Tucked away in the small town of Plain City, Ohio, Der Dutchman is a beloved Amish-style restaurant that has been winning hearts one slice at a time. Known for its hearty, home-cooked meals and a bakery that smells like a warm hug, this place draws visitors from all corners of the state.
The homemade pies alone are reason enough to make the drive, but there is so much more waiting for you once you walk through the doors. Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Der Dutchman promises a dining experience rooted in tradition, comfort, and genuine Midwestern hospitality.
Homemade Pies That Are Worth Every Mile
Some pies are good. Some pies are unforgettable.
At Der Dutchman in Plain City, Ohio, the homemade pies fall firmly into that second category. Reviewers consistently rave about the generous slice sizes, noting they look more like a quarter of the whole pie than a standard restaurant serving.
Cream pies, fruit pies, and seasonal specialties fill the bakery display case like edible works of art. Each one is made from scratch using recipes rooted in Amish tradition, which means real butter, real filling, and real care.
There are no shortcuts here, and your taste buds will know the difference.
Regulars admit they cannot leave without grabbing an extra pie to take home. If you only have one reason to visit, let the pie be it.
The drive from anywhere in Ohio is absolutely worth that first golden, flaky bite.
A Buffet Loaded With Amish Comfort Food
Walking up to the buffet at Der Dutchman feels a little like arriving at your grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon. The spread is generous, rotating through Amish staples like roast beef, ham, broasted chicken, and pork that have earned loyal fans over the years.
Priced at around $13.99 for breakfast and slightly more for dinner, the buffet offers solid value for the variety you get. Sides like stewed tomatoes, potato salad, and macaroni salad round out the plate in the most satisfying way possible.
The food is consistently hot, fresh, and refilled regularly throughout service.
One tip from seasoned visitors: arrive during peak hours when everything is freshest and the selection is at its fullest. The buffet is hands-down the most popular way to experience everything Der Dutchman has to offer in a single visit.
Broasted Chicken That Earns Repeat Visits
Forget everything you think you know about restaurant fried chicken. Der Dutchman’s broasted chicken has earned a reputation across central Ohio as some of the best you can find anywhere.
The technique involves pressure-cooking the chicken in oil, which locks in moisture while creating an incredibly crispy exterior.
Multiple reviewers specifically mention the broasted chicken as the highlight of their meal, returning again and again just for this dish alone. It pairs beautifully with the homemade sides available at the buffet or from the menu, especially the creamy potato salad.
The portions are hearty, the flavor is rich, and the texture hits that perfect balance between tender and crunchy. Whether you order it off the menu or grab it from the buffet line, this is the kind of chicken that makes you plan your next visit before you have even finished your current plate.
Fresh Donuts From the On-Site Bakery
People travel to Plain City just for the donuts. Bold claim?
Maybe. But once you taste one of Der Dutchman’s freshly made donuts, you will completely understand the devotion.
These are not the thin, airy rings you find at a drive-through. These are substantial, pillowy, generously glazed donuts that feel like a real treat.
Several reviewers describe them as some of the best donuts they have ever eaten, praising both the flavor and the impressive size. They are made fresh in the on-site bakery, and the difference between a fresh-baked donut and a commercially produced one is impossible to miss once you have experienced it firsthand.
A dozen full-size donuts runs around $26, which reflects the quality and handmade care that goes into each one. Grab a box to take home because they disappear faster than you would expect, especially with family around.
A Two-Story Gift Shop Worth Exploring
Most people come for the food, but many leave talking just as much about the gift shop. Der Dutchman features a two-story gift shop packed with unique items that range from handcrafted goods and home decor to jams, jellies, and specialty pantry items you will not find at your average grocery store.
If there is a wait for your table, the gift shop is the perfect way to pass the time without feeling like you are just standing in a lobby. Families especially enjoy wandering through the different sections, picking up souvenirs or discovering something unexpected around every corner.
It is the kind of shop where you walk in planning to browse and walk out with a bag full of things you did not know you needed. The quality of the products reflects the same care and craftsmanship that goes into the food served in the dining room.
Hearty Breakfast Buffet to Start Your Day Right
Early risers have a very good reason to visit Der Dutchman on a weekday morning. The breakfast buffet opens at 7 AM and features a spread that goes well beyond the basics.
Scrambled eggs, French toast sticks, mini pancakes, biscuits with gravy, and a beautiful fresh fruit bar all make an appearance.
The mini donuts on the buffet bar are a crowd favorite, and the overall atmosphere in the morning has a relaxed, community-gathering feel. Locals often use breakfast here as a weekly meetup tradition, and it is easy to see why the place fills up quickly during peak hours.
One practical note: ordering fresh off the menu during breakfast can sometimes yield better results than the buffet for items like pancakes, which come out larger and more freshly made. Either way, you are in for a warm, filling start to the day.
Friendly, Attentive Service That Feels Like Family
There is something refreshing about being waited on by someone who actually seems happy to be there. At Der Dutchman, the service consistently earns high marks from diners across dozens of reviews.
Staff members are described as friendly, prompt, and genuinely accommodating, even when the restaurant is packed.
One memorable review highlights how the team managed to seat a party of 30 people, ensuring everyone was close enough to talk and enjoy each other’s company even though the tables could not be fully combined. That kind of thoughtful attention to guests is not something you find everywhere.
Servers like Garrett, mentioned by name in one glowing review, represent the warm hospitality that defines the Der Dutchman experience. Whether you are dining solo or celebrating a big occasion, the staff here treats every guest like they are genuinely glad you showed up.
Salad Bar With Homemade Sides That Shine
Not everyone comes to an Amish buffet for the salad bar, but Der Dutchman’s version might just change your mind. Stocked with a wide range of fresh toppings and multiple dressing choices, it goes far beyond the wilted lettuce and croutons you might expect from a buffet-style setup.
The real stars are the homemade cold salads, including potato salad, macaroni salad, and three bean salad. These are made in-house with the same from-scratch approach that defines everything at Der Dutchman, and the difference in quality compared to store-bought versions is obvious with the very first bite.
One reviewer specifically called out the stewed tomatoes and potato salad as highlights of their visit, which says a lot about how seriously this kitchen takes its side dishes. The salad bar is a great complement to the heavier entrees and adds a fresh balance to your plate.
Homemade Breads Baked Fresh on the Premises
Few things signal real, honest cooking quite like the smell of freshly baked bread. At Der Dutchman, homemade bread is not a novelty feature on the menu.
It is a cornerstone of the entire dining experience, baked on-site and served alongside the hearty meals that have made this restaurant a central Ohio institution.
Reviewers make a point of mentioning the bread as one of those small but meaningful details that elevates the meal from good to genuinely special. Warm rolls served at the table, fresh loaves available in the bakery, and bread used in sandwiches and dishes throughout the menu all reflect the same commitment to quality.
Taking a loaf home from the bakery is practically a rite of passage for regular visitors. Paired with one of the restaurant’s house-made jams from the gift shop, it becomes a simple pleasure that is hard to beat on any day of the week.
Banquet Room for Groups and Special Events
Planning a family reunion, birthday dinner, or community gathering? Der Dutchman has a dedicated banquet room that has impressed even the most hard-to-please event organizers.
One reviewer described her group’s experience as absolutely incredible, praising the setup, the wait staff, and the food quality in equal measure.
The banquet room option removes the stress of coordinating a large group at a regular restaurant. The team at Der Dutchman handles seating, service, and food with the same warmth and efficiency they bring to the main dining room, making large gatherings feel effortless for the host.
Guests attending banquet events consistently leave satisfied, with many noting it was worth every penny spent. If you are looking for a venue that combines comfort food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere for a memorable group celebration, this is a strong contender that delivers on its promises every time.
Harvest Hosts Overnight Stay for Travelers
Here is something most people do not know about Der Dutchman: it participates in the Harvest Hosts program, which allows RV travelers to park and spend the night on the property. Waking up steps away from a world-class Amish bakery is the kind of travel perk that sounds too good to be true but is completely real.
One traveler shared how he enjoyed a peaceful night’s rest through the program, then stocked up on bakery goods and delicacies before hitting the road again. For anyone exploring Ohio by RV or camper, this is a genuinely special stop that combines comfort, convenience, and incredible food.
The combination of a restful overnight stay and a morning filled with fresh donuts, pie, and Amish cooking makes Der Dutchman a standout destination on any Harvest Hosts itinerary. It is the kind of hidden gem that road trippers talk about for years after the trip.
Cinnamon Rolls, Fudge, and Bakery Treats to Take Home
The bakery at Der Dutchman operates like a greatest hits album of everything you love about homemade sweets. Cinnamon rolls, fudge, cookies, cream pies, and pastries fill the display cases and shelves with an abundance that makes decision-making genuinely difficult.
Most visitors end up buying more than they planned, and nobody seems to regret it.
Reviewers frequently use the word dangerous when describing the bakery, not because anything is risky but because the temptation is nearly impossible to resist. One five-star reviewer warned readers bluntly to stay away from the bakery if they do not want to leave with a bag full of goodies.
Spoiler: most people do not stay away.
Whether you are grabbing a quick treat on your way out or loading up a box for the drive home, the bakery adds a sweet finale to every visit. It is genuinely one of the best parts of the whole experience.
Location, Hours, and Tips for Planning Your Visit
Der Dutchman sits at 445 Jefferson Ave in Plain City, Ohio, making it a convenient stop for anyone traveling through central Ohio or making a dedicated day trip from Columbus and surrounding areas. The restaurant holds a 4.5-star rating across more than 10,000 reviews, which is a strong signal that the experience consistently delivers.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, with the kitchen opening at 7 AM each day. Dinner service runs until 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday, while Monday closes at 2 PM.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid a disappointing drive.
Weekday mornings tend to offer shorter waits, but if you do find yourself in line on a busy weekend, the gift shop and bakery are right there to keep you entertained. Calling ahead at 614-873-3414 or checking the website can help you plan a smooth, stress-free visit.