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What to order
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Albanian Breakfast Plate
Recommended multiple times as delicious, authentic, and a great start to the day; reviewers praised the eggs, potatoes, onions, spinach, feta, and olives, along with good coffee and friendly service.
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Albanian Panini
Highlighted as 'delicious' by a reviewer who said they had been missing out on it, making it one of the most enthusiastically praised specific dishes.
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Gyro Wrap
Mentioned as a standout sandwich/wrap option and recommended by reviewers who praised the menu variety and the quality of the gyros.
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4
Philly Cajun Ruben
Specifically recommended as one of the best sandwiches to try, with reviewers calling out the restaurant’s excellent sandwich selection.
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5
Turkey Ruben
Also singled out as a recommended sandwich choice, praised alongside other favorite lunch items for its quality and flavor.
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6
Albanian Gyro
Recommended by a reviewer who ordered it with pasta salad and Albanian Greek salad, describing the meal as a great discovery and very satisfying.
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7
Veggie Omelet
Praised as 'bomb' and described as super yummy, healthy, filling, and a great breakfast option with fast service and good prices.
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8
Balkan Breakfast Plate
Described as amazing and so good that a reviewer said they wanted to bring the cook home, making it one of the strongest endorsements in the reviews.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 3 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Cafe Illyria
Cafe Illyria is a diner, breakfast restaurant, and sandwich shop in Columbus, Ohio. It is known for Albanian and Mediterranean-style dishes, including gyros, paninis, sandwiches, and breakfast plates, and it serves coffee, comfort food, and quick bites. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff, fresh food, and cozy, quiet atmosphere. It offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating, with many reviews noting it as a good downtown lunch spot.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Cafe Illyria known for?
Cafe Illyria is best known for its Albanian and Mediterranean sandwiches, especially gyros, Albanian paninis, and gyro wraps. Reviewers also call out the breakfast plates and the fact that the food is fresh, filling, and served by very friendly staff.
What dishes are most recommended at Cafe Illyria?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the Albanian Panini, Albanian Breakfast Plate, gyro breakfast sandwich, gyro wrap, Philly Cajun Reuben, turkey Reuben, and the veggie omelet. The pasta salad and Greek salad also come up often as good sides, and several people mention the coffee and homemade desserts.
What is the atmosphere like at Cafe Illyria?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, quiet, and casual, with a small dining room and a patio or outdoor seating area. It suits solo diners and lunch breaks well, and reviewers also mention it works for a relaxed breakfast or lunch with a friend or partner.
Is Cafe Illyria a good value?
Yes, many reviewers describe the prices as reasonable or inexpensive, and the listed price range is $10 to $20. People specifically say the lunch portions and sandwiches feel like a better deal than nearby campus or downtown options.
How busy does Cafe Illyria get at lunch?
Lunch can get busy, and one reviewer noted the space can feel cramped because the cafe is small with limited seating. Even so, multiple reviews say the counter service is fast, with one lunch visit getting food in about 5 minutes, and calling in a takeout order ahead is a good idea during the rush.
Is parking available at Cafe Illyria?
Yes. Paid parking garage, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Is Cafe Illyria kid-friendly?
Yes, Cafe Illyria is good for kids.
