Pistacia Vera

Walk through the doors of Pistacia Vera and you’ll be greeted by a glass case of pastel macarons, shiny eclairs, golden croissants, and other treats. Opened almost 20 years ago, this cafe and bakery has long been a Columbus institution. While the desserts are pretty special (including a show-stopping, domed chocolate mousse bombe), don’t skip brunch items like the croque monsieur and the city’s best quiche. They don’t have any indoor seating, so you’ll have to grab your coffee and pastries and head out to the handful of sidewalk-straddling tables, where you’ll feel suitably European as you watch neighbors and tourists wander by.