Unique Restaurants
1. Villa Nova
Rating: ★★★★★
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
2. 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.
811 Highland St, Columbus, OH 43215, Phone: 614-294-7383
3. 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
4. Caffe DaVinci
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
Restaurants For a Date
5. 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.
8475 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, OH 43240, Phone: 614-846-2236
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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, See the Map
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