Cilantro Latin Fusion — Restaurant in Columbus

🗣️ Let Jess Tell It ⭐ Cilantro Latin Fusion | Columbus, OH

🔹 Price per person: $20–$35 (including a cocktail) 🔹 Wait time: No wait for a table on a weekday evening 🔹 Noise level: Moderate — upbeat Latin music, lively but not loud 🔹 Seating: Spacious indoor dining with tables, booths, and a small stage area 🔹 Vegetarian options: Yes 🔹 Dietary restrictions: Staff is helpful with recommendations 🔹 Parking: Street parking and nearby lots 🔹 Kid-friendly: Yes, depending on time of visit 🔹 Wheelchair accessible: Yes

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I stopped into Cilantro Latin Fusion on a weekday night after wandering the Clintonville area with a friend. We were looking for something new before heading home—and this place ended up being the highlight of the evening.

The space is clean and welcoming, with an open layout, pops of greenery on the walls, and a cozy stage tucked into one corner (likely for live music on weekends). There’s also a big screen cycling through photos of their dishes and drinks, which definitely added to the anticipation while we waited on our order.

Our server, Alexandra, was a standout—patient, friendly, and genuinely engaged. She didn’t just recite the menu; she offered thoughtful suggestions and even told us which dishes she personally enjoys. She recommended the Back to Life Arepa, Blondie, and 937 Arepa. I went with the 614 Arepa and a side of sweet plantains, along with the house hot sauce she recommended.

The food arrived well presented. • The 614 Arepa was hearty—steak, grilled cheese, and cilantro sauce all came together in a rich but balanced way. The steak wasn’t buttery soft, but it held its own and didn’t feel chewy. • The plantains were beautifully caramelized on the outside with a warm, soft center—sweet enough to contrast the savory arepa without overpowering it.

Drink-wise: • I tried the jalapeño margarita, which had a nice kick without being overwhelming. • My friend ordered the Guava Basil Mule, which came in a chilled copper cup and looked as good as it tasted.

The energy inside was upbeat—Latin music, the low hum of conversation, and a vibe that struck the right balance between casual and special.

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Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’ll take Alexandra’s full recommendation without second-guessing. Friendly staff, satisfying food, and an atmosphere that feels lively without being overwhelming — Cilantro Latin Fusion is a gem worth revisiting.

#LetJessTellIt #CilantroLatinFusion...

Went in here expecting to get some tacos, man was I wrong... Authentic South American dishes, made by someone in there that knows how to cook.

The first thing I noticed, was the place was pretty large. It looks so small outside. The restroom is also very clean. The staff was very professional, clean, and friendly.

The waiter asked us if we had ever been there before, and explained most of the entree dishes to us. There are no tacos here, it's authentic South American food. It's all very healthy, and very good food. Lots of dishes with beans, rice, avocado, plantains, various proteins, egg, etc.. They also have a sandwich section, where the bun is a crepe, and a Steak dish.

The first thing I noticed when we got our food is that either the cook was an actual chef, or, the cook is passionate about cooking. Everything was presented on the plate with care, and tasted awesome!

We started with the Yuca fries. It consists of 6 triangular shaped fries, that appear to be seared in a skillet, or baked, and served with a delicious cheese dip.

I got the Pabellion dish. It is a square plate filled with rice, black beans, sweet plantains, avocado, pulled pork, topped with a fried egg, and cilantro garnish. It was incredibly good, and filling. I had to force myself to eat 8 hours later because the dish was so nutrient rich.

My guest got one of the sandwiches with the crepe. She really enjoyed it. I tried a bite and the crepe bun was really tasty.

After visiting once, I know I will have to come back and try the 10oz steak dish. Everything else was so good that I am confident the steak will be too.

My only gripe with this place is the menu. It's a black background with green lettering. It's hard to read, and there are no pictures.

Other than that, the food in this place is top-notch, if you want a nice home cooked meal. I will be coming again for sure.

Expect prices to be in the range of your average sit down restaurant, such as Texas Roadhouse, but higher quality, and better presentation.

I will be coming here...

So goooooooooooooooood!

It's my first time to try Venezuela's food and I was so impressed! Food taste so good and very fresh. I didn't know what should I get so my husband recommended Cachapa with fried pork because it would be something that the picky person like me enjoy and IT WAS! Taste like my fried pork from Thailand but instead of eating with sticky rice, I ate with corn pancake and cheese! I know it's homemade cheese but not sure with one, but both are so good! The one in the bowl was a little salty that was great when combine with corn pancake and cheese that a little sweet.

614 Arepa was my husband dish, he said the beef taste great like a good steak and price was good when compare with how many steak you got. Every bite was a wow.

Last one, Ceviche. It made from Maji Maji fish from Europe (our chef Hector told us) I was so scare to try, even I like Sushi a lot but I'm still very (actually super) picky about the fish I will eat. But I would say it's good, especially with all the sauce that they mix together, definitely thumbs up.

Beyond the food I love their presentation of each one, they really put time and heart into it. Looks great and taste good.

Service was fantastic, our server was Natalie, she's very nice and kind. She helped me went thru each menu that I wanted to know more, tried to find pictures and stuff. I just want to go back there and have a chit chat with her :D

Overall I love this place a lot! There's nothing to be complaint about, maybe only it's a little far from our house haha! But i do really want to support them, they make everything so nice, the decoration, the cleaness and especially the food.

If you never try Venezuela's food before, this place is a good place to try. I will come back with review about their...