Brian Nagele
Discover the best Italian restaurants in Columbus while we go on a gastronomic adventure throughout the city’s core. Our carefully chosen guide encourages you to enjoy the depth of flavour and classic elegance of Italian cuisine at both modern osterias and classic trattorias. Locally made pasta pairs well with delicious sauces, and artisanal pizzas in Columbus have the ideal crust. Visit restaurants that celebrate culinary excellence and radiate authenticity. Come along as we explore well-known locations and undiscovered treasures that highlight the city’s commitment to fine dining. A symphony of flavours is guaranteed to transport you to the lively streets of Italy, regardless of your level of expertise with traditional foods or your desire to try new takes. Prepare yourself to savour the warmth, passion, and culinary expertise that highlight the restaurants in the city.
Martini Modern Italian
445 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 224-8259
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When you’re looking for a nice spot for dinner with friends or family, check out Martini Modern Italian. This local restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine with a bit of a modern twist. With chandeliers, a contemporary design, and a high-end atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for special occasions or date night. Martini Modern Italian’s menu has plenty of delicious dishes including several gluten-free friendly selections. We recommend the butternut squash tortelloni, lamb pappardelle, short rib, or sea scallops!
Pasqualone’s
5766 Emporium Square, Columbus, OH 43231
(614) 890-2070
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Looking for a more casual spot? We suggest Pasqualone’s. This family-owned and operated restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine alongside wine. With a 4.8 star rating, it’s clear this spot has done well for itself. The menu at Pasqualone’s is straightforward, so you’ll know exactly what you’re ordering. Be sure to try the veal braciola, gnocchi, homemade Italian meatballs, chicken picasso, or ricotta cavatelli. Don’t forget to order a glass or two from their extensive wine menu!
Basi Italia
811 Highland St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 294-7383
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If you prefer a more intimate experience for you dinner, head over to Basi Italia. This small restaurant offers a cozy dining space to indulge in Northern Italian cuisine. Take a stroll through Goodale Park before or after your meal here on a nice night. And with a patio, you can enjoy this spot during nice weather, too. There’s so many amazing options at Basi Italia, so you really can’t go wrong here. Try out the baked ricotta gnocchi, shrimp pomodoro, sliced NY strip, or grilled chicken scaloppine. Make sure to grab a cocktail or some wine to go with your meal!
Lola & Guiseppe’s Trattoria
100 Granville St, Columbus, OH 43230
(614) 473-9931
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Looking to support a small business? Try out Lola & Guiseppe’s Trattoria. Serving traditional Italian food, this mom and pop eatery is a fan favorite. With hundreds of reviews praising the food, staff, and service, it’s no wonder people love this place. Lola & Guiseppe’s Trattoria offers all of your favorite plates including gluten-free options. We recommend the Guiseppe’s baked rigatoni, chicken parmigiana, shrimp and lobster ravioli, or veal marsala. Be sure to finish with a cannoli or some tiramisu!
Marcella’s
615 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 223-2100
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With nearly 1,500 reviews on Google, anyone can see that Marcella’s has quite the reputation around town. With pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties alongside speacialty cocktails, there’s so much to love here. Housed in a vintage-style dining room right by Columbus’ Italian Village, this spot is unlike any other. Marcella’s menu features every dish you could ever think of. Be sure to try the salmon puttanesca, penne alla vodka, crispy potato pizza, or gnocchi con bolognese. Don’t forget to complete your meal with the ricotta cheesecake and an affogato!
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
343 N Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 621-3287
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Hoping to grab some food in a family-friendly spot? Head over to Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant. This chain restaurant offers family-style Italian cuisine perfect for takeout night. With a casual yet inviting setting, this is the perfect place for any occasion. Most menu items at Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant come in two sizes, small and large, with each portion serving three and five people, respectively. Try out the baked ziti, chicken limone, shrimp fra diavlo, or cheese manicotti. Make sure to finish up with a chocolate chip cannoli!
Due Amici
67 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 224-9373
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Looking for a spot with the freshest cuisine? We suggest Due Amici. Serving delicious Italian food made from local ingredients, you can count on this food being top-notch. With a sleek and modern interior this spot is casual enough for any night but chic enough for date night. Due Amici’s menu offers a lot to choose from, all of which is tasty. We recommend the mozzarella and red pepper ravioli, allen brothers filet mignon, chicken parmesan sandwich, or chicken marsala. Be sure to grab some tiramisu or NY style cheesecake, too!
Claudiana Italian Restaurant
8475 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, OH 43240
(614) 846-2236
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Trying to find a great spot for a romantic meal? Head over to Claudiana Italian Restaurant. Serving Italian cuisine alongside a full bar, you’ll find all you need here. With white table cloths and an intimate atmosphere, this is the perfect place to bring a date. The menu at Claudiana Italian Restaurant offers everything from pizza and pasta to classic entrees. Be sure to try the baked gnocchi, pollo alla rivera, risotto milanese, or veal saltimbocca. Don’t forget to sip on a drink from the bar!
Z Cucina di Spirito
1368 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 486-9200
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An additional upscale spot for Italian food is Z Cucina di Spirito. This local restaurant serves upscale Italian cuisine in a refined and inviting interior. And with a full-service bar, you’ll be able to enjoy some delicious drinks with your food. Z Cucina di Spirito’s menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try here. Try out the goat cheese and sundried tomato ravioli, braised lamb osso bucco, Italian sausage and house ricotta tortelli, or pesce di giorno. They also offer some gluten-free options!
Giuseppe’s Ritrovo
2268 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 235-4300
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Rounding out our list of Italian restaurants is Giuseppe’s Ritrovo. This neighborhood restaurant offers pizza, pastas, and so much more. With plenty of wine and martini selections as well, there’s so much to indulge in here. Giuseppe’s Ritrovo offers a unique menu with classics and innovative dishes. We recommend the smoked chicken ravioli, beef short ribs, asparagus ravioli, or pollo paillard. Be sure to sip on some wine or a cocktail while you enjoy your meal!
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Tripadvisor.com and Opentable.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50226-c26-Columbus_Ohio.html
https://www.opentable.com/cuisine/best-italian-restaurants-columbus-oh
https://foursquare.com/top-places/columbus/best-italian-restaurants
https://www.columbusnavigator.com/best-italian-restaurants-columbus/
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/53617/best-italian-restaurants-in-columbus
https://vacationidea.com/ohio/best-italian-restaurants-in-columbus.html