20 Best Italian Restaurants in Columbus

© Villa Nova

Villa Nova is one of Columbus' most authentic Italian-style dining destinations, originally opened in 1978 by married duo Donna and Frank Colleli. Today, the restaurant is still helmed by second-generation Colleli family members and is known for its generous portions of hearty Italian fare and its unique displayed collection of antique teapots, which were accumulated by Frank Colleli throughout his retirement. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of delectable Italian entrees at lunch and dinner, including pasta favorites such as chicken cacciatore, spaghetti carbonara, eggplant parmesan, and seafood fettuccine. Seven, 11, and 15-inch pizzas are available for sharing, including gluten-free crust pizzas. An impressive wine and liquor selection is served up from the restaurant's bar, along with a list of craft beers and specialty cocktails.

5545 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, Phone: 614-846-5777

© Basi Italia

Located in the inviting Victorian Village neighborhood, Basi Italia specializes in Italian and Mediterranean food prepared with a bit of creative flair. The menu features seasonally-inspired appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and meat and seafood entrees, and guests can expect unique offerings such as smoked salmon bruschetta, eggplant Parmesan made with basil pesto, and roasted beet salad with feta cheese, mint, and pistachios. Several vegetarian options are available, and the restaurant is also proud to offer gluten-free pasta. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, and weekly wine tastings are held outside on the patio every Wednesday during the summer.

811 Highland St, Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-294-7383

© La Tavola

Known for its excellent service and welcoming atmosphere, La Tavola serves up modern twists on classic Italian favorites. The menu includes appetizers, salads, and pizzas. Traditional options like cheese pizza are offered beside more unique choices like a pizza topped with bacon and Brussels sprouts. Pasta dishes and other entrees can be ordered in individual portions or in family sizes that are perfect for sharing. Nightly dinner specials typically include appetizers, entrees, and pizzas made with the freshest products of the moment, and the restaurant also hosts frequent special events such as fall harvest dinners, wine tastings, and Mother's Day brunches.

1664 W 1st Ave, Grandview Heights, OH 43212, Phone: 614-914-5455

© Borgata Pizza Cafe

Despite its unassuming exterior, Borgata Pizza Cafe serves up huge portions of some of the best-quality Italian food in all of Ohio. The restaurant specializes in create-your-own New York style pizza pies, but there are also a number of other traditional Italian specialties available, including calzones, house made pasta dishes, and both hot and cold sandwiches. There is also a good selection of appetizers and salads, and those with special dietary requirements will be pleased to find a good selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu also boasts several homemade desserts, including lemon ricotta cake and several flavors of cannoli.

5701 Parkville St, Columbus, OH 43229, Phone: 614-891-2345

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Family owned and operated since 1974, Caffe DaVinci specializes in simple but elegant Italian fare. The menu has a wide range of starters, soups, salads, paninis, pizzas, and customizable pasta dishes that come with the choice of four different sauces. There are also several meat and fish entrees for anyone who wants a heartier meal, while a good selection of homemade gelatos are on the menu for dessert.

3080 Tremont Rd # B, Columbus, OH 43221, Phone: 614-459-9945

© Claudiana Italian Restaurant

Claudiana Italian Restaurant is located in a strip mall, but the interior will transport you straight to Little Italy. The lunch menu includes appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and a wide array of pasta dishes. When dinner time comes around, the sandwiches are replaced by hearty meat and seafood dishes such as pork chop in a red wine reduction and saffron seafood risotto. Claudiana is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the space can be reserved for parties of 25 or more people during closed hours. Things to Do in Columbus

8475 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, OH 43240, Phone: 614-846-2236

© Due Amici

Located in a historic brick-walled building in downtown Columbus, Due Amici offers guests the choice between a bustling lounge and a sleek dining room. The menu changes regularly so as to feature the best products available, but guests can always expect an excellent selection of small plates, pizzas, pasta dishes, meat and fish entrees, and desserts. A private dining room is available by reservation, and it includes professional A/V equipment and a special banquet menu.

67 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-224-9373

© Figlio

Established in 1991 by Peter and Laurie Danis, Figlio is a modern Italian restaurant with a welcoming interior. The kitchen specializes in brick-oven pizzas, but the menu also includes a selection of pasta dishes and other entrees. Salads can be ordered as a starter or in an entree size, and diners can even choose from a selection of proteins at an additional cost. There is also an extensive gluten-free menu, although the restaurant cannot guarantee that any of the food is free from cross-contamination.

1369 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, Phone: 614-481-8850

© Gallo's Kitchen & Bar

Locally owned and operated, Gallo's Kitchen & Bar serves a unique mix of Italian and Creole cuisine. The owners are dedicated to giving back to the community, and everything here is made from scratch using local products whenever possible. The menu offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and entrees, and Creole dishes like Jambalaya sit alongside Italian favorites such as pasta with Bolognese sauce. The restaurant also offers a daily menu that showcases unique culinary creations made with the best meat and produce of the moment.

2820 Nottingham Rd, Columbus, OH 43221, Phone: 614-754-8176

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Lola & Guiseppe's Trattoria is a charming mom-and-pop restaurant that serves hearty Italian fare in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. The menu includes an excellent selection of starters, soups and salads, hearty pasta dishes, and chicken, veal, or seafood entrees. Daily and seasonal specials are also usually available. Lola & Guiseppe's is unable to accommodate parties of more than eight people due to its small size, but the dining room can be reserved for private events on certain days.

100 Granville St, Columbus, OH 43230, Phone: 614-473-9931

© Marcella's Ristorante

Open since 2007, Marcella's Ristorante provides guests with a lively atmosphere and delicious, traditional Italian food. Guests can assemble their own appetizer platters from a selection of antipasti, meats, and cheeses, and the menu also offers salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, and meat entrees. Many of the dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request. The restaurant also includes a well-stocked bar that has a selection of more than 50 Italian wines served by the bottle or carafe. During Happy Hour, select food items and beverages are available for half price in the bar area.

615 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-223-2100

© Martini Modern Italian

Located in a beautifully contemporary space complete with chandeliers, Martini Modern Italian serves up classic Italian food with a twist. The menu offers appetizers, soups, salads, and pasta dishes. All food is made from the freshest ingredients available, and the mozzarella is handmade to order. Chicken, beef, veal, and seafood entrees are also available. Valet parking is available for a fee.

445 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-224-8259

© Pasqualone's Ristorante

Formerly known as La Plaia, Pasqualone's Ristorante is owned by David Pasqualone, whose strong connection to his Italian heritage can be seen in both the welcoming atmosphere and the delicious food. The menu has a good selection of appetizers, pasta dishes, meat entrees, and desserts, and the extensive wine list includes both domestic and Italian options. Three to five dinner specials are offered every night, and the kitchen is even happy to accommodate special dinner requests if informed two days in advance. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, and three course family style meals are available upon request.

5766 Emporium Square, Columbus, OH 43231, Phone: 614-890-2070

© Trattoria Roma

Trattoria Roma has been serving classic Italian cuisine since 1990, and they are proud to make all their food from scratch with the best ingredients available. In addition to appetizers, soups, and salads, the menu has both Italian classics like lasagna and chicken Parmesan and contemporary dishes such as quinoa-stuffed chicken breast. The restaurant also offers a full bar with an extensive wine list and a unique selection of cocktails.

1447 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, Phone: 614-488-2104

© Carfagna's Kitchen

Founded in 1937, Carfagna's Kitchen is an old-school Italian restaurant that has been proudly family owned and operated for generations. All the food served here is handmade in the authentic Italian style, and the chefs proudly prepare the food using only the freshest ingredients available. The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, and strombolis. House dinner specialties such as chicken Parmesan and Veal Picatta come served with a variety of sides. The bar offers wine, beer, and a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages for guests to enjoy.

1440 Gemini Pl, Columbus, OH 43240, Phone: 614-848-4488

© Z Cucina di Spirito

Z Cucina di Spirito is a self-described "neighborhood restaurant with an edge," and it specializes in gourmet fare prepared using seasonal ingredients. The menu consists of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a creative flair, including appetizers, salads made using organic produce, grilled flatbread pizzas, pasta dishes, and a selection of meat and fish entrees. All the food is made fresh from scratch, including the ricotta, mozzarella, sausages, breads, and pastas, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

1368 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, Phone: 614-486-9200

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"Ritrovo" is Italian for "hangout," and true to its name, Giuseppe's Ritrovo is a welcoming yet relaxed restaurant that prides itself on its serious interpretations of traditional Italian dishes. Much of the ingredients are sourced locally and seasonally, but some foods are imported from Italy, including the parmigianno reggiano, olive oil, and pasta. The menu starts off with a wide range of appetizers and salads, while pizzas, pasta dishes, and meat and seafood entrees are offered for the main course. There are plenty of vegetarian options available, and the kitchen staff are happy to work to accommodate other dietary needs.

2268 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209, Phone: 614-235-4300

© Milano's Italian Restaurant

Milano's Italian Restaurant has been in operation since 2001, and the owners pride themselves on serving traditional Italian dishes in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offers a full wine bar, and the food menu includes a wide selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. The dinner plates come served with salad, rolls, and butter, and there are options available to please vegetarians and carnivores alike. Daily specials are offered every evening; highlights include the Italian sampler on Mondays, the homemade cheese manicotti served on Thursdays, and the broiled orange roughy offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

6916 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213, Phone: 614-861-1277

© The Market Italian Village

Located right in the heart of the Italian Village, the Market Italian Village is an informal eatery with a market selling specialty food, a deli counter, and a cafe. The seasonally-inspired menu offers small plates, pizzas, and filling entrees, and happy hour is held all day on Monday and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; specials are offered on both drinks and food. Other weekly specials include Sunday pizza night, oyster Thursday, and a takeout pizza and growler special offered Friday through Sunday.

1022 Summit St, Columbus, OH 43201