Marietta is home to over 22 eateries and restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean to Indian to Mexican to Asian Fusion and more. Marietta’s craft brewery serves as an anchor for craft beer lovers while pizza lovers have their fair share of choices with a wide-variety of restaurants to choose from. Whether it’s casual dining or fine dining, indoor seating or outdoor seating, a date night or a business lunch, downtown Marietta’s hot spots for dining local are guaranteed to satisfy.

Brad Thomas, 28 of Parkersburg, WV, is employed in Marietta and chooses to focus his social activities around offerings downtown. “I like visiting downtown Marietta because I know that once I get there, if I suddenly was in the mood to do something different or eat something different than I had originally planned, the variety of restaurants and events there would allow me to do so.”

Many restaurants downtown also feature live events, like local musicians, over the weekends to add to the experience of diners. Restaurants like the Marietta Brewing Company, Marietta Wine Cellars, and Over the Moon Pub & Pizza frequently host musicians that range from rock to bluegrass to jazz.

Claire Mullen, Owner of Over the Moon Pub & Pizza, consistently invites local musicians to perform inside their restaurant. “We feature acoustic original music at Over the Moon—it pairs well with folks coming in to enjoy a pizza and a cold beer. We strive for a unique dining experience, not just a place to grab a bite to eat.”

Night life is continually being amplified in downtown Marietta, thanks to the passionate hearts of local business owners in the arts & culture sector. The Adelphia Music Hall and Peoples Bank Theatre are two premier venues downtown that offer big name entertainment.

Drew Tanner, Director of Marketing for Peoples Bank Theatre, believes that downtown dining options have amplified the Theatre’s draw.

Nachos at the Galley on 2nd Street

“Our attendees really appreciate the variety of restaurants that can be found in downtown Marietta. For our major shows and concerts, we send out reminder emails about ticketing, and parking, as well as encouraging patrons to make it a night out downtown with dinner before or drinks after a show. What could be better on a Friday or Saturday evening than a walk along the levee or Front Street, dinner downtown, and a great night of live entertainment?”

Photo by Melanie Tienter

It might be easy to think downtown only caters to lunch or dinner, but breakfast options are on the rise and make for the perfect way to start any day. Tonya’s Country Kitchen, Jeremiah’s Coffee House, and The Busy Bee Restaurant are just three local options for a great cup of coffee and breakfast goodies to help you along into your day.

Jocelyn Adelsperger, Executive Director of The Betsey Mills Club, is a frequent enjoyer of breakfast downtown. “Jeremiah’s or Busy Bee are my faves.  The Busy Bee is probably number one for a sit-down breakfast! I love all the local farm to table efforts they make.  And who can resist a good downhome diner feel?”

If you are looking to take a culinary tour of local food, downtown Marietta is the place to be – with 22 restaurants, you can try every stop on the tour once a weekend and make it almost 6 months before you start from the top again. Think local, eat local, and dine local in downtown!
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