50 Best Italian Restaurants in Columbus

“Great food. Don’t miss out. Trust me, you really want to eat here. I’m a pretty harsh critic and I LOVED it. Will be back soon. If carbs didn’t make people fat, I would eat here at least once a week.“

“I get my food to go every week; the food is great; Nico is the guy who usually gets everything together. He couldn't be more efficient, helpful or friendly. His assistance is always appreciated!“

“We had a delightful lunch today at Gallo's, from the moment entering, we were greeted by a Fine Gentleman that discussed our seating options ( Yeah, I'm a bit picky) to the time we departed with full bellies that was topped off with the Belgium Chocolate Mussee cake that was Outstanding!! Ice cold beverages and our service (Bartender) was Awesome catering to our every whim. This is definitely a MUST stop when looking for a Great place to dine!!“

“Overall our experience here was fantastic. Our server was excellent (I wish I could remember her name but I'm terrible with names), most of the food was incredible and the ambiance was so lovely. For appetizers we did the focaccia and tomato bread, bruschetta, arancini, and ricotta spread - these were all amazing. We also did a Caesar salad and it was the best I've ever had. It had house made dressing with a hint of lemon, so refreshing and delicious. Our mains were good, but they were not outstanding or incredible. The lasagna rotolo was soft and the sauce was flavorful, however the dish was not very filling as it did not have much meat. If you order this know that it doesn't come prepared as a traditional lasagna, in my opinion Valentina's lasagna is far superior to this dish and we would not order it again. The bolognese was very meat filled however it was very salty which I dislike, not a bad dish but not my preference. We also tried a special dish of the night which was a truffle pasta with mushrooms and it came with a hefty price tag but was delectable and worth it in our opinion. This was our favorite main dish. We ordered dessert to go and Nutella gelato to eat in the restaurant. The gelato was the worse I've ever tasted, it was gritty and had an almond flavor as opposed to hazelnut. We could not eat it and the server removed it from our bill. The tiramisu was great as was the panna cotta. I also tried an amaretto sour with house made sour mix, this drink was delicious and definitely an elevated version of this cocktail. The wait staff was so quick to refill our water, remove dirty dishes and bring out our next dishes. Again, overall our experience here was fantastic but I would try different main dishes next time or stick to appetizers and drinks!“

“The atmosphere was fantastic! The staff was absolutely wonderful! The food was beyond fantastic!!! Highly, highly, highly recommend!!!“

“Dinning is A classic vibe with excellent homemade food from pasta to pizza and subs. Highly recommend 😎😎😎“

“Fine Italian dining, with an excellent, reasonably priced menu and gracious owners, Rick and Jackie. They have been a consistently high quality venue in Grandview Heights for 22 years!“

“The restaurant was clean and had a nice family atmosphere. All of the staff were friendly and attentive. The blackened chicken was delicious. The Gelato was equally delicious. I tested a few different flavors of gelato, then settled on the Lemon Cake and Mora. We will definitely visit again!“

“This is our happy place. When there is a special family celebration, we come here. Love walking in, as David greets us at the door every time. It’s like visiting your Nonna and Nonno’s house and seeing all of your cousins and knowing that you’re in store for the best meal ever. Look forward to a leisurely feast with good wine, warm bread and some of the best Italian dishes we’ve found. The entire staff is incredible. Be sure to make a reservation because every time we go it’s a full house.“

“Growing up in Italy, I’ve always been surrounded by food made with love, and Villa Nova Ristorante captures that same spirit. I come here often for their classic lasagna and hand-tossed pizza, and every bite feels like a return to family dinners back in Turin. The cozy, old-world atmosphere makes it more than just a restaurant. it fee ls like stepping into a true Italian home“

“Last night, my best friend and I went to Marcella‘s for Christmas dinner. It was unbelievable! I’m still reeling the day after! The potato pizza was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten! Highly recommend! Chase was our server and he was amazing! The tiramisu melts in your mouth. It’s ridiculous! Everything was so good. We will definitely be back. Five stars for sure!★★★★★“

“From the moment we walked in, we felt like welcomed guests rather than customers. The atmosphere transported us straight to Italy, with a warmth and authenticity that set the stage for what became an extraordinary evening. Each course felt like a carefully wrapped gift, designed with intention and presented with artistry. The flavors carried unexpected complexities—layers that unfolded in ways you rarely find in restaurants around here. Every bite told a story, both comforting and refined, and left us excited for what would come next. This wasn’t just dinner—it was an experience. One that lingered long after the last course, reminding us how exceptional dining can be when passion and craft meet. Truly unforgettable. We added the 4 course wine pairing with the Pelino’s Dinner. We ended the experience with espresso, which was better than any espresso we’ve ever had (even the 3 times we’ve been to Italy). Truly a special night.“

“We went there today { 2/14 ) As always great service. I have a fatal Dairy Allergy. So I always order Cherfs choice. I had the red Snapper. THE BEST FISH I HAVE EVER HAD. I even ate the skin ( which I never do ) Atmosphere as always was great even on a busy night!!!!!. Don't think about it, JUST GO“

“We had a delightful Christmas Eve dinner with appetizers and three different entrees. The gnocchi was absolutely delicious and our favorite! The sauce was wonderful!“

“Last year you showed up and showed out for my cousins wedding reception Hunter and tonight again for another cousins retirement dinner! Thank you“

“Took my mother there for her birthday last Saturday evening and I just love the service and the food. Our server was outstanding and was very attentive to our needs. He was very knowledgeable about the menu as well and was able to recommend good options for us to choose from. My mother was quite late to the restaurant, but he always assured me that it was no rush and had a great attitude. They even let us stay a bit past the 10pm closing time without rushing us out the door.

I had been here once before, and the food was consistently delicious both times I went. The fresh-baked focaccia is a must-try for all newcomers, and the broccolini we tried was also spectacular. The pasta was delicious (I ordered the pumpkin filled bowties) but I found the portions a little lacking (in contrast to the sausage ragu I ordered in my previous visit which was heaping). Do note that depending on the pasta dish, you will get either a hefty portion or a very small portion so make sure to ask the server for details before ordering.

The cocktails are interesting and quite nice as well, so this is a great spot to get some drinks and a light appetizer to kickstart a night on the town.

My only gripe with that night I had was that I had mentioned multiple times (In the reservation) and to the server that this was a birthday celebration. The server noted that they would bring out a little dessert for us, but it never came (though this was probably in part due to my mother being quite late and perhaps maybe the server had forgotten, we are all human after all)

Regarding the atmosphere: Some other reviewers have mentioned a clash in the dark-lit room and the clothes of the staff, and I can see those as legitimate critiques. The dining room isn't really that spacious and the design on the walls is very minimalist. The menus and the servers' aprons match (flowers) which was very cute, but there are little rips and scuffs on the pillars near the back of the dining room which kind of seems a bit unprofessional. Overall, a great experience and phenomenal food, would certainly come back for a quick bite or for a more formal occasion without thinking twice.“

“I never really leave reviews like this but this meal was really good! Yes it is about $44 for two sandwiches and two drinks but I think the quality is there. Also the sandwiches are pretty big, like you can only finish that in one sitting if you are pretty hungry! So you get your moneys worth. They are served cold(?)/room temp but honestly for the sandwiches me and my boyfriend got, they were best served that way, I don’t think I would’ve liked it warm. The gelato was out of this world and definitely much better than the gelato I had in Cleveland’s Little Italy- I felt like this was much more authentic. Love love love this place.“

“I brought 14 travelers in on a bus trip with 1018 Travels this morning. Called last minute and we had a beautiful table set for us when we got there. The food was amazing but the server was so sweet! We asked about the history and he answered . What a great place, will be back for sure“

“The food was pretty good and they were able to handle special requests on menu items which was appreciated. However, it is definitely pricey for the average family. It’s also pretty dark and can be crowded. We also waited around an hour to receive our food which seemed like a long time. I think our waitress completely disappeared for a good 20 minutes before we were ready to order so waited a while for drinks and bread too“

“Were in Columbus for the Buckeye game and decided on Italian. Really enjoyed sitting at the bar and talking to other patrons. The Sicilian Sour and Venetian Sunset were delicious!\nFor appetizers our group shared the truffles garlic bread, arancini, fritto misto, and veal meatballs. We enjoyed everything except the arancini due to the gorgonzola which is clearly on the menu so our bad. The scallop entre was delicious and loved the way it was prepared with the romanesco. The veal was fantastic and prepared to the requested temperature.\nWe split the sicialian pistachio cake which I highly recommend! \nWe enjoyed our evening so much that we stopped by the next day after the game to have a drink at the bar.\nAll the servers and bartenders that we encountered were top notch!“

“My all time favorite pizza. Only thing I miss about Ohio.“

“Ciao Cafe Gelato was the perfect addition to our wedding reception! The gelato was absolutely delicious, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about it. Many even commented on how friendly and welcoming the owner was. Communication throughout the process was seamless — the owner was incredibly responsive, reliable, and easy to work with. We’re so glad we included them in our big day!“

“My family visited the La Baia food truck during the Pumpkin Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. No kidding, this was the best pizza I’ve ever had! The dough is amazing, the flavor of the sauce..just plain delicious. All of the ingredients are fresh and everything is prepared on site. I highly recommend. Be advised that since all of this is prepared at time of order that there is at least a 30 minute wait for your food to be prepared and oven fired cooked. Definitely worth the wait! The staff is very friendly and courteous as well. La Baia - Please consider looking up Knox Foodies on FB. (Ann is the page admin ) Tho we just had our annual food truck festival, we would love to see you in our town at that event, or other events that are held throughout the year. I know the witches walk is coming up, if there is still time to sign up for that. Keep up the good work and I hope to be able to dine with you again soon.“

“Fantastic food and service. Top notch - if your in Columbus this restaurant is a must.“

“First time having Piada. I’m not big on trying food im not familiar with but tied off the same ol stuff. Since this was my first time I decided to grab the kids meatball with penne noodles, marinara and garlic dough. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Where have I been all my life?! I could eat this all day, everyday!! Sorry, Piada it has taken me this long to meet you, you forever now have a friend ❤️“

“Best Location Piada Location! Friendly Workers. Food always cooked Fresh!“

“I buy pasta, sauce, coffee & desserts here and I’m never disappointed. My SIL is NJ Italian & a tough critic so I’m only going to serve him the best I can find. I recently tried PD’s gelato and I’m going to be eating this all summer. You can really taste the difference between grocery gelatos and the real thing.“

“We were very impressed. Their Gluten free options were amazingly delicious, they took it seriously and everything was fresh, seasoned to perfection, and we will be going back. The portions were large, the presentation was immaculate, the wine and cocktail list was the stuff of dreams and legends. The restaurant was cozy and comfortable in a sexy Italian style. It could have come to life off the page of Conde Nast Traveler. Hidden jewel of Ohio worthy of the drive. The staff was professional and very welcoming. We loved it!“

“We ordered a meat lasagna and a make it yourself pizza and picked it up yesterday. Guys. Lemme tell ya. You can just tell it’s made with love. The pasta sauce is so fresh, it’s literally the best ricotta I’ve ever had, nice and cheesy all around and even the garlic butter and loaves of bread you get it really good! Haven’t done the pizza yet but I expect no less! Thanks so much!!!“

“I’ve been coming to Olive Garden all my life. However I was surprised at the incredible service and delicious food I received tonight. I felt like a celebrity. Ren and the rest of staff was attentive, and friendly and comforting. I will never forget this random dinner on a Monday for As long as I live. 10 stars, no notes“

“My husband and I took a friend with us for dinner. It was exceptionally clean. Our food was pretty much perfect. So was our service. We had a late dinner so it wasn't too crowded and they went out of their way to accommodate us for our disabled dinner quest. It was very enjoyable. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Our server even chuckled at my husband's corny jokes. He was a peach. We will Def return to that location.“

“Last night was our first time at Tony’s and I will absolutely be back! The service there was so accommodating and friendly. Tony himself was our host! The man even helped someone with wheelchair needs by storing the chair and bringing it back out when they needed it and was so kind. Our waitress was so friendly and outgoing and was so accommodating when my husband needed plain noodles with no sauce for his marsala. Speaking of food we ordered the chicken Marsala and Tony’s Own Fettuccine and oh my god they were both mouthwatering. They both came with salad and my husband switched to a Cesar salad instead for an upcharge and it was soooo good. I loved the uniqueness to the house salad with the two garbanzo beans, one pasta salad noodle, olives, tomato and blue cheese. It was soooo good especially for someone who loves blue cheese. The Cesar salad was also so good. We also ordered an appetizer of the bruschetta and it had to be one of the best orders of bruschetta I’ve had in a long long time. The bread they used complimented the ingredients so well and really brought the flavors together. Tony’s own fettuccine is now hands down my favorite pasta I’ve ever had to date. The cream sauce was so so good and the crab used was melt in your mouth amazing along with the shrimp and scallops. The chicken marsala was incredible and the sauce was so savory and perfect. My husband and I will definitely be back soon!! If you haven’t tried Tony’s yet please do!“

“Great food for lunch and the patio area is a plus. 😊“

“The ONLY place to get pizza from. Nicest guys in the world and piled on toppings! Professional, polite and LOCAL! Thanks a lot!“

“Great Pasta. Top notch service and wine selection!“

“service was excellent and food was good“

“Our waitress Kendra was amazing! The food and drinks were fabulous! Our extremely picky child said they have the best pizza she’s ever had. We had to order an entire pizza to go! Thanks for a great time! We will absolutely be back!“

“Great place and food! I’ve been getting the Chefs Favorite w/chicken. Bomb every time! I prefer getting food here than getting Chipotle.“

“Ordered online and the delivery was missing a meal. I called and was immediately given to a manager, who apologized and my entire order (not just the missing meal that I asked about) was credited back to my card immediately. Mistakes happen, but how a place responds is what matters. They will continue to have my business. Food that did arrive was also very tasty.“

“Everything we had was AMAZING!!! You gotta try it for yourself.“

“Our server Romina was great! Our food was fresh. Romina took very good care of us when it was like 25 to 40 of us. Overall, I had a really good experience at this location and would be willing to go back again. Thanks, Romina, for looking out my family and I. We appreciate you!“

“I can’t remember my servers name but I’m pretty sure it was Assad (man with dark skin and curly hair with the section in the back of the restaurant on 11/24). But he was a phenomenal server, very attentive, and very friendly. Great service and will definitely be coming back :)“

“I dined here for the first time yesterday and order the Fettuccine Alfredo w/chicken and a Caesar salad…both were absolutely delicious, the flavor was amazing and so was the Moscato wine which had the perfect amount of sweetness that I like! The breadsticks were amazing, they melt in your mouth. My server Aaron, was excellent, great personality with a wonderful sense of humor! I will definitely be back and will be making Milanos a regular place to have dinner! If you’ve never been here, I totally recommend giving Milano’s a try!!!“

“I had an unfortunate mistake with a holiday carryout order from Carfagna's this past weekend. The response by Carmen Carfagna has been superb and quite frankly, unwarranted. Had I done a better job of placing my order, the entire event could have been avoided. My wife and I love their restaurant, market, and catering. If you haven't already, please make the trip to Polaris and enjoy a wonderful dining or market experience. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Carmen and the team at Carfagna’s.“

“This place really does have delicious food. Even the shrimp we ordered were perfectly cooked. We hadn't ordered from there before, but I'm glad we finally did. Highly recommended. Edit: Order from there and pick it up. Don't order it through a service if you can help it.“

“When are you guys going to come into this century and sign up with GrubHub or DoorDash? You'd definitely increase your profits. Driving to pick up food is old school, LOL!!“

“This is gotta be hands down. The best pizza and salad in Columbus period“

“Great dinner tonight. Food was very good and our wait staff was friendly and engaging.“

“Someone recently mentioned this place in a pizza group on FB. I decided to try it today & I'm glad I did. Probably the best non-deep dish pizza in Columbus. The prices were good as well. There's also plenty of nearby parking.“

“great food, comfortable environment“