Nextdoor, the hyperlocal social‑media platform, released the winners of its 2026 Fave Awards for the Columbus, Ohio metro area, spotlighting the businesses that earned the most votes from local neighbors. The results, announced by Nextdoor, reflect the preferences of community members who participated in the annual survey between Sept. 4 and Sept. 30, according to NBC4i.
In each category, the winning establishment received the highest number of votes from residents who live nearby, a process that Nextdoor says does not allow businesses to pay for votes or boost their chances through purchases. “Every business on these lists was voted in by the neighbors who live around it,” said Nirav Tolia, Nextdoor CEO and co‑founder, emphasizing the “high bar” of community trust the winners cleared.
The top ten favorites for the Columbus metro area are:
- Pizza spot: Tommy’s Pizza in Dublin
- Coffee shop: Sunny Street Cafe in Dublin
- Dessert shop: Schneider’s Bakery in Westerville
- Breakfast/brunch spot: Cap City Fine Diner and Bar in Columbus
- Go‑to restaurant: Hickory House in Reynoldsburg
- Mexican food: El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant in Gahanna
- Italian food: Giammarco’s in Westerville
- Pet care: Columbus Humane in Hilliard
- Hair salon/barber shop: Virtue Salon in Columbus
- Clothing or gift store: Allen’s Coin Shop in Westerville
These winners represent a mix of dining, retail and service businesses spread across the greater Columbus region, from Dublin and Westerville to Reynoldsburg and Gahanna. The recognition underscores the importance of word‑of‑mouth recommendations in a community that values local loyalty and personal connections.
Nextdoor also noted that users can view a customized list of favorites tailored to their own neighborhoods, covering categories such as services, shopping, food and drink, and wellness. This feature allows residents to discover highly regarded local options beyond the metro‑wide top ten.
What’s next: While the 2026 awards have been announced, Nextdoor encourages Columbus residents to continue sharing recommendations and to explore the neighborhood‑specific lists available on the platform, ensuring that future surveys reflect evolving community preferences.
Sources: nbc4i.com
