The food is always good. The staff is always friendly. It is my go too when I am in downtown.

Nice lil Neighborhood greasy spoon with Albanian influence! Limited hours but quick service and good options for breakfast and lunch. read more

See all

Hidden gem. Everything I have tried has been good. I always recommend it when friends come downtown.

The food was flavored very well. Service was excellent. The space is very nice and cozy. There are 2 levels to eat outside. Quesadilla was flavored so well it didn't even need the sour cream. Cheese was hand grated not prepackaged. We will be back again to try lunch. read more

See all

Down a flight of steps, what we would have called the "garden level" in the 1950s, this Albanian-American greasy spoon serves up a wondrous variety of American diner food staples and other delicacies from afar. Walk in, past the small, umbrella table, outdoor eating area, and go order at the counter. A chalkboard has specials and the full menu, but there are printed menus, too. I kid you not when I say there are so many options that you'd better study up before you come in. Otherwise, you'll annoy the line of downtown folks awaiting the culinary delights this place has to offer. Walk up to the counter window and order. Your food will be speedily prepared and brought out to you. Is it the Ritz? No. Is it oftentimes elbow to elbow cramped? Yes. But this is the kind of mom and pop, one off restaurant that every city should be preserving because once these disappear, the corporate dregs we'll have left to choose from will be slim pickings. Breakfast and lunch service. Whether an eggs/maple syrup meal. Or a 'burger. Or a gyro. Or a salad. Or whatever. The food is tasty and reasonably priced. Limited street parking is available. One warning - this is a place where you walk out smelling a bit like the food, so if you're a dry clean only worker, prepare to hang your jacket or outfit to air out when you get home. read more

I don't get downtown too much, at least till the last year or so, and I had never heard of this till a few months ago. I happened to drive by it, and looked it up on Yelp and decided to check it out when I had a chance. Finally had a chance, and I regret having not come many times before. It's small, and down below street level, but comfy and quaint for that. Some outdoor seats, a few on the sidewalk but most under an awning for shade or shelter from rain. Mostly indoor seating in a cozy wood area Order at the counter. They have a huge menu of sandwiches, and breakfast items, also salads, etc. I got an Albanian panini which is basically a gyro panini. It. Was. Amazing. My eyes were rolling back in my head. Just all the great gyro flavors, plus a perfectly done panini. Crispy and chewy and creamy and savory and all sorts of things going on in every bite. Very very good. The fries were good, although they are crinkle cut, and not really my style. Service is minimal, but very friendly and efficient. Order at the counter, they bring your food out and even clear the table. I will definitely be back, maybe for breakfast. read more

Been consistently coming here for years and consistently love it every time! Personally I love the green gyro! The little restaurant is cozy and service is always spectacular. read more

Cafe Illyria - Dining area - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I have always heard about this local gem, and finally had sometime to check it out. I got the spicy chicken panini with a side of French fries. The chicken panini was very flavorful and tasty. The sandwich was the perfect size for lunch. The French fries on the side were awesome definitely had a crispy crunch to them. Overall the sandwich and fries combo was tasty. I was really impressed. The only thing that I would have changed about the sandwich is the cheese. But the service was fast and the folks were pretty nice. The restaurant outside was pretty clean and the inside was clean as well. I definitely would love to come back and try the breakfast menu! read more

See all

We went for lunch. A delightful little restaurant. Our food was wonderful. Big portions and priced well. We arrived at 12:45, they were open until 2:30. By 1:30 we were the only ones left in the restaurant. They had stacked the chairs on every table around us, got the vacuum out and started vacuuming. It was so rude. We had to leave before we were finished eating. read more

Best spinach omelet ever! Service is fast and the couple who run this business are always kind!

This place is so delicious! The tzatziki is authentic and perfect. The place is super clean and functions well even when it's very busy. I was there while my daughter was in the hospital and had to make a trip back!! Can't wait to order again. read more

Came here for a quick lunch. Staff was friendly and helpful. I got chicken gyro and added feta and banana peppers, with fries. It was very good, only criticism is the chicken was a little dry. Would return read more

Cafe Illyria - Chicken gyro - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

People there are great food is awesome. Very little late. Great for breakfast or lunch.

Nice little joint to get a quick bite to eat for breakfast or lunch. Note the current hours are Mon-Fri from 7:30am-2:30pm. We went for lunch. They have a decent selection of sandwiches and salads with a heavy focus on gyros. I got a chicken gyro with fries. The food came out quickly and the sandwich was warm. It was pretty good, but the chicken was a tad bit overcooked. I enjoyed the flavor of the tzatziki sauce. The inside has 8 tables ranging from 2 tops to 6 tops. They have a small patio area right outside, and more tables on the sidewalk area. Overall, definitely a hidden gem to grab a quick bite to eat for breakfast or lunch during the week. read more

See all

Was on a walk during my lunch break and stopped in to check it out. Did not have my wallet and thought I could use Apple Pay. Only after I placed an order did I realize they don't accept Apple pay. The nice lady behind the counter told me to just pay when I come back next time because she "does not like people leaving hungry". Very kind couple Chicken Salad Melt was a 10/10 read more

Well hellooo there!! Order: Ham Omelet with toast and hashbrowns. Pros: great mom and pop location!!!! The food was amazing!!! I also love that they dont over season their food with salt, which allows the individual to do it on their own. Though low in salt it was very very flavorful. Two people brought out the food, greeted, and asked if we needed anything else. They also picked up the plates after we left. The omelet was thin and not the folded type. So easy to eat. Cons: non read more

Cafe Illyria - Ham Omelet with toast and hash-browns - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great breakfast place and very cool mix of brick/wood in the restaurant! The breakfast quesadilla was so well seasoned and pancakes that were quintessential homemade style. Definitely go!!! read more

DELICIOUS! This place is so up my alley- amazing food, great prices, cozy atmosphere, locally owned. We got the Albanian panini and the Chicken panini. Both were absolutely amazing. I plan to come back for the chicken panini many times (it has peppers and this super good house made sauce) The Baklava was good but I'd skip it next time. read more

Cafe Illyria - Chicken Panini, Albanian Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I used to eat here often when I worked in the area around 15 years ago. Stopped in today for lunch and it was just as good as I remember! Chicken gyro was delicious, fries were tasty & crisp! Staff was very friendly (amazing family-run to this day!), order was prepared quickly, and pricing is great for the value. Place was very clean, and has both indoor & outdoor eating options. A+ experience, just like old times! read more

I haven't eaten at any of the local restaurants in the downtown Columbus area, so this is a new experience for me. That being said, there was something different about this hole in the wall restaurant. It's hard to explain, but something between the smells, friendly chatter of customers, and friendly staff that caught my eye walking by. I was greeted with a friendly smile from the woman who helped us order exactly what we were looking for. My spicy chicken panini was cooked perfectly between two slices of sour dough. The bread was crispy, but not burnt. All of the flavors inside combined for a unanimous delicious flavor that you could still pick out all of its fresh ingredients. I could tell that this hole in the wall really takes pride in their product and wants their customers to have a good experience. Based on how everyone was reacting to their food, it seems like this could be one of the best underground (literally) lunch sandwich places in downtown Columbus. I recommend this location fully and will definitely be back! *Between two sandwiches, one with fires and a coke, our total was $26. read more

Went here on a whim after seeing a post about it on the Downtown Columbus instagram - it was definitely worth the trip! Endless options - my meal was the Albanian Panini, so think a gyro turned sandwich. It was good - gyro meat topped with some veggies and a sauce of some sort! A bit thin for my liking but still tasty. Fries that came with were like those crinkle cut ones you get at a carnival - dipped them in boatloads of ranch. Honestly really filling - but a tad expensive IMO, spent $14+ on the sandwich alone. My friend got a drink too - lots of creative coffee options which is nice! When we walked in, we were the only ones there but in a matter of minutes the whole place was full for lunch rush. Not enough seating to accommodate the crowd, so we ate quickly to let people take our table since they were basically watching us wrap up. Had to basically leave the restaurant since there wasn't really anywhere to loiter. Service was quick - maybe 10 minutes from order to eating? Parking was a tad difficult - street options only. Anyways - an overall pleasant experience! Definitely a hidden gem. read more

Cafe Illyria - Albanian Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Good was fresh and well seasoned--- small but easily accessible from the street. Prices are reasonable but a up to date easy menu to read would have been helpful.. it looks like a great breakfast spot read more

Hidden gem - delicious food and great service! Couldn't recommend enough. Better food and any other breakfast/brunch place downtown! Quiet and chill vibe. read more

Good little breakfast lunch restuarant slightly underground, cash is the most common currency in this place how ever i do believe they may take credit cards, regardless i had a simple egg n cheese omlette and it was delicious, the coffee was not good, but i still drank it, everything is still served covid safe, plastic utensils wrapped plastic from china, styrofoam cups...a clean but dirty kind of place, absolutely loved it...cheap, simple and satisfying!!! read more

Cafe Illyria - Veggie omlette - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I've been coming here for some months now but today's the first day i've gotten to try their breakfast. i usually get the cajun chicken gyro add banana peppers or the chicken ranch wrap. Those two lunch options never leave me unsatisfied. All the ingredients taste fresh and i love the small business vibe of this place. Today i tried the bacon omelette with a side of home fries and let me tell you. i'm going to be waking up earlier from now on. The service is always quick and friendly. read more

See all

This salad felt light when I picked up the bag. But hey I'm only basing this on my experiences from other Greek restaurants. The meat is extinct.... Where's the BEEF? I'm glad you asked because it's not on this salad. If you want FETA in an excessive amount this is the salad for you. Not worth $8.95 read more

Cafe Illyria - Do you see any Gyro meet? Me neither! Salad is loaded with Feta....meat is extinct!!! This for $8.95 - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

First off, I love Cafe Illyria's location. I love places that are in a lower level - no, not the basement! They have a great shaded area for a front patio. It screams quintessential New York cafe! Being set down in, below street level, it's a bit less hectic and noisy from construction and regular traffic. The inside is on the smaller side but still seats tables and chairs. Everything is on a plastic menu, and also on giant chalk boards by the register. You head up to the small counter next to their refrigerated display case to order. The case holds salads and cold desserts. I had their Greek Gyro Salad, and good golly, it was really, really good! I think I was mentally prepped for diner-fair, Bob Evans, meh food, but this salad was a step above. The pita triangles were nice and warm on top of the salad. I got their (homemade?) Tzatziki sauce for the "dressing", and it paired perfectly. I'll definitely keep this Albanian run spot bookmarked. It's a perfect location, as that general area is more businesses and not many eateries open on Saturdays to match. I look forward to eating on the patio! read more

See all

My co workers and I ordered lunch from there and I love to support local places. However our big issue was they did not put much meat on our sandwiches. It was very thin (1 layer), the food was tasty but barley any meat. If they just added at least another 2-3 layers it would have been fine. Love the location, parking is great, service was fast and ambiance very nice. read more

Date of Visit: June 21, 2022 Tuesday We tried Cafe Illyria because we were in the neighborhood on business. We chose to park in a garage nearby. The restaurant is delightful: the atmosphere, the staff, the food. My spouse chose pancakes, which I rarely order because hers are difficult competition, and she enjoyed them. I chose a traditional breakfast: eggs, toast and hash browns. The eggs were cooked correctly, the hash browns were firm, not soggy and properly seasoned. We plan to return when not rushed because the Mediterranean style food is alluring. Also, the remarks made by other clientele were positive. read more

See all

One of the very best lunch places in downtown Columbus. During my recent business trip, I asked one of the security guards where she got her delicious looking sandwich, and she remarked that this little hidden "lunchie" spot the locals know, called Cafe Illyria. So anytime the locals describe a place as hidden and "lunchie" - I'm there! Take a few steps down into the dining room / ordering counter, and it is apparent that this tiny joint does a brisk business. There are about 8-10 tables inside and more seating on the patio. What I like about Cafe Illyria is that everything is made to order, including the sweat tea. I watched as warm tea was poured into a glass, sugar added, and then vigorously shaken until the drink was fully mixed. TIP: In addition to the ginormous menu, look over on the chalkboard for the specials of the day since there are some great deals. When my platter arrived, the gyro was bursting with strips of tasty gyro meat, veggies, and light sauce. Combine that with crinkly steak fries, and it was a fantastic meal for less than $10!!! read more

Cafe Illyria - Gyro platter with fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Chicken panini was amazing! I was totally torn on what to get and wish I could've gotten more! The place was super cool- you walked down to go inside. And the staff was super nice :) read more

The food was good and had a very homemade aesthetic to it. Service could definitely improve. Their restrooms were locked and I had to negotiate with the owner to let me use it. They don't offer free water and you have to pay for a bottle. read more

Nice spot tucked away in downtown. Breakfast was terrific! Lots of comfortable outdoor seating. read more

Cafe Illyria - tables and chairs under a red awning - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I was working nearby and needed a quick breakfast. Very small, local owned cafe. Not a lot of seating, oldish decor. I called in my order and asked for a order of scrambled eggs and a couple pieces of bacon. I didn't ask a price but I should've beforehand. Otherwise I would've ordered a regular breakfast item and told them to hold the toast. Food was ready when I arrived on a Monday morn , about 20 min later. They did have Samsung pay to my surprise. They charged me almost $7 for this meal. Meh, I could've done better. The eggs were seasoned great but they weren't scrambled at all, pretty flat. I'd visit again but I'd prob order a item listed on the menu next time or ask more questions to accommodate what I want. read more

Cafe Illyria - Eggs and bacon - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Don't get the Greek gyro. There was 3 pieces of fake gyro meat and the rest was lettuce and sauce. It was the worst gyro I've ever had in my life. The service was good but it doesn't matter because I'll never go back read more

Delicious food and good service in what appears to be a family owned cafe. I only wish they were open some evenings or weekends. I especially like their paninis and veggie quesadilla which is flavorful as well. read more

Great location downtown. Three other restaurants around here are closed but this tasty place is still open. It has a big menu for breakfast and lunch written on chalkboards both inside and out. The staff is very friendly too. The omelettes were excellent. We had the ham and the gyro. The pancakes and French toast were crispy on the edges and perfectly fried. Stop in for a relaxing meal. read more

See all

Randomly came across this spot and am glad I did. Wonderful local spot with owners on site. All veggies were being chopped fresh and the Albanian Breakfast has a nice twist to it. read more

Cafe Illyria - Storefront - Sandwiches Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Cafe Illyria was a nice spot for a sit down (take away available) quick lunch. I got the hot turkey and Swiss with chips and a cup of the tomato basil soup. They both were good, the soup was flavorful and the sandwich was more than enough. The hole in the wall spot for lunch was much better option than Subway or Jimmy Johns and I would recommend anyone to try it out! read more

See all

What a great spot. A humble breakfast and lunch, mom and pop operation, with delicious, inexpensive food. I had a ham, cheese, and vegetable omelet. It was perfect: tasty, cooked just right, large portion, and with a side of toast. I ate every bite. Friendly and efficient service. Every now and then you discover a place and think, I should come here every day. read more