Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Columbus | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Columbus | Upscale Italian Food

• Martini Modern Italian — Italian · rated 4/5: Martini Modern Italian pulses with a chic, contemporary energy where sleek urban design meets the soulful warmth of a Mediterranean kitchen. The air is perfumed with the aroma of truffled garlic bread and warm, loaded focaccia, inviting guests to linger over vibrant plates of silky beef carpaccio, creamy stracciatella, and tender charred octopus. Every bite, from the crunch of golden arancini to the delicate brightness of tuna tartare, captures a spirited approach to Italian dining that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
• Cafe DaVinci — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into Cafe DaVinci feels like entering a sun-drenched atelier where the rich aroma of freshly ground espresso mingles with the buttery scent of golden, artisanal pastries. Each plate is composed with the precision of a Renaissance masterpiece, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and seasonal ingredients that celebrate the art of the meal. It is a sanctuary of creative elegance, where guests linger over velvety lattes and rustic, herb-infused dishes in an atmosphere that honors both culinary craft and soulful conversation.
• Lincoln Social Rooftop — American · rated 4/5: Perched high above the city, this vibrant rooftop oasis pulses with urban energy, offering panoramic skyline views that pair perfectly with the crisp saltiness of fresh oysters and chilled jumbo shrimp. The kitchen artfully balances the cool precision of hand-crafted sushi rolls with the comforting warmth of artisanal pizzas, creating a sophisticated yet spirited social hub where every sunset feels like a celebration.
• Adriatico's New York Style Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: This bustling neighborhood staple captures the high-energy spirit of a classic New York slice shop, where the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough fills the air. Guests dive into a playful array of crispy, golden appetizers and zesty wings that perfectly complement the oversized, foldable slices, creating a social dining experience rooted in bold comfort. It is a vibrant gathering spot where the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked crust meets a lively atmosphere, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of metropolitan flavor.
• Zeno's — Italian · rated 4/5: Soft candlelight dances across exposed brick walls at Zeno’s, a neighborhood gem where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses sets the stage for an evening of refined comfort. The kitchen transforms artisanal ingredients into soul-warming plates that balance rustic tradition with modern flair, offering a sanctuary for those seeking both culinary excellence and a heartfelt welcome.
• Mikey's Late Night Slice — Italian · rated 4/5: Neon-lit and unapologetically bold, this high-energy pizza haunt serves up massive, foldable slices that pulse with the vibrant, rebellious spirit of the city’s nightlife. The air hums with an electric buzz as guests tear into creative pies topped with everything from aromatic fresh basil to fiery, "thicc-ass" pepperoni and savory roasted garlic. It is a late-night sanctuary where the satisfying crunch of the crust and the gooey pull of melted cheese provide the ultimate flavorful finale to an evening out.
• Oh Pizza & Brew — Italian · rated 3/5: The air hums with the convivial energy of a neighborhood gathering spot, filled with the comforting scent of baking dough and the bright, citrusy fragrance of artisanal hops. Guests settle into a relaxed, social atmosphere where hand-stretched pizzas arrive with perfectly charred edges and molten cheese, designed to be shared alongside a curated selection of cold, frothy brews. This vibrant hub celebrates the timeless harmony of a crisp pint and a savory slice, turning a casual meal into a soulful, sensory experience.
• DiCarlo's Pizza — Italian: This legendary Ohio Valley staple invites diners to experience the satisfying shatter of a thick, square-cut crust baked to a perfect golden crisp and layered with a vibrant, herb-kissed tomato sauce. The magic happens at the counter, where generous handfuls of cold, shredded provolone are scattered over the piping-hot base, creating a signature harmony of temperatures and textures that has defined local comfort for generations.
• Piada Italian Street Food — Italian: Inspired by the sun-drenched street markets of Rimini, this vibrant eatery centers on the art of the stone-grilled piada, a delicate flatbread wrapped around a colorful array of artisanal ingredients. Guests navigate a bright, modern space where the sizzle of the grill and the fragrance of fresh basil accompany the creation of custom pasta bowls and crisp salads, offering a fast-paced yet soulful taste of Italy.
• Traditions at Scott — American: Sunlight pours through floor-to-ceiling windows into this vibrant, multi-level culinary commons where the energetic pulse of campus life meets an expansive world of flavor. Sizzling grills and aromatic hearths anchor a landscape of rotating global stations, inviting diners to craft their own experience from a bounty of hand-stretched pizzas, fresh harvests, and international comforts. This bustling hub serves as a modern sanctuary for connection, blending the warmth of traditional favorites with the constant hum of creative, contemporary variety.
• Loops — Greek: Loops captures the high-energy pulse of urban street food, where the savory perfume of slow-roasted gyros and spice-rubbed Italian beef invites diners into a modern, bustling atmosphere. From the satisfying crunch of golden-fried gyro rolls to the fiery kick of zesty feta spreads, every plate balances bold, nostalgic flavors with a contemporary flair that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
• Yellow Brick Pizza — Italian: Step into a vibrant, eclectic space where the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough and bubbling artisanal cheeses creates an immediate sense of home. The kitchen reimagines the classic pie with a whimsical flair, layering crisp, golden crusts with an imaginative array of bold, farm-fresh toppings that dance between tradition and playful innovation. Whether tucked into a cozy booth or sharing a large table with friends, diners enjoy a spirited atmosphere where every slice feels like a discovery and every meal is a celebration of craft.
• Due Amici — Italian: Due Amici captures the spirit of a lively Italian gathering, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of garlic-scented mussels and savory veal meatballs. Guests share vibrant plates of crispy Brussels sprouts and artisan bruschetta in a warm, convivial space designed for lingering over fresh salads and rich, bubbling dips. It is a neighborhood gem where every meal feels like a celebration of friendship and the timeless appeal of well-crafted antipasti.
• Jack & Benny's — American: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered ragu and toasted artisan bread creates an atmosphere of effortless warmth. Guests linger over plates of silky, hand-folded garganelli and pressed Mediterranean sandwiches, pairing each savory bite with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. It is a soulful retreat that bridges the gap between a bustling deli and a refined Italian trattoria, offering a dining experience that feels both intimately familiar and expertly elevated.
• Lupo on Arlington — Italian: Bathed in the soft glow of amber lights, this intimate Italian enclave invites guests to linger over plates of silken, hand-rolled pasta and vibrant seasonal antipasti. The air hums with the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses and the rich aroma of slow-simmered ragus, creating a soulful neighborhood sanctuary where traditional flavors meet modern elegance.
• Urban Meyer's Pint House — American: This high-octane social hub pulses with the electric energy of game day, where a massive wall of screens and a sprawling bar of craft taps anchor a sleek, modern space. The kitchen turns out elevated comfort classics, from blistered artisan pizzas to savory short rib sliders, creating a vibrant atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration of the win.
• GoreMade Pizza — Italian: This rustic, wood-fired haven hums with a creative energy, where the scent of charred sourdough and bubbling mozzarella draws guests into a space that feels like a cozy neighborhood secret. Each hand-stretched pie emerges from the flames with a perfectly blistered crust, topped with an ever-changing rotation of farm-fresh ingredients that turn every meal into a vibrant, seasonal discovery.
• UA Pizza — Italian: UA Pizza pulses with an urban energy, where the glow of the wood-fired oven illuminates a sleek, modern space filled with the irresistible scent of blistered dough and melting mozzarella. Each artisanal pie emerges with a perfectly charred crust and vibrant, hand-selected toppings, inviting guests to linger in a setting that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply comforting.
• Good Night John Boy — American: Step into a vibrant time capsule where retro-cool aesthetics and neon glows channel the high-energy spirit of a 1970s house party. The air hums with nostalgia as guests dive into crispy, lacy-edged Sexton’s Smash Burgers and bubbling pizza pies, all perfectly paired with ice-cold beers and vibrant signature cocktails. It’s a spirited social hub where the groove of the music meets the comfort of classic American fare, creating an electric atmosphere that feels both familiar and exhilarating.
• Hound Dog's Pizza — Italian: This high-energy neighborhood haunt pulses with a rebellious, rock-and-roll spirit, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of spicy pepperoni and their signature garlic-drenched crust. Beneath the glow of eclectic memorabilia, guests settle into a gritty yet welcoming atmosphere to tear into hand-stretched pies that perfectly capture the soulful, late-night essence of a local cult classic.
• Pastaria — Italian: This lively neighborhood haunt invites guests into a space where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered meat sauce and briny clams fills the air. Plates arrive piled high with al dente ribbons of linguine and bowties, ranging from the earthy depth of a wild mushroom trio to the delicate, smoky elegance of salmon-topped pasta. Crisp, garden-fresh salads provide a bright contrast to these rich, savory bowls, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates the timeless harmony of simple ingredients and traditional flavors.
• Gallo's On High — Italian: Gallo’s On High pulses with the inviting energy of a modern neighborhood haunt, where the savory aroma of slow-simmered meatballs and golden-crisped calamari drifts through a lively, welcoming space. The kitchen elevates soulful comfort food into an art form, pairing delicate pan-seared crab cakes and creamy burrata with hearty, sauce-drenched hoagies and signature brined wings. It is a destination where elevated tavern fare meets a spirited atmosphere, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and effortlessly familiar.
• Oh Pizza and Wings — Italian: The air here is thick with the savory perfume of bubbling mozzarella and the tantalizing sizzle of wings tossed in vibrant, glossy sauces. This energetic spot invites diners to roll up their sleeves and indulge in hand-stretched pizzas with perfectly charred crusts alongside heaps of crispy, succulent chicken. It is a quintessential neighborhood retreat where the clinking of glasses and the shared joy of comfort food create a warm, unpretentious atmosphere for every craving.
• Bridge Street Pizza — Italian: The scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour spills out onto the sidewalk from Bridge Street Pizza, drawing guests into a lively space where the rhythmic toss of dough becomes a form of performance art. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the oven topped with vibrant ingredients, offering a satisfying crunch that anchors the restaurant's communal, high-energy atmosphere. Whether perched at the counter or tucked into a booth, diners find a welcoming retreat where the simple joy of a perfectly crafted pie takes center stage.
• Pizzanos Express — Italian: The air is thick with the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the energy of a classic pizzeria meets modern efficiency. Golden, thin-crust pies emerge from the oven with a satisfying crunch, topped with vibrant sauces and premium ingredients that transform a quick bite into a savory celebration of Italian-inspired comfort. It is a welcoming retreat where speed never compromises the rich, soul-warming flavors of a perfectly baked pizza.
• Flyers Pizza Galloway — Italian: Stepping into this aviation-themed neighborhood hub, guests are greeted by the comforting aroma of bubbling provolone and crisp, cornmeal-dusted crusts emerging golden-brown from the ovens. The walls, adorned with flight memorabilia, create a nostalgic and lively backdrop for families sharing loaded specialty pies and oven-toasted subs in an atmosphere that feels like a warm community embrace.
• Marcella's Ristorante — Italian: Marcella’s Ristorante captures the spirited energy of a modern Italian gathering, where the air is perfumed with the savory aroma of roasted garlic and slow-braised veal meatballs. Friends linger over shared plates of velvety burrata and golden, crisp arancini, savoring a vibrant tapestry of flavors that ranges from the delicate silkiness of beef carpaccio to the indulgent, salty pull of melted pecorino cheese.
• Forno Kitchen + Bar — Italian: Sunlight and social buzz fill this spirited destination, where the comforting scent of wood-fired dough mingles with the bold, aromatic heat of coastal spices. The kitchen masterfully balances textures and traditions, serving up everything from delicate crispy rice and golden arancini to savory prosciutto pizzas and hearty bowls of Cajun shrimp and grits. It is a place designed for lingering over shared plates and playful boozy shots, offering a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and refreshingly uninhibited.
• Pizza Rustica — Italian: Sun-drenched interiors and the comforting aroma of charred dough welcome guests to this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the centerpiece is a roaring wood-fired oven. Artisanal pizzas emerge with perfectly blistered crusts and molten toppings, offering a soulful celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy.
• Pizza Cucinova — Italian: The air hums with the warmth of a glowing stone oven, where artisanal dough is transformed into crisp, blistered canvases for a vibrant array of hand-selected toppings. Guests are invited to witness the theater of the open kitchen as chefs layer fresh, herbaceous sauces and premium cheeses to create personalized pizzas that balance rustic tradition with modern flair. It is a bright, social hub where the simple joy of a perfectly charred crust meets a contemporary, welcoming atmosphere.