Love Riley — Restaurant in Columbus

I recently had the distinct pleasure of visiting Love Riley, a remarkable new bakery in Columbus, and I must say, the experience exceeded every expectation. This charming little establishment, founded and operated by the exceptionally talented Riley, has quickly earned its place as a standout in the local culinary scene. Riley, a young woman in her 20s, has created not just a bakery, but a sanctuary of sweet creations, all crafted with an evident passion and dedication that is rare in an entrepreneur of her age.

The bakery itself is small but impeccably clean and inviting, offering a cozy and modern atmosphere. It is run by a young and enthusiastic staff, whose knowledge and energy add to the charm of the place. What truly sets Love Riley apart, however, is Riley’s genuine ability to blend her talents as both a baker and a food critic. Her social media presence, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, showcases her incredible creations and provides insightful reviews of local eateries in Columbus—further solidifying her reputation as not only a skilled baker but also a trusted culinary guide in the city.

The first thing that drew me to this bakery was the stunningly decorated cupcakes I had seen online. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by a refrigerated display case full of these exquisite confections. The staff was knowledgeable and quick to offer the perfect advice: allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to let their flavors truly come to life. I followed their recommendation, and it was absolutely the right decision.

I began with the Carrot Cake cupcake, and it was nothing short of exceptional. The cake itself was perfectly moist, striking the ideal balance between light and dense. The sweetness was carefully calibrated—not overly sugary, but just enough to satisfy. The carrot flavor was unmistakably fresh and authentic, avoiding the artificial taste that so often plagues carrot cake. The cream cheese frosting, topped with delicate white sprinkles, was smooth and not cloying in the slightest. A small but appreciated touch was the judicious inclusion of raisins—enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the palate. I would rate this cupcake a solid 9 out of 10. My only suggestion would be to consider incorporating crushed pecans or walnuts to introduce a slightly more varied texture and deepen the overall flavor.

Next, I indulged in the Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake, and once again, I was thoroughly impressed. The cake itself had a rich, decadent chocolate flavor that paired seamlessly with the creamy peanut butter frosting. The frosting, while indulgent, was wonderfully balanced—not too rich, yet fully satisfying. The small chocolate chunks scattered on top lent a delightful crunch, reminiscent of the classic Reese's combination, but in a more refined form. This cupcake, too, earns a 9 out of 10 from me. The harmony of the chocolate and peanut butter was flawless—each bite felt like a perfect marriage of two beloved flavors.

After these two decadent treats, I decided that I’d had my fill of calories for the day and would return tomorrow to sample the Oreo Cookies & Cream cupcake and the Red Velvet cupcake.

In conclusion, Riley has done something truly remarkable with Love Riley. She has not only created an exceptional bakery that serves some of the finest cupcakes in Columbus, but she has also built a business that reflects her commitment to quality, creativity, and community. It’s clear that her talent extends beyond baking—she is an astute and thoughtful reviewer of local restaurants, which speaks volumes about her dedication to the craft of culinary excellence. I’m eager to see where her journey takes her, and I wholeheartedly recommend Love Riley to anyone who appreciates fine baked goods and a true...

Customer service and aesthetics of space and desserts is perfection. The person checking me out was super friendly and was able to answer all my questions with ease. I purchased a brownie, one of every available cupcake that wasn’t gluten free (9 total), two cake pops, three cookies and an almond cake. I love bakeries and trying new places so I wanted to try them all with my friends.

I waited 3 hours to try them all out.

Cupcakes - I personally would describe every one of them as dry. The least dry one was the carrot cake. The icings were overall good but some were pretty dense and I personally don’t like heavy icing.

Brownie - This was the best item. It was cookies and cream. The density was more fudge like but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Cake Pops- butterfinger cake pops. They were good with just enough butterfinger flavor. They also weren’t dry.

Cookies - I love sugar cookies with icing. The icing was okay and the cookie was dry and airy.

Almond Cake - The icing was falling off the cake as I cut into it completely separating from the cake. I would describing the icing as dense. The cake itself had a light almond flavor to it but was dry to the point of crumbling and I had to get a bottle of water.

Pricing: It may be right for the people who enjoy these types of desserts and my experience may just be a one off. However if this is the consistency of the product it isn’t worth the price.

I ended up eating the brownie but threw everything else away. Not everything is for everyone in regards to taste but customer service...

Absolutely Incredible. Best Cake Ever!

I used Love Riley for my wedding cake in June 2025 at The Club at Corazón in Dublin, Ohio, and to say she was anything less than exceptional would be a complete understatement. Finding a wedding cake baker was one of the hardest decisions for me because I’ve never been someone who loves cake. That is, until I tried Love Riley’s. I completely fell in love with her flavors. Every single one was delicious.

She flawlessly executed our untraditional vision of a two-tier cake with a fondant bow, and it looked absolutely stunning. It was elegant, unique, and exactly what we envisioned. On top of being beautiful, the taste of the cake truly stole the show. It was one of the most talked-about elements of the entire wedding.

We also ordered cupcakes in our wedding colors, and they were just as incredible. Guests who usually skip dessert were going back for seconds and thirds. The chocolate chip cake in particular was a huge hit. I had multiple people asking for her info to use for their own events.

I am so glad I chose Love Riley for our wedding cake and can’t wait to order from her again for future celebrations. Beautiful work, amazing taste, and an absolute joy...