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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.

    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.

    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 :)

    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.

    Prosciutto (and brie?) croissant
    Yushi N.

    I have returned from my hiatus to speak on behalf of parable (again). Pastries just wake me up like nothing else. I say that but every time I try to get to parable "early" (i.e., before 10am), I fail to do so ;'( But it's ok! These days there are still goodie pastries available for the sleepy birbs (hurrah) Unfortunately, my gastrointestinal system did not hunger at that hour of the morn, so the spinach artichoke danish was a bit of an underwhelming experience, even though the danish was freshly toasted ;'( I liked the chip though (cronch). Otherwise, it kind of gave artichoke dip but served in a pastry vessel instead of a plastic container. I enjoyed the honey grapefruit brûlée circle croissant and guava cream cheese pastelito more. Neither were too sweet and both had nice crispity crunchities! Service was very thoughtful as well! Whenever staff brought pastries to someone's table, they'd always ask if the person would like a fork and would then go run and grab one. I personally prefer to go feral on my food with my fingers but the gesture seemed very kind. Also, I'm pretty sure the entire album of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was played. We stan queer icons

    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!

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    1 year ago

    Sadly, they no longer offer vegan pastry options. That was an important part of my original review, so I am amending my star rating.

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    Ask the Community - Parable Cafe

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    Eight years of visiting Wine on High and it's officially time for an update and an extra star is…read moreindeed warranted. I really enjoy this place and I've been visiting more and more often these days. It's just such a chill wine bar. The vibes are always on point, the staff is lovely (shoutout Chelsea for always being awesome), their selection is great, and the prices are fair. If you ever want to enjoy some food while sipping a glass you can order it from Hubbard Grill next door and they'll bring it over to you. If you want some entertainment during your visit, they have a TV but the people watching on High St is prime time. They also have an upstairs which is perfect if you have a party. Give them a visit next time you're in need of a relaxing time and a glass of your favorite wine.

    Super cute place! Very small though, so plan ahead if you have a larger group. Ordering was a…read morelittle confusing because there weren't any signs explaining that you needed to go order at the bar. We waited at a table upstairs for awhile thinking we had a server. Once we realized we didn't, we went downstairs to order our drinks and food at the bar. I had the braised beef sliders with brussel sprouts and they were so good! The food is from Hubbard Grill so that's a fun addition. The wine section is vast, but there is a corkage fee of around $12 for any bottle bought in the store that you want to drink.

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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.

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    Speck Italian Eatery - Gem salad. Arguably the best salad I've ever had.

    Gem salad. Arguably the best salad I've ever had.

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    The Refectory Restaurant - Mousse au chocolat

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    Celebrating my partner's birthday was the perfect excuse to return to what is, in my opinion,…read moreColumbus' premier restaurant. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this institution has remained at the top of the city's dining scene for half a century. My partner began with the Escargot and Shiitake Marble Veal Mousse with parsley garlic butter sauce, while I enjoyed the exceptional Mussel Soup with leek chiffonade, saffron cream, and Chablis. Both starters were beautifully prepared and set the tone for the evening. For our second course, my partner selected the Roasted Lake Erie Walleye with dill Chablis sauce, and I chose the Sautéed Florida Red Snapper with Choron vin blanc sauce. Both dishes showcased impeccable technique, fresh ingredients, and elegant presentation. Our third course continued to impress. The Black Truffle Duxelle Stuffed Rabbit Loin with Dijonnaise sauce was rich, flavorful, and perfectly executed, while my Pan-Seared Prime New York Strip Steak with cardamom sauce was cooked flawlessly and absolutely outstanding. We shared the Black Forest Tart with mascarpone chantilly and cherry gel for dessert. The flavors were wonderful, though the tart crust was a bit firmer than expected, making it somewhat difficult to enjoy with only a spoon. Service was polished and professional throughout the evening. Although the restaurant had run out of the bottle of wine we initially selected, the sommelier recommended a comparable bottle from the same AVA that was slightly more expensive and graciously adjusted the price to match our original selection. This was a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflects The Refectory's commitment to hospitality. Our only minor disappointment was the seating location. The booth where we were placed was tucked away from the main dining room and felt a bit tight, making it somewhat less comfortable than we would have preferred. While the secluded setting had its charm, a table or a more spacious booth in the main dining area would have enhanced the overall experience. Overall, it was another memorable dining experience. Exceptional cuisine, refined service, and an atmosphere that continues to set the standard for fine dining in Columbus. It's easy to understand why The Refectory has earned its stellar reputation and why it has thrived for 50 years. Highly recommended and well deserving of its legendary status.

    It's been several months since we were at the refectory restaurant and while the menu has changed…read moresignificantly, the quality of the food remains the same. The restaurant is beautiful, and the service is impeccable. The menu today had a list of "smaller dishes". We started with their bread service which is no longer complementary but it's very inexpensive, and the crusty bread is delicious. For starters my wife and I shared the walnut salad and the escargot mushroom mousse. Both were excellent. For dinner, I ordered the snake river sturgeon which was cooked over a light curry sauce -- fantastic. My wife got the lamb chops, which were cooked to perfection. Even though we were pretty stuffed by this time we couldn't not get their famous crème brûlée -- and it did not disappoint! Oh, and both of us really enjoyed our wines! A wonderful evening, which reminded us why this was one of our favorite Columbus restaurants.

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    Parable Cafe - cafes - Updated September 2026

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