Ryan F.
Columbus, Ohio is a popular city full of amazing attractions, including some great food. From brunch, to barbecue, to sushi, this town offers numerous top-notch dining experiences. I don’t know about you, but sometimes there’s nothing better than some Italian food after a long week. With delicious entrees like eggplant parmesan, pizza, and pasta, it’s no wonder thing kind of cuisine is a fan favorite.
I’ve put together a list of my favorite Italian spots in town so you can try them for yourself. From casual spots to upscale, romantic ones, there’s a restaurant for every occasion on my list. Many of these spots also offer tasty desserts and full-service bars. Keep reading to learn a bit about each place!
Martini Modern Italian
445 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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
Phone: (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!
Who knew there were so many different Italian spots in town? Columbus certainly did. Though these places all fall under the same category, it’s clear each restaurant provides its own take on Italian cuisine.
Looking for something quick and easy in Columbus? Click here to check out the best pizzerias in the area.
Which spot are you most excited to try? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
