California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris

- 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240

For those of us in Ohio who appreciate a culinary experience that blends familiar comfort with a touch of innovation, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) at Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus offers a distinctive choice. More than just a pizza place, CPK brings its signature California-inspired menu, featuring a diverse range of pizzas, salads, pastas, and main plates, right to our local community. This article will guide local users in the Ohio region through what makes this particular CPK a popular dining spot, from its accessible location to its unique menu offerings.

California Pizza Kitchen began its journey in Beverly Hills in 1985, founded on the idea of creating a casual dining experience that celebrated California's fresh, innovative culinary spirit. They quickly became famous for their unconventional and flavorful pizzas, most notably the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. For Ohioans, the Polaris location encapsulates this philosophy, striving to offer a vibrant atmosphere where guests can enjoy inventive dishes made with quality ingredients. It's a place where traditional pizza takes on new life, and where a variety of other dishes ensure there's something to satisfy nearly any palate.

What truly sets CPK apart is its commitment to a broader menu that extends well beyond typical pizzeria fare. While pizza remains a cornerstone, CPK’s offerings include freshly prepared salads, hearty pasta dishes, and various main plates like cedar plank salmon and chicken piccata. This diverse menu, often featuring seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations, provides a compelling reason for Ohio locals to choose CPK for everything from a quick lunch to a relaxed dinner. The emphasis on fresh, non-heavy food, as noted by local diners, aligns well with contemporary preferences for lighter yet flavorful meals.

California Pizza Kitchen is conveniently located at 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA. This address places it directly within the expansive Polaris Fashion Place, a significant shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in northern Columbus. For residents across Central Ohio, including those in nearby suburbs like Westerville, Dublin, and Worthington, accessing CPK at Polaris is highly convenient.

The restaurant's prime location along Polaris Parkway offers excellent vehicular accessibility, with direct connections to Interstate 71 and other major roadways. Being part of a large mall complex means that there is generally ample parking available in the surrounding lots of Polaris Fashion Place. While parking areas can become busy during peak shopping hours or holidays, the overall infrastructure is designed to manage a high volume of visitors efficiently. For individuals utilizing public transportation, various COTA bus routes serve the Polaris Parkway area, providing accessibility for a broader range of local users.

The strategic placement within this bustling retail environment makes CPK an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're taking a break from shopping, meeting friends for lunch, or enjoying a casual dinner after a busy day, its location ensures ease of access. The vibrant atmosphere of the Polaris area itself contributes to the overall dining experience at CPK.

• Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's modern and comfortable dining room, which often features an open kitchen and a relaxed ambiance.
• Curbside Pickup: Many CPK locations offer convenient curbside pickup, allowing customers to place an order online or by phone and have it brought directly to their car.
• Delivery Service: Available through popular third-party food delivery platforms (e.g., Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash), bringing CPK's menu items directly to your home or office.
• Online Ordering: Customers can place orders for pickup or delivery conveniently through the CPK website or mobile app.
• Full Bar Service: Offers a selection of hand-shaken cocktails, premium wines, and craft beers to complement the meal.
• Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: CPK is known for its extensive menu catering to various dietary preferences, including dedicated gluten-free crusts for pizzas and numerous vegetarian dishes.
• Kids' Menu: A dedicated menu with smaller portions of popular dishes, perfect for younger guests.
• Catering: Offers catering services for events, meetings, and parties, with various packages and platters available.
• CPK Rewards Program: A loyalty program that allows diners to earn points and redeem rewards for their purchases.

• The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza: CPK's iconic creation, featuring their legendary BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, smoked Gouda, red onions, and fresh cilantro. It's a must-try for new visitors and a favorite for regulars.
• Innovative Pizza Creations: Beyond the BBQ Chicken Pizza, CPK offers a wide array of unique pizza toppings and styles, from Thai Chicken Pizza to California Club Pizza, and seasonal specials.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Pizza: Offers a full menu including a wide selection of fresh salads (like the Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad and Thai Crunch Salad), pastas (e.g., Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta, Garlic Cream Fettuccine), main plates (e.g., Cedar Plank Salmon, Chicken Piccata), and sandwiches.
• Fresh, Quality Ingredients: CPK emphasizes using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create flavorful dishes that often feel lighter than traditional chain restaurant fare.
• Signature Appetizers: Popular starters include the Dynamite Shrimp, Avocado Club Egg Rolls, and Spinach Artichoke Dip.
• Desserts: Known for their indulgent Butter Cake, served warm with whipped cream.
• Casual and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant features a modern yet comfortable interior, making it suitable for families, friends, and couples alike.
• Vegetarian and Gluten-Friendly Options: Strong commitment to offering a variety of choices for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Address: 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

Phone: (614) 985-6304

Mobile Phone: +1 614-985-6304

California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris Fashion Place is a highly suitable dining option for locals across the Ohio region, particularly in and around Columbus, for several compelling reasons. It offers a unique blend of familiar comfort and culinary innovation that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

Firstly, CPK provides a versatile menu that extends far beyond just pizza. While their famous BBQ Chicken Pizza is a draw, locals can also enjoy a wide array of fresh salads, satisfying pasta dishes, and well-prepared main plates. This breadth of options makes it an ideal choice for groups with varied preferences, ensuring everyone can find something they love. The emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and lighter preparations, as noted by local reviewers, aligns with a growing desire for meals that don't feel overly heavy.

Secondly, the restaurant's prime location within the Polaris Fashion Place is a significant advantage for Ohio residents. Its accessibility from major highways and ample parking make it a convenient destination for a quick lunch during a shopping trip, a casual dinner after work, or a relaxed family meal on the weekend. This integration into a major commercial hub makes it a practical choice for locals seeking a quality meal without having to venture far.

Furthermore, CPK's commitment to accommodating various dietary needs, with numerous vegetarian and gluten-free options, makes it inclusive for a wider segment of the local population. The family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with options for online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery, adds layers of convenience that busy Ohioans appreciate. While staffing challenges can sometimes impact service, as indicated in a review, the overall experience of innovative food in a comfortable setting consistently draws locals back.

In essence, California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris offers a consistent and appealing casual dining experience that combines popular dishes with a fresh, California-inspired twist. It's a reliable choice for locals seeking variety, quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere right here in Columbus.

California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris

1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA