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Best Italian Restaurants in Short North - Arena District

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Forno Kitchen and Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2856)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Short North - Arena District
Booked 157 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Short North - Arena District of Columbus, Forno Kitchen and Bar is a gem celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and lively ambiance. Recognized as one of Forbes Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America, Forno stands out with its custom stone-fire oven that perfectly crisps every pizza, creating flavors that are both unique and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Patrons rave about the "outstanding food," from the "delicious pizza" to the "perfectly prepared" whipped ricotta and linguine & clams. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "perfect for an energetic night out" yet "cozy" enough for a memorable dining experience. With an "amazing happy hour" and consistently "excellent service," Forno is a must-visit for anyone craving true Italian flair in Columbus.
A photo of Marcella's - Short North restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5655)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Short North - Arena District
Booked 72 times today
Marcella’s is a bustling, urban burst of Italian flavor & energy. Marcella’s has a lively atmosphere – whether it be for sharing dinner or a late night snack. The dynamic bar provides a vibrant venue for sampling from a selection of 50 Italian wines served by the bottle or quartino (1/4 of the bottle), but don’t forget about the ample offerings of antipasti & pizza. Marcella’s brings an authentic Italian cafe to Columbus’ Short North Arts District.
A photo of The Rossi Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(380)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Short North - Arena District
Booked 15 times today
The Rossi Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the vibrant Short North - Arena District of Columbus, is celebrated for its exceptional Italian cuisine. This gem has been delighting patrons for over a decade with its robust Italian dishes that are both authentic and inventive. Guests rave about the "delicious and filling" homemade pasta and the outstanding Carbonara, described as the "BEST carbonara" diners have ever had. The Rossi not only promises a scrumptious meal but also an atmosphere of warmth and welcoming, with reviewers consistently praising the "amazing service" and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a great meal, The Rossi offers a memorable dining experience with its quality Italian fare and spirited ambiance.
A photo of Martini Modern Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4938)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Short North - Arena District
Booked 58 times today
Martini Modern Italian, nestled in the Short North - Arena District of Columbus, stands out for its exceptional Italian cuisine that combines timeless techniques with innovative culinary presentations. Diners rave about the "seriously amazing" dishes and "phenomenal" flavors, highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver consistently high-quality meals, beautifully prepared and presented. The handcrafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list complement the dining experience, creating a "sexy, cosmopolitan atmosphere" that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether it's a business meal or a special family dinner, Martini Modern Italian's vibrant energy and outstanding service make it a top choice for authentic Italian fare in Columbus.
A photo of Cento – German Village restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(895)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • German Village
Booked 28 times today
A tribute to our 100th restaurant opening, Cento is an authentic, chef-driven Italian oasis. Inspired by the intimacy & culinary creativity of the finest restaurants in Italy, Cento is a warm, welcoming, & enchanting addition to German Village. Cento is a place for the entire community – a new, timeless, everyday destination where Great People Deliver Genuine Hospitality.Our Garden Terrazza is available daily, weather permitting, on a first come first serve basis. Reservations booked are for tables inside the restaurant and will only be seated on the terrazza upon availability. If you cannot make your scheduled reservation, we ask that you please cancel by 12PM the day of your reservation. Cancellations outside the allowed window will be charged $25/person. Walk-ins are welcome for bar top and patio seating on a first-come basis.Valet offered daily starting at 5PM, $12 per car.
A photo of Pelino’s Pasta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1015)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Columbus
Booked 18 times today
Chef Vinny Pelino serves up authentic, handmade pasta dishes using local, organic, and imported Italian ingredients. You won't want to miss our fresh pasta, including our famous Cacio e Pepe served tableside in a 60lb wheel of Pecorino Romano DOP cheese! With a monthly changing chef’s tasting menu, there is always something new to enjoy!
A photo of Buca di Beppo - Columbus restaurant
3.9
Excellent(1729)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Columbus
Booked 42 times today
Buca di Beppo in Columbus is a gem for those seeking an authentic and vibrant dining experience. Known for its family-style servings, this restaurant excels in delivering delicious, heartwarming meals that leave guests raving about the quality. Patrons often highlight the "exceptional service" and the "delicious" food, pointing out favorites like chicken parmesan and a variety of pastas which are consistently praised for their perfect temperature and taste. The atmosphere is described as "lively and inviting," making it an ideal spot for both family dinners and large groups. With glowing testimonials about both food and staff, Buca di Beppo stands out as a top choice in Columbus for a memorable meal.
A photo of Z Cucina di Spirito - Columbus restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2427)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Grandview Heights
Booked 34 times today
Z Cucina di Spirito in Columbus stands as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, charmingly nestled in the heart of Grandview Heights. Since its opening in 2005, this gem has consistently impressed with its "unobtrusively chic" ambiance and a harmonious blend of traditional and modern Italian fare infused with Mediterranean touches. Patrons consistently rave about the "amazing mixture of flavors" in dishes like goat cheese and sun-dried tomato ravioli and the "perfect" eggplant Parmesan. The International Wine List is expertly paired with the menu, elevating the dining experience. Reviewers unanimously celebrate the attentive service and the warm welcome from owner Rick, making Z Cucina a must-visit for an authentic and memorable Italian dining experience.
A photo of Trattoria Roma restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1592)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Grandview Heights
Booked 21 times today
Trattoria Roma, nestled in the charming Grandview Heights neighborhood of Columbus, has been a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine for over three decades. Patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its "out-of-this-world" food and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors. Highlights include the Tortellini with vodka sauce, described as "great," and unique offerings like whipped goat cheese with pistachios. Customers rave about the "amazing food and great ambiance," with one noting, “The food at Trattoria is always delicious.” Such glowing testimonials underscore Trattoria Roma’s commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience with each visit.
A photo of Spaghetti Warehouse - Columbus restaurant
3.6
Very Good(1151)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Columbus
Booked 36 times today
Spaghetti Warehouse in Columbus is a haven for lovers of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a delightful array of dishes that resonate with both authenticity and innovative flavors. Guests rave about the "delicious" meals, particularly praising the Spaghetti and Meatballs and the "incredible" 15-Layer Lasagna. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as a blend of warmth and fun, perfect for a meal shared among friends. Several reviews highlight the excellent service, with one guest noting, "the food was excellent. Our server was amazing!" Located near the scenic Columbus Commons, this spot is celebrated for maintaining the "same great flavor" despite its new location, ensuring a dining experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robin
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We dined here for my wife’s birthday and everything was perfect! The service was fantastic and we really enjoyed talking with the Sommelier, Matt. He gave us some excellent recommendations for wine and was very knowledgeable and kind. He even shared some recommendations for wineries for an upcoming trip to Oregon. The carpaccio was delicious, the endive salad was so refreshing and yummy, and the pasta was great also. It was the best meal I’ve had in a while, and the service and ambiance were awesome. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Cento – German VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• German Village
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This is my second time coming for Happy Hour, and again, lived up to my expectations!!! The service is amazing and the food took a lot shorter than expected, especially since we ordered two pizzas and salads, along with our drinks. The pizzas were phenomenal and I cannot recommend them both, the truffle and seasonal butternut squash, enough! The restaurant itself is very pretty on the inside and the lighting is light just enough, without being too bright. The manager is also very lovely and you can tell they really care about the restaurant and customers. Will definitely be coming back!!
    More info
    The Rossi Kitchen & BarPrice: Expensive• American• Short North - Arena District
    4.6
  • Russellvip
    Cincinnati / Dayton •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was our first time dining at Martini's since their remodeling and revamping of their menu. The quality of the food remains excellent, and they retained several of the earlier menu items and tweaked several others. The wines available by the glass are excellent. This is a special occasion restaurant, well worth a visit. The changes in the decor are relatively subtle. The energy level is fairly high, reflecting the apparent enjoyment of the patrons. Service is attentive without being intrusive.
    More info
    Martini Modern ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Short North - Arena District
    4.8
  • Greg
    Columbus •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great happy hour location! Many more food and drink choices than most restaurants on their happy hour menu. Food and service were great!
    More info
    Forno Kitchen and BarPrice: Moderate• American• Short North - Arena District
    4.8
  • Victorvip
    Columbus •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food and service were excellent. Staff was patient with us as we had a leisurely dinner with friends who we don’t see very often.
    More info
    Marcella's - Short NorthPrice: Moderate• Italian• Short North - Arena District
    4.8

Discover best Italian restaurants in Short North - Arena District

Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in Columbus's vibrant Short North - Arena District, a hot spot for food enthusiasts seeking authentic and innovative dining experiences. This area is celebrated for its diverse array of Italian eateries, each offering a unique blend of traditional flavors and modern culinary techniques. Guests can expect a variety of Italian specialties, from classic pizzas and pastas to sophisticated handcrafted cocktails and desserts, all served in atmospheres that range from the lively and contemporary to the intimate and cozy. The dining scene in Columbus's Short North - Arena District is a dynamic culinary canvas, bustling with energy and brimming with gastronomic delights. The Italian restaurants here are particularly noted for their commitment to quality and authenticity, often featuring menu items that rival those found in Italy itself. Each establishment prides itself on delivering not only exquisite food but also exceptional service and a memorable ambiance. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the Italian dining options in this district promises a satisfying and delicious adventure.

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