This past Friday, Nic + I planned to meet our good friends out for dinner + after many texts/indecisiveness on my part (I always have the hardest time choosing where to go in the Arena/Short North areas… I have so many favorites), we decided to try the brand new Nada restaurant in the Arena District. I’m sooo glad we did.

I’m not sure if it’s the flavor of the food, the enticing margaritas, or the fun atmosphere but a Mexican restaurant outing always sounds great to me. And Nada absolutely has shot to the top of my list for an awesome place to get delicious tacos/chips/salsa/guacamole/queso/enchiladas/margaritas in Columbus. No wonder those Cincinnatians are fan favorites of this ‘Nati-based, contemporary Mexican restaurant. 

The atmosphere was perfect. I’ve felt like the Arena District has needed a restaurant like this for awhile now. Nada’s patio could be a hot spot during the warmer months, for sure. The chips + salsa + queso were delicious. As were the margaritas, enchiladas, and pork belly tacos. I already can’t wait to go back so I sample a few more things from their menu. Everything looked goooood. And the service was spectacular, especially for them only have been open for a few days before we visited.

Openly a huge-fan of the also Cincinnati-based Bakersfield, I’m going to have to alternate between Nada + Bakersfield for awhile now. They both completely satisfy that Mexican-food need that I have. Oh but I also need try the new Condado restaurant on High Street. I guess this “I can’t decide where to eat” problem is a good one to have. Maybe one day I’ll do Nada for brunch (yes, they have brunch and the menu looks amazing), Bakersfield for lunch, and Condado for dinner. Hmmm. Welcome to Columbus, Nada! I’m glad I don’t have to drive to Cincy to have you!

Note: I had no intention of doing a blog post about Nada before I ate there (other than a possible Instagram shot) but I just felt so ecstatic about this place that I couldn’t keep it to myself – so please excuse the dark iPhone pics. 🙂 

(Above: Nic got the chicken and corn enchiladas. Naturally, I tried them. As delicious as they look.)

( Above: My meal, crispy pork belly tacos – uh-mazing. Will get again sans peppers!)

(Above: Snuck into the private dining area to steal an iPhone pic – oops. It just looked waaaay too awesome not to.)

Have you tried Nada? Bakerfield? What about Condado? I would love to hear your opinions + recommendations!