Kenyon Inn & Restaurant logo
Stay, Eat, Explore.
Restaurant in Gambier, Ohio

Knox County's only four-star table

Make a reservation today, enjoy our restaurant's 4-stay dining experience and after, make your way to our full-service bar!
Reserve a table
Explore the menu
Round restaurant table set with red folded napkins, water glasses, silverware, and water carafes.
The four-star story

Why the rating matters

The Columbus Dispatch gave us four stars. It's an independent editorial review, not something you apply for, and it makes the Kenyon Inn the only four-star dining in Knox County. For a restaurant in a small college town, that's not something we take lightly.
The menu follows the season and what's available close to Gambier. We source from a handful of local producers that we've worked with for years.
Check out the menu
Full service bar set up with liquor bottles, drink glasses, soda, ice dispenser, and cocktail supplies.
Full service bar set up with liquor bottles, drink glasses, soda, ice dispenser, and cocktail supplies.
Hours

When are you open?

We're open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch added on Sundays. Hours can shift during Kenyon College breaks and holidays. Feel free to call ahead if you're planning around a specific date!
  • ‍
    Lunch
    Dinner
  • Monday
    11am - 2pm
    5 - 8pm
  • Tuesday
    11am - 2pm
    CLOSED
  • Wednesday
    CLOSED
    CLOSED
  • Thursday
    11am - 2pm
    5 - 8pm
  • Friday
    11am - 2pm
    5 - 10pm
  • Saturday
    CLOSED
    5 - 10pm
  • Sunday
    Brunch 10am - 2pm
    CLOSED
Take-out is available Thursday - Monday 2 - 5pm (Brunch only Sunday)
The menu

What's on the menu

Our menu is seasonal and is updated regularly. Prices and availability may vary.
Menu Icon Guide
  • vegetarian icon
    100% Vegetarian
  • vegan icon
    100% Vegan
  • gluten-free icon
    Gluten-senstive
  • contains nuts icon
    Contains nuts
  • contains fish icon
    Contains fish
  • locally sourced icon
    Locally-sourced
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks & Dessert

Starters

Avocado Toast

$8

Choice of Bread: Sourdough, Rye, White, Wheat, Smashed Avocado, Arugula

vegetarian icon

Fruit Cup

$5
vegan icon
gluten-free icon

Sandwiches

Served with your choice of House-made Fries, Chips, a Cup of Tomato Bisque, or a Side House Salad

Sub: Soup de Jour +$1 - Cup of Fruit +$3 - Specialty Salad +$2

Crusted Chicken

$16

Jalapeño Coleslaw, Sriracha Aioli, served on a Ciabatta Bun

Rueben

$15

House-Braised Corned Beef Brisket, Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing, served on Pumpernickel Rye Bread

Waldorf Chicken Salad Croissant

$13

Granny Smith Apples, Chicken, Celery, Red Grapes, Toasted Walnuts, Lettuce, served on a Croissant.

*GS without Croissant

contains nuts icon

Grilled Cheese

$10

Choice of Cheese: Cheddar, Guggisberg Baby Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, American, served on toasted Rustic Bread

Add Turkey, Bacon, or Ham +$3

vegetarian icon

Half Pound Burger

$16

Ground Brisket Patty, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, served on a Brioche Bun

Choice of Cheddar, Guggisberg Baby Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, American, Blue Cheese

Add bacon for $3

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Seared Tofu

$15

Sriracha-marinated seared Tofu with Avocado, Arugula, and Red Onion, served on a Ciabatta Roll

vegan icon

Soup & Salad

Tomato Bisque

$4 / $7
vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Soup du Jour

$5 / $9

House

$5 / $10

Mixed Greens, Parmesan Cheese, Red Onion, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinaigrette

vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Ceasar

$6 / $12

Romain Lettuce, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Cheese, House-made Caesar Dressing

contains fish icon
locally sourced icon

Add to salads: Grilled Chicken $7 - Crispy Chicken $8 - Salmon $8 - Shrimp $9 - NY Strip Steak $10 - Tuna $12 - Tofu $6

Entrees

Steak and Eggs

$17

8oz NY Strip Steak, Two Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, English Muffin or Toast

Sub: Breakfast Potatoes for Fruit Cup $3

*GF Toast $2

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locally sourced icon

Eggs Benedict

$15

Poached Eggs, Canadian Bacon or Smoked Salmon, house-made Hollandaise, English Muffin, Breakfast Potatoes

Sub Breakfast Potatoes for Fruit Cup $3

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French Toast

$7

Ask about toppings

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Pancakes

$8

Ask about toppings

vegetarian icon

Byo Omelet

$12

Onion, Mushroom, Bell Pepper, Tomato, Spinach, Ham, Sausage, Bacon, choice of Cheese, Breakfast Potatoes, Choice of Toast

Sub: Breakfast Potatoes for Fruit Cup $3 - *Toast for GF Toast $2

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locally sourced icon

Breakfast Sliders

$10

Local Sausage Patties on English Muffins with Egg, house-made Hollandaise Sauce, choice of Cheese

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Breakfast Specials

ASK

Ask your server

Side options:

2 Eggs $2‍

Pancake $3‍

Bacon, Ham, or Sausage $3‍

Potato $2

Appetizers

Cheese Curd

$14

with Honey Garlic Aioli

vegetarian icon

Soups & Salads

Tomato Bisque

$4 / $7
vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Soup du Jour

$5 / $9

House

$5 / $10

Mixed Greens, Parmesan Cheese, Red Onion, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinaigrette

vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Ceasar

$6 / $12

Romain Lettuce, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Cheese, House-made Caesar Dressing

contains fish icon
locally sourced icon

Cobb

$12

Mixed Greens, Hard-Boiled Egg, Bacon, Tomato, Pickled Red Onion, Blue Cheese Crumble, Lemon Vinaigrette

Add to salads: Grilled Chicken $7 - Crispy Chicken $8 - Salmon $8 - Shrimp $9 - NY Strip Steak $10 - Tuna $12 - Tofu $6

Sandwiches

Served with your choice of House-made Fries, Chips, a Cup of Tomato Bisque, or a Side House Salad

Sub: Soup de Jour +$1 - Cup of Fruit +$3 - Specialty Salad +$2

Crusted Chicken

$16

Jalapeño Coleslaw, Sriracha Aioli, served on a Ciabatta Bun

Turkey & Avocado

$14

Turkey, Avodaco, Provolone, and Sriracha Aioli, served on Sourdough

Rueben

$15

House-Braised Corned Beef Brisket, Guggisberg Baby Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing, served on Pumpernickel Rye Bread

Fresh Catch

$17

Chef's choice of Filet of Fish, Remoulade, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, served on a Brioche Bun. Choice of Blackened, Pan-Seared, or Fried

contains fish icon

Waldorf Chicken Salad Croissant

$13

Granny Smith Apples, Chicken, Celery, Red Grapes, Toasted Walnuts, Lettuce, served on a Croissant.

*GS without Croissant

contains nuts icon

Grilled Cheese

$10

Choice of Cheese: Cheddar, Guggisberg Baby Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, American, served on toasted Rustic Bread

Add Turkey, Bacon, or Ham +$3

vegetarian icon

Half Pound Burger

$16

Ground Brisket Patty, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, served on a Brioche Bun

Choice of Cheddar, Guggisberg Baby Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, American, Blue Cheese

Add bacon for $3

locally sourced icon

Chicken Pesto

$15

Seared Chicken, Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto Aioli, Tomato, served on a Ciabatta Roll

Seared Tofu

$15

Sriracha-marinated seared Tofu with Avocado, Arugula, and Red Onion, served on a Ciabatta Roll

vegan icon

Caprese

$12

Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto, Balsamic Mayo, served on a Cuban Loaf

vegan icon

Entrees

Chef's Tacos

$17

Ask your server for details

Fried Rice Bowl

$10

House-made Stir Fry Sauce, Egg, Fried Rice, Kimchi

gluten-free icon
locally sourced icon

Add to bowl: Grilled Chicken $7 - Crispy Chicken $8 - Salmon $8 - Shrimp $9 - NY Strip Steak $10 - Tuna $12 - Tofu $6

Appetizers

Bread Basket

$5
vegetarian icon

Buffalo Chicken Dip

$16

Served with Fried Corn Tortilla Chips

Hummus

$12

Served with Fresh Pita Chips

vegan icon

Poutine

$15

Hand-cut fries, Cheese Curds, Gravy

Soups & Salads

Tomato Bisque

$4 / $7
vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Soup du Jour

$5 / $9

House

$5 / $10

Mixed Greens, Parmesan Cheese, Red Onion, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinaigrette

vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Ceasar

$6 / $12

Romain Lettuce, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Cheese, House-made Caesar Dressing

contains fish icon
locally sourced icon

Mandarin Orange Salad

$6 / $14

Mixed Greens, Chopped Cabbage, Mandarin Oranges, Chow Mein Noodles, Scallions, Carrot, Soy Ginger Dressing

vegan icon

Add to salads: Grilled Chicken $7 - Crispy Chicken $8 - Salmon $8 - Shrimp $9 - NY Strip Steak $10 - Tuna $12 - Tofu $6

Sanwiches

Served with your choice of House-made Fries, Chips, a Cup of Tomato Bisque, or a Side House Salad

Sub: Soup de Jour +$1 -Cup of Fruit +$3 - Specialty Salad +$2

Chicken Caesar Wrap

$15

Grilled or Crispy Chicken, Chopped Romain Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, House-made Caesar Dressing, served on a Garlic Herb Tortilla

Lamb Gyro

$17

House-made Gyro Meat, Tzatziki Sauce, Red Onion, Lettuce, Feta, served on Pita Bread

locally sourced icon

Entrees

Spinach Ravioli

$28

In a Lemon Cream Sauce

Add to Pasta: Grilled Chicken $7 - Crispy Chicken $8- Salmon $8 - Shrimp $9 - NY Strip Steak $10 - Tuna $12 - Tofu $6

locally sourced icon

Cajun Pork Chops

$30

Served with a Peppery Cream Sauce, Roasted Potatoes, and our Vegetable Du Jour

gluten-free icon
locally sourced icon

Farm Raised Lamb

$32

*Ask server for details

Served with a Cherry Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Potatoes

gluten-free icon
locally sourced icon

Pesto Salmon with Citrus Risotto

$28

Verlasso Salmon Filet with a Pesto Glaze. Served with a Citrus Risotto and our Vegetable Du Jour

gluten-free icon
contains fish icon

Beef Bulgogi with Jasmin Rice

$35

Shaved Ribeye Marinated and Seared in a Korean-Style Barbecue Sauce and our Vegetable Du Jour

gluten-free icon
locally sourced icon

Spring Onion Chicken Breast

$25

Served with Roasted Potatoes, Rice, or Pasta, and our Vegetable Du Jour

Vietnamese Spaghetti

$28

Vietnamese-style Pork Sauce over Pasta

Shrimp and Chorizo

$30

Served over Grits

Dessert

Key Lime Tart

$11
vegetarian icon

Peach/Raspberry Crisp

$10
vegetarian icon

Flourless Chocolate Cake

$12
vegetarian icon
gluten-free icon

Cheesecake Du Jour

$12
vegetarian icon

House-Made Sorbet Du Jour

$5
vegan icon
gluten-free icon

House-Made Ice Cream Du Jour

$5
gluten-free icon

Sparkling Wine

Silver Gate Vineyards

$9 / $32

Zonin Prosecco

$10 / $36

Laurent Perrier Brut La Cuvee

$40

Served by the Half Bottle

White Wine and Rose

Revolve Rose

$9 / $32

Chloe Chardonnay

$9 / $32

Matua Rose

$9 / $32

Castello Del Poggio Moscato

$10 / $34

Relax Riesling

$10 / $34

Joel Gott Pinot Gris

$15 / $54

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc

$14 / $48

Red Wine

Kenwood Merlot

$10 / $34

Alta Vista Vive Malbec

$9 / $32

Underwood Pinot Noir

$10 / $34

7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel

$10 / $34

Chloe Cabernet Sauvignon

$10 / $34

Coravin Features - White Wine

Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc

$22/ $75

Chateau de Sancerre

$24 / $82

Flowers Chardonnay

$35 / $120

Cakebread Chardonnay

$35 / $120

Coravin Features - Red Wine

Pride Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

$54

House Special Cocktails

Cranberry Mimosa

$10

Cran/Lime Gin Fizz

$12

Beef Eater Gin, Juiced Lime, Cranberry, and Sprite

Kenyon Inn Manhattan

$14

Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters

Elderflower Royale

$11

Elderflower Liquor, Sparkling Wine, Lemon

Red Bull Vitamin C

$12

Orange Vodka, Orange Juice, Red Bull

Kenyon Inn Old Fashion

$14

Maker's Mark, Orange, Bitters

Pomegranate Martini

$12

Orange Vodka, Pomegranate, Agave Nectar

Kenyon Inn Mule

$14

Lime, Raspberry Syrup, Tito's, Ginger Beer

Kenyon Inn French 75

$11

Tanqueray, Lemon, Sparkling Wine

Beer and Hard Sodas

Domestic

$4

Blue Moon

Michelob Ultra

Miller Lite

Yuengling

Heineken

O' Douls N/A

Specialties

$5

Corona

Guinness

Killians

Stella Artois

Stella Artois N/A

Sierra Nevada

Hard Seltzers

Draft

$6

Seasonal

Hard Sodas

$6

Cherry Vodka & Coke/Sprite

Orange Vodka & Sprite

Orange Creamcicle

Vanilla Vodka and Root Beer/Coke

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Dirty Sodas

$4.50

Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Root Beer

Cherry Coke

Lime Coke

Cold Brew Coffee

$4.50

Vanilla or Plain

Premium

$4.50

Ginger Beer

Red Bull

Celcius

Standard

$3

Coke

Diet Coke

Sprite

Ginger Ale

Root Beer

Iced Tea

Lemonade

Coffee

Hot Tea

*Consuming raw or undercook meats, seafood, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.  
Please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy or a special dietary need (e.g. gluten intolerance). While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, please be aware our restaurant uses ingreadients that contain all the major FDA allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, soy, wheat). We offer gluten-free and nut-free friendly dishes, however, our kitchen is not completely gluten-free or nut-free.
A service fee will be added to parties of eight or more.
Locally-sourced

Our locally-sourced partners

We're open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch added on Sundays. Hours can shift during Kenyon College breaks and holidays. Feel free to call ahead if you're planning around a specific date!
Person in red jacket and cap harvesting leafy greens in a farm field with a yellow crate.
Person in red jacket and cap harvesting leafy greens in a farm field with a yellow crate.

Inquire about a reservation

Thank you! We'll be in touch with more information regarding your inquiry.
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Plate of tri-colored stuffed pasta with tomato sauce and cheese served with two garlic bread rolls.
Plate of tri-colored stuffed pasta with tomato sauce and cheese served with two garlic bread rolls.
reservations

Ready for dinner?

Reservations are recommended for dinner and Sunday brunch. Give us a call or send us an email to reserve your table!
Reserve by email
Call 740-427-2202
FAQs

Common questions about us

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. The kitchen can work with most dietary needs with advance notice. Mention allergies or restrictions when you make your reservation and your server will confirm what's possible that evening.

Where does the food come from?

We source from a small group of local and regional producers: Lone Pine Ranch in Knox County for beef and pork, Gerber Farms for eggs and seasonal produce, Ohio City Pasta in Cleveland for handmade pasta, and Ohio Cider Company in Columbus. The menu adjusts with what's available — see current offerings on our Dine page.

What does four-star mean for the restaurant?

The restaurant earned a four-star rating from the Columbus Dispatch — an independent review, not a self-designation. It's the only four-star dining in Knox County. The rating reflects the sourcing, preparation, and overall dining experience, not just the food. Explore our approach on the Dine page.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner on weekends and during Kenyon events (convocation, homecoming, graduation). For a quick lunch on a weekday, walk-ins are usually fine. Contact us at 740-427-2202 or kenyon.inn@kenyon.edu to reserve — full details on our Contact page.

Is the restaurant open to the public?

Yes, completely. You don't need to be a hotel guest or have any connection to Kenyon College. The restaurant is open to anyone for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch — see our Dine page for hours and menus.

Plan your visit

Come hang with us

An independent inn and four-star restaurant on the Kenyon College campus, open since 1984.
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