Glad to have them back; old-school ambience. Would like to see some additional menu selections. Shana was an excellent server; very attentive. read more

Came here while visiting my bestie. Apparently this place has been around for a long time. She mentioned that her grandparents used to eat here often. For that nostalgia alone, I thought it was fun. It definitely has an old school diner vibe. We ordered a BLT, hamburger and some kid meals. Our server was newer and he did great! Everything tasted fine. Nothing too salty. I am a fan of crinkle cut fries so I was (literally) eating them up. The plaza this restaurant is located in has some cute shops, market and an adorable bookstore so we walked around after. That was a lot fun. read more

See all

Chef-o-nette is definitely cute. Love the retro look, really looked like an old time diner. We sat at the counter around 11 and it wasn't busy. Prices aren't too bad. We both opted for the egg sandwiches, mine with no meat. We added tomato which we were told would cost about ¢20-50 to add, it was a dollar. I also added a side of hash browns, and I pointedly asked if it was cooked on a separate drier from the meat products, and both the waitress and manager who was close by assured me it was. My friend added a biscuit and sausage gravy. Food came- and right on top of the hashbrowns was a bit of bacon. I'm glad it was on top and I didn't eat it, but really disappointing. The sandwich was VERY skimpy. One egg, one piece of cheese, one tomato. A lot of my bread had nothing on it. While it was only $5 I still expect more than that. My friend had a bagel sandwich and with meat it looked more substational than mine. She said the sausage gravy had a very plasticy taste, like it came from a package. They did take the hashbrowns off my bill and I got cottage cheese instead. Service was friendly, but didn't see her much considering it wasn't busy. My friend got a to-go box and it was dirty inside so she had to ask for another. Disappointing trip to be sure and won't be back. read more

See all

Came in for breakfast today since they reopened. It was an old timey feel. I got the BLT plus fries. It was good!! Fries could have been cooked longer but good overall read more

Biscuits and gravy with two eggs. Awesomely good. This was a first for us but, it won't be the last read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Gravy and Biscuits with 2 eggs over easy - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Enjoyed lunch at the relaunch of Chef-O-Nette. Two kids and four adults all tried different menu items and everyone enjoyed their meals! The crinkle fries were a big hit! We did have one issue with an entree being initially incorrect, but our server brought the right meal out and took that item off of our bill. The replacement meal took a little longer than expected, but it seems like they are still working out some kinks. They offered free refills of the kids chocolate milks which was a huge plus. The prices were very reasonable compared to other restaurants and the food was just as good of quality. We would recommend going to this local neighborhood place. read more

There used to be a place like this in every town. This one's still here. The menu is probably still the same, too. Basic breakfast and lunch items, reasonably priced. Brought Baby K here for a treat, told her the place was older than Daddy. It is old, but has been refreshed (maybe 30 years ago, but it's still clean and in good shape.) Odd but efficient angled seating at the counter, plus some tables. Spot-on service, catering to the kid and making sure we had everything we needed. K got bacon, cinnamon toast, and a pancake. Bacon was perfectly cooked to her requested "not too crispy." Pancake was excellent (she liked it, and couldn't finish it, so I had some- fluffy and tasty.) Cinnamon toast- haven't seen it in a restaurant in ages, heck, barely make it at home anymore. Perfectly done, she loved it. I got a double cheeseburger with onion rings. Was it the best burger ever? Nah, but it was a good solid burger, bigger and better than a Big Mac for less money. Good patties, good bun, good toppings. Perfect onion rings, too. Five stars for the experience, four for the food. Plus there's a drive-through, which I wish at least one of every type of restaurant in town had. They prefer cash but take cards. Happy banter in the kitchen, friendly staff all around, excellent service from Kennedy (I think.) Good food, decent prices, cool place, great experience. read more

The food is traditional breakfast fare and always good. Our server was warm and welcoming .

The food is good and uncomplicated. The service is prompt and cheerful. Ambiance is fresh and easy going.

Sat in restaurant and read the menu. Ordered grilled cheese, fries, fruit cup. Grilled cheese was disappointing I expected 2 slices of American n 2 slices provolone cheese for the price. Only got 1 of each. Fries were excellent and fruit ok. I asked for coke zero but was told diet coke. Waitress was young, nice and attentive but wore a hideous nose ring. read more

The whole community wants the newly re-opened Chefonette to succeed. It has great history, great location and to have a diner with good basic well-priced diner food- simple and well executed, would be great. Both times we went were *notably*bad. Breakfast: lukewarm eggs, untoasted toast (even after we sent it back for a second try)c, and the first truly inedible pancake we've ever encountered. Young friendly server who brought coffee, but didn't come back to refill even once. Second try was lunch: first beautiful day after weeks of rain, their outdoor tables and chairs unavailable for seating because of staffing issues. So we got lunch as carryout and sat outside to eat it. I had to pitch my chicken salad after two bites, it was so bad. Like breakfast food, chicken salad is an easy thing to do well. Not sure what is going on in their kitchen. Hope they can fix things. But until that happens, it will be a hard pass for us. Darned shame. read more

Decent food and service. Burger fries and coke, $12. Cash tip. Interesting thet they have a "drive thru". Nothing crave-able that I ate, but a decent lunch and happy to support a small business. read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Ambience - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

This place hasn't skipped a beat since I went in my teens. Same look, same taste. No joke. You want an authentic retro throwback dining experience? Go. My kid self ALWAYS ordered a grilled cheese, fries and chocolate shake. My adult self doesn't stray too far, grilled ham and cheese, fries, and sprite. What can I say? Stick with what I know here. Service fab. Prices so reasonable. Mm mm food. read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Old school - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

this needs to be updated.. the Chef-O-Nette has re-opened under its new ownership as of June 20, 2025

I used to go here all the time as a kid. It has an old diner charm. And all I can truly remember when I'd visit as a kid was I like the grilled cheese. Recently I went there for brunch with my mother. We both ordered a blt, fries, and a Diet Coke. The sandwich was skimpy. Like a really sad version of a blt. One small slice of bacon per half the sandwich, a small piece of lettuce and a large piece of tomato. It was a disappointing experience. The place is operated by one guy, who runs the kitchen, register and tables. The guy there pushes you to pay with cash. Idk, I hate giving it a bad review because it is a place of nostalgia for me. But it doesn't hold up to my memories apparently. read more

So, the Chef-O-Nette is as good as ever. Staff are friendly, food is tasty. I have two updates on the experience which brings a little concern. They aren't really enforcing distances between tables. It was slow when I was there but just as I was finishing a four top sat down right next to me. About a foot away. Secondly, I think they've increased their prices drastically (and the online menus doesn't show prices). I had chix salad on rye, cottage cheese (less than 1/4c) and fries. $14.68 before tip. I'll pay if it keeps them open. But I won't like it. LOL. Seems kinda expensive for tasty but simple diner food. I think if they'd add the prices to the menu it would have helped me not be shocked. read more

A well-known and popular local eatery in the upper Arlington area, Saturday mornings are usually pretty crowded so time your visit accordingly. They do have a drive-through which is a nice bonus if you want to pull by and do a quick pick up of some of their delicious food. Typical diner selections, friendly staff and I've always found it to be a clean place to eat. read more

See all

The inside looks cool but the food is disgusting. I've never seen chicken salad that was oily. The side salad is literally just chopped up wilted iceberg lettuce with dressing. Our check was $43 for what looked like nursing home food. read more

this place is amazing! glad they still have good restaurants in upper Arlington. the workers here are so nice! The food was amazing my nieces were staying with me and loved it! The ambiance was nice and surprisingly not that busy for a Saturday. read more

Nostalgic the menu is the same as I remember as a kid. Food well prepared server was bubbly. read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Cole Slaw and 60-70's Chic. - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Avoid the old school UA restaurant!!!!The atmosphere and food were awful with low quality, flavorless,with limited choices in food. The restaurant was dingy, old, and dirty with the carpet being from the 80s. It took 45 minutes for us to get pancakes, French toast, and cold coffee. Our serving of potatoes had seven pieces in it. When we asked for them to comp the potatoes, they deducted 2 of the 4$. For basic breakfast and salad for three people it was $45 which was utterly ridiculous for white bread French toast with artificial syrup, pancake, mix pancakes, salad made of iceberg lettuce, and turkey lunchmeat, 3 small pieces of fatty bacon. The wait staff was nice. read more

Step back in time. Food was OK, portions were ridiculously small. Prices were very expensive for the tiny portions served. Went for the experience most likely won't go back. read more

This diner makes the #1 cherry coke in America. Homemade, never fountain. The hangover platter is a classic and the prices are amazing.

Been years since I visited this landmark. I am not missing much. The omelet was the skimpiest ive ever seen. The home fries were worse. 4 1/2 thin slices of fried potatoes. I will say what was made was good but it was a poor choice for the money spent. read more

Nice atmosphere. Older feel, but cozy. Food and service excellent. I recommend it for breakfast or lunch

I had to bring my son back to this old school gem in Upper Arlington where I grew up. This restaurant brings back so many memories of the first place my parents would let me ride my bike too, and a meeting place with my friends in the summer. It still looks the same. Retro 1950. From the menu to the walls, to the counters to the food. My friends and I would always come here growing up because we were balling on a budget and it's the place to go when you are 10 years old with $7 in your pocket. The prices are still the same. Cheap and super affordable. It's easy to get full on $6 or $7 You'll find diner food here. Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, sandwiches, milkshakes, fish, and a handful of more intricate plates one would have for dinner. Milkshakes were way larger than I remembered so that was good because they were the most expensive thing we ordered for lunch at $4 each. Service was good. Food isn't anything outstanding but we more-or-less went for the experience. read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Tuna melt - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

The theoretical possibility of time travel has been acknowledged by top research scientists for decades, but the practical problems associated with its implementation create many hurdles. Chef-O-Nette (hereafter to be referred to in local parlance as "Chefo") has successfully overcome temporal inertia to create a time portal, but it only goes back to suburbia in 1955. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but closed Sundays, Chefo has become a rite of passage for Upper Arlington families. On the way to becoming a local landmark, though, it has ingrained itself as a must-eat place for anyone who passes through UA. This diner, and with its chrome and swivel-stooled counters must be considered a diner, has two banks of counter seats, many booths, and an odd auxiliary dining room in the back. A glass candy counter is where one takes one's check to pay for the meal. But make sure to buy Lik-em-aid, or Beemans Gum, or Necco wafers, or a Clark Bar when you've paid. Meals are classic American comfort food. Burgers, swiss steak, fries, whipped potatoes, veggie of the day, fish, grilled cheese, etc. My wife gets a crab salad plate of some sort and loves it. Dinner specials with that ubiquitous white dinner roll abound. Breakfast offerings (served all day but for an extra 25 cents after 11, honestly! An extra 25 cents!) include pancakes, waffles, eggs, breakfast potatoes, and the like. Prices are very similar to the Eisenhower era. Milkshakes and malted are pricier than the real cherry or vanilla Cokes, but all are worth getting due to the inexpensive food cost. Look, is this the best or biggest meal you're ever going to have? No. But it is a place where grandparents take grandkids, families eat year after year, baseball teams come to celebrate or lament, plots are hatched, and schemes are carried out. Americana has a photo in the dictionary, and Chefo is what appears. Eat here for the authentic Sputnik era ambiance, but return here because it's nice to know that an honest meal at an honest price has not perished from the earth. read more

Chef-o-Nette is quite the institution, having been around since the 1950s. They offer one of the oldest drive thru windows in the US, which comes in very handy right now during the pandemic. A quick call in advance to place our order, and then we were able to drive thru and pick it up. They offer a large menu covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in a diner style: eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and coffee; burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of entrees, including chicken, chops, fish, and shrimp. On our most recent visit, we opted for cheeseburger and fry meals. You can get the burgers with a variety of toppings. We got a basic cheeseburger for the kid, which he loved (and asked if we could go back again the next day), but got more toppings on the others - lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. The price was quite reasonable - about $6 per meal, the food was tasty, and the staff was friendly and efficient (the food was ready at the time they quoted when we called in)! read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Cheeseburger with fries - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This was such a funky change of pace, I felt like I was in the 50's I loved the crazy bar, the waiters, all of it was so fun to experience. The bathroom was a real hoot, tiny and paisley print from floor to ceiling, including the toilet paper, a real trip! The food dirt cheap, at least most of it. My husband got 2 Chef O Double Burgers at $3 each, the patty tasted and looked exactly like a McDonalds Cheeseburger, the bun bigger and lettuce and tomato fresher. The onion rings at $3 for 5 thin and overfried rings was too much money and not worth it. I had the Chef O salad, also descent. In all, fun to see, stick to the burgers for a cheap and fast meal, the servers are also a trip, definetly worth the memories but not worth going back to. read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

What a surprise to see a retro restaurant which serves food like I grew up on going to restaurants of my youth. The menu has something for everybody's taste. Our meals were very good. No problems with cleanliness or service. Plenty of lot parking. The food is a little pricey (that is the only reason why I gave it four stars), but I will definitely go back when I'm in the area (I live far away). read more

I went for lunch for the first time since they reopened post-quarantine. It was about 2pm and I was the only customer in the place. I sat in the same booth I first sat in 52 years ago. The same familiar, classic mid-century surroundings. But every other booth had a blue X on it, in keeping with social distancing practices. It used to be so bright and cheery, people chattering and laughing. Today felt like I was in some dystopian movie. But I had my first meal once again: the Hangover Platter, the delicious juicy burger with a ham slice. And the generous heap of crinkle-cut fries, and the ice cream scoop of coleslaw whose recipe hasn't changed over the decades. The masked waitress was very polite and attentive. There are no longer condiments at the table. She brought disposable packs of ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper. The cook came out to settle my bill. I mentioned my years of patronage. He said I only beat him by two years. He and the waitress were the only staff working, but they were as generous and genuine as expected. Here's to many more Hangover Platters in the years to come! Oh, and you missed a star because the glass of Coke was flat. Gotta watch home much you water down the drinks. Cheers! read more

I have so many fond memories of eating here. My first visit was 40 years ago with my grandma when I was in college. It still looks the same today, and the food is just as good. Only problem, my grandma is gone and can no longer enjoy Chef-O-Nette with me. read more

Located in the TREMONT plaza. This place screams 1960's from the fork and spoon clock over the door to the seating counters. If you've never sat next to a stranger during a meal do it, just to experience it. It's probably been 10 years since my last meal. Nothing has changed Go and experience it. read more

See all

The food is decent but the portions are very small so don't expect to get full. I have seen the food handled with no gloves which was a major turn off since there is a small staff and they are also working the register and window. Love to support small businesses but you'll have a better experience saving your money and making your food at home. read more

Food is just ok. Could be much better than it is. Great old school ambiance. Had cheeseburger and crinkle cut fries. Burger dry despite mayo. Fries barely cooked. My coke tasted off. Will go elsewhere for lunch. read more

Pathetic. Damaged seating areas. Long wait for menus. Absolutely nothing on the tables. Long wait for tiny individual packets of salt, pepper, mustard. Only got 1 of each! Long wait for food- dry- very mediocre. Very limited menu, not cheap. Waited a very long time to pay- sign on counter- encouraging cash only- cook(?) finally appeared and reluctantly accepted a credit card, but super unfriendly. Visited quite a bit when I was a kid- I had fond memories, but what a colossal disappointment. read more

I've been trying a lot of really old diners lately! The decor in here is so old looking, probably original. I order the Haddock fillets with a baked potato and cottage cheese. Initially, she forgot to bring my roll, but took care of it right away when I asked. The fish was good. I ate the baked potato with the cottage cheese on top, and both were good. I'd like to go back and try breakfast sometime, because that looks amazing in people's pictures, but we went at dinner time! Also a lot of menu items were not allowed for my gestational diabetes, so I'd like to go back after the baby is born to try some of the other foods. This diner seems to have a lot of variety of food, and I think I would want to try other menu items at future visits! read more

Chef-O-Nette Restaurant - Haddock fillet with baked potato and cottage cheese as sides. - Diners Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Not what it used to be. Ordered burger fries and coleslaw with a soda. Took forever and came out without ketchup and mustard. Soda machine down. Nothing was hot. Burger over cooked. Server was very friendly but checking out person was not friendly at all. Took hubby for the first time. Last time for both of us. We understand things happen but no one asked so we didn't offer feedback. Their menu is online with no pricing. If you ask for paper, it's an old copy that has prices written over. Weird. Restroom was not clean. It really doesn't take much to make us happy. We've both been in restaurant business. Finding old diners used to be one of our favorite things to do. read more

Good old fashioned made to order cafe food. It always hits the spot when you want something with no frills and just tastes good.

Food you can literally make it home . Not at all impressed. Greasy spoon diner joint with lackluster food