Jordan EllisFinding the best Italian restaurant in Columbus usually starts with one simple craving: a bowl of fresh pasta that feels worth leaving the house for.
This city has everything from candlelit date-night spots to casual neighborhood restaurants where the sauce tastes slow-cooked, and the portions feel generous.
To make your next dinner easier to plan, we narrowed the list to Italian spots that stood out for food, atmosphere, service, and overall value.
How much does Italian dining cost in Columbus?
Dining out at a local Italian spot generally costs $15 to $50+ per entree.
| Dining Style | Average Price Range per Entree |
| Casual & Family-Friendly | $15 – $22 |
| Modern & Mid-Range | $22 – $30 |
| Fine Dining & Upscale | $30 – $50+ |
1. Basi Italia
Website: https://www.basi-italia.com/
Address: 811 Highland St
Contact: (614) 294-7383 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tucked away in historic Victorian Village, Basi Italia feels like the kind of neighborhood spot you almost want to keep to yourself. Husband-and-wife owners Chef Johnny Dornback and Trish Gentile keep the room warm, personal, and easygoing.
The food leans simple and clean, but there’s still a creative touch in the pastas, sauces, and seasonal specials. I also like that the menu changes with what’s fresh, so repeat visits don’t feel too predictable.
It’s a great pick for a slow dinner on the patio or a cozy date night. Just plan around the house rules, since outside wine isn’t allowed, and larger groups may not fit the intimate space.
Great neighborhood restaurant with perfect lamb chops
What A great neighborhood restaurant with a beautiful covered patio space in the back. The complimentary bread service to start with was phenomenal. We shared five appetizers – mussels, artichoke carpaccio, zucchini, Parmesan brûlée, caesar salad – and they were all great. Everyone loved their pastas, while I went with the lamb chops which were cooked perfectly. I highly recommend Basi Italian!
- Michael Chan | Google Reviews
Special place for casual yet upscale Italian
This is a very special place for casual yet upscale Italian food. Creative takes on most things on the menu. I guess our favorite is their gnocchi but eggplant parmesan, zucchini salad, lamb does not disappoint. The intimate setting in a small house in the heart of Victorian Village a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of high street makes it perfect for a date night or small group gathering
- Ola Ahlqvist | Google Reviews
2. Cento
Website: https://centogermanvillage.com/
Address: 595 S. 3rd Street
Contact: (614) 696-6565
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Walking through the green courtyard at Cento feels like stepping into a more polished dinner plan. The German Village setting has a quiet, romantic feel, and the bar sets the tone with classic cocktails like a Hugo Spritz.
This is also the hundredth concept from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, so the service and room design feel very intentional. I would keep it in mind for date nights, birthday dinners, or a meal where the atmosphere matters almost as much as the pasta.
It’s one of the prettiest restaurants in Columbus, but the reservation policies are worth noting. Canceling after midday can lead to a steep per-person charge, so it’s best for plans you know will hold.
Classy, romantic ambiance perfect for date night
I’ve been to numerous Italian restaurants over the years, but few impressed me the way Cento did. My wife and I came here to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and it was an ideal spot to do so. The ambiance was classy and romantic, and the Italian vibes were prevalent, as well.
- Ned’s Eats Detroit | Google Reviews
Exceptional service, high quality Italian dishes
Truly high-level welcome and setting. I recommend you wear appropriate clothing. Exceptional service, both in preparing cocktails and in the selection of wines. Dishes presented at a high level, quality of raw materials really high, I recommend the “burrata” the presentation alone is worth the price. A carbonara that I can define at an Italian level. The tiramisu is exceptional.
- Dino Calzolari | Google Reviews
3. Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
Website: https://www.lolaandgiuseppes.com/
Address: 100 Granville St
Contact: (614) 473-9931
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria has the kind of warm, garlicky welcome that makes dinner feel home-cooked before you even sit down.
My neighbor ordered one of their large take-and-bake pasta pans for a family gathering, and it made hosting much easier for her.
Their bakery is another nice touch, especially if you want a custom whole cake with enough notice. Between the pasta pans, carry-out setup, and cozy dining room, this place feels built for family meals and low-stress celebrations.
However, they don’t hold tables for walk-ins, so this isn’t the best place to gamble on a last-minute dinner plan. Make a reservation ahead of time, and you’ll have a much smoother night.
Impeccable service and amazing Italian food
Impeccable. I just moved to the area, my friends eat here weekly, and I see why. Easily some of the best Italian I’ve ever had, it was just amazing. I cannot wait to be back to try more of the menu. Everyone was so nice and service was great. Say hi to Steve!
- Bryson Dill | Google Reviews
Owner involvement and phenomenal food
I was so impressed with this little restaurant!! I heard about them through TikTok and the food did not disappoint. It’s a little place – definitely make a reservation. But they also have a little patio. You can tell this place cares about the details. The owner walks around, greets, helps, and is just a delight. Our waitress Chris was awesome, just overall great service.
- Allysa Pannecouk | Google Reviews
4. Marcella’s Short North
Website: https://marcellasrestaurant.com/
Address: 615 N High St
Contact: (614) 223-2100
Hours: Dinner: Daily, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Happy Hour: Monday-Friday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Marcella’s Short North brings a louder, livelier kind of Italian dinner. The room has plenty of energy, the wine list gives you room to linger, and the kitchen keeps the menu approachable while still feeling chef-driven.
In warm weather, the front windows open up and make the dining room feel connected to the Short North street scene. It’s also a useful option if you’re planning bigger meals or need reliable catering services in Columbus for an event.
The tradeoff is that a popular location comes with a few rules. Some reservations need a credit card hold, and window-side tables may have time limits so the staff can keep the room moving.
Best Italian food; fresh, friendly, 5 stars
Some of the best Italian food i have had in along time! Everything was great and so fresh! Staff friendly and place has a good atmosphere! Burrata the freshest and the arincini amazing! Also got the lasagna and fettuccine and big meatball! 5 stars! Cant wait togo again!
- Robbins Built | Google Reviews
Authentic dishes with creative twists; great service
There’s an authenticity to this place but also some creative twists to their dishes. I really liked it. Our server, Holly, was top notch. She knew the menu backwards & forwards. She had a subtle sense of humor as well. The Italian salad & the Ceasars salad were amazing. I could eat those every day of the week.
- Joe Sapere | Google Reviews
5. Villa Nova Ristorante
Website: https://villanovacolumbus.com/
Address: 5545 N High St.
Contact: (614) 846-5777 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Villa Nova Ristorante feels like a neighborhood classic, and that’s a big part of its charm. Open since 1978, this family-owned spot grew from an old lounge into a comfortable restaurant with a menu full of traditional Italian comfort food.
The portions are generous, and the rotating daily specials make it easy to bring the family without turning dinner into a major splurge.
I would also keep it in mind for casual weekend lunches, group meals, or catering when you want familiar dishes that travel well.
Still, the deal hunters should read the fine print. Some promotions are dine-in only. Guests with serious gluten allergies should also be careful because the kitchen doesn’t have isolated prep areas.
Old school Italian dining with great pizza
First time, and we love this place! Old school Italian dining in Beech wold. Forget the fancy places and swing by here for great priced pizza. There is a huge menu, i am absolutely coming back to try more. After 45 years, there is a strong following and even on Sunday we couldn’t fit at the bar and got one of the last tables.
- Rob Asher | Google Reviews
Relaxed, friendly restaurant with perfect food
Ate here for the first time after friends recommended it. A very relaxed and friendly Italian restaurant with a full bar. Our server was very friendly. The food was cooked perfectly and had a lot of flavor. The daily specials are written on a black board when you enter. I had the Nova Pasta which had a rich red pepper sauce, well grilled chicken and mushrooms.
- John Powers | Google Reviews
