists or the hordes of softball players that descend on the Village on summer nights.  Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.