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    Parable Cafe

    4.3 (208 reviews)

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    PARABLE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Parable Cafe

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    Sweet Lattes and Pesto Croissant
    Julia G.

    Another really lovely dinner at Parable! Caesar salad is a little heavy on anchovy but I love it that way- just a warning in case you don't prefer that. Best time to come for dinner is during happy hour for $10 wine pours, super generous and interesting wines. We had the Burger, fried chicken sandwich, and the cauliflower Reuben. All were delicious but actually the cauliflower Reuben really stuck out to me- super delicious and flavorful, not something I would have ordered initially but after tasting my friend's I would definitely order. I've been loving coming here for meals, service is always friendly and fast, food exceeds expectations, and I always have great drinks! Yay parable!

    Nafisa H.

    Really inventive and creative drinks at Parable. This downtown gem is a bit hard to get to. We only found paid parking right next to it but from other reviews saw you could get a parking voucher from a garage nearby. What I noticed right away were the locals working, reading, and others at the bar enjoying a drink. It was a very lively space which is always a good sign. Pretty simple decor and had a cool minimalist style. The person helping us was great and so friendly. They helped us with our drinks and we ended up getting the Amma's Chai and the Koyo. They asked us if we were visiting and we had a short chat about Sey Coffee in Brooklyn. I was so intrigued by the Koyo as it had gochuang listed in the ingredients. The spice kick was appreciated and delicious. Parable Cafe is a must visit spot for me, if you're staying downtown.

    Brendan H.

    This place seems to be a higher end cafe. I went on Sunday at 10:00am and every seat was filled. Great unique pastry options and nice lattes. I like that the sesame miso latte was not too sweet and has subtle flavors that hit just right. The prices were high but the quality matched. $40 for a cappuccino, latte, 2 pastries. I loved it and would go back. Must note the men's room being Overtly progressive, the only time I have actually seen female sanitary pads in a bathroom marked "men's". Just an interesting side note.

    Jon N.

    Super cool vibe and a very friendly staff highlight this spot. I dropped in for a macha latte and it was good, but at $10, I wouldn't do it again.

    Miso caramel latte
    Christina C.

    I loved Parable overall. I would definitely go back, however I do think the breakfast sandwich was overpriced. $15 is a lot for a breakfast sandwich with bacon I feel. The coffee was so good!

    Pastries
    Kudakwashe T.

    The pastries were mouthwateringly good. They were soft, sweet, and creamy. The service is fast, friendly, and warm. They pick pastries to fit the flavors and pallet you've got at the time. They also give amazing recommendations and are very kind. The matcha is also tasty. It's creamy and well blended. The ambiance is warm, airy, and pleasant. There's lots of greenery inside and a nice open layout with big windows and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

    Maigen R.

    First time visiting and can't wait to go back! The salted Carmel miso latte was incredible! The chocolate croissant was as big as my head and soooo flakey and delicious. Not pictured but you must get the egg sandwich! The service was great - the gentleman taking orders was so fun. Ambiance = amazing. Can't wait to visit again.

    Monday Morning Madness helps with some local coffee and pastries
    Moe A.

    Decided to try the nearest cafe next to my hotel and was not disappointed. Good selection of pastries and drinks. Decent seating. Helpful staff. I got the iced vanilla latte it was really good and well balanced between espresso flavor and their house made vanilla syrup. I also ordered their leek cheese croissant. That one was ok but nothing too special. Overall would come again for sure at least for their coffee!

    Sally L.

    I was here twice during my trip in Columbus. The first time I went there at 10 something. There was already a long line and a lot of pastries was already sold out. They have a lot of different unique lattes. I got the onion and mushroom danish and wham bam thank you yam to go. All of the tables were filled. The mushroom danish cheese was very good. The outside is flaky and rich like a croissant. The latte was very good just the right amount of sweetness of the yam. The second time, I went there extra early I ordered the pistachio croissant and the sesame miso caramel latte. This time there was a lot of empty tables. I got to sat down and enjoy. The staff is super nice and if you are eating there,they would bring the drinks to your table. The cafe is beautiful and clean. It have lots of plants all over the cafe. It is not too loud in there to sit down and enjoy your drinks. The coffee and pastries are a little on the expensive side, but it is worth to try it if you are in Columbus.

    Carla F.

    Parable Cafe is a must try if you're in the area! I was excited to see they have the croissants that have been on social media! It is on the pricier side for a coffee shop though - a pour over was $8! - it's worth it if you want to treat yourself. When we came, they had a line out the door! I had a strawberry croissant and it was worth the wait. The inside was a mix of customers - some were working (they have WiFi), some couples were on dates/outings, and others were enjoying a drink with their books.

    "6 more weeks of winter" seasonal drink, sipping chocolate with banana, sesame, and ruby chocolate
    Emily Z.

    Expensive but worth. I tried the "6 more weeks of winter" seasonal drink, a sipping chocolate with banana, sesame, and ruby chocolate. The ingredients were high quality and the drink was very smooth. I'll be sad to see it leave the menu, but I'm excited for the spring drinks. It's an okay place to study if you don't mind noise--it gets very crowded and the music is loud. Service is good--the cashier kindly recommended me some options when I was looking at the menu. Overall would come back for the quality of the drinks!

    Angela D.

    I have friend who has been doing the marketing for cafe and bakeries around Columbus lately. Decided to give this place a try aside from my regular spots... you guys this place is so cute!! Really loved it from the moment I walked in. From the ceiling design to the lighting fixtures and to the full length windows this place has all the vibes! When I got there, I was greeted promptly and nicely. The coffees took a little longer than usual for a cafe but the presentation was super cute. I had a cheesy scone and a cortado, not much left for baked goods at 3:30 on the afternoon so I will definitely be back. Lots of options for types of seating; lounge, high bar top, table and chairs, and of course the bar top. Others were either working on their computers, meeting with friends or co-working. It's pretty open space so sound does bounce, but I didn't think it was too loud or disruptive. They had a cute glass fireplace in the center. Lots of plants hanging around. For the short while I was there I loved the entire experience!!

    oh snap! ginger cap!
    Shubha A.

    Absolutely love Parable!! My friend and I came in on a Saturday morning and the place was decently packed but were able to find a table. When you walk in you can order and then find a table to sit and they will bring your drinks to the table. There is a good amount of indoor seating, as well as bar seating! I got a drink from their winter seasonal menu and if you like ginger I highly recommend it! It was called oh snap! ginger cap! And was so yummy. They have oatmilk as their only non dairy milk. My friend got their masala chai latte and really enjoyed it as well. We also got a pistachio croissant that was so delicious!! it was a bit on the sweet side so just keep that in mind, but I'd suggest it if you're looking for a pastry! Overall a phenomenal experience, just think it was a tad expensive but would come again :)

    Prosciutto (and brie?) croissant

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    Ask the Community - Parable Cafe

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    I was totally in love with this space and the food served inside. We ate around 6 PM and it was…read moregolden hour so the lighting was gorgeous. The space is very bright and airy: loved the floral and plant vibes. Our server was kind but maybe a bit apprehensive because we brought our two daughters. Sometimes I feel bad bringing kids but honestly we deserve to have good food even if there are little mouths involved. We had the focaccia starter and it was as pillowy and sumptuous as it looked. Next was broccolini which our 8 month old devoured. I tried the funghi pasta and my husband had the sausage ragu. Both had generous portions. The kitchen made butter noodles for our daughter and she LOVED them. I was pleased they didn't try to doll them up because she really did just want noodles and butter. Finally, the octopus was sooo tasty. The sauce was super flavorful and I love a good bean addition. Delicious meal all around.

    I was exploring the downtown area around 7 PM looking for a place to have dinner. This restaurant…read morecaught my attention because of its aesthetics, so I decided to give it a try. The ambiance was enjoyable, and our waitress provided decent service. For starters, I really enjoyed the gem salad -- it was refreshing -- and I also ordered a couple of glasses of Poggio Costa Prosecco to go with my Funghi pasta. Both were very good. However, we also ordered the lobster spaghetti and were not impressed. It was very bland, and the few pieces of lobster tasted slightly gamey. I would not recommend the lobster pasta, especially considering the price, as it appeared to be the most expensive pasta on the menu. The bill also included a fee labeled as "healthcare," which was not mentioned by our waitress. I had to look it up afterward since it was the first time I had seen a charge like that on a restaurant bill. I wanted to share this so others are aware of what to expect.

    Photos
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    Restaurant
    Gem salad. Arguably the best salad I've ever had.
    Gem salad. Arguably the best salad I've ever had.
    Dining area

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    The Refectory Restaurant

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    My boyfriend and I came for our anniversary and had the most amazing time!…read more The week we came the tasting menu was Cajun themed. The server did a GREAT job explaining how the menu worked (you can order the chefs tasting menu or DIY your own) and what everything was. I got the tasting menu which was chilled Cajun tuna ragout, Louisiana crayfish etoufee tart, roasted andouille sausage stuffed duck breast, and crepe Suzette. My boyfriend ordered the bread basket with imported cheeses, pan seared wagyu, seaweed crusted baby lamb chops, and creme brûlée. We split everything and this ended up being perfect because we could be adventurous with the chefs tasting menu and also had some amazing staples! The standouts to me were the chilled tuna ragout, pan seared wagyu, and creme brûlée! One of the BEST steaks and creme brûlée I have had... highly recommend! In addition to the amazing food, it is also in a beautiful old church and the staff is very knowledgeable on the history of the building! We had a great time and would highly recommend for a special occasion

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    Beat salad
    Beat salad
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    Lindey's

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    I went to Lindey's for my birthday and it honestly felt like the perfect place to celebrate…read more The service is what stood out to me the most, it's definitely more upscale, but not in a way that feels intimidating. Everyone is super attentive, knowledgeable and just makes the whole experience feel really special, which is exactly what you want for something like a birthday dinner. A lot of people mention how consistent and professional the staff is, and I completely get why. The inside is also so nice. It has that classic, elegant vibe with white tablecloths and really pretty lighting, but still feels warm and not too over-the-top. It's one of those places where you instantly feel like you should be celebrating something. I've also been for brunch and their brunch menu is really good. Definitely not just basic options. They do a great mix of breakfast and lunch-style dishes, so there's something for everyone.

    We came in for a reservation for my girlfriend's birthday on Saturday the 13th. We had been to…read moreLindey's before, but had never sat on the patio, so we were excited. However, we were left disappointed, sad, and surprised by our experience. My food came out first. This would not have been a problem if not for the series of events that followed. Many minutes later, her food came out too, yet it was the wrong dish. Shrimp pasta instead of steak. We waited again. Eventually we were told by our server in a very unserious, almost joking voice, "I saw a filet in the kitchen, so it should be out soon." Her steak came out about 15 minutes after she had already gotten the wrong dish, while mine had gotten cold. Our server told us that the kitchen accidentally put Demi glaze on the steak, which my girlfriend had requested to be left off. Instead of apologizing for this mistake, Our server emphasized, "Don't worry, I had them sear [the glaze] off." Hearing that surprised me, her steak was over-charred, like the sauce had literally been burned off. Disappointing remedy to a simple mistake, and what a strange way of putting it by our server. What made all of this even worse was the way in which our server Kendall handled this matter. Her attitude got significantly worse following this mishap. She was extremely unapologetic, not offering any apology to either of us. Mind you, I had patiently waited well over 15 minutes with cold fish in front of me for my girlfriend's blackened steak to come out. When my girlfriend had a chance to taste her food, Kendall dropped by to say, "I think we have the best mashed potatoes in the city, what do you think of them?" Blatantly blowing off the fact that my girlfriend's steak was obviously screwed up, and my food had sat for over 15 minutes at the table before hers arrived. As my girlfriend was nearing the end of her food, Kendall stopped by again to add that "We're powering through it." What an odd thing to say to someone who's eating what was clearly a subpar, unsatisfactory plate of food, especially with Kendall being very aware that it was my girlfriend's birthday! I've never in my life been treated in such a passive-aggressive, unapologetic way by a server. Neither of us are one to complain or be rude in a restaurant, both of us having worked in restaurants for years. I'll add that the food on its own would have been fantastic, but the delays had caused it to be cold, and her steak was blackened. I was genuinely left speechless by the way we were treated by Kendall. I also believe that any attempt at a remedy from Kendall could have salvaged this dinner, but her attitude and targeted, passive-aggressive apathy made it so much worse. I'm disappointed leaving this review on what should have been a wonderful dinner a beautiful patio.

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    Seating area
    Seating area
    Watershed Vodka Martini with Blue cheese stuffed olives
    Watershed Vodka Martini with Blue cheese stuffed olives
    The Charro - spicy margarita

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    The Charro - spicy margarita

    Parable Cafe - cafes - Updated June 2026

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